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Jiao D, Xu L, Gu Z, Yan H, Shen D, Gu X. Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of epilepsy: electromagnetic stimulation-mediated neuromodulation therapy and new technologies. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:917-935. [PMID: 38989927 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a severe, relapsing, and multifactorial neurological disorder. Studies regarding the accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and in-depth pathogenesis are crucial for the precise and effective treatment of epilepsy. The pathogenesis of epilepsy is complex and involves alterations in variables such as gene expression, protein expression, ion channel activity, energy metabolites, and gut microbiota composition. Satisfactory results are lacking for conventional treatments for epilepsy. Surgical resection of lesions, drug therapy, and non-drug interventions are mainly used in clinical practice to treat pain associated with epilepsy. Non-pharmacological treatments, such as a ketogenic diet, gene therapy for nerve regeneration, and neural regulation, are currently areas of research focus. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathogenesis, diagnostic methods, and treatments of epilepsy. It also elaborates on the theoretical basis, treatment modes, and effects of invasive nerve stimulation in neurotherapy, including percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, deep brain electrical stimulation, repetitive nerve electrical stimulation, in addition to non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation. Numerous studies have shown that electromagnetic stimulation-mediated neuromodulation therapy can markedly improve neurological function and reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures. Additionally, many new technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy are being explored. However, current research is mainly focused on analyzing patients' clinical manifestations and exploring relevant diagnostic and treatment methods to study the pathogenesis at a molecular level, which has led to a lack of consensus regarding the mechanisms related to the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian Jiao
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lai Xu
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhen Gu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hua Yan
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dingding Shen
- Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaosong Gu
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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An Z, Jiang A, Chen J. Toward understanding the role of genomic repeat elements in neurodegenerative diseases. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:646-659. [PMID: 38886931 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases cause great medical and economic burdens for both patients and society; however, the complex molecular mechanisms thereof are not yet well understood. With the development of high-coverage sequencing technology, researchers have started to notice that genomic repeat regions, previously neglected in search of disease culprits, are active contributors to multiple neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we describe the association between repeat element variants and multiple degenerative diseases through genome-wide association studies and targeted sequencing. We discuss the identification of disease-relevant repeat element variants, further powered by the advancement of long-read sequencing technologies and their related tools, and summarize recent findings in the molecular mechanisms of repeat element variants in brain degeneration, such as those causing transcriptional silencing or RNA-mediated gain of toxic function. Furthermore, we describe how in silico predictions using innovative computational models, such as deep learning language models, could enhance and accelerate our understanding of the functional impact of repeat element variants. Finally, we discuss future directions to advance current findings for a better understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and the clinical applications of genomic repeat elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyu An
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Aidi Jiang
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingqi Chen
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Shanghai, China
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3
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Wang C, Cheng F, Han Z, Yan B, Liao P, Yin Z, Ge X, Li D, Zhong R, Liu Q, Chen F, Lei P. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem cell exosomes improve blood-brain barrier function after intracerebral hemorrhage by activating astrocytes via PI3K/AKT/MCP-1 axis. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:518-532. [PMID: 38819064 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202502000-00029/figure1/v/2024-05-28T214302Z/r/image-tiff Cerebral edema caused by blood-brain barrier injury after intracerebral hemorrhage is an important factor leading to poor prognosis. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem cell exosomes (hiPSC-NSC-Exos) have shown potential for brain injury repair in central nervous system diseases. In this study, we explored the impact of hiPSC-NSC-Exos on blood-brain barrier preservation and the underlying mechanism. Our results indicated that intranasal delivery of hiPSC-NSC-Exos mitigated neurological deficits, enhanced blood-brain barrier integrity, and reduced leukocyte infiltration in a mouse model of intracerebral hemorrhage. Additionally, hiPSC-NSC-Exos decreased immune cell infiltration, activated astrocytes, and decreased the secretion of inflammatory cytokines like monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, and tumor necrosis factor-α post-intracerebral hemorrhage, thereby improving the inflammatory microenvironment. RNA sequencing indicated that hiPSC-NSC-Exo activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in astrocytes and decreased monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 secretion, thereby improving blood-brain barrier integrity. Treatment with the PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002 or the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 neutralizing agent C1142 abolished these effects. In summary, our findings suggest that hiPSC-NSC-Exos maintains blood-brain barrier integrity, in part by downregulating monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 secretion through activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conglin Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Fangyuan Cheng
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhaoli Han
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Bo Yan
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Pan Liao
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhenyu Yin
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xintong Ge
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Dai Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Rongrong Zhong
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China
| | | | - Ping Lei
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Yuan Y, Yu L, Zhuang X, Wen D, He J, Hong J, Xie J, Ling S, Du X, Chen W, Wang X. Drosophila models used to simulate human ATP1A1 gene mutations that cause Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2 disease and refractory seizures. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:265-276. [PMID: 38767491 PMCID: PMC11246156 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.391302] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202501000-00034/figure1/v/2024-05-14T021156Z/r/image-tiff Certain amino acids changes in the human Na+/K+-ATPase pump, ATPase Na+/K+ transporting subunit alpha 1 (ATP1A1), cause Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2 (CMT2) disease and refractory seizures. To develop in vivo models to study the role of Na+/K+-ATPase in these diseases, we modified the Drosophila gene homolog, Atpα, to mimic the human ATP1A1 gene mutations that cause CMT2. Mutations located within the helical linker region of human ATP1A1 (I592T, A597T, P600T, and D601F) were simultaneously introduced into endogenous DrosophilaAtpα by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, generating the AtpαTTTF model. In addition, the same strategy was used to generate the corresponding single point mutations in flies (AtpαI571T, AtpαA576T, AtpαP579T, and AtpαD580F). Moreover, a deletion mutation (Atpαmut) that causes premature termination of translation was generated as a positive control. Of these alleles, we found two that could be maintained as homozygotes (AtpαI571T and AtpαP579T). Three alleles (AtpαA576T, AtpαP579 and AtpαD580F) can form heterozygotes with the Atpαmut allele. We found that the Atpα allele carrying these CMT2-associated mutations showed differential phenotypes in Drosophila. Flies heterozygous for AtpαTTTF mutations have motor performance defects, a reduced lifespan, seizures, and an abnormal neuronal morphology. These Drosophila models will provide a new platform for studying the function and regulation of the sodium-potassium pump.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yuan
- Institute of Life Sciences, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Lingqi Yu
- Institute of Life Sciences, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xudong Zhuang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-human Primate (Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital), Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Dongjing Wen
- Institute of Life Sciences, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jin He
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, and Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jingmei Hong
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, and Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jiayu Xie
- Institute of Life Sciences, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Shengan Ling
- Institute of Life Sciences, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xiaoyue Du
- Institute of Life Sciences, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Wenfeng Chen
- Institute of Life Sciences, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xinrui Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-human Primate (Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital), Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
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Tanaka T, Chung HL. Exploiting fly models to investigate rare human neurological disorders. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:21-28. [PMID: 38767473 PMCID: PMC11246155 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01847] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Rare neurological diseases, while individually are rare, collectively impact millions globally, leading to diverse and often severe neurological symptoms. Often attributed to genetic mutations that disrupt protein function or structure, understanding their genetic basis is crucial for accurate diagnosis and targeted therapies. To investigate the underlying pathogenesis of these conditions, researchers often use non-mammalian model organisms, such as Drosophila (fruit flies), which is valued for their genetic manipulability, cost-efficiency, and preservation of genes and biological functions across evolutionary time. Genetic tools available in Drosophila, including CRISPR-Cas9, offer a means to manipulate gene expression, allowing for a deep exploration of the genetic underpinnings of rare neurological diseases. Drosophila boasts a versatile genetic toolkit, rapid generation turnover, and ease of large-scale experimentation, making it an invaluable resource for identifying potential drug candidates. Researchers can expose flies carrying disease-associated mutations to various compounds, rapidly pinpointing promising therapeutic agents for further investigation in mammalian models and, ultimately, clinical trials. In this comprehensive review, we explore rare neurological diseases where fly research has significantly contributed to our understanding of their genetic basis, pathophysiology, and potential therapeutic implications. We discuss rare diseases associated with both neuron-expressed and glial-expressed genes. Specific cases include mutations in CDK19 resulting in epilepsy and developmental delay, mutations in TIAM1 leading to a neurodevelopmental disorder with seizures and language delay, and mutations in IRF2BPL causing seizures, a neurodevelopmental disorder with regression, loss of speech, and abnormal movements. And we explore mutations in EMC1 related to cerebellar atrophy, visual impairment, psychomotor retardation, and gain-of-function mutations in ACOX1 causing Mitchell syndrome. Loss-of-function mutations in ACOX1 result in ACOX1 deficiency, characterized by very-long-chain fatty acid accumulation and glial degeneration. Notably, this review highlights how modeling these diseases in Drosophila has provided valuable insights into their pathophysiology, offering a platform for the rapid identification of potential therapeutic interventions. Rare neurological diseases involve a wide range of expression systems, and sometimes common phenotypes can be found among different genes that cause abnormalities in neurons or glia. Furthermore, mutations within the same gene may result in varying functional outcomes, such as complete loss of function, partial loss of function, or gain-of-function mutations. The phenotypes observed in patients can differ significantly, underscoring the complexity of these conditions. In conclusion, Drosophila represents an indispensable and cost-effective tool for investigating rare neurological diseases. By facilitating the modeling of these conditions, Drosophila contributes to a deeper understanding of their genetic basis, pathophysiology, and potential therapies. This approach accelerates the discovery of promising drug candidates, ultimately benefiting patients affected by these complex and understudied diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Tanaka
- Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hyung-Lok Chung
- Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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Chen GL, Li JY, Chen X, Liu JW, Zhang Q, Liu JY, Wen J, Wang N, Lei M, Wei JP, Yi L, Li JJ, Ling YP, Yi HQ, Hu Z, Duan J, Zhang J, Zeng B. Mechanosensitive channels TMEM63A and TMEM63B mediate lung inflation-induced surfactant secretion. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e174508. [PMID: 38127458 PMCID: PMC10904053 DOI: 10.1172/jci174508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary surfactant is a lipoprotein complex lining the alveolar surface to decrease the surface tension and facilitate inspiration. Surfactant deficiency is often seen in premature infants and in children and adults with respiratory distress syndrome. Mechanical stretch of alveolar type 2 epithelial (AT2) cells during lung expansion is the primary physiological factor that stimulates surfactant secretion; however, it is unclear whether there is a mechanosensor dedicated to this process. Here, we show that loss of the mechanosensitive channels TMEM63A and TMEM63B (TMEM63A/B) resulted in atelectasis and respiratory failure in mice due to a deficit of surfactant secretion. TMEM63A/B were predominantly localized at the limiting membrane of the lamellar body (LB), a lysosome-related organelle that stores pulmonary surfactant and ATP in AT2 cells. Activation of TMEM63A/B channels during cell stretch facilitated the release of surfactant and ATP from LBs fused with the plasma membrane. The released ATP evoked Ca2+ signaling in AT2 cells and potentiated exocytic fusion of more LBs. Our study uncovered a vital physiological function of TMEM63 mechanosensitive channels in preparing the lungs for the first breath at birth and maintaining respiration throughout life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Lan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Jing-Yi Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Xin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Jia-Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Qian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Jie-Yu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Jing Wen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Na Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Ming Lei
