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Gorman KM, Lynch SA, Schneider A, Grange DK, Williamson KA, FitzPatrick DR, King MD. Status dystonicus in two patients with SOX2-anophthalmia syndrome and nonsense mutations. Am J Med Genet A 2016; 170:3048-3050. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.37849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M. Gorman
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology; Temple Street Children's University Hospital; Dublin 1 Ireland
| | - Sally A. Lynch
- Academic Centre on Rare Diseases; School of Medicine and Medical Science; University College Dublin; Dublin 1 Ireland
- Clinical Genetics; Temple Street Children's University Hospital; Dublin 1 Ireland
| | - Adele Schneider
- Genetics Division; Einstein Medical Center; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - Dorothy K. Grange
- Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine; Department of Pediatrics; Washington University School of Medicine; St. Louis Missouri
| | - Kathleen A. Williamson
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit; MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine; University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh United Kingdom
| | - David R. FitzPatrick
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit; MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine; University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh United Kingdom
| | - Mary D. King
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology; Temple Street Children's University Hospital; Dublin 1 Ireland
- Academic Centre on Rare Diseases; School of Medicine and Medical Science; University College Dublin; Dublin 1 Ireland
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Saleha S, Ajmal M, Zafar S, Hameed A. Gene mapping in an anophthalmic pedigree of a consanguineous Pakistani family opened new horizons for research. Balkan J Med Genet 2016; 19:77-84. [PMID: 27785411 PMCID: PMC5026283 DOI: 10.1515/bjmg-2016-0010] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical anophthalmia is a rare inherited disease of the eye and phenotype refers to the absence of ocular tissue in the orbit of eye. Patients may have unilateral or bilateral anophthalmia, and generally have short palpebral fissures and small orbits. Anophthalmia may be isolated or associated with a broader syndrome and may have genetic or environmental causes. However, genetic cause has been defined in only a small proportion of cases, therefore, a consanguineous Pakistani family of the Pashtoon ethnic group, with isolated clinical anophthalmia was investigated using linkage mapping. A family pedigree was created to trace the possible mode of inheritance of the disease. Blood samples were collected from affected as well as normal members of this family, and screened for disease-associated mutations. This family was analyzed for linkage to all the known loci of clinical anophthalmia, using microsatellite short tandem repeat (STR) markers. Direct sequencing was performed to find out disease-associated mutations in the candidate gene. This family with isolated clinical anophthalmia, was mapped to the SOX2 gene that is located at chromosome 3q26.3-q27. However, on exonic and regulatory regions mutation screening of the SOX2 gene, the disease-associated mutation was not identified. It showed that another gene responsible for development of the eye might be present at chromosome 3q26.3-q27 and needs to be identified and screened for the disease-associated mutation in this family.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Saleha
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Khyber Paktunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - M Ajmal
- Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - S Zafar
- Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - A Hameed
- Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad, Pakistan
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Abstract
Kabuki syndrome is a rare genetic malformation syndrome that is characterized by distinct facies, structural defects and intellectual disability. Kabuki syndrome may be caused by mutations in one of two histone methyltransferase genes: KMT2D and KDM6A. We describe a male child of nonconsanguineous Irish parents presenting with multiple malformations, including bilateral extreme microphthalmia; cleft palate; congenital diaphragmatic hernia; duplex kidney; as well as facial features of Kabuki syndrome, including interrupted eyebrows and lower lid ectropion. A de-novo germline mutation in KMT2D was identified. Whole-exome sequencing failed to reveal mutations in any of the known microphthalmia/anopthalmia genes. We also identified four other patients with Kabuki syndrome and microphthalmia. We postulate that Kabuki syndrome may produce this type of ocular phenotype as a result of extensive interaction between KMT2D, WAR complex proteins and PAXIP1. Children presenting with microphthalmia/anophthalmia should be examined closely for other signs of Kabuki syndrome, especially at an age where the facial gestalt might be less readily appreciable.
