1
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Raykhel I, Ronkainen VP, Myllyharju J, Manninen A. HIF2α-dependent Dock4/Rac1-signaling regulates formation of adherens junctions and cell polarity in normoxia. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12153. [PMID: 38802496 PMCID: PMC11130225 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62955-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF) 1 and 2 regulate similar but distinct sets of target genes. Although HIFs are best known for their roles in mediating the hypoxia response accumulating evidence suggests that under certain conditions HIFs, particularly HIF2, may function also under normoxic conditions. Here we report that HIF2α functions under normoxic conditions in kidney epithelial cells to regulate formation of adherens junctions. HIF2α expression was required to induce Dock4/Rac1/Pak1-signaling mediating stability and compaction of E-cadherin at nascent adherens junctions. Impaired adherens junction formation in HIF2α- or Dock4-deficient cells led to aberrant cyst morphogenesis in 3D kidney epithelial cell cultures. Taken together, we show that HIF2α functions in normoxia to regulate epithelial morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Raykhel
- Disease Networks Research Unit, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Extracellular Matrix and Hypoxia Research Unit, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - V-P Ronkainen
- Extracellular Matrix and Hypoxia Research Unit, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - J Myllyharju
- Extracellular Matrix and Hypoxia Research Unit, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
| | - A Manninen
- Disease Networks Research Unit, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
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2
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Steyn C, Mishi R, Fillmore S, Verhoog MB, More J, Rohlwink UK, Melvill R, Butler J, Enslin JMN, Jacobs M, Sauka-Spengler T, Greco M, Quiñones S, Dulla CG, Raimondo JV, Figaji A, Hockman D. Cell type-specific gene expression dynamics during human brain maturation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.29.560114. [PMID: 37808657 PMCID: PMC10557738 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.29.560114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The human brain undergoes protracted post-natal maturation, guided by dynamic changes in gene expression. Most studies exploring these processes have used bulk tissue analyses, which mask cell type-specific gene expression dynamics. Here, using single nucleus (sn)RNA-seq on temporal lobe tissue, including samples of African ancestry, we build a joint paediatric and adult atlas of 75 cell subtypes, which we verify with spatial transcriptomics. We explore the differences between paediatric and adult cell types, revealing the genes and pathways that change during brain maturation. Our results highlight excitatory neuron subtypes, including the LTK and FREM subtypes, that show elevated expression of genes associated with cognition and synaptic plasticity in paediatric tissue. The new resources we present here improve our understanding of the brain during its development and contribute to global efforts to build an inclusive brain cell map.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Steyn
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ruvimbo Mishi
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stephanie Fillmore
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Matthijs B Verhoog
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jessica More
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ursula K Rohlwink
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Roger Melvill
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - James Butler
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Johannes M N Enslin
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Muazzam Jacobs
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology University of Cape Town
- National Health Laboratory Service, South Africa
| | - Tatjana Sauka-Spengler
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Maria Greco
- Single Cell Facility, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sadi Quiñones
- Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chris G Dulla
- Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph V Raimondo
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anthony Figaji
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dorit Hockman
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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3
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Okabe M, Sato T, Takahashi M, Honjo A, Okawa M, Ishida M, Kukimoto-Niino M, Shirouzu M, Miyamoto Y, Yamauchi J. Autism Spectrum Disorder- and/or Intellectual Disability-Associated Semaphorin-5A Exploits the Mechanism by Which Dock5 Signalosome Molecules Control Cell Shape. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:3092-3107. [PMID: 38666924 PMCID: PMC11049140 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46040194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that includes autism, Asperger's syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder. Individuals with ASD may exhibit difficulties in social interactions, communication challenges, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. While genetic mutations in individuals with ASD can either activate or inactivate the activities of the gene product, impacting neuronal morphogenesis and causing symptoms, the underlying mechanism remains to be fully established. Herein, for the first time, we report that genetically conserved Rac1 guanine-nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Dock5 signalosome molecules control process elongation in the N1E-115 cell line, a model line capable of achieving neuronal morphological changes. The increased elongation phenotypes observed in ASD and intellectual disability (ID)-associated Semaphorin-5A (Sema5A) Arg676-to-Cys [p.R676C] were also mediated by Dock5 signalosome molecules. Indeed, knockdown of Dock5 using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CasRx-based guide(g)RNA specifically recovered the mutated Sema5A-induced increase in process elongation in cells. Knockdown of Elmo2, an adaptor molecule of Dock5, also exhibited similar recovery. Comparable results were obtained when transfecting the interaction region of Dock5 with Elmo2. The activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), one of the primary signal transduction molecules underlying process elongation, was ameliorated by either their knockdown or transfection. These results suggest that the Dock5 signalosome comprises abnormal signaling involved in the process elongation induced by ASD- and ID-associated Sema5A. These molecules could be added to the list of potential therapeutic target molecules for abnormal neuronal morphogenesis in ASD at the molecular and cellular levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyu Okabe
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan; (M.O.); (Y.M.)
| | - Takanari Sato
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan; (M.O.); (Y.M.)
| | - Mikito Takahashi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan; (M.O.); (Y.M.)
| | - Asahi Honjo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan; (M.O.); (Y.M.)
| | - Maho Okawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan; (M.O.); (Y.M.)
| | - Miki Ishida
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan; (M.O.); (Y.M.)
| | - Mutsuko Kukimoto-Niino
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan; (M.K.-N.); (M.S.)
| | - Mikako Shirouzu
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan; (M.K.-N.); (M.S.)
| | - Yuki Miyamoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan; (M.O.); (Y.M.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | - Junji Yamauchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan; (M.O.); (Y.M.)
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan; (M.K.-N.); (M.S.)
- Diabetic Neuropathy Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
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4
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Hong G, Fu X, Qi J, Shao B, Han X, Fang Y, Liu S, Cheng C, Zhu C, Gao J, Gao X, Chen J, Xia M, Xiong W, Chai R. Dock4 is required for the maintenance of cochlear hair cells and hearing function. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 3:557-569. [PMID: 38933554 PMCID: PMC11197514 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2022.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Auditory hair cells (HCs) are the mechanosensory receptors of the cochlea, and HC loss or malfunction can result from genetic defects. Dock4, a member of the Dock180-related protein superfamily, is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rac1, and previous reports have shown that Dock4 mutations are associated with autism spectrum disorder, myelodysplastic syndromes, and tumorigenesis. Here, we found that Dock4 is highly expressed in the cochlear HCs of mice. However, the role of Dock4 in the inner ear has not yet been investigated. Taking advantage of the piggyBac transposon system, Dock4 knockdown (KD) mice were established to explore the role of Dock4 in the cochlea. Compared to wild-type controls, Dock4 KD mice showed significant hearing impairment from postnatal day 60. Dock4 KD mice showed hair bundle deficits and increased oxidative stress, which eventually led to HC apoptosis, late-onset HC loss, and progressive hearing loss. Furthermore, molecular mechanism studies showed that Rac1/β-catenin signaling was significantly downregulated in Dock4 KD cochleae and that this was the cause for the disorganized stereocilia and increased oxidative stress in HCs. Overall, our work demonstrates that the Dock4/Rac1/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a critical role in the maintenance of auditory HCs and hearing function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Xiaolong Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Jieyu Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Buwei Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Xuan Han
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yuan Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- School of Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
- Research Institute of Otolaryngology, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Chengwen Zhu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Junyan Gao
- Jiangsu Rehabilitation Research Center for Hearing and Speech Impairment, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210004, China
| | - Xia Gao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
- Research Institute of Otolaryngology, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
- Research Institute of Otolaryngology, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Ming Xia
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong 250000, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong 250022, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- School of Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Renjie Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
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5
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Xu X, He B, Zeng J, Yin J, Wang X, Luo X, Liang C, Luo S, Yan H, Xiong S, Tan Z, Lv D, Dai Z, Lin Z, Lin J, Ye X, Chen R, Li Y, Wang Y, Chen W, Luo Z, Li K, Ma G. Genetic variations in DOCK4 contribute to schizophrenia susceptibility in a Chinese cohort: A genetic neuroimaging study. Behav Brain Res 2023; 443:114353. [PMID: 36822513 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence suggests that the DOCK4 gene increases susceptibility to schizophrenia. However, no study has hitherto repeated this association in Chinese, and further investigated the relationship between DOCK4 and clinical symptoms in schizophrenic patients using clinical scales and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). METHODS In this study, we genotyped three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs2074127, rs2217262, and rs2074130) within the DOCK4 gene using a case-control design (including 1289 healthy controls and 1351 patients with schizophrenia). 55 first-episode schizophrenia (FES) patients and 59 healthy participants were divided by the genotypes of rs2074130 into CC and CT+TT groups. We further investigated the association with clinical symptoms and neural characteristics (brain activation/connectivity and nodal network metrics). RESULTS Our results showed significant associations between all selected SNPs and schizophrenia (all P < 0.05). In patients, letter fluency and motor speed scores of T allele carriers were significantly higher than the CC group (all P < 0.05). Interestingly, greater brain activity, functional connectivity, and betweenness centrality (BC) in language processing and motor coordination were also observed in the corresponding brain zones in patients with the T allele based on a two-way ANCOVA model. Moreover, a potential positive correlation was found between brain activity/connectivity of these brain regions and verbal fluency and motor speed. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the DOCK4 gene may contribute to the onset of schizophrenia and lead to language processing and motor coordination dysfunction in this patient population from China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xusan Xu
- Institute of Neurology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China; Maternal and Children's Health Research Institute, Shunde Maternal and Children's Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shunde 528300, China
| | - Bin He
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Jieqing Zeng
- Institute of Neurology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China; Maternal and Children's Health Research Institute, Shunde Maternal and Children's Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shunde 528300, China
| | - Jingwen Yin
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Xiaoxia Wang
- Institute of Neurology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China; Institute of Neurology, Longjiang Hospital, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Shunde 528300, China
| | - Xudong Luo
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Chunmei Liang
- Institute of Neurology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Shucun Luo
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Haifeng Yan
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Susu Xiong
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Zhi Tan
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Dong Lv
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Zhun Dai
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Zhixiong Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Juda Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Xiaoqing Ye
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Riling Chen
- Maternal and Children's Health Research Institute, Shunde Maternal and Children's Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shunde 528300, China
| | - You Li
- Institute of Neurology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Yajun Wang
- Maternal and Children's Health Research Institute, Shunde Maternal and Children's Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shunde 528300, China
| | - Wubiao Chen
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Zebin Luo
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China.
| | - Keshen Li
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510623, China.
| | - Guoda Ma
- Institute of Neurology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China; Maternal and Children's Health Research Institute, Shunde Maternal and Children's Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shunde 528300, China.