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Jun-Peng Wei
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Li Yi
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Jia-Jia Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - Yu-Peng Ling
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
| | - He-Qiang Yi
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhenying Hu
- Human Aging Research Institute and School of Life Sciences and
| | - Jingjing Duan
- Human Aging Research Institute and School of Life Sciences and
| | - Jin Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Bo Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, and
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Yao M, Zhang L, Teng X, Lei Y, Xing X, Ren T, Pan Y, Zhang L, Li Z, Lin J, Zheng Y, Xing L, Zhou J, Wu C. Transcriptomic profiling of Dip2a in the neural differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:700-710. [PMID: 38292475 PMCID: PMC10825174 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The disconnected-interacting protein 2 homolog A (DIP2A), a member of disconnected-interacting 2 protein family, has been shown to be involved in human nervous system-related mental illness. This protein is highly expressed in the nervous system of mouse. Mutation of mouse DIP2A causes defects in spine morphology and synaptic transmission, autism-like behaviors, and defective social novelty [5], [27], indicating that DIP2A is critical to the maintenance of neural development. However, the role of DIP2A in neural differentiation has yet to be investigated. Objective To determine the role of DIP2A in neural differentiation, a neural differentiation model was established using mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and studied by using gene-knockout technology and RNA-sequencing-based transcriptome analysis. Results We found that DIP2A is not required for mESCs pluripotency maintenance, but loss of DIP2A causes the neural differentiation abnormalities in both N2B27 and KSR medium. Functional knockout of Dip2a gene also decreased proliferation of mESCs by perturbation of the cell cycle and profoundly inhibited the expression of a large number of neural development-associated genes which mainly enriched in spinal cord development and postsynapse assembly. Conclusions The results of this report demonstrate that DIP2A plays an essential role in regulating differentiation of mESCs towards the neural fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingze Yao
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center of Shanxi, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Xiaojuan Teng
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Yu Lei
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xing
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Tinglin Ren
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Yuanqing Pan
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Liwen Zhang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Zhengfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Jingxia Lin
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Yaowu Zheng
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Li Xing
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Jiajian Zhou
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Changxin Wu
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Medical Molecular Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
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Mizoguchi T. In vivo dynamics of hard tissue-forming cell origins: Insights from Cre/loxP-based cell lineage tracing studies. JAPANESE DENTAL SCIENCE REVIEW 2024; 60:109-119. [PMID: 38406212 PMCID: PMC10885318 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdsr.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Bone tissue provides structural support for our bodies, with the inner bone marrow (BM) acting as a hematopoietic organ. Within the BM tissue, two types of stem cells play crucial roles: mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) (or skeletal stem cells) and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). These stem cells are intricately connected, where BM-MSCs give rise to bone-forming osteoblasts and serve as essential components in the BM microenvironment for sustaining HSCs. Despite the mid-20th century proposal of BM-MSCs, their in vivo identification remained elusive owing to a lack of tools for analyzing stemness, specifically self-renewal and multipotency. To address this challenge, Cre/loxP-based cell lineage tracing analyses are being employed. This technology facilitated the in vivo labeling of specific cells, enabling the tracking of their lineage, determining their stemness, and providing a deeper understanding of the in vivo dynamics governing stem cell populations responsible for maintaining hard tissues. This review delves into cell lineage tracing studies conducted using commonly employed genetically modified mice expressing Cre under the influence of LepR, Gli1, and Axin2 genes. These studies focus on research fields spanning long bones and oral/maxillofacial hard tissues, offering insights into the in vivo dynamics of stem cell populations crucial for hard tissue homeostasis.
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Richards-Steed R, Wan N, Bakian A, Medina RM, Brewer SC, Smith KR, VanDerslice JA. Observational methods for human studies of transgenerational effects. Epigenetics 2024; 19:2366065. [PMID: 38870389 PMCID: PMC11178273 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2024.2366065] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
There are substantial challenges in studying human transgenerational epigenetic outcomes resulting from environmental conditions. The task requires specialized methods and tools that incorporate specific knowledge of multigenerational relationship combinations of probands and their ancestors, phenotype data for individuals, environmental information of ancestors and their descendants, which can span historical to present datasets, and informative environmental data that chronologically aligns with ancestors and descendants over space and time. As a result, there are few epidemiologic studies of potential transgenerational effects in human populations, thus limiting the knowledge of ancestral environmental conditions and the potential impacts we face with modern human health outcomes. In an effort to overcome some of the challenges in studying human transgenerational effects, we present two transgenerational study designs: transgenerational space-time cluster detection and transgenerational case-control study design. Like other epidemiological methods, these methods determine whether there are statistical associations between phenotypic outcomes (e.g., adverse health outcomes) among probands and the shared environments and environmental factors facing their ancestors. When the ancestor is a paternal grandparent, a statistically significant association provides some evidence that a transgenerational inheritable factor may be involved. Such results may generate useful hypotheses that can be explored using epigenomic data to establish conclusive evidence of transgenerational heritable effects. Both methods are proband-centric: They are designed around the phenotype of interest in the proband generation for case selection and family pedigree creation. In the examples provided, we incorporate at least three generations of paternal lineage in both methods to observe a potential transgenerational effect.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Neng Wan
- Geography, University of Utah Department of Geography, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Amanda Bakian
- Psychiatry, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Richard M. Medina
- Geography, University of Utah Department of Geography, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Simon C. Brewer
- Geography, University of Utah Department of Geography, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ken R. Smith
- Child and Consumer Studies, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Keeley O, Coyne AN. Nuclear and degradative functions of the ESCRT-III pathway: implications for neurodegenerative disease. Nucleus 2024; 15:2349085. [PMID: 38700207 PMCID: PMC11073439 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2349085] [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: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The ESCRT machinery plays a pivotal role in membrane-remodeling events across multiple cellular processes including nuclear envelope repair and reformation, nuclear pore complex surveillance, endolysosomal trafficking, and neuronal pruning. Alterations in ESCRT-III functionality have been associated with neurodegenerative diseases including Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). In addition, mutations in specific ESCRT-III proteins have been identified in FTD/ALS. Thus, understanding how disruptions in the fundamental functions of this pathway and its individual protein components in the human central nervous system (CNS) may offer valuable insights into mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis and identification of potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we discuss ESCRT components, dynamics, and functions, with a focus on the ESCRT-III pathway. In addition, we explore the implications of altered ESCRT-III function for neurodegeneration with a primary emphasis on nuclear surveillance and endolysosomal trafficking within the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Keeley
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alyssa N. Coyne
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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11
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Shum C, Han SY, Thiruvahindrapuram B, Wang Z, de Rijke J, Zhang B, Sundberg M, Chen C, Buttermore ED, Makhortova N, Howe J, Sahin M, Scherer SW. Combining Off-flow, a Nextflow-coded program, and whole genome sequencing reveals unintended genetic variation in CRISPR/Cas-edited iPSCs. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:638-647. [PMID: 38283851 PMCID: PMC10819409 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-Cas nucleases and human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology can reveal deep insight into the genetic and molecular bases of human biology and disease. Undesired editing outcomes, both on-target (at the edited locus) and off-target (at other genomic loci) hinder the application of CRISPR-Cas nucleases. We developed Off-flow, a Nextflow-coded bioinformatic workflow that takes a specific guide sequence and Cas protein input to call four separate off-target prediction programs (CHOPCHOP, Cas-Offinder, CRISPRitz, CRISPR-Offinder) to output a comprehensive list of predicted off-target sites. We applied it to whole genome sequencing (WGS) data to investigate the occurrence of unintended effects in human iPSCs that underwent repair or insertion of disease-related variants by homology-directed repair. Off-flow identified a 3-base-pair-substitution and a mono-allelic genomic deletion at the target loci, KCNQ2, in 2 clones. Unbiased WGS analysis further identified off-target missense variants and a mono-allelic genomic deletion at the targeted locus, GNAQ, in 10 clones. On-target substitution and deletions had escaped standard PCR and Sanger sequencing analysis, while missense variants at other genomic loci were not detected by Off-flow. We used these results to filter out iPSC clones for subsequent functional experiments. Off-flow, which we make publicly available, works for human and mouse genomes currently and can be adapted for other genomes. Off-flow and WGS analysis can improve the integrity of studies using CRISPR/Cas-edited cells and animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Shum
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Sang Yeon Han
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | | | - Zhuozhi Wang
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Jill de Rijke
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Benjamin Zhang
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Maria Sundberg
- Department of Neurology, FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cidi Chen
- Human Neuron Core, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Nina Makhortova
- Human Neuron Core, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer Howe
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Department of Neurology, FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephen W. Scherer
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics and McLaughlin Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Lead contact
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12
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Larsen TJ, Pettersen MB, Nygaard Jensen H, Lynge Pedersen M, Lund-Andersen H, Jørgensen ME, Byberg S. The use of artificial intelligence to assess diabetic eye disease among the Greenlandic population. Int J Circumpolar Health 2024; 83:2314802. [PMID: 38359160 PMCID: PMC10877649 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2024.2314802] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Retina fundus images conducted in Greenland are telemedically assessed for diabetic retinopathy by ophthalmological nurses in Denmark. Applying an AI grading solution, in a Greenlandic setting, could potentially improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of DR screening.Method: We developed an AI model using retina fundus photos, performed on persons registered with diabetes in Greenland and Denmark, using Optos® ultra wide-field scanning laser ophthalmoscope, graded according to ICDR.Using the ResNet50 network we compared the model's ability to distinguish between different images of ICDR severity levels in a confusion matrix.Results: Comparing images with ICDR level 0 to images of ICDR level 4 resulted in an accuracy of 0.9655, AUC of 0.9905, sensitivity and specificity of 96.6%.Comparing ICDR levels 0,1,2 with ICDR levels 3,4, we achieved a performance with an accuracy of 0.8077, an AUC of 0.8728, a sensitivity of 84.6% and a specificity of 78.8%. For the other comparisons, we achieved a modest performance.Conclusion: We developed an AI model using Greenlandic data, to automatically detect DR on Optos retina fundus images. The sensitivity and specificity were too low for our model to be applied directly in a clinical setting, thus optimising the model should be prioritised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trine Jul Larsen
- Greenland Center of Health Research, Institute of Nursing and Health Science, University of Greenland, Nuuk, Greenland
| | | | | | - Michael Lynge Pedersen
- Greenland Center of Health Research, Institute of Nursing and Health Science, University of Greenland, Nuuk, Greenland
- Rigshospitalet-Glostrup University Hospital, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Henrik Lund-Andersen
- Clinical Epidemiology, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Rigshospitalet-Glostrup University Hospital, Glostrup, Denmark
| | | | - Stine Byberg