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Chacon-Camacho OF, Fuerte-Flores BI, Ricardez-Marcial EF, Zenteno JC. SOX2 anophthalmia syndrome and dental anomalies. Am J Med Genet A 2015; 167A:2830-3. [PMID: 26250054 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.37277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
SOX2 anophthalmia syndrome is an uncommon autosomal dominant syndrome caused by mutations in the SOX2 gene and clinically characterized by severe eye malformations (anophthalmia/microphthalmia) and extraocular anomalies mainly involving brain, esophagus, and genitalia. In this work, a patient with the SOX2 anophthalmia syndrome and exhibiting a novel dental anomaly is described. SOX2 genotyping in this patient revealed an apparently de novo c.70del20 deletion, a commonly reported SOX2 mutation. A review of the phenotypic variation observed in patients carrying the recurrent SOX2 c.70del20 mutation is presented. Although dental anomalies are uncommonly reported in the SOX2 anophthalmia syndrome, we suggest that a dental examination should be performed in patients with SOX2 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bertha Irene Fuerte-Flores
- Genetics Department-Research Unit, Institute of Ophthalmology "Conde de Valenciana", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Edgar F Ricardez-Marcial
- Departamento de Genética Médica, UMAE, Hospital General "Dr. Gaudencio González Garza", Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan Carlos Zenteno
- Genetics Department-Research Unit, Institute of Ophthalmology "Conde de Valenciana", Mexico City, Mexico.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
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55
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An interstitial de-novo microdeletion of 3q26.33q27.3 causing severe intrauterine growth retardation. Clin Dysmorphol 2015; 24:68-74. [DOI: 10.1097/mcd.0000000000000075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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56
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SOX2 primes the epigenetic landscape in neural precursors enabling proper gene activation during hippocampal neurogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:E1936-45. [PMID: 25825708 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1421480112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Newborn granule neurons generated from neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in the adult hippocampus play a key role in spatial learning and pattern separation. However, the molecular mechanisms that control activation of their neurogenic program remain poorly understood. Here, we report a novel function for the pluripotency factor sex-determining region Y (SRY)-related HMG box 2 (SOX2) in regulating the epigenetic landscape of poised genes activated at the onset of neuronal differentiation. We found that SOX2 binds to bivalently marked promoters of poised proneural genes [neurogenin 2 (Ngn2) and neurogenic differentiation 1 (NeuroD1)] and a subset of neurogenic genes [e.g., SRY-box 21 (Sox21), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf), and growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible, beta (Gadd45b)] where it functions to maintain the bivalent chromatin state by preventing excessive polycomb repressive complex 2 activity. Conditional ablation of SOX2 in adult hippocampal NPCs impaired the activation of proneural and neurogenic genes, resulting in increased neuroblast death and functionally aberrant newborn neurons. We propose that SOX2 sets a permissive epigenetic state in NPCs, thus enabling proper activation of the neuronal differentiation program under neurogenic cue.
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57
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Mauri L, Franzoni A, Scarcello M, Sala S, Garavelli L, Modugno A, Grammatico P, Patrosso MC, Piozzi E, Del Longo A, Gesu GP, Manfredini E, Primignani P, Damante G, Penco S. SOX2, OTX2 and PAX6 analysis in subjects with anophthalmia and microphthalmia. Eur J Med Genet 2014; 58:66-70. [PMID: 25542770 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Anophthalmia (A) and microphthalmia (M) are rare developmental anomalies that have significant effects on visual activity. In fraction of A/M subjects, single genetic defects have been identified as causative. In this study we analysed 65 Italian A/M patients, 21 of whom are syndromic, for mutations in SOX2, OTX2 and PAX6 genes. In syndromic patients the presence of genome imbalances through array CGH was also investigated. No mutations were found for OTX2 and PAX6 genes. Three causative SOX2 mutations were found in subjects with syndromic A. In a subject with syndromic signs and monolateral M, two de novo 6.26 Mb and 1.37 Mb deletions in 4q13.2q13.3 have been identified. A SOX2 missense (p.Ala161Ser) mutation was found in 1 out of 39 a subject with non-syndromic monolateral M. Alanine at position 161 is conserved along phylogeny and the p.Ala161Ser mutation is estimated pathogenic by in silico analysis. However, this mutation was also present in the unaffected patient's daughter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Mauri
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Genetics, Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Franzoni
- Institute of Genetics, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Manuela Scarcello
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Genetics, Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Sala
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Genetics, Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Livia Garavelli
- Clinical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Paola Grammatico
- Department of Molecular Medicine, "La Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Patrosso
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Genetics, Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Piozzi
- Pediatric Ophthalmology, Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni P Gesu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Genetics, Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Manfredini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Genetics, Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Primignani
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Genetics, Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Damante
- Institute of Genetics, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Udine, Udine, Italy; Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, Udine University, Udine, Italy.
| | - Silvana Penco
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Genetics, Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy.