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6
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Guo D, Yang X, Gao M, Chen X, Tang Y, Shen L, Li K, Shi L. Deficiency of Autism-Related Gene Dock4 Leads to Impaired Spatial Memory and Hippocampal Function in Mice at Late Middle Age. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:1129-1146. [PMID: 35635601 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01233-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that lasts lifelong and causes noticeably higher premature mortality. Although the core symptoms and other behavioral deficits of ASD can persist or be deteriorated from early development to old age, how aging affects the behaviors and brain anatomy in ASD is largely unknown. DOCK4 is an ASD risk gene highly expressed in the hippocampus, and Dock4 knockout (KO) mice display ASD-like behaviors in adulthood (4- to 6-month-old). In this study, we evaluated the behavioral and hippocampal pathological changes of late-middle-aged (15- to 17-month-old) Dock4 male KO mice. Aged Dock4 KO mice continuously showed similar social deficit, elevated anxiety, and disrupted object location memory as observed in the adulthood, when compared to their wild-type (WT) littermates. Notably, Dock4 KO mice displayed an age-related decline of hippocampal dependent spatial memory, showing decreased spatial memory in Barnes maze than their WT littermates at late middle age. Morphological analysis from WT and Dock4 KO littermates revealed that Dock4 deficiency led to decreased mature neurons and oligodendrocytes but increased astrocytes in the hippocampus of late-middle-aged mice. Together, we report that ASD-like behaviors mostly persist into late-middle age in Dock4 KO mice, with specific alterations of spatial memory and hippocampal anatomy by age, thus providing new evidence for understanding age differences in behavioral deficits of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daji Guo
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xiaoman Yang
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Ming Gao
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoqing Chen
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanping Tang
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Lingling Shen
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Keshen Li
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
| | - Lei Shi
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
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7
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Direct targeting of DOCK4 by miRNA-181d in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation-mediated neuronal injury. Lipids Health Dis 2023; 22:34. [PMID: 36882763 PMCID: PMC9990210 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-023-01794-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The miRNA-181 (miR-181) family regulates neuronal persistence during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CI/RI). Since the effect of miR-181d on CI/RI has never been studied, the current work sought to determine the involvement of miR-181d in neuronal apoptosis after brain I/R injury. To replicate in vivo and in vitro CI/RI, a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model in rats and an oxygen-glucose deficiency/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model in neuro 2A cells were developed. In both in vivo and in vitro stroke models, the expression of miR-181d was considerably higher. miR-181d suppression reduced apoptosis and oxidative stress in OGD/R-treated neuroblastoma cells, but miR-181d overexpression increased both. Furthermore, it was observed that miR-181d has a direct target in dedicator of cytokinesis 4 (DOCK4). The overexpression of DOCK4 partially overcame cell apoptosis and oxidative stress induced by miR-181d upregulation and OGD/R injury. Furthermore, the DOCK4 rs2074130 mutation was related to lower DOCK4 levels in ischemic stroke (IS) peripheral blood and higher susceptibility to IS. These findings suggest that downregulating miR-181d protects neurons from ischemic damage by targeting DOCK4, implying that the miR-181d/DOCK4 axis might be a novel therapeutic target for IS.
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8
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Duman JG, Blanco FA, Cronkite CA, Ru Q, Erikson KC, Mulherkar S, Saifullah AB, Firozi K, Tolias KF. Rac-maninoff and Rho-vel: The symphony of Rho-GTPase signaling at excitatory synapses. Small GTPases 2022; 13:14-47. [PMID: 33955328 PMCID: PMC9707551 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2021.1885264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic connections between neurons are essential for every facet of human cognition and are thus regulated with extreme precision. Rho-family GTPases, molecular switches that cycle between an active GTP-bound state and an inactive GDP-bound state, comprise a critical feature of synaptic regulation. Rho-GTPases are exquisitely controlled by an extensive suite of activators (GEFs) and inhibitors (GAPs and GDIs) and interact with many different signalling pathways to fulfill their roles in orchestrating the development, maintenance, and plasticity of excitatory synapses of the central nervous system. Among the mechanisms that control Rho-GTPase activity and signalling are cell surface receptors, GEF/GAP complexes that tightly regulate single Rho-GTPase dynamics, GEF/GAP and GEF/GEF functional complexes that coordinate multiple Rho-family GTPase activities, effector positive feedback loops, and mutual antagonism of opposing Rho-GTPase pathways. These complex regulatory mechanisms are employed by the cells of the nervous system in almost every step of development, and prominently figure into the processes of synaptic plasticity that underlie learning and memory. Finally, misregulation of Rho-GTPases plays critical roles in responses to neuronal injury, such as traumatic brain injury and neuropathic pain, and in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's Disease. Thus, decoding the mechanisms of Rho-GTPase regulation and function at excitatory synapses has great potential for combatting many of the biggest current challenges in mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G. Duman
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Francisco A. Blanco
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Science Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christopher A. Cronkite
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qin Ru
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kelly C. Erikson
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shalaka Mulherkar
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ali Bin Saifullah
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Karen Firozi
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kimberley F. Tolias
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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9
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Niescier RF, Lin YC. The Potential Role of AMPA Receptor Trafficking in Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Conditions. Neuroscience 2021; 479:180-191. [PMID: 34571086 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted condition associated with difficulties in social interaction and communication. It also shares several comorbidities with other neurodevelopmental conditions. Intensive research examining the molecular basis and characteristics of ASD has revealed an association with a large number and variety of low-penetrance genes. Many of the variants associated with ASD are in genes underlying pathways involved in long-term potentiation (LTP) or depression (LTD). These mechanisms then control the tuning of neuronal connections in response to experience by modifying and trafficking ionotropic glutamate receptors at the post-synaptic areas. Despite the high genetic heterogeneity in ASD, surface trafficking of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-Methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) receptor is a vulnerable pathway in ASD. In this review, we discuss autism-related alterations in the trafficking of AMPA receptors, whose surface density and composition at the post-synapse determine the strength of the excitatory connection between neurons. We highlight genes associated with neurodevelopmental conditions that share the autism comorbidity, including Fragile X syndrome, Rett Syndrome, and Tuberous Sclerosis, as well as the autism-risk genes NLGNs, IQSEC2, DOCK4, and STXBP5, all of which are involved in regulating AMPAR trafficking to the post-synaptic surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert F Niescier
- Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Yu-Chih Lin
- Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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10
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Swart PC, van den Heuvel LL, Lewis CM, Seedat S, Hemmings SMJ. A Genome-Wide Association Study and Polygenic Risk Score Analysis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Metabolic Syndrome in a South African Population. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:677800. [PMID: 34177453 PMCID: PMC8222611 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.677800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a trauma-related disorder that frequently co-occurs with metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS is characterized by obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. To provide insight into these co-morbidities, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis to identify genetic variants associated with PTSD, and determined if PTSD polygenic risk scores (PRS) could predict PTSD and MetS in a South African mixed-ancestry sample. The GWAS meta-analysis of PTSD participants (n = 260) and controls (n = 343) revealed no SNPs of genome-wide significance. However, several independent loci, as well as five SNPs in the PARK2 gene, were suggestively associated with PTSD (p < 5 × 10-6). PTSD-PRS was associated with PTSD diagnosis (Nagelkerke's pseudo R 2 = 0.0131, p = 0.00786), PTSD symptom severity [as measured by CAPS-5 total score (R 2 = 0.00856, p = 0.0367) and PCL-5 score (R 2 = 0.00737, p = 0.0353)], and MetS (Nagelkerke's pseudo R 2 = 0.00969, p = 0.0217). These findings suggest an association between PTSD and PARK2, corresponding with results from the largest PTSD-GWAS conducted to date. PRS analysis suggests that genetic variants associated with PTSD are also involved in the development of MetS. Overall, the results contribute to a broader goal of increasing diversity in psychiatric genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia C. Swart
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Leigh L. van den Heuvel
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Cathryn M. Lewis
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Soraya Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sian M. J. Hemmings
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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11