- Clinical Epidemiology, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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13
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Ingholt MM, Simonsen L, Mamelund SE, Noahsen P, van Wijhe M. The 1919-21 influenza pandemic in Greenland. Int J Circumpolar Health 2024; 83:2325711. [PMID: 38446074 PMCID: PMC10919313 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2024.2325711] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
In Alaska, the 1918-20 influenza pandemic was devastating, with mortality rates up to 90% of the population, while in other arctic regions in northern Sweden and Norway mortality was considerably lower. We investigated the timing and age-patterns in excess mortality in Greenland during the period 1918-21 and compare these to other epidemics and the 1889-92 pandemic. We accessed the Greenlandic National Archives and transcribed all deaths from 1880 to 1921 by age, geography, and cause of death. We estimated monthly excess mortality and studied the spatial-temporal patterns of the pandemics and compared them to other mortality crises in the 40-year period. The 1918-21 influenza pandemic arrived in Greenland in the summer of 1919, one year delayed due to ship traffic interruptions during the winter months. We found that 5.2% of the Greenland population died of the pandemic with substantial variability between counties (range, 0.1% to 11%). We did not see the typical pandemic age-pattern of high young-adult mortality, possibly due to high baseline mortality in this age-group or remoteness. However, despite substantial mortality, the mortality impact was not standing out relative to other mortality crises, or of similar devastation reported in Alaskan populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Mølbak Ingholt
- PandemiX Center, Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
- Cambridge Group for the History of Population and Social Structure, Department of Geography, Downing Place, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lone Simonsen
- PandemiX Center, Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | | | - Paneeraq Noahsen
- Governmental agency, National Board of Health in Greenland, Nuuk, Greenland
| | - Maarten van Wijhe
- PandemiX Center, Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
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14
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Murali H, Wang P, Liao EC, Wang K. Genetic variant classification by predicted protein structure: A case study on IRF6. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:892-904. [PMID: 38370976 PMCID: PMC10869248 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Next-generation genome sequencing has revolutionized genetic testing, identifying numerous rare disease-associated gene variants. However, to impute pathogenicity, computational approaches remain inadequate and functional testing of gene variant is required to provide the highest level of evidence. The emergence of AlphaFold2 has transformed the field of protein structure determination, and here we outline a strategy that leverages predicted protein structure to enhance genetic variant classification. We used the gene IRF6 as a case study due to its clinical relevance, its critical role in cleft lip/palate malformation, and the availability of experimental data on the pathogenicity of IRF6 gene variants through phenotype rescue experiments in irf6-/- zebrafish. We compared results from over 30 pathogenicity prediction tools on 37 IRF6 missense variants. IRF6 lacks an experimentally derived structure, so we used predicted structures to explore associations between mutational clustering and pathogenicity. We found that among these variants, 19 of 37 were unanimously predicted as deleterious by computational tools. Comparing in silico predictions with experimental findings, 12 variants predicted as pathogenic were experimentally determined as benign. Even with the recently published AlphaMissense model, 15/18 (83%) of the predicted pathogenic variants were experimentally determined as benign. In comparison, mapping variants to the protein revealed deleterious mutation clusters around the protein binding domain, whereas N-terminal variants tend to be benign, suggesting the importance of structural information in determining pathogenicity of mutations in this gene. In conclusion, incorporating gene-specific structural features of known pathogenic/benign mutations may provide meaningful insights into pathogenicity predictions in a gene-specific manner and facilitate the interpretation of variant pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemma Murali
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Peng Wang
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
- Master of Biotechnology Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Eric C. Liao
- Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
- Center for Craniofacial Innovation, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Kai Wang
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
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15
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Chen G, Wang Y, Wang X. Insulin-related traits and prostate cancer: A Mendelian randomization study. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:2337-2344. [PMID: 38867724 PMCID: PMC11167198 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Investigating the causal relationship between insulin secretion and prostate cancer (PCa) development is challenging due to the multifactorial nature of PCa, which complicates the isolation of the specific impact of insulin-related factors. We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study to investigate the associations between insulin secretion-related traits and PCa. We used 36, 60, 56, 23, 48, and 49 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables for fasting insulin, insulin sensitivity, proinsulin, and proinsulin in nondiabetic individuals, individuals with diabetes, and individuals receiving exogenous insulin, respectively. These SNPs were selected from various genome-wide association studies. To clarify the causal relationship between insulin-related traits and PCa, we utilized a multivariable MR analysis to adjust for obesity and body fat percentage. Additionally, two-step Mendelian randomization was conducted to assess the role of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in the relationship between proinsulin and PCa. Two-sample MR analysis revealed strong associations between genetically predicted fasting insulin, insulin sensitivity, proinsulin, and proinsulin in nondiabetic individuals and the development of PCa. After adjustment for obesity and body fat percentage using multivariable MR analysis, proinsulin remained significantly associated with PCa, whereas other factors were not. Furthermore, two-step MR analysis demonstrated that proinsulin acts as a negative factor in prostate carcinogenesis, largely independent of IGF-1. This study provides evidence suggesting that proinsulin may act as a negative factor contributing to the development of PCa. Novel therapies targeting proinsulin may have potential benefits for PCa patients, potentially reducing the need for unnecessary surgical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guihua Chen
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
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16
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Opsasnick LA, Zhao W, Schmitz LL, Ratliff SM, Faul JD, Zhou X, Needham BL, Smith JA. Epigenome-wide association study of long-term psychosocial stress in older adults. Epigenetics 2024; 19:2323907. [PMID: 38431869 PMCID: PMC10913704 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2024.2323907] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Long-term psychosocial stress is strongly associated with negative physical and mental health outcomes, as well as adverse health behaviours; however, little is known about the role that stress plays on the epigenome. One proposed mechanism by which stress affects DNA methylation is through health behaviours. We conducted an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of cumulative psychosocial stress (n = 2,689) from the Health and Retirement Study (mean age = 70.4 years), assessing DNA methylation (Illumina Infinium HumanMethylationEPIC Beadchip) at 789,656 CpG sites. For identified CpG sites, we conducted a formal mediation analysis to examine whether smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI) mediate the relationship between stress and DNA methylation. Nine CpG sites were associated with psychosocial stress (all p < 9E-07; FDR q < 0.10). Additionally, health behaviours and/or BMI mediated 9.4% to 21.8% of the relationship between stress and methylation at eight of the nine CpGs. Several of the identified CpGs were in or near genes associated with cardiometabolic traits, psychosocial disorders, inflammation, and smoking. These findings support our hypothesis that psychosocial stress is associated with DNA methylation across the epigenome. Furthermore, specific health behaviours mediate only a modest percentage of this relationship, providing evidence that other mechanisms may link stress and DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A. Opsasnick
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lauren L. Schmitz
- Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Scott M. Ratliff
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jessica D. Faul
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Belinda L. Needham
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Smith
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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17
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Wimalachandra M, Dissanayake R, Raj R, Kulasekeraraj A, Samarasinghe S, Gooneratne L. Donor-type bone marrow aplasia following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a child with a novel SAMD9L variant. Hematology 2024; 29:2337160. [PMID: 38597819 DOI: 10.1080/16078454.2024.2337160] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in the genes SAMD9 (sterile a-motif domain containing protein - 9) and SAMD9L (SAMD9-like) cause bone marrow failure with characteristic syndromic features. We report a case of a previously healthy, 3-year-old boy with no dysmorphology, who presented with severe aplastic anemia and a novel variant in the SAMD9L gene. His father, elder brother and sister who harbored the same variant were completely healthy. In the absence of a matched unrelated donor, he underwent a stem cell transplant from his sister, a 10/10 match. Almost 2 years later he developed donor type aplasia and succumbed to an invasive fungal infection after a failed haplograft from his mother. This case highlights the pathogenicity of this previously undescribed germline variation of uncertain significance in the SAMD9L gene and the value of comprehensive genetic testing for inherited bone marrow failures even in the absence of a positive family history or characteristic congenital abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruwangi Dissanayake
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Revathi Raj
- Department of Paediatric Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Apollo Cancer Institutes, Chennai, India
| | | | | | - Lallindra Gooneratne
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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18
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Jin Q, Ren F, Song P. Innovate therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases: insights from proteome-wide mendelian randomization and Bayesian colocalization. Autoimmunity 2024; 57:2330392. [PMID: 38515381 DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2024.2330392] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite growing knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases (ADs) onset, the current treatment remains unsatisfactory. This study aimed to identify innovative therapeutic targets for ADs through various analytical approaches. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Utilizing Mendelian randomization, Bayesian co-localization, phenotype scanning, and protein-protein interaction network, we explored potential therapeutic targets for 14 ADs and externally validated our preliminary findings. RESULTS This study identified 12 circulating proteins as potential therapeutic targets for six ADs. Specifically, IL12B was judged to be a risk factor for ankylosing spondylitis (p = 1.61E - 07). TYMP (p = 6.28E - 06) was identified as a protective factor for ulcerative colitis. For Crohn's disease, ERAP2 (p = 4.47E - 14), HP (p = 2.08E - 05), and RSPO3 (p = 6.52E - 07), were identified as facilitators, whereas FLRT3 (p = 3.42E - 07) had a protective effect. In rheumatoid arthritis, SWAP70 (p = 3.26E - 10), SIGLEC6 (p = 2.47E - 05), ISG15 (p = 3.69E - 05), and FCRL3 (p = 1.10E - 10) were identified as risk factors. B4GALT1 (p = 6.59E - 05) was associated with a lower risk of Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Interestingly, CTSH was identified as a protective factor for narcolepsy (p = 1.58E - 09) but a risk factor for T1D (p = 7.36E - 11), respectively. External validation supported the associations of eight of these proteins with three ADs. CONCLUSIONS Our integrated study identified 12 potential therapeutic targets for ADs and provided novel insights into future drug development for ADs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiubai Jin
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feihong Ren
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Graduate school, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Song
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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19
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Li C, Luo Y, Xie Y, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Zou L, Xiao F. Structural and functional prediction, evaluation, and validation in the post-sequencing era. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:446-451. [PMID: 38223342 PMCID: PMC10787220 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The surge of genome sequencing data has underlined substantial genetic variants of uncertain significance (VUS). The decryption of VUS discovered by sequencing poses a major challenge in the post-sequencing era. Although experimental assays have progressed in classifying VUS, only a tiny fraction of the human genes have been explored experimentally. Thus, it is urgently needed to generate state-of-the-art functional predictors of VUS in silico. Artificial intelligence (AI) is an invaluable tool to assist in the identification of VUS with high efficiency and accuracy. An increasing number of studies indicate that AI has brought an exciting acceleration in the interpretation of VUS, and our group has already used AI to develop protein structure-based prediction models. In this review, we provide an overview of the previous research on AI-based prediction of missense variants, and elucidate the challenges and opportunities for protein structure-based variant prediction in the post-sequencing era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Li
- Clinical Biobank, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yixuan Luo
- Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yibo Xie
- Information Center, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zaifeng Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lihui Zou
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Xiao
- Clinical Biobank, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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20