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58
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Heavner WE, Andoniadou CL, Pevny LH. Establishment of the neurogenic boundary of the mouse retina requires cooperation of SOX2 and WNT signaling. Neural Dev 2014; 9:27. [PMID: 25488119 PMCID: PMC4295269 DOI: 10.1186/1749-8104-9-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Eye development in vertebrates relies on the critical regulation of SOX2 expression. Humans with mutations in SOX2 often suffer from eye defects including anophthalmia (no eye) and microphthalmia (small eye). In mice, deletion of Sox2 in optic cup progenitor cells results in loss of neural competence and cell fate conversion of the neural retina to a non-neurogenic fate, specifically the acquisition of fate associated with progenitors of the ciliary epithelium. This fate is also promoted with constitutive expression of stabilized β-Catenin in the optic cup, where the WNT pathway is up-regulated. We addressed whether SOX2 co-ordinates the neurogenic boundary of the retina through modulating the WNT/β-Catenin pathway by using a genetic approach in the mouse. Results Upon deletion of Sox2 in the optic cup, response to WNT signaling was expanded, correlating with loss of neural competence, cell fate conversion of the neural retina to ciliary epithelium primordium and, in addition, increased cell cycle time of optic cup progenitors. Removal of Ctnnb1 rescued the cell fate conversion; however, the loss of neural competence and the proliferation defect resulting from lack of SOX2 were not overcome. Lastly, central Sox2-deficient optic cup progenitor cells exhibited WNT-independent up-regulation of D-type Cyclins. Conclusion We propose two distinct roles for SOX2 in the developing retina. Our findings suggest that SOX2 antagonizes the WNT pathway to maintain a neurogenic fate and, in contrast, regulates cycling of optic cup progenitors in a WNT-independent manner. Given that WNT signaling acting upstream of SOX2 has been implicated in the tumorigenicity of embryonic stem cell-derived retinal progenitor cells, our results distinguish the endogenous role of WNT signaling in early optic cup patterning and support a WNT-independent role for SOX2 in maintaining retinal progenitor cell proliferation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1749-8104-9-27) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney E Heavner
- UNC Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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59
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Kraus P, V S, Yu HB, Xing X, Lim SL, Adler T, Pimentel JAA, Becker L, Bohla A, Garrett L, Hans W, Hölter SM, Janas E, Moreth K, Prehn C, Puk O, Rathkolb B, Rozman J, Adamski J, Bekeredjian R, Busch DH, Graw J, Klingenspor M, Klopstock T, Neff F, Ollert M, Stoeger T, Yildrim AÖ, Eickelberg O, Wolf E, Wurst W, Fuchs H, Gailus-Durner V, de Angelis MH, Lufkin T, Stanton LW. Pleiotropic functions for transcription factor zscan10. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104568. [PMID: 25111779 PMCID: PMC4128777 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor Zscan10 had been attributed a role as a pluripotency factor in embryonic stem cells based on its interaction with Oct4 and Sox2 in in vitro assays. Here we suggest a potential role of Zscan10 in controlling progenitor cell populations in vivo. Mice homozygous for a Zscan10 mutation exhibit reduced weight, mild hypoplasia in the spleen, heart and long bones and phenocopy an eye malformation previously described for Sox2 hypomorphs. Phenotypic abnormalities are supported by the nature of Zscan10 expression in midgestation embryos and adults suggesting a role for Zscan10 in either maintaining progenitor cell subpopulation or impacting on fate choice decisions thereof.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Kraus
- Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, New York, United States of America
| | - Sivakamasundari V
- Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hong Bing Yu
- Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xing Xing
- Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siew Lan Lim
- Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Thure Adler
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Juan Antonio Aguilar Pimentel
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie am Biederstein, Munich, Germany
| | - Lore Becker
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Bohla
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Lillian Garrett
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hans
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sabine M. Hölter
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Eva Janas
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Kristin Moreth
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Cornelia Prehn
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Oliver Puk
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Birgit Rathkolb
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan Rozman
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jerzy Adamski
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Raffi Bekeredjian
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Medicine III, Division of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk H. Busch
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Graw
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martin Klingenspor
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Molecular Nutritional Medicine, Else Kröner-Fresenius Center, Technische Universität München, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Thomas Klopstock
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Baur-Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Frauke Neff
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Markus Ollert
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie am Biederstein, Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Stoeger
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ali Önder Yildrim
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Oliver Eickelberg
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wurst
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Chair of Developmental Biology, Technische Universität München, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- Deutsches Institut für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Helmut Fuchs
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Valérie Gailus-Durner
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martin Hrabě de Angelis
- German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Chair of Experimental Genetics, Center of Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
- Member of German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Lufkin
- Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, New York, United States of America
| | - Lawrence W. Stanton
- Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail:
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60