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Bartlett T. Fusion of single-cell transcriptome and DNA-binding data, for genomic network inference in cortical development. BMC Bioinformatics 2021; 22:301. [PMID: 34088262 PMCID: PMC8176738 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-021-04201-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Network models are well-established as very useful computational-statistical tools in cell biology. However, a genomic network model based only on gene expression data can, by definition, only infer gene co-expression networks. Hence, in order to infer gene regulatory patterns, it is necessary to also include data related to binding of regulatory factors to DNA. RESULTS We propose a new dynamic genomic network model, for inferring patterns of genomic regulatory influence in dynamic processes such as development. Our model fuses experiment-specific gene expression data with publicly available DNA-binding data. The method we propose is computationally efficient, and can be applied to genome-wide data with tens of thousands of transcripts. Thus, our method is well suited for use as an exploratory tool for genome-wide data. We apply our method to data from human fetal cortical development, and our findings confirm genomic regulatory patterns which are recognised as being fundamental to neuronal development. CONCLUSIONS Our method provides a mathematical/computational toolbox which, when coupled with targeted experiments, will reveal and confirm important new functional genomic regulatory processes in mammalian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bartlett
- University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
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12
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Thompson AP, Bitsina C, Gray JL, von Delft F, Brennan PE. RHO to the DOCK for GDP disembarking: Structural insights into the DOCK GTPase nucleotide exchange factors. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100521. [PMID: 33684443 PMCID: PMC8063744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The human dedicator of cytokinesis (DOCK) family consists of 11 structurally conserved proteins that serve as atypical RHO guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RHO GEFs). These regulatory proteins act as mediators in numerous cellular cascades that promote cytoskeletal remodeling, playing roles in various crucial processes such as differentiation, migration, polarization, and axon growth in neurons. At the molecular level, DOCK DHR2 domains facilitate nucleotide dissociation from small GTPases, a process that is otherwise too slow for rapid spatiotemporal control of cellular signaling. Here, we provide an overview of the biological and structural characteristics for the various DOCK proteins and describe how they differ from other RHO GEFs and between DOCK subfamilies. The expression of the family varies depending on cell or tissue type, and they are consequently implicated in a broad range of disease phenotypes, particularly in the brain. A growing body of available structural information reveals the mechanism by which the catalytic DHR2 domain elicits nucleotide dissociation and also indicates strategies for the discovery and design of high-affinity small-molecule inhibitors. Such compounds could serve as chemical probes to interrogate the cellular function and provide starting points for drug discovery of this important class of enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Thompson
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christina Bitsina
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Janine L Gray
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Frank von Delft
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, United Kingdom; Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa
| | - Paul E Brennan
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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13
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Benson CE, Southgate L. The DOCK protein family in vascular development and disease. Angiogenesis 2021; 24:417-433. [PMID: 33548004 PMCID: PMC8292242 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-021-09768-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The vascular network is established and maintained through the processes of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, which are tightly regulated during embryonic and postnatal life. The formation of a functional vasculature requires critical cellular mechanisms, such as cell migration, proliferation and adhesion, which are dependent on the activity of small Rho GTPases, controlled in part by the dedicator of cytokinesis (DOCK) protein family. Whilst the majority of DOCK proteins are associated with neuronal development, a growing body of evidence has indicated that members of the DOCK family may have key functions in the control of vasculogenic and angiogenic processes. This is supported by the involvement of several angiogenic signalling pathways, including chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), in the regulation of specific DOCK proteins. This review summarises recent progress in understanding the respective roles of DOCK family proteins during vascular development. We focus on existing in vivo and in vitro models and known human disease phenotypes and highlight potential mechanisms of DOCK protein dysfunction in the pathogenesis of vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare E Benson
- Genetics Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Laura Southgate
- Genetics Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK. .,Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
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14
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Autism-like social deficit generated by Dock4 deficiency is rescued by restoration of Rac1 activity and NMDA receptor function. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:1505-1519. [PMID: 31388105 PMCID: PMC8159750 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0472-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Genetic studies of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have revealed multigene variations that converge on synaptic dysfunction. DOCK4, a gene at 7q31.1 that encodes the Rac1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor Dock4, has been identified as a risk gene for ASD and other neuropsychiatric disorders. However, whether and how Dock4 disruption leads to ASD features through a synaptic mechanism remain unexplored. We generated and characterized a line of Dock4 knockout (KO) mice, which intriguingly displayed a series of ASD-like behaviors, including impaired social novelty preference, abnormal isolation-induced pup vocalizations, elevated anxiety, and perturbed object and spatial learning. Mice with conditional deletion of Dock4 in hippocampal CA1 recapitulated social preference deficit in KO mice. Examination in CA1 pyramidal neurons revealed that excitatory synaptic transmission was drastically attenuated in KO mice, accompanied by decreased spine density and synaptic content of AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid)- and NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate)-type glutamate receptors. Moreover, Dock4 deficiency markedly reduced Rac1 activity in the hippocampus, which resulted in downregulation of global protein synthesis and diminished expression of AMPA and NMDA receptor subunits. Notably, Rac1 replenishment in the hippocampal CA1 of Dock4 KO mice restored excitatory synaptic transmission and corrected impaired social deficits in these mice, and pharmacological activation of NMDA receptors also restored social novelty preference in Dock4 KO mice. Together, our findings uncover a previously unrecognized Dock4-Rac1-dependent mechanism involved in regulating hippocampal excitatory synaptic transmission and social behavior.
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15
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Huang M, Liang C, Li S, Zhang J, Guo D, Zhao B, Liu Y, Peng Y, Xu J, Liu W, Guo G, Shi L. Two Autism/Dyslexia Linked Variations of DOCK4 Disrupt the Gene Function on Rac1/Rap1 Activation, Neurite Outgrowth, and Synapse Development. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 13:577. [PMID: 32009906 PMCID: PMC6974517 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and dyslexia are both neurodevelopmental disorders with high prevalence in children. Both disorders have strong genetic basis, and share similar social communication deficits co-occurring with impairments of reading or language. However, whether these two disorders share common genetic risks remain elusive. DOCK4 (dedicator for cytokinesis 4), a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for the small GTPase Rac1, is one of few genes that are associated with both ASD and dyslexia. Dock4 is important for neuronal development and social behaviors. Two DOCK4 variations, Exon27-52 deletion (protein product: Dock4-945VS) and a missense mutation at rs2074130 (protein product: Dock4-R853H), are associated with dyslexia and/or ASD with reading difficulties. The present study explores the molecular and cellular functions of these two DOCK4 variants on neuronal development, by comparing them with the wild-type Dock4 protein. Notably, it is revealed that both mutants of Dock4 showed decreased ability to activate not only Rac1, but also another small GTPase Rap1. Consistently, both mutants were dysfunctional for regulation of cell morphology and cytoskeleton. Using Neuro-2a cells and hippocampus neurons as models, we found that both mutants had compromised function in promoting neurite outgrowth and dendritic spine formation. Electrophysiological recordings further showed that R853H partially lost the ability to promote excitatory synaptic transmission, whereas 945VS totally lost the ability. Together, we identified R853 as a previously uncharacterized site for the regulation of the integrity of Dock4 function, and provides insights in understanding the common molecular pathophysiology of ASD and dyslexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaoqi Huang
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunmei Liang
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shengnan Li
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Daji Guo
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Zhao
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuyang Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Neuronal Structural Biology, Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yinghui Peng
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junyu Xu
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Neuronal Structural Biology, Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guoqing Guo
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Shi
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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16
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Association of genes with phenotype in autism spectrum disorder. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:10742-10770. [PMID: 31744938 PMCID: PMC6914398 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a genetic heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by impairments in social interaction and speech development and is accompanied by stereotypical behaviors such as body rocking, hand flapping, spinning objects, sniffing and restricted behaviors. The considerable significance of the genetics associated with autism has led to the identification of many risk genes for ASD used for the probing of ASD specificity and shared cognitive features over the past few decades. Identification of ASD risk genes helps to unravel various genetic variants and signaling pathways which are involved in ASD. This review highlights the role of ASD risk genes in gene transcription and translation regulation processes, as well as neuronal activity modulation, synaptic plasticity, disrupted key biological signaling pathways, and the novel candidate genes that play a significant role in the pathophysiology of ASD. The current emphasis on autism spectrum disorders has generated new opportunities in the field of neuroscience, and further advancements in the identification of different biomarkers, risk genes, and genetic pathways can help in the early diagnosis and development of new clinical and pharmacological treatments for ASD.