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Onuzulu CD, Lee S, Basu S, Comte J, Hai Y, Hizon N, Chadha S, Fauni MS, Halayko AJ, Pascoe CD, Jones MJ. Novel DNA methylation changes in mouse lungs associated with chronic smoking. Epigenetics 2024; 19:2322386. [PMID: 38436597 PMCID: PMC10913724 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2024.2322386] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Smoking is a potent cause of asthma exacerbations, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and many other health defects, and changes in DNA methylation (DNAm) have been identified as a potential link between smoking and these health outcomes. However, most studies of smoking and DNAm have been done using blood and other easily accessible tissues in humans, while evidence from more directly affected tissues such as the lungs is lacking. Here, we identified DNAm patterns in the lungs that are altered by smoking. We used an established mouse model to measure the effects of chronic smoke exposure first on lung phenotype immediately after smoking and then after a period of smoking cessation. Next, we determined whether our mouse model recapitulates previous DNAm patterns observed in smoking humans, specifically measuring DNAm at a candidate gene responsive to cigarette smoke, Cyp1a1. Finally, we carried out epigenome-wide DNAm analyses using the newly released Illumina mouse methylation microarrays. Our results recapitulate some of the phenotypes and DNAm patterns observed in human studies but reveal 32 differentially methylated genes specific to the lungs which have not been previously associated with smoking. The affected genes are associated with nicotine dependency, tumorigenesis and metastasis, immune cell dysfunction, lung function decline, and COPD. This research emphasizes the need to study CS-mediated DNAm signatures in directly affected tissues like the lungs, to fully understand mechanisms underlying CS-mediated health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinonye Doris Onuzulu
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Samantha Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Sujata Basu
- Biology of Breathing Theme, Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jeannette Comte
- Biology of Breathing Theme, Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Yan Hai
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Nikho Hizon
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Shivam Chadha
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Maria Shenna Fauni
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Andrew J. Halayko
- Biology of Breathing Theme, Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Christopher D. Pascoe
- Biology of Breathing Theme, Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Meaghan J. Jones
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Biology of Breathing Theme, Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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21
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Marasco M, Kirkpatrick J, Carlomagno T, Hub JS, Anselmi M. Phosphopeptide binding to the N-SH2 domain of tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 correlates with the unzipping of its central β-sheet. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:1169-1180. [PMID: 38510972 PMCID: PMC10951427 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
SHP2 is a tyrosine phosphatase that plays a regulatory role in multiple intracellular signaling cascades and is known to be oncogenic in certain contexts. In the absence of effectors, SHP2 adopts an autoinhibited conformation with its N-SH2 domain blocking the active site. Given the key role of N-SH2 in regulating SHP2, this domain has been extensively studied, often by X-ray crystallography. Using a combination of structural analyses and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations we show that the crystallographic environment can significantly influence the structure of the isolated N-SH2 domain, resulting in misleading interpretations. As an orthogonal method to X-ray crystallography, we use a combination of NMR spectroscopy and MD simulations to accurately determine the conformation of apo N-SH2 in solution. In contrast to earlier reports based on crystallographic data, our results indicate that apo N-SH2 in solution primarily adopts a conformation with a fully zipped central β-sheet, and that partial unzipping of this β-sheet is promoted by binding of either phosphopeptides or even phosphate/sulfate ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelangelo Marasco
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - John Kirkpatrick
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT Birmingham, UK
| | - Teresa Carlomagno
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT Birmingham, UK
| | - Jochen S. Hub
- Theoretical Physics and Center for Biophysics, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Massimiliano Anselmi
- Theoretical Physics and Center for Biophysics, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
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22
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Das Adhikari S, Yang J, Wang J, Cui Y. Recent advances in spatially variable gene detection in spatial transcriptomics. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:883-891. [PMID: 38370977 PMCID: PMC10869304 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
With the emergence of advanced spatial transcriptomic technologies, there has been a surge in research papers dedicated to analyzing spatial transcriptomics data, resulting in significant contributions to our understanding of biology. The initial stage of downstream analysis of spatial transcriptomic data has centered on identifying spatially variable genes (SVGs) or genes expressed with specific spatial patterns across the tissue. SVG detection is an important task since many downstream analyses depend on these selected SVGs. Over the past few years, a plethora of new methods have been proposed for the detection of SVGs, accompanied by numerous innovative concepts and discussions. This article provides a selective review of methods and their practical implementations, offering valuable insights into the current literature in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikta Das Adhikari
- Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Statistics and Probability, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Jiaxin Yang
- Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Jianrong Wang
- Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Yuehua Cui
- Department of Statistics and Probability, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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23
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Lan X, Ao WL, Li J. Preimplantation genetic testing as a preventive strategy for the transmission of mitochondrial DNA disorders. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2024; 70:38-51. [PMID: 38323618 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2024.2306389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases are distinct types of metabolic and/or neurologic abnormalities that occur as a consequence of dysfunction in oxidative phosphorylation, affecting several systems in the body. There is no effective treatment modality for mitochondrial disorders so far, emphasizing the clinical significance of preventing the inheritance of these disorders. Various reproductive options are available to reduce the probability of inheriting mitochondrial disorders, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) using donated oocytes, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), and prenatal diagnosis (PND), among which PGT not only makes it possible for families to have genetically-owned children but also PGT has the advantage that couples do not have to decide to terminate the pregnancy if a mutation is detected in the fetus. PGT for mitochondrial diseases originating from nuclear DNA includes analyzing the nuclear genome for the presence or absence of corresponding mutations. However, PGT for mitochondrial disorders arising from mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is more intricate, due to the specific characteristics of mtDNA such as multicopy nature, heteroplasmy phenomenon, and exclusive maternal inheritance. Therefore, the present review aims to discuss the utility and challenges of PGT as a preventive approach to inherited mitochondrial diseases caused by mtDNA mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinpeng Lan
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wu Liji Ao
- College of Mongolian Medicine and Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Ji Li
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
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24
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Jang W, Ha DJ, Nahm CH, Park J, Kim SJ, Lee JE, Moon Y. Identification of a novel splice variant in SEC23B gene in a patient with concomitant presence of congenital dyserythropoietic anemia II and Gilbert's syndrome. Hematology 2024; 29:2343163. [PMID: 38655690 DOI: 10.1080/16078454.2024.2343163] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia Ⅱ (CDA Ⅱ) is a rare inherited disorder of defective erythropoiesis caused by SEC23B gene mutation. CDA Ⅱ is often misdiagnosed as a more common type of clinically related anemia, or it remains undiagnosed due to phenotypic variability caused by the coexistence of inherited liver diseases, including Gilbert's syndrome (GS) and hereditary hemochromatosis. METHODS We describe the case of a boy with genetically undetermined severe hemolytic anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, and gallstones whose diagnosis was achieved by targeted next generation sequencing. RESULTS Molecular analysis revealed a maternally inherited novel intronic variant and a paternally inherited missense variant, c.[994-3C > T];[1831C > T] in the SEC23B gene, confirming diagnosis of CDA Ⅱ. cDNA analysis verified that the splice acceptor site variant results in two mutant transcripts, one with an exon 9 skip and one in which exons 9 and 10 are deleted. SEC23B mRNA levels in the patient were lower than those in healthy controls. The patient was also homozygous for the UGT1A1*6 allele, consistent with GS. CONCLUSION Identification of the novel splice variant in this study further expands the spectrum of known SEC23B gene mutations. Molecular genetic approaches can lead to accurate diagnosis and management of CDA Ⅱ patients, particularly for those with GS coexisting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woori Jang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
- Northwest Gyeonggi Regional Center for Rare Disease, Incheon, Korea
| | - Dong Jun Ha
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Chung Hyun Nahm
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jisun Park
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
- Northwest Gyeonggi Regional Center for Rare Disease, Incheon, Korea
| | - Su Jin Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
- Northwest Gyeonggi Regional Center for Rare Disease, Incheon, Korea
| | - Ji-Eun Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
- Northwest Gyeonggi Regional Center for Rare Disease, Incheon, Korea
| | - Yeonsook Moon
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
- Northwest Gyeonggi Regional Center for Rare Disease, Incheon, Korea
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25
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Podgrajsek R, Hodzic A, Stimpfel M, Kunej T, Peterlin B. Insight into the complexity of male infertility: a multi-omics review. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2024; 70:73-90. [PMID: 38517373 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2024.2317804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Male infertility is a reproductive disorder, accounting for 40-50% of infertility. Currently, in about 70% of infertile men, the cause remains unknown. With the introduction of novel omics and advancement in high-throughput technology, potential biomarkers are emerging. The main purpose of our work was to overview different aspects of omics approaches in association with idiopathic male infertility and highlight potential genes, transcripts, non-coding RNA, proteins, and metabolites worth further exploring. Using the Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, we aimed to compare enriched GO terms from each omics approach and determine their overlapping. A PubMed database screening for the literature published between February 2014 and June 2022 was performed using the keywords: male infertility in association with different omics approaches: genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, ncRNAomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. A GO enrichment analysis was performed using the Enrichr tool. We retrieved 281 global studies: 171 genomics (DNA level), 21 epigenomics (19 of methylation and two histone residue modifications), 15 transcriptomics, 31 non-coding RNA, 29 proteomics, two protein posttranslational modification, and 19 metabolomics studies. Gene ontology comparison showed that different omics approaches lead to the identification of different molecular factors and that the corresponding GO terms, obtained from different omics approaches, do not overlap to a larger extent. With the integration of novel omics levels into the research of idiopathic causes of male infertility, using multi-omic systems biology approaches, we will be closer to finding the potential biomarkers and consequently becoming aware of the entire spectrum of male infertility, their cause, prognosis, and potential treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeka Podgrajsek
- Department of Human Reproduction, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Hodzic
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Novo mesto, Novo Mesto, Slovenia
| | - Martin Stimpfel
- Department of Human Reproduction, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Kunej
- Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Domžale, Slovenia
| | - Borut Peterlin
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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26
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Li W, Zhang Z, Xie B, He Y, He K, Qiu H, Lu Z, Jiang C, Pan X, He Y, Hu W, Liu W, Que T, Hu Y. HiOmics: A cloud-based one-stop platform for the comprehensive analysis of large-scale omics data. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:659-668. [PMID: 38292471 PMCID: PMC10824657 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Analyzing the vast amount of omics data generated comprehensively by high-throughput sequencing technology is of utmost importance for scientists. In this context, we propose HiOmics, a cloud-based platform equipped with nearly 300 plugins designed for the comprehensive analysis and visualization of omics data. HiOmics utilizes the Element Plus framework to craft a user-friendly interface and harnesses Docker container technology to ensure the reliability and reproducibility of data analysis results. Furthermore, HiOmics employs the Workflow Description Language and Cromwell engine to construct workflows, ensuring the portability of data analysis and simplifying the examination of intricate data. Additionally, HiOmics has developed DataCheck, a tool based on Golang, which verifies and converts data formats. Finally, by leveraging the object storage technology and batch computing capabilities of public cloud platforms, HiOmics enables the storage and processing of large-scale data while maintaining resource independence among users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Li
- Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Molecular Medicine Research (Guangxi Medical University), Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhining Zhang