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Rainger J, Pehlivan D, Johansson S, Bengani H, Sanchez-Pulido L, Williamson KA, Ture M, Barker H, Rosendahl K, Spranger J, Horn D, Meynert A, Floyd JAB, Prescott T, Anderson CA, Rainger JK, Karaca E, Gonzaga-Jauregui C, Jhangiani S, Muzny DM, Seawright A, Soares DC, Kharbanda M, Murday V, Finch A, Gibbs RA, van Heyningen V, Taylor MS, Yakut T, Knappskog PM, Hurles ME, Ponting CP, Lupski JR, Houge G, FitzPatrick DR. Monoallelic and biallelic mutations in MAB21L2 cause a spectrum of major eye malformations. Am J Hum Genet 2014; 94:915-23. [PMID: 24906020 PMCID: PMC4121478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2014.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We identified four different missense mutations in the single-exon gene MAB21L2 in eight individuals with bilateral eye malformations from five unrelated families via three independent exome sequencing projects. Three mutational events altered the same amino acid (Arg51), and two were identical de novo mutations (c.151C>T [p.Arg51Cys]) in unrelated children with bilateral anophthalmia, intellectual disability, and rhizomelic skeletal dysplasia. c.152G>A (p.Arg51His) segregated with autosomal-dominant bilateral colobomatous microphthalmia in a large multiplex family. The fourth heterozygous mutation (c.145G>A [p.Glu49Lys]) affected an amino acid within two residues of Arg51 in an adult male with bilateral colobomata. In a fifth family, a homozygous mutation (c.740G>A [p.Arg247Gln]) altering a different region of the protein was identified in two male siblings with bilateral retinal colobomata. In mouse embryos, Mab21l2 showed strong expression in the developing eye, pharyngeal arches, and limb bud. As predicted by structural homology, wild-type MAB21L2 bound single-stranded RNA, whereas this activity was lost in all altered forms of the protein. MAB21L2 had no detectable nucleotidyltransferase activity in vitro, and its function remains unknown. Induced expression of wild-type MAB21L2 in human embryonic kidney 293 cells increased phospho-ERK (pERK1/2) signaling. Compared to the wild-type and p.Arg247Gln proteins, the proteins with the Glu49 and Arg51 variants had increased stability. Abnormal persistence of pERK1/2 signaling in MAB21L2-expressing cells during development is a plausible pathogenic mechanism for the heterozygous mutations. The phenotype associated with the homozygous mutation might be a consequence of complete loss of MAB21L2 RNA binding, although the cellular function of this interaction remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Rainger
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Davut Pehlivan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, 604B, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Stefan Johansson
- Center for Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Liesvei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway; Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Hemant Bengani
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Luis Sanchez-Pulido
- Medical Research Council Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Kathleen A Williamson
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Mehmet Ture
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Uludag, 16120 Bursa, Turkey
| | - Heather Barker
- Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Karen Rosendahl
- Paediatric Radiology Department, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Denise Horn
- Institut für Medizinische Genetik, Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alison Meynert
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - James A B Floyd
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Trine Prescott
- Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Carl A Anderson
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Jacqueline K Rainger
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Ender Karaca
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, 604B, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Claudia Gonzaga-Jauregui
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, 604B, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shalini Jhangiani
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, MS BCM225, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Donna M Muzny
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, MS BCM225, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Anne Seawright
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Dinesh C Soares
- Centre for Genomics and Experimental Medicine, Medical Research Council Institute Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Mira Kharbanda
- Clinical Genetics, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK
| | - Victoria Murday
- Clinical Genetics, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK
| | - Andrew Finch
- Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Richard A Gibbs
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, 604B, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, MS BCM225, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Veronica van Heyningen
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Martin S Taylor
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Tahsin Yakut
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Uludag, 16120 Bursa, Turkey
| | - Per M Knappskog
- Center for Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Liesvei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway; Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Matthew E Hurles
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Chris P Ponting
- Medical Research Council Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - James R Lupski
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, 604B, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, MS BCM225, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Gunnar Houge
- Center for Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Liesvei 65, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - David R FitzPatrick
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK.
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Williamson KA, FitzPatrick DR. The genetic architecture of microphthalmia, anophthalmia and coloboma. Eur J Med Genet 2014; 57:369-80. [PMID: 24859618 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2014.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Microphthalmia, anophthalmia and coloboma (MAC) are distinct phenotypes that represent a continuum of structural developmental eye defects. In severe bilateral cases (anophthalmia or severe microphthalmia) the genetic cause is now identifiable in approximately 80 percent of cases, with de novo heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in SOX2 or OTX2 being the most common. The genetic cause of other forms of MAC, in particular isolated coloboma, remains unknown in the majority of cases. This review will focus on MAC phenotypes that are associated with mutation of the genes SOX2, OTX2, PAX6, STRA6, ALDH1A3, RARB, VSX2, RAX, FOXE3, BMP4, BMP7, GDF3, GDF6, ABCB6, ATOH7, C12orf57, TENM3 (ODZ3), and VAX1. Recently reported mutation of the SALL2 and YAP1 genes are discussed in brief. Clinical and genetic features were reviewed in a total of 283 unrelated MAC cases or families that were mutation-positive from these 20 genes. Both the relative frequency of mutations in MAC cohort screens and the level of confidence in the assignment of disease-causing status were evaluated for each gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen A Williamson
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - David R FitzPatrick
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK.