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17
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Prata DP, Costa-Neves B, Cosme G, Vassos E. Unravelling the genetic basis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder with GWAS: A systematic review. J Psychiatr Res 2019; 114:178-207. [PMID: 31096178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To systematically review findings of GWAS in schizophrenia (SZ) and in bipolar disorder (BD); and to interpret findings, with a focus on identifying independent replications. METHOD PubMed search, selection and review of all independent GWAS in SZ or BD, published since March 2011, i.e. studies using non-overlapping samples within each article, between articles, and with those of the previous review (Li et al., 2012). RESULTS From the 22 GWAS included in this review, the genetic associations surviving standard GWAS-significance were for genetic markers in the regions of ACSL3/KCNE4, ADCY2, AMBRA1, ANK3, BRP44, DTL, FBLN1, HHAT, INTS7, LOC392301, LOC645434/NMBR, LOC729457, LRRFIP1, LSM1, MDM1, MHC, MIR2113/POU3F2, NDST3, NKAPL, ODZ4, PGBD1, RENBP, TRANK1, TSPAN18, TWIST2, UGT1A1/HJURP, WHSC1L1/FGFR1 and ZKSCAN4. All genes implicated across both reviews are discussed in terms of their function and implication in neuropsychiatry. CONCLUSION Taking all GWAS to date into account, AMBRA1, ANK3, ARNTL, CDH13, EFHD1 (albeit with different alleles), MHC, PLXNA2 and UGT1A1 have been implicated in either disorder in at least two reportedly non-overlapping samples. Additionally, evidence for a SZ/BD common genetic basis is most strongly supported by the implication of ANK3, NDST3, and PLXNA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana P Prata
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal; Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, SE5 8AF, UK; Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), Centro de Investigação e Intervenção Social, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Bernardo Costa-Neves
- Lisbon Medical School, University of Lisbon, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal; Centro Hospitalar Psiquiátrico de Lisboa, Av. do Brasil, 53 1749-002, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Cosme
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Evangelos Vassos
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, SE5 8AF, UK
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18
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Benítez-Burraco A, Kimura R. Robust Candidates for Language Development and Evolution Are Significantly Dysregulated in the Blood of People With Williams Syndrome. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:258. [PMID: 30971880 PMCID: PMC6444191 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a clinical condition, involving cognitive deficits and an uneven language profile, which has been the object of intense inquiry over the last decades. Although WS results from the hemideletion of around two dozen genes in chromosome 7, no gene has yet been probed to account for, or contribute significantly to, the language problems exhibited by the affected people. In this paper we have relied on gene expression profiles in the peripheral blood of WS patients obtained by microarray analysis and show that several robust candidates for language disorders and/or for language evolution in the species, all of them located outside the hemideleted region, are up- or downregulated in the blood of subjects with WS. Most of these genes play a role in the development and function of brain areas involved in language processing, which exhibit structural and functional anomalies in people with this condition. Overall, these genes emerge as robust candidates for language dysfunction in WS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Benítez-Burraco
- Department of Spanish, Linguistics, and Theory of Literature (Linguistics), Faculty of Philology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Ryo Kimura
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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19
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Glover ME, McCoy CR, Shupe EA, Unroe KA, Jackson NL, Clinton SM. Perinatal exposure to the SSRI paroxetine alters the methylome landscape of the developing dentate gyrus. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 50:1843-1870. [PMID: 30585666 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Evidence in humans and rodents suggests that perinatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants can have serious long-term consequences in offspring exposed in utero or infancy via breast milk. In spite of this, there is limited knowledge of how perinatal SSRI exposure impacts brain development and adult behaviour. Children exposed to SSRIs in utero exhibit increased internalizing behaviour and abnormal social behaviour between the ages of 3 and 6, and increased risk of depression in adolescence; however, the neurobiological changes underlying this behaviour are poorly understood. In rodents, perinatal SSRI exposure perturbs hippocampal gene expression and alters adult emotional behaviour (including increased depression-like behaviour). The present study demonstrates that perinatal exposure to the SSRI paroxetine leads to DNA hypomethylation and reduces DNA methyltransferase 3a (Dnmt3a) mRNA expression in the hippocampus during the second and third weeks of life. Next-generation sequencing identified numerous differentially methylated genomic regions, including altered methylation and transcription of several dendritogenesis-related genes. We then tested the hypothesis that transiently decreasing Dnmt3a expression in the early postnatal hippocampus would mimic the behavioural effects of perinatal SSRI exposure. We found that siRNA-mediated knockdown of Dnmt3a in the dentate gyrus during the second to third week of life produced greater depression-like behaviour in adult female (but not male) offspring, akin to the behavioural consequences of perinatal SSRI exposure. Overall, these data suggest that perinatal SSRI exposure may increase depression-like behaviours, at least in part, through reduced Dnmt3a expression in the developing hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Keaton A Unroe
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Nateka L Jackson
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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Polarized Dock Activity Drives Shh-Mediated Axon Guidance. Dev Cell 2018; 46:410-425.e7. [PMID: 30078728 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In the developing spinal cord, Sonic hedgehog (Shh) attracts commissural axons toward the floorplate. How Shh regulates the cytoskeletal remodeling that underlies growth cone turning is unknown. We found that Shh-mediated growth cone turning requires the activity of Docks, which are unconventional GEFs. Knockdown of Dock3 and 4, or their binding partner ELMO1 and 2, abolished commissural axon attraction by Shh in vitro. Dock3/4 and ELMO1/2 were also required for correct commissural axon guidance in vivo. Polarized Dock activity was sufficient to induce axon turning, indicating that Docks are instructive for axon guidance. Mechanistically, we show that Dock and ELMO interact with Boc, the Shh receptor, and that this interaction is reduced upon Shh stimulation. Furthermore, Shh stimulation translocates ELMO to the growth cone periphery and activates Rac1. This identifies Dock/ELMO as an effector complex of non-canonical Shh signaling and demonstrates the instructive role of GEFs in axon guidance.
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Mullins C, Fishell G, Tsien RW. Unifying Views of Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Consideration of Autoregulatory Feedback Loops. Neuron 2016; 89:1131-1156. [PMID: 26985722 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms underlying autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is a challenging goal. Here we review recent progress on several fronts, including genetics, proteomics, biochemistry, and electrophysiology, that raise motivation for forming a viable pathophysiological hypothesis. In place of a traditionally unidirectional progression, we put forward a framework that extends homeostatic hypotheses by explicitly emphasizing autoregulatory feedback loops and known synaptic biology. The regulated biological feature can be neuronal electrical activity, the collective strength of synapses onto a dendritic branch, the local concentration of a signaling molecule, or the relative strengths of synaptic excitation and inhibition. The sensor of the biological variable (which we have termed the homeostat) engages mechanisms that operate as negative feedback elements to keep the biological variable tightly confined. We categorize known ASD-associated gene products according to their roles in such feedback loops and provide detailed commentary for exemplar genes within each module.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Mullins
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Gord Fishell
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Richard W Tsien
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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Impairments in dendrite morphogenesis as etiology for neurodevelopmental disorders and implications for therapeutic treatments. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 68:946-978. [PMID: 27143622 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Dendrite morphology is pivotal for neural circuitry functioning. While the causative relationship between small-scale dendrite morphological abnormalities (shape, density of dendritic spines) and neurodevelopmental disorders is well established, such relationship remains elusive for larger-scale dendrite morphological impairments (size, shape, branching pattern of dendritic trees). Here, we summarize published data on dendrite morphological irregularities in human patients and animal models for neurodevelopmental disorders, with focus on autism and schizophrenia. We next discuss high-risk genes for these disorders and their role in dendrite morphogenesis. We finally overview recent developments in therapeutic attempts and we discuss how they relate to dendrite morphology. We find that both autism and schizophrenia are accompanied by dendritic arbor morphological irregularities, and that majority of their high-risk genes regulate dendrite morphogenesis. Thus, we present a compelling argument that, along with smaller-scale morphological impairments in dendrites (spines and synapse), irregularities in larger-scale dendrite morphology (arbor shape, size) may be an important part of neurodevelopmental disorders' etiology. We suggest that this should not be ignored when developing future therapeutic treatments.
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Paracchini S, Diaz R, Stein J. Advances in Dyslexia Genetics—New Insights Into the Role of Brain Asymmetries. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2016; 96:53-97. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.adgen.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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The Roles of Genes in the Neuronal Migration and Neurite Outgrowth Network in Developmental Dyslexia: Single- and Multiple-Risk Genetic Variants. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:3967-3975. [PMID: 26184631 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9334-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal regulation of neural migration and neurite growth is thought to be an important feature of developmental dyslexia (DD). We investigated 16 genetic variants, selected by bioinformatics analyses, in six key genes in the neuronal migration and neurite outgrowth network in a Chinese population. We first observed that KIAA0319L rs28366021, KIAA0319 rs4504469, and DOCK4 rs2074130 were significantly associated with DD risk after false discovery rate (FDR) adjustment for multiple comparisons (odds ratio (OR) = 0.672, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.505-0.894, P = 0.006; OR = 1.608, 95 % CI = 1.174-2.203, P = 0.003; OR = 1.681, 95 % CI = 1.203-2.348, P = 0.002). The following classification and regression tree (CART) analysis revealed a prediction value of gene-gene interactions among DOCK4 rs2074130, KIAA0319 rs4504469, DCDC2 rs2274305, and KIAA0319L rs28366021 variants. Compared with the lowest risk carriers of the combination of rs2074130 CC, rs4504469 CC, and rs2274305 GG genotype, individuals carrying the combined genotypes of rs2074130 CC, rs4504469 CT or TT, and rs28366021 GG had a significantly increased risk for DD (OR = 2.492, 95 % CI = 1.447-4.290, P = 0.001); individuals with the combination of rs2074130 CT or TT and rs28366021 GG genotype exhibited the highest risk for DD (OR = 2.770, 95 % CI = 2.265-6.276, P = 0.000). A significant dose effect was observed among these four variants (P for trend = 0.000). In summary, this study supports the importance of single- and multiple-risk variants in this network in DD susceptibility in China.