- Guangxi Henbio Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Bo Xie
- Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yunlin He
- Guangxi Henbio Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Kangming He
- Guangxi Henbio Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hong Qiu
- Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Henbio Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhiwei Lu
- Guangxi Henbio Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Chunlan Jiang
- Guangxi Henbio Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xuanyu Pan
- School of Basic Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuxiao He
- Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Wenyu Hu
- Guangxi Henbio Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Wenjian Liu
- Faculty of Data Science, City University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Tengcheng Que
- Faculty of Data Science, City University of Macau, Macau, China
- Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Terrestrial Wildlife Rescue Research and Epidemic Diseases Monitoring Center, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yanling Hu
- Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Molecular Medicine Research (Guangxi Medical University), Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Henbio Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Faculty of Data Science, City University of Macau, Macau, China
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27
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Xu X, Wang X, Zhang L, Jin Y, Li L, Jin M, Li L, Ni H. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide treatment confers resistance to neonatal ischemia and hypoxia: effects on neurobehavioral phenotypes. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2760-2772. [PMID: 38595293 PMCID: PMC11168517 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01490] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202412000-00031/figure1/v/2024-04-08T165401Z/r/image-tiff Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury is the main cause of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and cerebral palsy. Currently, there are few effective clinical treatments for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. Here, we investigated the neuroprotective and molecular mechanisms of exogenous nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, which can protect against hypoxic injury in adulthood, in a mouse model of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. In this study, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (5 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered 30 minutes before surgery and every 24 hours thereafter. The results showed that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide treatment improved body weight, brain structure, adenosine triphosphate levels, oxidative damage, neurobehavioral test outcomes, and seizure threshold in experimental mice. Tandem mass tag proteomics revealed that numerous proteins were altered after nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide treatment in hypoxic-ischemic brain injury mice. Parallel reaction monitoring and western blotting confirmed changes in the expression levels of proteins including serine (or cysteine) peptidase inhibitor, clade A, member 3N, fibronectin 1, 5'-nucleotidase, cytosolic IA, microtubule associated protein 2, and complexin 2. Proteomics analyses showed that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ameliorated hypoxic-ischemic injury through inflammation-related signaling pathways (e.g., nuclear factor-kappa B, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B). These findings suggest that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide treatment can improve neurobehavioral phenotypes in hypoxic-ischemic brain injury mice through inflammation-related pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Xu
- Division of Brain Science, Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xinxin Wang
- Division of Brain Science, Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Division of Brain Science, Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yiming Jin
- Division of Brain Science, Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lili Li
- Division of Brain Science, Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Meifang Jin
- Division of Brain Science, Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lianyong Li
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Hong Ni
- Division of Brain Science, Institute of Pediatric Research, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
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28
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Li X, Yang Y, Xu S, Gui Y, Chen J, Xu J. Screening biomarkers for spinal cord injury using weighted gene co-expression network analysis and machine learning. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2723-2734. [PMID: 38595290 PMCID: PMC11168503 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.391306] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202412000-00028/figure1/v/2024-04-08T165401Z/r/image-tiff Immune changes and inflammatory responses have been identified as central events in the pathological process of spinal cord injury. They can greatly affect nerve regeneration and functional recovery. However, there is still limited understanding of the peripheral immune inflammatory response in spinal cord injury. In this study, we obtained microRNA expression profiles from the peripheral blood of patients with spinal cord injury using high-throughput sequencing. We also obtained the mRNA expression profile of spinal cord injury patients from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE151371). We identified 54 differentially expressed microRNAs and 1656 differentially expressed genes using bioinformatics approaches. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that various common immune and inflammation-related signaling pathways, such as neutrophil extracellular trap formation pathway, T cell receptor signaling pathway, and nuclear factor-κB signal pathway, were abnormally activated or inhibited in spinal cord injury patient samples. We applied an integrated strategy that combines weighted gene co-expression network analysis, LASSO logistic regression, and SVM-RFE algorithm and identified three biomarkers associated with spinal cord injury: ANO10, BST1, and ZFP36L2. We verified the expression levels and diagnostic performance of these three genes in the original training dataset and clinical samples through the receiver operating characteristic curve. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction results showed that ANO10 and BST1 mRNA levels were increased and ZFP36L2 mRNA was decreased in the peripheral blood of spinal cord injury patients. We also constructed a small RNA-mRNA interaction network using Cytoscape. Additionally, we evaluated the proportion of 22 types of immune cells in the peripheral blood of spinal cord injury patients using the CIBERSORT tool. The proportions of naïve B cells, plasma cells, monocytes, and neutrophils were increased while the proportions of memory B cells, CD8+ T cells, resting natural killer cells, resting dendritic cells, and eosinophils were markedly decreased in spinal cord injury patients increased compared with healthy subjects, and ANO10, BST1 and ZFP26L2 were closely related to the proportion of certain immune cell types. The findings from this study provide new directions for the development of treatment strategies related to immune inflammation in spinal cord injury and suggest that ANO10, BST1, and ZFP36L2 are potential biomarkers for spinal cord injury. The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration No. ChiCTR2200066985, December 12, 2022).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolu Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ye Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Guilin People’s Hospital, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Senming Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yuchang Gui
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jianmin Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jianwen Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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29
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Siri-Angkul N, Kamp TJ. Cardiac L-type calcium channel regulation by Leucine-Rich Repeat-Containing Protein 10. Channels (Austin) 2024; 18:2355121. [PMID: 38762910 PMCID: PMC11110685 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2024.2355121] [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: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
L-type calcium channels (LTCCs), the major portal for Ca2+ entry into cardiomyocytes, are essential for excitation-contraction coupling and thus play a central role in regulating overall cardiac function. LTCC function is finely tuned by multiple signaling pathways and accessory proteins. Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 10 (LRRC10) is a little studied cardiomyocyte-specific protein recently identified as a modulator of LTCCs. LRRC10 exerts a remarkable effect on LTCC function, more than doubling L-type Ca2+ current (ICa,L) amplitude in a heterologous expression system by altering the gating of the channels without changing their surface membrane expression. Genetic ablation of LRRC10 expression in mouse and zebrafish hearts leads to a significant reduction in ICa,L density and a slowly progressive dilated cardiomyopathy in mice. Rare sequence variants of LRRC10 have been identified in dilated cardiomyopathy and sudden unexplained nocturnal cardiac death syndrome, but these variants have not been clearly linked to disease. Nevertheless, the DCM-associated variant, I195T, converted LRRC10 from a ICa,L potentiator to a ICa,L suppressor, thus illustrating the wide dynamic range of LRRC10-mediated ICa,L regulation. This review focuses on the contemporary knowledge of LTCC modulation by LRRC10 and discusses potential directions for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natthaphat Siri-Angkul
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Timothy J Kamp
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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30
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Hasan MK, Jeannine Brady L. Nucleic acid-binding KH domain proteins influence a spectrum of biological pathways including as part of membrane-localized complexes. J Struct Biol X 2024; 10:100106. [PMID: 39040530 PMCID: PMC11261784 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjsbx.2024.100106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
K-Homology domain (KH domain) proteins bind single-stranded nucleic acids, influence protein-protein interactions of proteins that harbor them, and are found in all kingdoms of life. In concert with other functional protein domains KH domains contribute to a variety of critical biological activities, often within higher order machineries including membrane-localized protein complexes. Eukaryotic KH domain proteins are linked to developmental processes, morphogenesis, and growth regulation, and their aberrant expression is often associated with cancer. Prokaryotic KH domain proteins are involved in integral cellular activities including cell division and protein translocation. Eukaryotic and prokaryotic KH domains share structural features, but are differentiated based on their structural organizations. In this review, we explore the structure/function relationships of known examples of KH domain proteins, and highlight cases in which they function within or at membrane surfaces. We also summarize examples of KH domain proteins that influence bacterial virulence and pathogenesis. We conclude the article by discussing prospective research avenues that could be pursued to better investigate this largely understudied protein category.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Kamrul Hasan
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - L. Jeannine Brady
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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31
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Sha Y, Liu W, Hong J, Yang Y, Yu J, Fu X. A noninvasive method for the detection of foetal DNA in early pregnancy based on differential methylation pattern of Ras association domain family member 1A. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2024; 44:2292611. [PMID: 38197583 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2023.2292611] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The detection of foetal DNA and extravillus trophoblasts (EVTs) in early pregnancy in cervical and uterine samples offers a potential pathway for non-invasive prenatal diagnostics. However, the challenge lies in effectively quantifying these samples. This study introduces a novel approach using the Ras association domain family 1 A (RASSF1A), which exhibits hypermethylation in foetal cells and hypomethylation in maternal cells. The differential methylation pattern of RASSF1A provides a unique biomarker for quantifying foetal cells in cervical and intrauterine samples. METHODS This study was conducted between September 2022 and May 2023. In total, 23 samples (12 cervical cell samples and 11 intrauterine samples) were collected from women in the Sichuan Jinxin Women & Children Hospital, Jingxiu District, Chengdu, China. The cervical cell samples were collected via lavage and brush techniques, and the intrauterine cell samples were obtained via uterine lavage. These samples were collected as part of a broader effort to advance our understanding of foetal cell dynamics during early pregnancy. The sampling methods were chosen for their minimally invasive nature and their potential in capturing a representative cell population from the respective sites. After digestion of the cell samples using a methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme cocktail, a critical step to differentiate between maternal and foetal DNA, the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) of RASSF1A and β-actin (ACTB) were employed to measure foetal DNA and cell concentrations. Immunofluorescence techniques targeting histocompatibility complex, class I G (HLA-G) and GATA binding protein 3 (GATA-3) were employed to detect EVTs in the cell samples and in decidual tissue, with the latter providing an additional layer of confirmation for the presence of foetal cells. RESULTS The results showed no hypermethylated RASSF1A was detected in any of the cervical samples, irrespective of whether the samples were obtained by brush or lavage. However, an average of 17,236 ± 7490 foetal cells per sample were detected in the uterine lavage samples. Foetal cells accounted for approximately 0.14% ± 0.10% of the total cell population in these samples. The presence of EVTs in these samples was confirmed by their expression of both HLA-G and GATA-3. CONCLUSION The detection of foetal cells in uterine cavity samples based on hypermethylation of RASSF1A and quantification of foetal cells can be used to prenatal screening. GATA-3 can be used to label EVTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Sha
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Jinxin Xinan Women & Children Hospital (Jingxiu District), Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Jinxin Xinan Women & Children Hospital (Jingxiu District), Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiongzhi Hong
- Triplex International Biosciences (China) Co., LTD, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Sichuan Jinxin Xinan Women & Children Hospital (Jingxiu District), Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jian Yu
- Sichuan Jinxin Xinan Women & Children Hospital (Jingxiu District), Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaodong Fu