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Kumar A, Bansal A, Garg A, Sharma BS. Unilateral Autosomal Recessive Anophthalmia in a Patient with Cystic Craniopharyngioma. Neuroophthalmology 2014; 38:149-152. [PMID: 27928292 PMCID: PMC5123114 DOI: 10.3109/01658107.2014.894087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anophthalmia is a rare ocular malformation. It is a genetically determined disorder and is typically associated with syndromes. However, sporadic nonsyndromic familial as well as non-familial cases of anophthalmia have also been reported. Non-syndromic familial cases are usually bilateral and have been attributed to autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant, and X-linked inheritance patterns. The authors hereby report a rare case of autosomal recessive unilateral anophthalmia in a patient with no other associated congenital anomaly. Patient was operated for craniopharyngioma. The clinical, radiological and intraoperative findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ajay Garg
- Departments of Neuroradiology, All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew DelhiIndia
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63
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Pavlou S, Astell K, Kasioulis I, Gakovic M, Baldock R, van Heyningen V, Coutinho P. Pleiotropic effects of Sox2 during the development of the zebrafish epithalamus. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87546. [PMID: 24498133 PMCID: PMC3909122 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2013] [Accepted: 12/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish epithalamus is part of the diencephalon and encompasses three major components: the pineal, the parapineal and the habenular nuclei. Using sox2 knockdown, we show here that this key transcriptional regulator has pleiotropic effects during the development of these structures. Sox2 negatively regulates pineal neurogenesis. Also, Sox2 is identified as the unknown factor responsible for pineal photoreceptor prepatterning and performs this function independently of the BMP signaling. The correct levels of sox2 are critical for the functionally important asymmetrical positioning of the parapineal organ and for the migration of parapineal cells as a coherent structure. Deviations from this strict control result in defects associated with abnormal habenular laterality, which we have documented and quantified in sox2 morphants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Pavlou
- Biomedical Systems Analysis Section, Medical Developmental Genetics Section, Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Katy Astell
- Biomedical Systems Analysis Section, Medical Developmental Genetics Section, Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ioannis Kasioulis
- Biomedical Systems Analysis Section, Medical Developmental Genetics Section, Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Milica Gakovic
- Biomedical Systems Analysis Section, Medical Developmental Genetics Section, Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Baldock
- Biomedical Systems Analysis Section, Medical Developmental Genetics Section, Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Veronica van Heyningen
- Biomedical Systems Analysis Section, Medical Developmental Genetics Section, Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Pedro Coutinho
- Biomedical Systems Analysis Section, Medical Developmental Genetics Section, Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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64
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Rainger JK, Bhatia S, Bengani H, Gautier P, Rainger J, Pearson M, Ansari M, Crow J, Mehendale F, Palinkasova B, Dixon MJ, Thompson PJ, Matarin M, Sisodiya SM, Kleinjan DA, Fitzpatrick DR. Disruption of SATB2 or its long-range cis-regulation by SOX9 causes a syndromic form of Pierre Robin sequence. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 23:2569-79. [PMID: 24363063 PMCID: PMC3990159 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddt647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterozygous loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in the gene encoding the DNA-binding protein, SATB2, result in micrognathia and cleft palate in both humans and mice. In three unrelated individuals, we show that translocation breakpoints (BPs) up to 896 kb 3′ of SATB2 polyadenylation site cause a phenotype which is indistinguishable from that caused by SATB2 LOF mutations. This syndrome comprises long nose, small mouth, micrognathia, cleft palate, arachnodactyly and intellectual disability. These BPs map to a gene desert between PLCL1 and SATB2. We identified three putative cis-regulatory elements (CRE1–3) using a comparative genomic approach each of which would be placed in trans relative to SATB2 by all three BPs. CRE1–3 each bind p300 and mono-methylated H3K4 consistent with enhancer function. In silico analysis suggested that CRE1–3 contain one or more conserved SOX9-binding sites, and this binding was confirmed using chromatin immunoprecipitation on cells derived from mouse embryonic pharyngeal arch. Interphase bacterial artificial chromosome fluorescence in situ hybridization measurements in embryonic craniofacial tissues showed that the orthologous region in mice exhibits Satb2 expression-dependent chromatin decondensation consistent with Satb2 being a target gene of CRE1–3. To assess their in vivo function, we made multiple stable reporter transgenic lines for each enhancer in zebrafish. CRE2 was shown to drive SATB2-like expression in the embryonic craniofacial region. This expression could be eliminated by mutating the SOX9-binding site of CRE2. These observations suggest that SATB2 and SOX9 may be acting together via complex cis-regulation to coordinate the growth of the developing jaw.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline K Rainger
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetic and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
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65