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25
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Abraham S, Scarcia M, Bagshaw RD, McMahon K, Grant G, Harvey T, Yeo M, Esteves FO, Thygesen HH, Jones PF, Speirs V, Hanby AM, Selby PJ, Lorger M, Dear TN, Pawson T, Marshall CJ, Mavria G. A Rac/Cdc42 exchange factor complex promotes formation of lateral filopodia and blood vessel lumen morphogenesis. Nat Commun 2015; 6:7286. [PMID: 26129894 PMCID: PMC4507007 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During angiogenesis, Rho-GTPases influence endothelial cell migration and cell-cell adhesion; however it is not known whether they control formation of vessel lumens, which are essential for blood flow. Here, using an organotypic system that recapitulates distinct stages of VEGF-dependent angiogenesis, we show that lumen formation requires early cytoskeletal remodelling and lateral cell-cell contacts, mediated through the RAC1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) DOCK4 (dedicator of cytokinesis 4). DOCK4 signalling is necessary for lateral filopodial protrusions and tubule remodelling prior to lumen formation, whereas proximal, tip filopodia persist in the absence of DOCK4. VEGF-dependent Rac activation via DOCK4 is necessary for CDC42 activation to signal filopodia formation and depends on the activation of RHOG through the RHOG GEF, SGEF. VEGF promotes interaction of DOCK4 with the CDC42 GEF DOCK9. These studies identify a novel Rho-family GTPase activation cascade for the formation of endothelial cell filopodial protrusions necessary for tubule remodelling, thereby influencing subsequent stages of lumen morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabu Abraham
- Institute of Cancer Research, Division of Cancer Biology, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Margherita Scarcia
- Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, University of Leeds, St James' University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Richard D. Bagshaw
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, M5G 1X5 Ontario, Canada
| | - Kathryn McMahon
- Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, University of Leeds, St James' University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Gary Grant
- Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, University of Leeds, St James' University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Tracey Harvey
- Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, University of Leeds, St James' University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Maggie Yeo
- Institute of Cancer Research, Division of Cancer Biology, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Filomena O.G. Esteves
- Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, University of Leeds, St James' University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Helene H. Thygesen
- Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, University of Leeds, St James' University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Pamela F. Jones
- Leeds Institutes of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, St James' University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Valerie Speirs
- Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, University of Leeds, St James' University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Andrew M. Hanby
- Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, University of Leeds, St James' University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Peter J. Selby
- Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, University of Leeds, St James' University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Mihaela Lorger
- Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, University of Leeds, St James' University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - T. Neil Dear
- Leeds Institutes of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, St James' University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Tony Pawson
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, M5G 1X5 Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher J. Marshall
- Institute of Cancer Research, Division of Cancer Biology, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Georgia Mavria
- Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, University of Leeds, St James' University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
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26
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Mulinari S, Häcker U. Rho-guanine nucleotide exchange factors during development: Force is nothing without control. Small GTPases 2014; 1:28-43. [PMID: 21686118 DOI: 10.4161/sgtp.1.1.12672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2010] [Revised: 05/31/2010] [Accepted: 06/14/2010] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of multicellular organisms is associated with extensive rearrangements of tissues and cell sheets. The driving force for these rearrangements is generated mostly by the actin cytoskeleton. In order to permit the reproducible development of a specific body plan, dynamic reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton must be precisely coordinated in space and time. GTP-exchange factors that activate small GTPases of the Rho family play an important role in this process. Here we review the role of this class of cytoskeletal regulators during important developmental processes such as epithelial morphogenesis, cytokinesis, cell migration, cell polarity, neuronal growth cone extension and phagocytosis in different model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shai Mulinari
- Department of Experimental Medical Science; Lund Strategic Research Center for Stem Cell Biology and Cell Therapy; Lund University; Lund, Sweden
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27
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Droppelmann CA, Campos-Melo D, Volkening K, Strong MJ. The emerging role of guanine nucleotide exchange factors in ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:282. [PMID: 25309324 PMCID: PMC4159981 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Small GTPases participate in a broad range of cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and migration. The exchange of GDP for GTP resulting in the activation of these GTPases is catalyzed by a group of enzymes called guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), of which two classes: Dbl-related exchange factors and the more recently described dedicator of cytokinesis proteins family exchange factors. Increasingly, deregulation of normal GEF activity or function has been associated with a broad range of disease states, including neurodegeneration and neurodevelopmental disorders. In this review, we examine this evidence with special emphasis on the novel role of Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (RGNEF/p190RhoGEF) in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. RGNEF is the first neurodegeneration-linked GEF that regulates not only RhoA GTPase activation but also functions as an RNA binding protein that directly acts with low molecular weight neurofilament mRNA 3' untranslated region to regulate its stability. This dual role for RGNEF, coupled with the increasing understanding of the key role for GEFs in modulating the GTPase function in cell survival suggests a prominent role for GEFs in mediating a critical balance between cytotoxicity and neuroprotection which, when disturbed, contributes to neuronal loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian A Droppelmann
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Western University London, ON, Canada
| | - Danae Campos-Melo
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Western University London, ON, Canada
| | - Kathryn Volkening
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Western University London, ON, Canada ; Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University London, ON, Canada
| | - Michael J Strong
- Molecular Medicine Group, Robarts Research Institute, Western University London, ON, Canada ; Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University London, ON, Canada
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28
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Gadea G, Blangy A. Dock-family exchange factors in cell migration and disease. Eur J Cell Biol 2014; 93:466-77. [PMID: 25022758 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2014.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Revised: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dock family proteins are evolutionary conserved exchange factors for the Rho GTPases Rac and Cdc42. There are 11 Dock proteins in mammals, named Dock1 (or Dock180) to Dock11 that play different cellular functions. In particular, Dock proteins regulate actin cytoskeleton, cell adhesion and migration. Not surprisingly, members of the Dock family have been involved in various pathologies, including cancer and defects in the central nervous and immune systems. This review proposes an update of the recent findings regarding the function of Dock proteins, focusing on their role in the control of cell migration and invasion and the consequences in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Gadea
- CNRS UMR 5237, Centre de Recherche de Biochimie Macromoléculaire, France; Montpellier University, France
| | - Anne Blangy
- CNRS UMR 5237, Centre de Recherche de Biochimie Macromoléculaire, France; Montpellier University, France.
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29
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Mukherjee K, Edgett BA, Burrows HW, Castro C, Griffin JL, Schwertani AG, Gurd BJ, Funk CD. Whole blood transcriptomics and urinary metabolomics to define adaptive biochemical pathways of high-intensity exercise in 50-60 year old masters athletes. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92031. [PMID: 24643011 PMCID: PMC3958411 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Exercise is beneficial for a variety of age-related disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating the beneficial adaptations to exercise in older adults are not well understood. The aim of the current study was to utilize a dual approach to characterize the genetic and metabolic adaptive pathways altered by exercise in veteran athletes and age-matched untrained individuals. Two groups of 50–60 year old males: competitive cyclists (athletes, n = 9; VO2peak 59.1±5.2 ml·kg−1·min−1; peak aerobic power 383±39 W) and untrained, minimally active individuals (controls, n = 8; VO2peak 35.9±9.7 ml·kg−1·min−1; peak aerobic power 230±57 W) were examined. All participants completed an acute bout of submaximal endurance exercise, and blood and urine samples pre- and post-exercise were analyzed for gene expression and metabolic changes utilizing genome-wide DNA microarray analysis and NMR spectroscopy-based metabolomics, respectively. Our results indicate distinct differences in gene and metabolite expression involving energy metabolism, lipids, insulin signaling and cardiovascular function between the two groups. These findings may lead to new insights into beneficial signaling pathways of healthy aging and help identify surrogate markers for monitoring exercise and training load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamalika Mukherjee
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brittany A. Edgett
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Harrison W. Burrows
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cecilia Castro
- Department of Biochemistry and the Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Julian L. Griffin
- Department of Biochemistry and the Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Brendon J. Gurd
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Colin D. Funk
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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30
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Shi L. Dock protein family in brain development and neurological disease. Commun Integr Biol 2013; 6:e26839. [PMID: 24563715 PMCID: PMC3922786 DOI: 10.4161/cib.26839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The family of dedicator of cytokinesis (Dock), a protein family that belongs to the atypical Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) for Rac and/or Cdc42 GTPases, plays pivotal roles in various processes of brain development. To date, 11 members of Docks have been identified in the mammalian system. Emerging evidence has suggested that members of the Dock family are associated with several neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases, including Alzheimer disease and autism spectrum disorders. This review summarizes recent advances on the understanding of the roles of the Dock protein family in normal and diseased processes in the nervous system. Furthermore, interacting proteins and the molecular regulation of Docks are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Shi
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research; Jinan University; Guangdong, PR China ; Division of Life Science; The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Hong Kong, PR China
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31