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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Sapozhnikov DM, Szyf M. Genetic confounds of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in mice. Epigenetics 2024; 19:2318519. [PMID: 38369744 PMCID: PMC10878023 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2024.2318519] [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: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in mammals remains a controversial phenomenon. A recent study by Takahashi et al. provides evidence for this mode of inheritance in mice by using a CRISPR/Cas9-based epigenetic editing technique to modify DNA methylation levels at specific promoters and then demonstrating the inheritance of the gain in methylation in offspring. In this technical commentary, we argue that the method used in the original study inherently amplifies the likelihood of genetic changes that thereafter lead to the heritability of epigenetic changes. We provide evidence that genetic changes from multiple sources do indeed occur in these experiments and explore several avenues by which these changes could be causal to the apparent inheritance of epigenetic changes. We conclude a genetic basis of inheritance cannot be ruled out and thus transgenerational epigenetic inheritance has not been adequately established by the original study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M. Sapozhnikov
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Tian Y, Zhang H, Bureau A, Hochner H, Chen J. Efficient inference of parent-of-origin effect using case-control mother-child genotype data. J Stat Plan Inference 2024; 233:106190. [PMID: 38818512 PMCID: PMC11135462 DOI: 10.1016/j.jspi.2024.106190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Parent-of-origin effect plays an important role in mammal development and disorder. Case-control mother-child pair genotype data can be used to detect parent-of-origin effect and is often convenient to collect in practice. Most existing methods for assessing parent-of-origin effect do not incorporate any covariates, which may be required to control for confounding factors. We propose to model the parent-of-origin effect through a logistic regression model, with predictors including maternal and child genotypes, parental origins, and covariates. The parental origins may not be fully inferred from genotypes of a target genetic marker, so we propose to use genotypes of markers tightly linked to the target marker to increase inference efficiency. A robust statistical inference procedure is developed based on a modified profile log-likelihood in a retrospective way. A computationally feasible expectation-maximization algorithm is devised to estimate all unknown parameters involved in the modified profile log-likelihood. This algorithm differs from the conventional expectation-maximization algorithm in the sense that it is based on a modified instead of the original profile log-likelihood function. The convergence of the algorithm is established under some mild regularity conditions. This expectation-maximization algorithm also allows convenient handling of missing child genotypes. Large sample properties, including weak consistency, asymptotic normality, and asymptotic efficiency, are established for the proposed estimator under some mild regularity conditions. Finite sample properties are evaluated through extensive simulation studies and the application to a real dataset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuang Tian
- Shanghai Center for Mathematical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Statistics and Finance, School of Management, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Alexandre Bureau
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Hagit Hochner
- Braun School of Public Health, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Jinbo Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
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Xie X, Zhang G, Liu N. Comprehensive analysis of abnormal methylation modification differential expression mRNAs between low-grade and high-grade intervertebral disc degeneration and its correlation with immune cells. Ann Med 2024; 56:2357742. [PMID: 38819022 PMCID: PMC11146251 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2357742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is an important cause of low back pain. The aim of this study is to identify the potential molecular mechanism of abnormal methylation-modified DNA in the progression of IDD, hoping to contribute to the diagnosis and management of IDD. METHODS Low-grade IDD (grade I-II) and high-grade IDD (grade III-V) data were downloaded from GSE70362 and GSE129789 datasets. The abnormally methylated modified differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) were identified by differential expression analysis (screening criteria were p < .05 and |logFC| > 1) and differential methylation analysis (screening criteria were p < .05 and |δβ| > 0.1). The classification models were constructed, and the receiver operating characteristic analysis was also carried out. In addition, functional enrichment analysis and immune correlation analysis were performed and the miRNAs targeted for the abnormally methylated DEmRNAs were predicted. Finally, expression validation was performed using real-time PCR. RESULTS Compared with low-grade IDD, seven abnormal methylation-modified DEmRNAs (AOX1, IBSP, QDPR, ABLIM1, CRISPLD2, ACTC1 and EMILIN1) were identified in high-grade IDD, and the classification models of random forests (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) were constructed. Moreover, seven abnormal methylation-modified DEmRNAs and classification models have high diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve [AUC] > 0.8). We also found that AUC values of single abnormal methylation-modified DEmRNA were all lower than those of RF and SVM classification models. Pearson correlation analysis found that macrophages M2 and EMILIN1 had significant negative correlation, while macrophages M2 and IBSP had significant positive correlation. In addition, four targeted relationship pairs (hsa-miR-4728-5p-QDPR, hsa-miR-4533-ABLIM1, hsa-miR-4728-5p-ABLIM1 and hsa-miR-4534-CRISPLD2) and multiple signalling pathways (for example, PI3K-AKT signalling pathway, osteoclast differentiation and calcium signalling pathway) were also identified that may be involved in the progression of IDD. CONCLUSION The identification of abnormal methylation-modified DEmRNAs and the construction of classification models in this study were helpful for the diagnosis and management of IDD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehu Xie
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Guoqiang Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
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Wang G, Zhang H, Shao M, Tian M, Feng H, Li Q, Cao C. Optimal variable identification for accurate detection of causal expression Quantitative Trait Loci with applications in heart-related diseases. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:2478-2486. [PMID: 38952424 PMCID: PMC11215961 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.05.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene expression plays a pivotal role in various diseases, contributing significantly to their mechanisms. Most GWAS risk loci are in non-coding regions, potentially affecting disease risk by altering gene expression in specific tissues. This expression is notably tissue-specific, with genetic variants substantially influencing it. However, accurately detecting the expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTL) is challenging due to limited heritability in gene expression, extensive linkage disequilibrium (LD), and multiple causal variants. The single variant association approach in eQTL analysis is limited by its susceptibility to capture the combined effects of multiple variants, and a bias towards common variants, underscoring the need for a more robust method to accurately identify causal eQTL variants. To address this, we developed an algorithm, CausalEQTL, which integrates L 0 +L 1 penalized regression with an ensemble approach to localize eQTL, thereby enhancing prediction performance precisely. Our results demonstrate that CausalEQTL outperforms traditional models, including LASSO, Elastic Net, Ridge, in terms of power and overall performance. Furthermore, analysis of heart tissue data from the GTEx project revealed that eQTL sites identified by our algorithm provide deeper insights into heart-related tissue eQTL detection. This advancement in eQTL mapping promises to improve our understanding of the genetic basis of tissue-specific gene expression and its implications in disease. The source code and identified causal eQTLs for CausalEQTL are available on GitHub: https://github.com/zhc-moushang/CausalEQTL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guishen Wang
- College of Computer Science and Engineering, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Hangchen Zhang
- College of Computer Science and Engineering, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Mengting Shao
- Key Laboratory for Bio-Electromagnetic Environment and Advanced Medical Theranostics, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Min Tian
- Key Laboratory for Bio-Electromagnetic Environment and Advanced Medical Theranostics, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Hui Feng
- College of Computer Science and Engineering, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Qiaoling Li
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Chen Cao
- Key Laboratory for Bio-Electromagnetic Environment and Advanced Medical Theranostics, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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El Sharkawy M, Felix JF, Grote V, Voortman T, Jaddoe VWV, Koletzko B, Küpers LK. Animal and plant protein intake during infancy and childhood DNA methylation: a meta-analysis in the NutriPROGRAM consortium. Epigenetics 2024; 19:2299045. [PMID: 38198623 PMCID: PMC10793674 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2299045] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Higher early-life animal protein intake is associated with a higher childhood obesity risk compared to plant protein intake. Differential DNA methylation may represent an underlying mechanism. METHODS We analysed associations of infant animal and plant protein intakes with DNA methylation in early (2-6 years, N = 579) and late (7̄-12 years, N = 604) childhood in two studies. Study-specific robust linear regression models adjusted for relevant confounders were run, and then meta-analysed using a fixed-effects model. We also performed sex-stratified meta-analyses. Follow-up analyses included pathway analysis and eQTM look-up. RESULTS Infant animal protein intake was not associated with DNA methylation in early childhood, but was associated with late-childhood DNA methylation at cg21300373 (P = 4.27 × 10¯8, MARCHF1) and cg10633363 (P = 1.09 × 10¯7, HOXB9) after FDR correction. Infant plant protein intake was associated with early-childhood DNA methylation at cg25973293 (P = 2.26 × 10-7, C1orf159) and cg15407373 (P = 2.13 × 10-7, MBP) after FDR correction. There was no overlap between the findings from the animal and plant protein analyses. We did not find enriched functional pathways at either time point using CpGs associated with animal and plant protein. These CpGs were not previously associated with childhood gene expression. Sex-stratified meta-analyses showed sex-specific DNA methylation associations for both animal and plant protein intake. CONCLUSION Infant animal protein intake was associated with DNA methylation at two CpGs in late childhood. Infant plant protein intake was associated with DNA methylation in early childhood at two CpGs. A potential mediating role of DNA methylation at these CpGs between infant protein intake and health outcomes requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed El Sharkawy
- Division of Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
- Munich Medical Research School, Faculty of Medicine, LMU - Ludwig-Maximilians Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Janine F. Felix
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Veit Grote
- Division of Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Trudy Voortman
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent W. V. Jaddoe
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Berthold Koletzko
- Division of Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Leanne K. Küpers
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Butterfield ER, Obado SO, Scutts SR, Zhang W, Chait BT, Rout MP, Field MC. A lineage-specific protein network at the trypanosome nuclear envelope. Nucleus 2024; 15:2310452. [PMID: 38605598 PMCID: PMC11018031 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2310452] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The nuclear envelope (NE) separates translation and transcription and is the location of multiple functions, including chromatin organization and nucleocytoplasmic transport. The molecular basis for many of these functions have diverged between eukaryotic lineages. Trypanosoma brucei, a member of the early branching eukaryotic lineage Discoba, highlights many of these, including a distinct lamina and kinetochore composition. Here, we describe a cohort of proteins interacting with both the lamina and NPC, which we term lamina-associated proteins (LAPs). LAPs represent a diverse group of proteins, including two candidate NPC-anchoring pore membrane proteins (POMs) with architecture conserved with S. cerevisiae and H. sapiens, and additional peripheral components of the NPC. While many of the LAPs are Kinetoplastid specific, we also identified broadly conserved proteins, indicating an amalgam of divergence and conservation within the trypanosome NE proteome, highlighting the diversity of nuclear biology across the eukaryotes, increasing our understanding of eukaryotic and NPC evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samson O. Obado
- Laboratory of Cellular and Structural Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Simon R. Scutts
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Wenzhu Zhang
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brian T. Chait
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Gaseous Ion Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael P. Rout
- Laboratory of Cellular and Structural Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark C. Field
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Huang S, Dong W, Lin X, Bian J. Na+/K+-ATPase: ion pump, signal transducer, or cytoprotective protein, and novel biological functions. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2684-2697. [PMID: 38595287 PMCID: PMC11168508 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01175] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Na+/K+-ATPase is a transmembrane protein that has important roles in the maintenance of electrochemical gradients across cell membranes by transporting three Na+ out of and two K+ into cells. Additionally, Na+/K+-ATPase participates in Ca2+-signaling transduction and neurotransmitter release by coordinating the ion concentration gradient across the cell membrane. Na+/K+-ATPase works synergistically with multiple ion channels in the cell membrane to form a dynamic network of ion homeostatic regulation and affects cellular communication by regulating chemical signals and the ion balance among different types of cells. Therefore, it is not surprising that Na+/K+-ATPase dysfunction has emerged as a risk factor for a variety of neurological diseases. However, published studies have so far only elucidated the important roles of Na+/K+-ATPase dysfunction in disease development, and we are lacking detailed mechanisms to clarify how Na+/K+-ATPase affects cell function. Our recent studies revealed that membrane loss of Na+/K+-ATPase is a key mechanism in many neurological disorders, particularly stroke and Parkinson's disease. Stabilization of plasma membrane Na+/K+-ATPase with an antibody is a novel strategy to treat these diseases. For this reason, Na+/K+-ATPase acts not only as a simple ion pump but also as a sensor/regulator or cytoprotective protein, participating in signal transduction such as neuronal autophagy and apoptosis, and glial cell migration. Thus, the present review attempts to summarize the novel biological functions of Na+/K+-ATPase and Na+/K+-ATPase-related pathogenesis. The potential for novel strategies to treat Na+/K+-ATPase-related brain diseases will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songqiang Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong-Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and Diseases, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wanting Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiaoqian Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong-Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and Diseases, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jinsong Bian