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Rainger J, Keighren M, Keene DR, Charbonneau NL, Rainger JK, Fisher M, Mella S, Huang JTJ, Rose L, van't Hof R, Sakai LY, Jackson IJ, FitzPatrick DR. A trans-acting protein effect causes severe eye malformation in the Mp mouse. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003998. [PMID: 24348270 PMCID: PMC3861116 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mp is an irradiation-induced mouse mutation associated with microphthalmia, micropinna and hind limb syndactyly. We show that Mp is caused by a 660 kb balanced inversion on chromosome 18 producing reciprocal 3-prime gene fusion events involving Fbn2 and Isoc1. The Isoc1-Fbn2 fusion gene (Isoc1Mp) mRNA has a frameshift and early stop codon resulting in nonsense mediated decay. Homozygous deletions of Isoc1 do not support a significant developmental role for this gene. The Fbn2-Isoc1 fusion gene (Fbn2Mp) predicted protein consists of the N-terminal Fibrillin-2 (amino acids 1–2646, exons 1–62) lacking the C-terminal furin-cleavage site with a short out-of-frame extension encoded by the final exon of Isoc1. The Mp limb phenotype is consistent with that reported in Fbn2 null embryos. However, severe eye malformations, a defining feature of Mp, are not seen in Fbn2 null animals. Fibrillin-2Mp forms large fibrillar structures within the rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) associated with an unfolded protein response and quantitative mass spectrometry shows a generalised defect in protein secretion in conditioned media from mutant cells. In the embryonic eye Fbn2 is expressed within the peripheral ciliary margin (CM). Mp embryos show reduced canonical Wnt-signalling in the CM – known to be essential for ciliary body development - and show subsequent aplasia of CM-derived structures. We propose that the Mp “worse-than-null” eye phenotype plausibly results from a failure in normal trafficking of proteins that are co-expressed with Fbn2 within the CM. The prediction of similar trans-acting protein effects will be an important challenge in the medical interpretation of human mutations from whole exome sequencing. With the current increase in large-scale sequencing efforts, correct interpretation of mutation consequences has never been more important. Here, we present evidence for a trans-acting protein effect in a novel mutation of Fbn2, associated with severe developmental eye defects not found in loss of function Fibrillin-2 alleles. The mutant protein is expressed in the developing eye but is unable to exit the cells, instead forming large protein aggregates within the endoplasmic reticulum. We observed ER-stress in mutant eyes, and detected a general reduction to secretion of co-expressed proteins in cell cultures. We propose that similar effects could be caused by mutations to other proteins that are trafficked through the ER, highlighting a disease mechanism that results in different clinical outcomes than observed, or predicted, from loss-off-function alleles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Rainger
- The MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetic and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Margaret Keighren
- The MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetic and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas R. Keene
- Shriners Hospital for Children, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Noe L. Charbonneau
- Shriners Hospital for Children, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Jacqueline K. Rainger
- The MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetic and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm Fisher
- The MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetic and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastien Mella
- The MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetic and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jeffrey T-J. Huang
- Biomarker and Drug Analysis Core Facility, Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Lorraine Rose
- Molecular Medicine Centre, MRC Institute of Genetic and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rob van't Hof
- Molecular Medicine Centre, MRC Institute of Genetic and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lynne Y. Sakai
- Shriners Hospital for Children, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Ian J. Jackson
- The MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetic and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (IJJ); (DRF)
| | - David R. FitzPatrick
- The MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetic and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (IJJ); (DRF)
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Chassaing N, Causse A, Vigouroux A, Delahaye A, Alessandri JL, Boespflug-Tanguy O, Boute-Benejean O, Dollfus H, Duban-Bedu B, Gilbert-Dussardier B, Giuliano F, Gonzales M, Holder-Espinasse M, Isidor B, Jacquemont ML, Lacombe D, Martin-Coignard D, Mathieu-Dramard M, Odent S, Picone O, Pinson L, Quelin C, Sigaudy S, Toutain A, Thauvin-Robinet C, Kaplan J, Calvas P. Molecular findings and clinical data in a cohort of 150 patients with anophthalmia/microphthalmia. Clin Genet 2013; 86:326-34. [PMID: 24033328 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Revised: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Anophthalmia and microphthalmia (AM) are the most severe malformations of the eye, corresponding respectively to reduced size or absent ocular globe. Wide genetic heterogeneity has been reported and different genes have been demonstrated to be causative of syndromic and non-syndromic forms of AM. We screened seven AM genes [GDF6 (growth differentiation factor 6), FOXE3 (forkhead box E3), OTX2 (orthodenticle protein homolog 2), PAX6 (paired box 6), RAX (retina and anterior neural fold homeobox), SOX2 (SRY sex determining region Y-box 2), and VSX2 (visual system homeobox 2 gene)] in a cohort of 150 patients with isolated or syndromic AM. The causative genetic defect was identified in 21% of the patients (32/150). Point mutations were identified by direct sequencing of these genes in 25 patients (13 in SOX2, 4 in RAX, 3 in OTX2, 2 in FOXE3, 1 in VSX2, 1 in PAX6, and 1 in GDF6). In addition eight gene deletions (five SOX2, two OTX2 and one RAX) were identified using a semi-quantitative multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) [quantitative multiplex PCR amplification of short fluorescent fragments (QMPSF)]. The causative genetic defect was identified in 21% of the patients. This result contributes to our knowledge of the molecular basis of AM, and will facilitate accurate genetic counselling.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Chassaing
- Service de Génétique Médicale, Hôpital Purpan, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France; Université Paul-Sabatier Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
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67
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Langer L, Sulik K, Pevny L. Cleft Palate in a Mouse Model of SOX2 Haploinsufficiency. Cleft Palate Craniofac J 2013; 51:110-4. [PMID: 23638914 DOI: 10.1597/12-260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE While SEX-determining region Y-Box 2 (SOX2) mutations are typically recognized as yielding ocular and central nervous system abnormalities, they have also been associated with other craniofacial defects. To elucidate the genesis of the latter, Sox2 hypomorphic (Sox2(HYP)) mice were examined, with particular attention to secondary palatal development. RESULTS Clefts of the secondary palate were found to be highly penetrant in Sox2(HYP) mice. The palatal clefting occurred in the absence of mandibular hypoplasia and resulted from delayed or failed shelf elevation. CONCLUSIONS Sox2 hypomorphism can result in clefting of the secondary palate, an effect that appears to be independent of mandibular hypoplasia and is thus expected to result from an abnormality that is inherent to the palatal shelves and/or their progenitor tissues. Further clinical attention relative to SOX2 mutations as a basis for secondary palatal clefts appears warranted.