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Paschou P. The genetic basis of Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:1026-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Revised: 01/02/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Xiao Y, Peng Y, Wan J, Tang G, Chen Y, Tang J, Ye WC, Ip NY, Shi L. The atypical guanine nucleotide exchange factor Dock4 regulates neurite differentiation through modulation of Rac1 GTPase and actin dynamics. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:20034-45. [PMID: 23720743 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.458612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise regulation of neurite growth and differentiation determines accurate formation of synaptic connections, whose disruptions are frequently associated with neurological disorders. Dedicator of cytokinesis 4 (Dock4), an atypical guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rac1, is found to be associated with neuropsychiatric diseases, including autism and schizophrenia. Nonetheless, the neuronal function of Dock4 is only beginning to be understood. Using mouse neuroblastoma (Neuro-2a) cells as a model, this study identifies that Dock4 is critical for neurite differentiation and extension. This regulation is through activation of Rac1 and modulation of the dynamics of actin-enriched protrusions on the neurites. In cultured hippocampal neurons, Dock4 regulates the establishment of the axon-dendrite polarity and the arborization of dendrites, two critical processes during neural differentiation. Importantly, a microdeletion Dock4 mutant linked to autism and dyslexia that lacks the GEF domain leads to defective neurite outgrowth and neuronal polarization. Further analysis reveals that the SH3 domain-mediated interaction of Dock4 is required for its activity toward neurite differentiation, whereas its proline-rich C terminus is not essential for this regulation. Together, our findings reveal an important role of Dock4 for neurite differentiation during early neuronal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangui Xiao
- JNU-HKUST, Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
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Ueda S, Negishi M, Katoh H. Rac GEF Dock4 interacts with cortactin to regulate dendritic spine formation. Mol Biol Cell 2013; 24:1602-13. [PMID: 23536706 PMCID: PMC3655820 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e12-11-0782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rac GEF Dock4, recently reported as a candidate genetic risk factor for autism, dyslexia, and schizophrenia, is highly concentrated in dendritic spines in hippocampal neurons and is implicated in spine formation through interaction with the actin-binding protein cortactin. In neuronal development, dendritic spine formation is important for the establishment of excitatory synaptic connectivity and functional neural circuits. Developmental deficiency in spine formation results in multiple neuropsychiatric disorders. Dock4, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Rac, has been reported as a candidate genetic risk factor for autism, dyslexia, and schizophrenia. We previously showed that Dock4 is expressed in hippocampal neurons. However, the functions of Dock4 in hippocampal neurons and the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we show that Dock4 is highly concentrated in dendritic spines and implicated in spine formation via interaction with the actin-binding protein cortactin. In cultured neurons, short hairpin RNA (shRNA)–mediated knockdown of Dock4 reduces dendritic spine density, which is rescued by coexpression of shRNA-resistant wild-type Dock4 but not by a GEF-deficient mutant of Dock4 or a truncated mutant lacking the cortactin-binding region. On the other hand, knockdown of cortactin suppresses Dock4-mediated spine formation. Taken together, the results show a novel and functionally important interaction between Dock4 and cortactin for regulating dendritic spine formation via activation of Rac.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhei Ueda
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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Miyamoto Y, Torii T, Yamamori N, Ogata T, Tanoue A, Yamauchi J. Akt and PP2A reciprocally regulate the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Dock6 to control axon growth of sensory neurons. Sci Signal 2013; 6:ra15. [PMID: 23462102 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.2003661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
During neuronal development, axons navigate long distances, eventually forming precise connections with such targets as peripheral tissues. Dock6 is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that activates the Rho family guanosine triphosphatases Rac1 and Cdc42 to regulate the actin cytoskeleton. We found that phosphorylation of Ser(1194) in Dock6 inhibited its GEF activity and suppressed axonal growth of embryonic sensory neurons and axon regeneration of postnatal sensory neurons in vitro and in vivo. At early developmental stages, when axons are growing, the protein phosphatase PP2A interacted with and dephosphorylated Dock6, thereby increasing the activity of Dock6. At later developmental stages, the abundance of the kinase Akt increased, resulting in the binding of Akt to Dock6 and the phosphorylation of Dock6 at Ser(1194). In dorsal root ganglion neurons from mice lacking Dock6, reintroduction of Dock6 with a nonphosphorylatable S1194A mutation rescued axon extension but not branch number, whereas reintroduction of Dock6 with a phosphomimetic S1194E mutation resulted in premature branching. Thus, the phosphorylation status of Dock6 at Ser(1194) determines whether it promotes axon extension or branching in sensory neurons, revealing interplay between kinase and phosphatase action on a Rho-GEF during axon growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Miyamoto
- Department of Pharmacology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Setagaya, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
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35
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Attar MA, Santy LC. The scaffolding protein GRASP/Tamalin directly binds to Dock180 as well as to cytohesins facilitating GTPase crosstalk in epithelial cell migration. BMC Cell Biol 2013; 14:9. [PMID: 23441967 PMCID: PMC3599651 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2121-14-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2012] [Accepted: 02/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The transition of epithelial cells from their normal non-motile state to a motile one requires the coordinated action of a number of small GTPases. We have previously shown that epithelial cell migration is stimulated by the coordinated activation of Arf and Rac GTPases. This crosstalk depends upon the assembly of a multi-protein complex that contains the Arf-activating protein cytohesin 2/ARNO and the Rac activating protein Dock180. Two scaffolding proteins that bind directly to cytohesin 2 organize this complex. Results We now have found that Rac activation in response to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) requires cytohesin 2 and Dock180. GRASP/Tamalin is one of the scaffolds that builds the complex containing cytohesin 2 and Dock180. We determine here that the Ala/Pro rich region of GRASP directly interacts with the SH3 domain of Dock180. By binding to both cytohesin 2/ARNO and Dock180, GRASP bridges the guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) that activate Arf and Rac, thereby promoting Arf-to-Rac signaling. Furthermore, we find that knockdown of GRASP impairs hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-stimulated Rac activation and HGF-stimulated epithelial migration. Conclusions GRASP binds directly both cytohesin 2 and Dock180 to coordinate their activities, and by doing so promotes crosstalk between Arf and Rac.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam A Attar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, 208 Althouse Lab, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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36
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Kalkman HO. A review of the evidence for the canonical Wnt pathway in autism spectrum disorders. Mol Autism 2012; 3:10. [PMID: 23083465 PMCID: PMC3492093 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-3-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Microdeletion and microduplication copy number variations are found in patients with autism spectrum disorder and in a number of cases they include genes that are involved in the canonical Wnt signaling pathway (for example, FZD9, BCL9 or CDH8). Association studies investigating WNT2, DISC1, MET, DOCK4 or AHI1 also provide evidence that the canonical Wnt pathway might be affected in autism. Prenatal medication with sodium-valproate or antidepressant drugs increases autism risk. In animal studies, it has been found that these medications promote Wnt signaling, including among others an increase in Wnt2 gene expression. Notably, the available genetic information indicates that not only canonical Wnt pathway activation, but also inhibition seems to increase autism risk. The canonical Wnt pathway plays a role in dendrite growth and suboptimal activity negatively affects the dendritic arbor. In principle, this provides a logical explanation as to why both hypo- and hyperactivity may generate a similar set of behavioral and cognitive symptoms. However, without a validated biomarker to stratify for deviant canonical Wnt pathway activity, it is probably too dangerous to treat patients with compounds that modify pathway activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Otto Kalkman
- Neuroscience Department, Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research, Building 386-14,22,15, Basel, CH 4002, Switzerland.
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Abstract
It is well accepted that schizophrenia has a strong genetic component. Several genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of schizophrenia have been published in recent years; most of them population based with a case-control design. Nevertheless, identifying the specific genetic variants which contribute to susceptibility to the disorder remains a challenging task. A family-based GWAS strategy may be helpful in the identification of schizophrenia susceptibility genes since it is protected against population stratification, enables better accounting for genotyping errors and is more sensitive for identification of rare variants which have a very low frequency in the general population. In this project we implemented a family-based GWAS of schizophrenia in a sample of 107 Jewish-Israeli families. We found one genome-wide significant association in the intron of the DOCK4 gene (rs2074127, p value=1.134×10⁻⁷) and six additional nominally significant association signals with p<1×10⁻⁵. One of the top single nucleotide polymorphisms (p<1×10⁻⁵) which is located in the predicted intron of the CEACAM21 gene was significantly replicated in independent family-based sample of Arab-Israeli origin (rs4803480: p value=0.002; combined p value=9.61×10⁻⁸), surviving correction for multiple testing. Both DOCK4 and CEACAM21 are biologically reasonable candidate genes for schizophrenia although generalizability of the association of DOCK4 with schizophrenia should be investigated in further studies. In addition, gene-wide significant associations were found within three schizophrenia candidate genes: PGBD1, RELN and PRODH, replicating previously reported associations. By application of a family-based strategy to GWAS, our study revealed new schizophrenia susceptibility loci in the Jewish-Israeli population.
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Johnson KR, Longo-Guess CM, Gagnon LH. Mutations of the mouse ELMO domain containing 1 gene (Elmod1) link small GTPase signaling to actin cytoskeleton dynamics in hair cell stereocilia. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36074. [PMID: 22558334 PMCID: PMC3338648 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 03/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Stereocilia, the modified microvilli projecting from the apical surfaces of the sensory hair cells of the inner ear, are essential to the mechanoelectrical transduction process underlying hearing and balance. The actin-filled stereocilia on each hair cell are tethered together by fibrous links to form a highly patterned hair bundle. Although many structural components of hair bundles have been identified, little is known about the signaling mechanisms that regulate their development, morphology, and maintenance. Here, we describe two naturally occurring, allelic mutations that result in hearing and balance deficits in mice, named roundabout (rda) and roundabout-2J (rda(2J)). Positional cloning identified both as mutations of the mouse ELMO domain containing 1 gene (Elmod1), a poorly characterized gene with no previously reported mutant phenotypes. The rda mutation is a 138 kb deletion that includes exons 1-5 of Elmod1, and rda(2J) is an intragenic duplication of exons 3-8 of Elmod1. The deafness associated with these mutations is caused by cochlear hair cell dysfunction, as indicated by conspicuous elongations and fusions of inner hair cell stereocilia and progressive degeneration of outer hair cell stereocilia. Mammalian ELMO-family proteins are known to be involved in complexes that activate small GTPases to regulate the actin cytoskeleton during phagocytosis and cell migration. ELMOD1 and ELMOD2 recently were shown to function as GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) for the Arf family of small G proteins. Our finding connecting ELMOD1 deficiencies with stereocilia dysmorphologies thus establishes a link between the Ras superfamily of small regulatory GTPases and the actin cytoskeleton dynamics of hair cell stereocilia.