- Department of Pharmacology, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong-Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and Diseases, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
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Li Y, Ye J, Liang L, Tan X, Zheng L, Qin T, Yu L. Detection of α-thalassemia South-East Asian deletion based on a fully integrated digital polymerase chain reaction system DropXpert S6. Hematology 2024; 29:2365596. [PMID: 38864494 DOI: 10.1080/16078454.2024.2365596] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to establish a droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assay for South-East Asian (SEA) deletion based on a fully integrated digital PCR system DropXpert S6. METHODS A total of 151 whole blood samples, 10 chorionic villus samples, and 17 amniotic fluid samples were collected, including 106 SEA heterozygotes, 43 normal individuals, 10 Hb Bart's hydrops details, and 19 SEA deletions combined with other genotypes.Genotypes of these samples were determined by the Gap-PCR method. We perform a series of optimizations of the ddPCR system to ensure the performance of the entire ddPCR reaction, such as droplet stability, fluorescence clustering, sensitivity, and accuracy. RESULTS Our assay exhibited 99.4% (177/178) accuracy compared with the Gap-PCR method, and the minimum detection limit of DNA was 0.1 ng/μL.Both targets have reliable linearity, R2 = 0.9999 for the α-thalassemia SEA deletion allele and R2 = 1 for the wild-type allele. The coefficient of variation for α-thalassemia SEA deletion allele detection at 2 and 10 ng/μL concentrations was 5.42% and 1.91%, respectively. In contrast, the coefficient of variation for wild-type allele detection was 4.06% and 1.83%, demonstrating its high quantitative accuracy. In addition, the DropXpert S6 PCR system showed some advantages over other ddPCR instruments, such as reducing testing costs, simplifying and automating the workflow. CONCLUSIONS The DropXpert S6 PCR system provided a highly accurate diagnosis for α-thalassemia SEA deletion and can be used to detect α-thalassemia as an alternative method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youqiong Li
- Center for Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Junwei Ye
- Research and Development Department, Shenzhen Biorain Technology Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Liang
- Center for Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Tan
- Research and Development Department, Shenzhen Biorain Technology Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Lihong Zheng
- Center for Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Qin
- Center for Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Linfen Yu
- Research and Development Department, Shenzhen Biorain Technology Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
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Peng Y, Pan M, Wang Y, Shen Z, Xu J, Xiong F, Xiao H, Miao Y. Identification of a novel nonsense mutation in α-galactosidase A that causes Fabry disease in a Chinese family. Ren Fail 2024; 46:2362391. [PMID: 38847497 PMCID: PMC11164125 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2024.2362391] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Fabry disease, a lysosomal storage disease, is an uncommon X-linked recessive genetic disorder stemming from abnormalities in the alpha-galactosidase gene (GLA) that codes human alpha-Galactosidase A (α-Gal A). To date, over 800 GLA mutations have been found to cause Fabry disease (FD). Continued enhancement of the GLA mutation spectrum will contribute to a deeper recognition and underlying mechanisms of FD. In this study, a 27-year-old male proband exhibited a typical phenotype of Fabry disease. Subsequently, family screening for Fabry disease was conducted, and high-throughput sequencing was employed to identify the mutated gene. The three-level structure of the mutated protein was analyzed, and its subcellular localization and enzymatic activity were determined. Apoptosis was assessed in GLA mutant cell lines to confirm the functional effects. As a result, a new mutation, c.777_778del (p. Gly261Leufs*3), in the GLA gene was identified. The mutation caused a frameshift during translation and the premature appearance of a termination codon, which led to a partial deletion of the domain in C-terminal region and altered the protein's tertiary structure. In vitro experiments revealed a significant reduction of the enzymatic activity in mutant cells. The expression was noticeably decreased at the mRNA and protein levels in mutant cell lines. Additionally, the subcellular localization of α-Gal A changed from a homogeneous distribution to punctate aggregation in the cytoplasm. GLA mutant cells exhibited significantly higher levels of apoptosis compared to wild-type cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushi Peng
- Department of Transplantation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Meize Pan
- Department of Nephrology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuchen Wang
- Department of Transplantation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zongrui Shen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Experimental Education/Administration Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Transplantation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fu Xiong
- Department of Medical Genetics, Experimental Education/Administration Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Single Cell Technology and Application, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongbo Xiao
- Department of Nephrology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yun Miao
- Department of Transplantation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Dohle E, Schmeinck L, Parkhoo K, Sader R, Ghanaati S. Platelet rich fibrin as a bioactive matrix with proosteogenic and proangiogenic properties on human healthy primary cells in vitro. Platelets 2024; 35:2316744. [PMID: 38390838 DOI: 10.1080/09537104.2024.2316744] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Blood concentrates like platelet rich fibrin (PRF) have been established as a potential autologous source of cells and growth factors with regenerative properties in the field of dentistry and regenerative medicine. To further analyze the effect of PRF on bone tissue regeneration, this study investigated the influence of liquid PRF matrices on human healthy primary osteoblasts (pOB) and co-cultures composed of pOB and human dermal vascular endothelial cells (HDMEC) as in vitro model for bone tissue regeneration. Special attention was paid to the PRF mediated influence on osteoblastic differentiation and angiogenesis. Based on the low-speed centrifugation concept, cells were treated indirectly with PRF prepared with a low (44 g) and high relative centrifugal force (710 g) before the PRF mediated effect on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation was assessed via gene and protein expression analyses and immunofluorescence. The results revealed a PRF-mediated positive effect on osteogenic proliferation and differentiation accompanied by increased concentration of osteogenic growth factors and upregulated expression of osteogenic differentiation factors. Furthermore, it could be shown that PRF treatment resulted in an increased formation of angiogenic structures in a bone tissue mimic co-culture of endothelial cells and osteoblasts induced by the PRF mediated increased release of proangiogenic growth factors. The effects on osteogenic proliferation, differentiation and vascularization were more evident when low RCF PRF was applied to the cells. In conclusion, PRF possess proosteogenic, potentially osteoconductive as well as proangiogenic properties, making it a beneficial tool for bone tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Dohle
- FORM, Frankfurt Orofacial Regenerative Medicine, Department for Oral, Cranio-Maxillofacial and Facial Plastic Surgery, Medical Center of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lena Schmeinck
- FORM, Frankfurt Orofacial Regenerative Medicine, Department for Oral, Cranio-Maxillofacial and Facial Plastic Surgery, Medical Center of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Kamelia Parkhoo
- FORM, Frankfurt Orofacial Regenerative Medicine, Department for Oral, Cranio-Maxillofacial and Facial Plastic Surgery, Medical Center of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Robert Sader
- FORM, Frankfurt Orofacial Regenerative Medicine, Department for Oral, Cranio-Maxillofacial and Facial Plastic Surgery, Medical Center of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Shahram Ghanaati
- FORM, Frankfurt Orofacial Regenerative Medicine, Department for Oral, Cranio-Maxillofacial and Facial Plastic Surgery, Medical Center of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
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42
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de los Angeles Becerra Rodriguez M, Gonzalez Muñoz E, Moore T. Oligodendrocyte-specific expression of PSG8- AS1 suggests a role in myelination with prognostic value in oligodendroglioma. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:1061-1068. [PMID: 39022681 PMCID: PMC11254506 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The segmentally duplicated Pregnancy-specific glycoprotein (PSG) locus on chromosome 19q13 may be one of the most rapidly evolving in the human genome. It comprises ten coding genes (PSG1-9, 11) and one predominantly non-coding gene (PSG10) that are expressed in the placenta and gut, in addition to several poorly characterized long non-coding RNAs. We report that long non-coding RNA PSG8-AS1 has an oligodendrocyte-specific expression pattern and is co-expressed with genes encoding key myelin constituents. PSG8-AS1 exhibits two peaks of expression during human brain development coinciding with the most active periods of oligodendrogenesis and myelination. PSG8-AS1 orthologs were found in the genomes of several primates but significant expression was found only in the human, suggesting a recent evolutionary origin of its proposed role in myelination. Additionally, because co-deletion of chromosomes 1p/19q is a genomic marker of oligodendroglioma, expression of PSG8-AS1 was examined in these tumors. PSG8-AS1 may be a promising diagnostic biomarker for glioma, with prognostic value in oligodendroglioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria de los Angeles Becerra Rodriguez
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- SFI Centre for Research Training in Genomics Data Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Elena Gonzalez Muñoz
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, 29590, Málaga, Spain
- Universidad de Malaga, Dpto. Biología Celular, Genética y Fisiología, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Tom Moore
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Luo Y, Zhou T, Liu D, Wang F, Zhao Q. AIMER: A SNP-independent software for identifying imprinting-like allelic methylated regions from DNA methylome. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:566-576. [PMID: 38274999 PMCID: PMC10809074 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is essential for mammalian growth and embryogenesis. High-throughput bisulfite sequencing accompanied with parental haplotype-specific information allows analysis of imprinted genes and imprinting control regions (ICRs) on a large scale. Currently, although several allelic methylated regions (AMRs) detection software were developed, methods for detecting imprinted AMRs is still limited. Here, we developed a SNP-independent statistical approach, AIMER, to detect imprinting-like AMRs. By using the mouse frontal cortex methylome as input, we demonstrated that AIMER performs very well in detecting known germline ICRs compared with other methods. Furthermore, we found the putative parental AMRs AIMER detected could be distinguished from sequence-dependent AMRs. Finally, we found a novel germline imprinting-like AMR using WGBS data from 17 distinct mouse tissue samples. The results indicate that AIMER is a good choice for detecting imprinting-like (parent-of-origin-dependent) AMRs. We hope this method will be helpful for future genomic imprinting studies. The Python source code for our project is now publicly available on both GitHub (https://github.com/ZhaoLab-TMU/AIMER) and Gitee (https://gitee.com/zhaolab_tmu/AIMER).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Deng Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
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Brath MSG, Sahakyan M, Mark EB, Rasmussen HH, Østergaard LR, Frøkjær JB, Weinreich UM, Jørgensen ME. Ethnic differences in CT derived abdominal body composition measures: a comparative retrospect pilot study between European and Inuit study population. Int J Circumpolar Health 2024; 83:2312663. [PMID: 38314517 PMCID: PMC10846476 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2024.2312663] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding ethnic variations in body composition is crucial for assessing health risks. Universal models may not suit all ethnicities, and there is limited data on the Inuit population. This study aimed to compare body composition between Inuit and European adults using computed tomography (CT) scans and to investigate the influence of demographics on these measurements. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 50 adults (29 Inuit and 21 European) who underwent standard trauma CT scans. Measurements focused on skeletal muscle index (SMI), various fat indices, and densities at the third lumbar vertebra level, analyzed using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test and multiple linear regression. Inuit women showed larger fat tissue indices and lower muscle and fat densities than European women. Differences in men were less pronouncehd, with only Intramuscular fat density being lower among Inuit men. Regression indicated that SMI was higher among men, and skeletal muscle density decreased with Inuit ethnicity and age, while visceral fat index was positively associated with age. This study suggests ethnic differences in body composition measures particularly among women, and indicates the need for Inuit-specific body composition models. It higlights the importance of further research into Inuit-specific body composition measurements for better health risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Solholt Godthaab Brath
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Respiratory Research Aalborg, Reaal, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Marina Sahakyan