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68
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Gerth-Kahlert C, Williamson K, Ansari M, Rainger JK, Hingst V, Zimmermann T, Tech S, Guthoff RF, van Heyningen V, Fitzpatrick DR. Clinical and mutation analysis of 51 probands with anophthalmia and/or severe microphthalmia from a single center. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2013; 1:15-31. [PMID: 24498598 PMCID: PMC3893155 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2012] [Revised: 01/26/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical evaluation and mutation analysis was performed in 51 consecutive probands with severe eye malformations - anophthalmia and/or severe microphthalmia - seen in a single specialist ophthalmology center. The mutation analysis consisted of bidirectional sequencing of the coding regions of SOX2, OTX2, PAX6 (paired domain), STRA6, BMP4, SMOC1, FOXE3, and RAX, and genome-wide array-based copy number assessment. Fifteen (29.4%) of the 51 probands had likely causative mutations affecting SOX2 (9/51), OTX2 (5/51), and STRA6 (1/51). Of the cases with bilateral anophthalmia, 9/12 (75%) were found to be mutation positive. Three of these mutations were large genomic deletions encompassing SOX2 (one case) or OTX2 (two cases). Familial inheritance of three intragenic, plausibly pathogenic, and heterozygous mutations was observed. An unaffected carrier parent of an affected child with an identified OTX2 mutation confirmed the previously reported nonpenetrance for this disorder. Two families with SOX2 mutations demonstrated a parent and child both with significant but highly variable eye malformations. Heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in SOX2 and OTX2 are the most common genetic pathology associated with severe eye malformations and bi-allelic loss-of-function in STRA6 is confirmed as an emerging cause of nonsyndromal eye malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathleen Williamson
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
| | - Morad Ansari
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline K Rainger
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
| | - Volker Hingst
- Department of Radiology, University of Rostock Germany
| | | | - Stefani Tech
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rostock Germany
| | | | - Veronica van Heyningen
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
| | - David R Fitzpatrick
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
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69
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Corona-Rivera JR, Zenteno JC, Pelcastre-Luna E, Miguel-Jiménez K, Aguirre-Guillén RL, Cabral-Macías J, Peña-Padilla C, Bobadilla-Morales L, Corona-Rivera A. Aplasia cutis congenita of the scalp in a female infant with anophthalmia/microphthalmia-esophageal atresia syndrome negative for SOX2 mutation. Am J Med Genet A 2013; 161A:1189-93. [PMID: 23463581 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.35854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J Román Corona-Rivera
- División de Pediatría, Centro de Registro e Investigación sobre Anomalías Congénitas (CRIAC), Servicio de Genética y Unidad de Citogenética, Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Dr. Juan I. Menchaca e Instituto de Genética Humana Dr. Enrique Corona Rivera, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
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70
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Fares-Taie L, Gerber S, Chassaing N, Clayton-Smith J, Hanein S, Silva E, Serey M, Serre V, Gérard X, Baumann C, Plessis G, Demeer B, Brétillon L, Bole C, Nitschke P, Munnich A, Lyonnet S, Calvas P, Kaplan J, Ragge N, Rozet JM. ALDH1A3 mutations cause recessive anophthalmia and microphthalmia. Am J Hum Genet 2013; 92:265-70. [PMID: 23312594 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2012.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Revised: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 12/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Anophthalmia and microphthalmia (A/M) are early-eye-development anomalies resulting in absent or small ocular globes, respectively. A/M anomalies occur in syndromic or nonsyndromic forms. They are genetically heterogeneous, some mutations in some genes being responsible for both anophthalmia and microphthalmia. Using a combination of homozygosity mapping, exome sequencing, and Sanger sequencing, we identified homozygosity for one splice-site and two missense mutations in the gene encoding the A3 isoform of the aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1A3) in three consanguineous families segregating A/M with occasional orbital cystic, neurological, and cardiac anomalies. ALDH1A3 is a key enzyme in the formation of a retinoic acid gradient along the dorso-ventral axis during early eye development. Transitory expression of mutant ALDH1A3 open reading frames showed that both missense mutations reduce the accumulation of the enzyme, potentially leading to altered retinoic acid synthesis. Although the role of retinoic acid signaling in eye development is well established, our findings provide genetic evidence of a direct link between retinoic-acid-synthesis dysfunction and early-eye-development anomalies in humans.