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Liou YJ, Wang HH, Lee MTM, Wang SC, Chiang HL, Chen CC, Lin CH, Chung MS, Kuo CC, Liao DL, Wu CK, Liu CM, Liu YL, Hwu HG, Lai IC, Tsai SJ, Chen CH, Liu HF, Chou YC, Chen CH, Chen YT, Hong CJ, Wu JY. Genome-wide association study of treatment refractory schizophrenia in Han Chinese. PLoS One 2012; 7:e33598. [PMID: 22479419 PMCID: PMC3313922 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2011] [Accepted: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the first genome-wide association study of a joint analysis using 795 Han Chinese individuals with treatment-refractory schizophrenia (TRS) and 806 controls. Three loci showed suggestive significant association with TRS were identified. These loci include: rs10218843 (P = 3.04×10−7) and rs11265461 (P = 1.94×10−7) are adjacent to signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family member 1 (SLAMF1); rs4699030 (P = 1.94×10−6) and rs230529 (P = 1.74×10−7) are located in the gene nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells 1 (NFKB1); and rs13049286 (P = 3.05×10−5) and rs3827219 (P = 1.66×10−5) fall in receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 4 (RIPK4). One isolated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs739617 (P = 3.87×10−5) was also identified to be associated with TRS. The -94delATTG allele (rs28362691) located in the promoter region of NFKB1 was identified by resequencing and was found to associate with TRS (P = 4.85×10−6). The promoter assay demonstrated that the -94delATTG allele had a significant lower promoter activity than the -94insATTG allele in the SH-SY5Y cells. This study suggests that rs28362691 in NFKB1 might be involved in the development of TRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Jay Liou
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Hung Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Ta Michael Lee
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Chang Wang
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction Medicine, Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Lun Chiang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Ching-Hua Lin
- Kaohsiung Kai-Suan Psychiatric Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Shun Chung
- Jianan Mental Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Cheng Kuo
- Jianan Mental Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Ding-Lieh Liao
- Bali Psychiatric Center, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, Taiwan
| | | | - Chih-Min Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,
| | - Yu-Li Liu
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction Medicine, Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Hai-Gwo Hwu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,
- Department of Psychology, College of Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Shih-Jen Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsiang Chen
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction Medicine, Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Fen Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Chou
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsiun Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Tsong Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Chen-Jee Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (JYW); (CJH)
| | - Jer-Yuarn Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (JYW); (CJH)
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Ho E, Dagnino L. Epidermal growth factor induction of front-rear polarity and migration in keratinocytes is mediated by integrin-linked kinase and ELMO2. Mol Biol Cell 2011; 23:492-502. [PMID: 22160594 PMCID: PMC3268727 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e11-07-0596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a potent chemotactic and mitogenic factor for epidermal keratinocytes, and these properties are central for normal epidermal regeneration after injury. The involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases as mediators of the proliferative effects of EGF is well established. However, the molecular mechanisms that mediate motogenic responses to this growth factor are not clearly understood. An obligatory step for forward cell migration is the development of front-rear polarity and formation of lamellipodia at the leading edge. We show that stimulation of epidermal keratinocytes with EGF, but not with other growth factors, induces development of front-rear polarity and directional migration through a pathway that requires integrin-linked kinase (ILK), Engulfment and Cell Motility-2 (ELMO2), integrin β1, and Rac1. Furthermore, EGF induction of front-rear polarity and chemotaxis require the tyrosine kinase activity of the EGF receptor and are mediated by complexes containing active RhoG, ELMO2, and ILK. Our findings reveal a novel link between EGF receptor stimulation, ILK-containing complexes, and activation of small Rho GTPases necessary for acquisition of front-rear polarity and forward movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Ho
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
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41
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Wakita Y, Kakimoto T, Katoh H, Negishi M. The F-BAR protein Rapostlin regulates dendritic spine formation in hippocampal neurons. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:32672-83. [PMID: 21768103 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.236265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Pombe Cdc15 homology proteins, characterized by Fer/CIP4 homology Bin-Amphiphysin-Rvs/extended Fer/CIP4 homology (F-BAR/EFC) domains with membrane invaginating property, play critical roles in a variety of membrane reorganization processes. Among them, Rapostlin/formin-binding protein 17 (FBP17) has attracted increasing attention as a critical coordinator of endocytosis. Here we found that Rapostlin was expressed in the developing rat brain, including the hippocampus, in late developmental stages when accelerated dendritic spine formation and maturation occur. In primary cultured rat hippocampal neurons, knockdown of Rapostlin by shRNA or overexpression of Rapostlin-QQ, an F-BAR domain mutant of Rapostlin that has no ability to induce membrane invagination, led to a significant decrease in spine density. Expression of shRNA-resistant wild-type Rapostlin effectively restored spine density in Rapostlin knockdown neurons, whereas expression of Rapostlin deletion mutants lacking the protein kinase C-related kinase homology region 1 (HR1) or Src homology 3 (SH3) domain did not. In addition, knockdown of Rapostlin or overexpression of Rapostlin-QQ reduced the uptake of transferrin in hippocampal neurons. Knockdown of Rnd2, which binds to the HR1 domain of Rapostlin, also reduced spine density and the transferrin uptake. These results suggest that Rapostlin and Rnd2 cooperatively regulate spine density. Indeed, Rnd2 enhanced the Rapostlin-induced tubular membrane invagination. We conclude that the F-BAR protein Rapostlin, whose activity is regulated by Rnd2, plays a key role in spine formation through the regulation of membrane dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Wakita
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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Poelmans G, Buitelaar JK, Pauls DL, Franke B. A theoretical molecular network for dyslexia: integrating available genetic findings. Mol Psychiatry 2011; 16:365-82. [PMID: 20956978 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2010.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Developmental dyslexia is a common specific childhood learning disorder with a strong heritable component. Previous studies using different genetic approaches have identified several genetic loci and candidate genes for dyslexia. In this article, we have integrated the current knowledge on 14 dyslexia candidate genes suggested by cytogenetic findings, linkage and association studies. We found that 10 of the 14 dyslexia candidate genes (ROBO1, KIAA0319, KIAA0319L, S100B, DOCK4, FMR1, DIP2A, GTF2I, DYX1C1 and DCDC2) fit into a theoretical molecular network involved in neuronal migration and neurite outgrowth. Based on this, we also propose three novel dyslexia candidate genes (SLIT2, HMGB1 and VAPA) from known linkage regions, and we discuss the possible involvement of genes emerging from the two reported genome-wide association studies for reading impairment-related phenotypes in the identified network.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Poelmans
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Patel C, Cooper-Charles L, McMullan DJ, Walker JM, Davison V, Morton J. Translocation breakpoint at 7q31 associated with tics: further evidence for IMMP2L as a candidate gene for Tourette syndrome. Eur J Hum Genet 2011; 19:634-9. [PMID: 21386874 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2010.238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Gilles de la Tourette syndrome is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder with a strong genetic basis. We identified a male patient with Tourette syndrome-like tics and an apparently balanced de novo translocation [46,XY,t(2;7)(p24.2;q31)]. Further analysis using array comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH) revealed a cryptic deletion at 7q31.1-7q31.2. Breakpoints disrupting this region have been reported in one isolated and one familial case of Tourette syndrome. In our case, IMMP2L, a gene coding for a human homologue of the yeast inner mitochondrial membrane peptidase subunit 2, was disrupted by the breakpoint on 7q31.1, with deletion of exons 1-3 of the gene. The IMMP2L gene has previously been proposed as a candidate gene for Tourette syndrome, and our case provides further evidence of its possible role in the pathogenesis. The deleted region (7q31.1-7q31.2) of 7.2 Mb of genomic DNA also encompasses numerous genes, including FOXP2, associated with verbal dyspraxia, and the CFTR gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chirag Patel
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Birmingham Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.
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44
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Biersmith B, Liu Z, Bauman K, Geisbrecht ER. The DOCK protein sponge binds to ELMO and functions in Drosophila embryonic CNS development. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16120. [PMID: 21283588 PMCID: PMC3026809 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2010] [Accepted: 12/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell morphogenesis, which requires rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton, is
essential to coordinate the development of tissues such as the musculature and
nervous system during normal embryonic development. One class of signaling
proteins that regulate actin cytoskeletal rearrangement is the evolutionarily
conserved CDM (C. elegansCed-5, human DOCK180,
DrosophilaMyoblast city, or Mbc) family of proteins, which function
as unconventional guanine nucleotide exchange factors for the small GTPase Rac.
This CDM-Rac protein complex is sufficient for Rac activation, but is enhanced
upon the association of CDM proteins with the ELMO/Ced-12 family of proteins. We
identified and characterized the role of Drosophila Sponge
(Spg), the vertebrate DOCK3/DOCK4 counterpart as an ELMO-interacting protein.
Our analysis shows Spg mRNA and protein is expressed in the visceral musculature
and developing nervous system, suggesting a role for Spg in later embryogenesis.