- Department of Radiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Esben Bolvig Mark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Mech-Sense, Department. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Henrik Højgaard Rasmussen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Danish Nutrition Science Center, Department. of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Center for Nutrition and Intestinal Failure, Department. of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- The Dietitians and Nutritional Research Unit, EATEN, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lasse Riis Østergaard
- Medical Informatics group, Department. of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Jens Brøndum Frøkjær
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Radiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Ulla Møller Weinreich
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Respiratory Research Aalborg, Reaal, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Marit Eika Jørgensen
- Clinical Epidemiology, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
- Institute of Health and Nature, University of Greenland, Nuuk, Greenland
- Steno Diabetes Center Greenland, Queen Ingrid’s Hospital, Nuuk, Greenland
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45
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Fare CM, Rothstein JD. Nuclear pore dysfunction and disease: a complex opportunity. Nucleus 2024; 15:2314297. [PMID: 38383349 PMCID: PMC10883112 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2314297] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The separation of genetic material from bulk cytoplasm has enabled the evolution of increasingly complex organisms, allowing for the development of sophisticated forms of life. However, this complexity has created new categories of dysfunction, including those related to the movement of material between cellular compartments. In eukaryotic cells, nucleocytoplasmic trafficking is a fundamental biological process, and cumulative disruptions to nuclear integrity and nucleocytoplasmic transport are detrimental to cell survival. This is particularly true in post-mitotic neurons, where nuclear pore injury and errors to nucleocytoplasmic trafficking are strongly associated with neurodegenerative disease. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of nuclear pore biology in physiological and pathological contexts and discuss potential therapeutic approaches for addressing nuclear pore injury and dysfunctional nucleocytoplasmic transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M Fare
- Department of Neurology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Rothstein
- Department of Neurology and Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Vidal AC, Sosnowski DW, Marchesoni J, Grenier C, Thorp J, Murphy SK, Johnson SB, Schlief W, Hoyo C. Maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and offspring imprinted gene DMR methylation at birth. Epigenetics 2024; 19:2293412. [PMID: 38100614 PMCID: PMC10730185 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2293412] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) contribute to numerous negative health outcomes across the life course and across generations. Here, we extend prior work by examining the association of maternal ACEs, and their interaction with financial stress and discrimination, with methylation status within eight differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in imprinted domains in newborns. ACEs, financial stress during pregnancy, and experience of discrimination were self-reported among 232 pregnant women. DNA methylation was assessed at PEG10/SGCE, NNAT, IGF2, H19, PLAGL1, PEG3, MEG3-IG, and DLK1/MEG3 regulatory sequences using pyrosequencing. Using multivariable linear regression models, we found evidence to suggest that financial stress was associated with hypermethylation of MEG3-IG in non-Hispanic White newborns; discrimination was associated with hypermethylation of IGF2 and NNAT in Hispanic newborns, and with hypomethylation of PEG3 in non-Hispanic Black newborns. We also found evidence that maternal ACEs interacted with discrimination to predict offspring PLAGL1 altered DMR methylation, in addition to interactions between maternal ACEs score and discrimination predicting H19 and SGCE/PEG10 altered methylation in non-Hispanic White newborns. However, these interactions were not statistically significant after multiple testing corrections. Findings from this study suggest that maternal ACEs, discrimination, and financial stress are associated with newborn aberrant methylation in imprinted gene regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana C. Vidal
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - David W. Sosnowski
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joddy Marchesoni
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Carole Grenier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - John Thorp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health, UNC Gillings School of Public Health, UNC, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Susan K. Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sara B. Johnson
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Population, Family & Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - William Schlief
- Johns Hopkins All Children’s Pediatric Biorepository, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
| | - Cathrine Hoyo
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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Samouilidou EC, Liaouri A, Kostopoulos V, Nikas D, Grapsa E. The importance of paraoxonase 1 activity in chronic kidney disease. Ren Fail 2024; 46:2376930. [PMID: 38982880 PMCID: PMC11238655 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2024.2376930] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is one of the most significant antioxidative enzymes associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL). It has been proved that is involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases including chronic kidney disease (CKD). The association between PON1 and CKD seems to be mutual, such that the disease produces a significant decrease in PON1 activity levels, while the genetics of PON1 may affect the risk of susceptibility to CKD. Recent studies reveal that the decrease in serum PON1 activity observed in non-dialyzed and dialyzed CKD patients as well as in renal transplant (RT) patients is linked to an increased vulnerability to atherosclerosis. We intend to summarize current literature concerning PON1 activity in CKD, highlighting on the main determinants of PON1 activity, its association with oxidative stress, the impact of its genetic polymorphism on the disease development, the effect of drugs and nutritional state. Furthermore, evidence supporting the implication of reduced PON1 activity in the incident of cardiovascular disease in CKD patients, is also examined. It appears that despite the lack of standardization of PON1 activity measurement, PON1 remains a valuable biomarker for the researchers through the last decades, which contributes to the assessment of the antioxidant status having prognostic benefit on adverse clinical outcomes at various stages and etiologies of kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dimitris Nikas
- Department of Biochemistry, "Alexandra" Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Liao C, Walters BW, DiStasio M, Lesch BJ. Human-specific epigenomic states in spermatogenesis. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:577-588. [PMID: 38274996 PMCID: PMC10809009 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility is becoming increasingly common, affecting one in six people globally. Half of these cases can be attributed to male factors, many driven by abnormalities in the process of sperm development. Emerging evidence from genome-wide association studies, genetic screening of patient cohorts, and animal models highlights an important genetic contribution to spermatogenic defects, but comprehensive identification and characterization of the genes critical for male fertility remain lacking. High divergence of gene regulation in spermatogenic cells across species poses challenges for delineating the genetic pathways required for human spermatogenesis using common model organisms. In this study, we leveraged post-translational histone modification and gene transcription data for 15,491 genes in four mammalian species (human, rhesus macaque, mouse, and opossum), to identify human-specific patterns of gene regulation during spermatogenesis. We combined H3K27me3 ChIP-seq, H3K4me3 ChIP-seq, and RNA-seq data to define epigenetic states for each gene at two stages of spermatogenesis, pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids, in each species. We identified 239 genes that are uniquely active, poised, or dynamically regulated in human spermatogenic cells distinct from the other three species. While some of these genes have been implicated in reproductive functions, many more have not yet been associated with human infertility and may be candidates for further molecular and epidemiologic studies. Our analysis offers an example of the opportunities provided by evolutionary and epigenomic data for broadly screening candidate genes implicated in reproduction, which might lead to discoveries of novel genetic targets for diagnosis and management of male infertility and male contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiyun Liao
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | | | - Marcello DiStasio
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Opthamology & Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Bluma J. Lesch
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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Puli'uvea C, Immanuel T, Green TN, Tsai P, Shepherd PR, Kalev-Zylinska ML. Insights into the role of JAK2-I724T variant in myeloproliferative neoplasms from a unique cohort of New Zealand patients. Hematology 2024; 29:2297597. [PMID: 38197452 DOI: 10.1080/16078454.2023.2297597] [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: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to compile bioinformatic and experimental information for JAK2 missense variants previously reported in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and determine if germline JAK2-I724T, recently found to be common in New Zealand Polynesians, associates with MPN. METHODS For all JAK2 variants found in the literature, gnomAD_exome allele frequencies were extracted and REVEL scores were calculated using the dbNSFP database. We investigated the prevalence of JAK2-I724T in a cohort of 111 New Zealand MPN patients using a TaqMan assay, examined its allelic co-occurrence with JAK2-V617F using Oxford Nanopore sequencing, and modelled the impact of I724T on JAK2 using I-Mutant and ChimeraX software. RESULTS Several non-V617F JAK2 variants previously reported in MPN had REVEL scores greater than 0.5, suggesting pathogenicity. JAK2-I724T (REVEL score 0.753) was more common in New Zealand Polynesian MPN patients (n = 2/27; 7.4%) than in other New Zealand patients (n = 0/84; 0%) but less common than expected for healthy Polynesians (n = 56/377; 14.9%). Patients carrying I724T (n = 2), one with polycythaemia vera and one with essential thrombocythaemia, had high-risk MPN. Both patients with JAK2-I724T were also positive for JAK2-V617F, found on the same allele as I724T, as well as separately. In silico modelling did not identify noticeable structural changes that would give JAK2-I724T a gain-of-function. CONCLUSION Several non-canonical JAK2 variants with high REVEL scores have been reported in MPN, highlighting the need to further understand their relationship with disease. The JAK2-I724T variant does not drive MPN, but additional investigations are required to exclude any potential modulatory effect on the MPN phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Puli'uvea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Hosted by the University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tracey Immanuel
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Taryn N Green
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter Tsai
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Hosted by the University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter R Shepherd
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Hosted by the University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Maggie L Kalev-Zylinska
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
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50
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Jadhav R, Mach RL, Mach-Aigner AR. Protein secretion and associated stress in industrially employed filamentous fungi. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:92. [PMID: 38204136 PMCID: PMC10781871 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12985-4] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Application of filamentous fungi for the production of commercial enzymes such as amylase, cellulase, or xylanase is on the rise due to the increasing demand to degrade several complex carbohydrates as raw material for biotechnological processes. Also, protein production by fungi for food and feed gains importance. In any case, the protein production involves both cellular synthesis and secretion outside of the cell. Unfortunately, the secretion of proteins or enzymes can be hampered due to accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as a result of too high synthesis of enzymes or (heterologous) protein expression. To cope with this ER stress, the cell generates a response known as unfolded protein response (UPR). Even though this mechanism should re-establish the protein homeostasis equivalent to a cell under non-stress conditions, the enzyme expression might still suffer from repression under secretory stress (RESS). Among eukaryotes, Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the only fungus, which is studied quite extensively to unravel the UPR pathway. Several homologs of the proteins involved in this signal transduction cascade are also found in filamentous fungi. Since RESS seems to be absent in S. cerevisiae and was only reported in Trichoderma reesei in the presence of folding and glycosylation inhibitors such as dithiothreitol and tunicamycin, more in-depth study about this mechanism, specifically in filamentous fungi, is the need of the hour. Hence, this review article gives an overview on both, protein secretion and associated stress responses in fungi. KEY POINTS: • Enzymes produced by filamentous fungi are crucial in industrial processes • UPR mechanism is conserved among many fungi, but mediated by different proteins • RESS is not fully understood or studied in industrially relevant filamentous fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reshma Jadhav
- Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, TU Wien, Gumpendorfer Str. 1a, A-1060, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Optimized Expression of Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes, Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, TU Wien, Gumpendorfer Str. 1a, A-1060, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert L Mach
- Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, TU Wien, Gumpendorfer Str. 1a, A-1060, Vienna, Austria
| | - Astrid R Mach-Aigner
- Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, TU Wien, Gumpendorfer Str. 1a, A-1060, Vienna, Austria.
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Optimized Expression of Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes, Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, TU Wien, Gumpendorfer Str. 1a, A-1060, Vienna, Austria.
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