As maternal null mutants of spg die early in development, we
utilized genetic interaction analysis to uncover the role of Spg in central
nervous system (CNS) development. Consistent with its role in ELMO-dependent
pathways, we found genetic interactions with spg and
elmo mutants exhibited aberrant axonal defects. In
addition, our data suggests Ncad may be responsible for recruiting Spg to the
membrane, possibly in CNS development. Our findings not only characterize the
role of a new DOCK family member, but help to further understand the role of
signaling downstream of N-cadherin in neuronal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Biersmith
- Division of Cell Biology and Biophysics, School of Biological Sciences,
University of Missouri, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of
America
- Ph.D. Program, School of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri,
Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Ze Liu
- Division of Cell Biology and Biophysics, School of Biological Sciences,
University of Missouri, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of
America
- Ph.D. Program, School of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri,
Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Kenneth Bauman
- Division of Cell Biology and Biophysics, School of Biological Sciences,
University of Missouri, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of
America
| | - Erika R. Geisbrecht
- Division of Cell Biology and Biophysics, School of Biological Sciences,
University of Missouri, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of
America
- * E-mail:
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45
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LaFramboise T, Dewal N, Wilkins K, Pe'er I, Freedman ML. Allelic selection of amplicons in glioblastoma revealed by combining somatic and germline analysis. PLoS Genet 2010; 6:e1001086. [PMID: 20824129 PMCID: PMC2932683 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1001086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2010] [Accepted: 07/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a disease driven by a combination of inherited risk alleles coupled with the acquisition of somatic mutations, including amplification and deletion of genomic DNA. Potential relationships between the inherited and somatic aspects of the disease have only rarely been examined on a genome-wide level. Applying a novel integrative analysis of SNP and copy number measurements, we queried the tumor and normal-tissue genomes of 178 glioblastoma patients from the Cancer Genome Atlas project for preferentially amplified alleles, under the hypothesis that oncogenic germline variants will be selectively amplified in the tumor environment. Selected alleles are revealed by allelic imbalance in amplification across samples. This general approach is based on genetic principles and provides a method for identifying important tumor-related alleles. We find that SNP alleles that are most significantly overrepresented in amplicons tend to occur in genes involved with regulation of kinase and transferase activity, and many of these genes are known contributors to gliomagenesis. The analysis also implicates variants in synapse genes. By incorporating gene expression data, we demonstrate synergy between preferential allelic amplification and expression in DOCK4 and EGFR. Our results support the notion that combining germline and tumor genetic data can identify regions relevant to cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas LaFramboise
- Department of Genetics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ninad Dewal
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Katherine Wilkins
- Department of Genetics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Itsik Pe'er
- Department of Computer Science, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MLF); (IP)
| | - Matthew L. Freedman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Medical and Population Genetics Program, The Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MLF); (IP)
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Maestrini E, Pagnamenta AT, Lamb JA, Bacchelli E, Sykes NH, Sousa I, Toma C, Barnby G, Butler H, Winchester L, Scerri TS, Minopoli F, Reichert J, Cai G, Buxbaum JD, Korvatska O, Schellenberg GD, Dawson G, Bildt AD, Minderaa RB, Mulder EJ, Morris AP, Bailey AJ, Monaco AP. High-density SNP association study and copy number variation analysis of the AUTS1 and AUTS5 loci implicate the IMMP2L-DOCK4 gene region in autism susceptibility. Mol Psychiatry 2010; 15:954-68. [PMID: 19401682 PMCID: PMC2934739 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2009.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2008] [Revised: 02/19/2009] [Accepted: 04/02/2009] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders are a group of highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorders with a complex genetic etiology. The International Molecular Genetic Study of Autism Consortium previously identified linkage loci on chromosomes 7 and 2, termed AUTS1 and AUTS5, respectively. In this study, we performed a high-density association analysis in AUTS1 and AUTS5, testing more than 3000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in all known genes in each region, as well as SNPs in non-genic highly conserved sequences. SNP genotype data were also used to investigate copy number variation within these regions. The study sample consisted of 127 and 126 families, showing linkage to the AUTS1 and AUTS5 regions, respectively, and 188 gender-matched controls. Further investigation of the strongest association results was conducted in an independent European family sample containing 390 affected individuals. Association and copy number variant analysis highlighted several genes that warrant further investigation, including IMMP2L and DOCK4 on chromosome 7. Evidence for the involvement of DOCK4 in autism susceptibility was supported by independent replication of association at rs2217262 and the finding of a deletion segregating in a sib-pair family.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Maestrini
- Department of Biology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - A T Pagnamenta
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - J A Lamb
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Integrated Genomic Medical Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - E Bacchelli
- Department of Biology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - N H Sykes
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - I Sousa
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - C Toma
- Department of Biology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Barnby
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - H Butler
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - L Winchester
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - T S Scerri
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - F Minopoli
- Department of Biology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - J Reichert
- Department of Psychiatry, Seaver Autism Research Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - G Cai
- Department of Psychiatry, Seaver Autism Research Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - J D Buxbaum
- Department of Psychiatry, Seaver Autism Research Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - O Korvatska
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Centre, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle Division, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - G D Schellenberg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - G Dawson
- Autism Speaks, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - A de Bildt
- Department of Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - R B Minderaa
- Department of Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - E J Mulder
- Department of Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - A P Morris
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - A J Bailey
- University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - A P Monaco
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - IMGSAC12
- Department of Biology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Integrated Genomic Medical Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, Seaver Autism Research Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Centre, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle Division, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Autism Speaks, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Pagnamenta AT, Bacchelli E, de Jonge MV, Mirza G, Scerri TS, Minopoli F, Chiocchetti A, Ludwig KU, Hoffmann P, Paracchini S, Lowy E, Harold DH, Chapman JA, Klauck SM, Poustka F, Houben RH, Staal WG, Ophoff RA, O'Donovan MC, Williams J, Nöthen MM, Schulte-Körne G, Deloukas P, Ragoussis J, Bailey AJ, Maestrini E, Monaco AP. Characterization of a family with rare deletions in CNTNAP5 and DOCK4 suggests novel risk loci for autism and dyslexia. Biol Psychiatry 2010; 68:320-8. [PMID: 20346443 PMCID: PMC2941017 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2010.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2009] [Revised: 01/15/2010] [Accepted: 02/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by social, communication, and behavioral deficits and complex genetic etiology. A recent study of 517 ASD families implicated DOCK4 by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) association and a microdeletion in an affected sibling pair. METHODS The DOCK4 microdeletion on 7q31.1 was further characterized in this family using QuantiSNP analysis of 1M SNP array data and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Extended family members were tested by polymerase chain reaction amplification of junction fragments. DOCK4 dosage was measured in additional samples using SNP arrays. Since QuantiSNP analysis identified a novel CNTNAP5 microdeletion in the same affected sibling pair, this gene was sequenced in 143 additional ASD families. Further polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis included 380 ASD cases and suitable control subjects. RESULTS The maternally inherited microdeletion encompassed chr7:110,663,978-111,257,682 and led to a DOCK4-IMMP2L fusion transcript. It was also detected in five extended family members with no ASD. However, six of nine individuals with this microdeletion had poor reading ability, which prompted us to screen 606 other dyslexia cases. This led to the identification of a second DOCK4 microdeletion co-segregating with dyslexia. Assessment of genomic background in the original ASD family detected a paternal 2q14.3 microdeletion disrupting CNTNAP5 that was also transmitted to both affected siblings. Analysis of other ASD cohorts revealed four additional rare missense changes in CNTNAP5. No exonic deletions of DOCK4 or CNTNAP5 were seen in 2091 control subjects. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights two new risk factors for ASD and dyslexia and demonstrates the importance of performing a high-resolution assessment of genomic background, even after detection of a rare and likely damaging microdeletion using a targeted approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair T. Pagnamenta
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Bacchelli
- Department of Biology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maretha V. de Jonge
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ghazala Mirza
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas S. Scerri
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Andreas Chiocchetti
- Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kerstin U. Ludwig
- Department of Genomics, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Per Hoffmann
- Department of Genomics, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Silvia Paracchini
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ernesto Lowy
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Denise H. Harold
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Jade A. Chapman
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Sabine M. Klauck
- Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fritz Poustka
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Goethe-University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Renske H. Houben
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter G. Staal
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roel A. Ophoff
- Department of Medical Genetics and Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- University of California Los Angeles Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Julie Williams
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Markus M. Nöthen
- Department of Genomics, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gerd Schulte-Körne
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Panos Deloukas
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Jiannis Ragoussis
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony J. Bailey
- University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Maestrini
- Department of Biology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anthony P. Monaco
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Hiramoto-Yamaki N, Takeuchi S, Ueda S, Harada K, Fujimoto S, Negishi M, Katoh H. Ephexin4 and EphA2 mediate cell migration through a RhoG-dependent mechanism. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 190:461-77. [PMID: 20679435 PMCID: PMC2922637 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201005141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ephexin4 is a RhoG-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor that interacts with the EphA2 receptor in breast cancer cells. EphA2, a member of the Eph receptor family, is frequently overexpressed in a variety of human cancers, including breast cancers, and promotes cancer cell motility and invasion independently of its ligand ephrin stimulation. In this study, we identify Ephexin4 as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for RhoG that interacts with EphA2 in breast cancer cells, and knockdown and rescue experiments show that Ephexin4 acts downstream of EphA2 to promote ligand-independent breast cancer cell migration and invasion toward epidermal growth factor through activation of RhoG. The activation of RhoG recruits its effector ELMO2 and a Rac GEF Dock4 to form a complex with EphA2 at the tips of cortactin-rich protrusions in migrating breast cancer cells. In addition, the Dock4-mediated Rac activation is required for breast cancer cell migration. Our findings reveal a novel link between EphA2 and Rac activation that contributes to the cell motility and invasiveness of breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nao Hiramoto-Yamaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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Woronowicz A, Cawley NX, Chang SY, Koshimizu H, Phillips AW, Xiong ZG, Loh YP. Carboxypeptidase E knockout mice exhibit abnormal dendritic arborization and spine morphology in central nervous system neurons. J Neurosci Res 2010; 88:64-72. [PMID: 19598241 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Carboxypeptidase E (CPE) is involved in maturation of neuropeptides and sorting of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to the regulated pathway for activity-dependent secretion from CNS neurons. CPE knockout (CPE-KO) mice have many neurological deficits, including deficits in learning and memory. Here, we analyzed the dendritic arborization and spine morphology of CPE-KO mice to determine a possible correlation of defects in such structures with the neurological deficits observed in these animals. Analysis of pyramidal neurons in layer V of cerebral cortex and in hippocampal CA1 region in 14-week-old CPE-KO mice showed more dendritic complexity compared with wild type (WT) mice. There were more dendritic intersections and more branch points in CPE-KO vs. WT neurons. Comparison of pyramidal cortical neurons in 6- vs. 14-week-old WT mice showed a decrease in dendritic arborization, reflecting the occurrence of normal dendritic pruning. However, this did not occur in CPE-KO neurons. Furthermore, analysis of spine morphology demonstrated a significant increase in the number of D-type spines regarded as nonfunctional in the cortical neurons of CPE-KO animals. Our findings suggest that CPE is an important, novel player in mediating appropriate dendritic patterning and spine formation in CNS neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Woronowicz
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Miyamoto Y, Yamauchi J. Cellular signaling of Dock family proteins in neural function. Cell Signal 2009; 22:175-82. [PMID: 19796679 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2009.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2009] [Revised: 08/24/2009] [Accepted: 09/13/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Dock180-related proteins are genetically conserved from Drosophila and C. elegans to mammals and are atypical types of guanine-nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) for Rac and/or Cdc42 of small GTPases of the Rho family. Eleven members of the family occur in mammalian cells, each playing key roles in many aspects of essential cellular functions such as regulation of cytoskeletal organization, phagocytosis, cell migration, polarity formation, and differentiation. This review will summarize the newly accumulated findings concerning the Dock180-related proteins' molecular and cellular functions, emphasizing the roles of these proteins in neuronal cells and glial cells as well as their interactions in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Miyamoto
- Department of Pharmacology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
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