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71
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Abstract
Three embryonic tissue sources-the neural ectoderm, the surface ectoderm, and the periocular mesenchyme-contribute to the formation of the mammalian eye. For this reason, the developing eye has presented an invaluable system for studying the interactions among cells and, more recently, genes, in specifying cell fate. This article describes how the eye primordium is specified in the anterior neural plate by four eye field transcription factors and how the optic vesicle becomes regionalized into three distinct tissue types. Specific attention is given to how cross talk between the optic vesicle and surface ectoderm contributes to lens and optic cup formation. This article also describes how signaling networks and cell movements set up axes in the optic cup and establish the multiple cell fates important for vision. How multipotent retinal progenitor cells give rise to the six neuronal and one glial cell type in the mature retina is also explained. Finally, the history and progress of cellular therapeutics for the treatment of degenerative eye disease is outlined. Throughout this article, special attention is given to how disruption of gene function causes ocular malformation in humans. Indeed, the accessibility of the eye has contributed much to our understanding of the basic processes involved in mammalian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Heavner
- UNC Neuroscience Center, Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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72
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Beccari L, Marco-Ferreres R, Bovolenta P. The logic of gene regulatory networks in early vertebrate forebrain patterning. Mech Dev 2012; 130:95-111. [PMID: 23111324 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2012.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The vertebrate forebrain or prosencephalon is patterned at the beginning of neurulation into four major domains: the telencephalic, hypothalamic, retinal and diencephalic anlagen. These domains will then give rise to the majority of the brain structures involved in sensory integration and the control of higher intellectual and homeostatic functions. Understanding how forebrain pattering arises has thus attracted the interest of developmental neurobiologists for decades. As a result, most of its regulators have been identified and their hierarchical relationship is now the object of active investigation. Here, we summarize the main morphogenetic pathways and transcription factors involved in forebrain specification and propose the backbone of a possible gene regulatory network (GRN) governing its specification, taking advantage of the GRN principles elaborated by pioneer studies in simpler organisms. We will also discuss this GRN and its operational logic in the context of the remarkable morphological and functional diversification that the forebrain has undergone during evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Beccari
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", CSIC-UAM, c/Nicolas Cabrera, 1, Madrid 28049, Spain
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73
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Jayakody SA, Andoniadou CL, Gaston-Massuet C, Signore M, Cariboni A, Bouloux PM, Le Tissier P, Pevny LH, Dattani MT, Martinez-Barbera JP. SOX2 regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary axis at multiple levels. J Clin Invest 2012; 122:3635-46. [PMID: 22945632 DOI: 10.1172/jci64311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2012] [Accepted: 07/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-determining region Y (SRY) box 2 (SOX2) haploinsufficiency causes a form of hypopituitarism in humans that is characterized by gonadotrophin deficiency known as hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Here, we conditionally deleted Sox2 in mice to investigate the pathogenesis of hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. First, we found that absence of SOX2 in the developing Rathke pouch of conditional embryos led to severe anterior lobe hypoplasia with drastically reduced expression of the pituitary-specific transcription factor POU class 1 homeobox 1 (POU1F1) as well as severe disruption of somatotroph and thyrotroph differentiation. In contrast, corticotrophs, rostral-tip POU1F1-independent thyrotrophs, and, interestingly, lactotrophs and gonadotrophs were less affected. Second, we identified a requirement for SOX2 in normal proliferation of periluminal progenitors; in its absence, insufficient precursors were available to produce all cell lineages of the anterior pituitary. Differentiated cells derived from precursors exiting cell cycle at early stages, including corticotrophs, rostral-tip thyrotrophs, and gonadotrophs, were generated, while hormone-producing cells originating from late-born precursors, such as somatotrophs and POU1F1-dependent thyrotrophs, were severely reduced. Finally, we found that 2 previously characterized patients with SOX2 haploinsufficiency and associated hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism had a measurable response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation, suggesting that it is not the absence of gonadotroph differentiation, but rather the deficient hypothalamic stimulation of gonadotrophs, that underlies typical hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujatha A Jayakody
- Neural Development Unit, Institute of Child Health, and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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74
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Melnattur KV, Berdnik D, Rusan Z, Ferreira CJ, Nambu JR. The sox gene Dichaete is expressed in local interneurons and functions in development of the Drosophila adult olfactory circuit. Dev Neurobiol 2012; 73:107-26. [PMID: 22648855 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2011] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In insects, the primary sites of integration for olfactory sensory input are the glomeruli in the antennal lobes. Here, axons of olfactory receptor neurons synapse with dendrites of the projection neurons that relay olfactory input to higher brain centers, such as the mushroom bodies and lateral horn. Interactions between olfactory receptor neurons and projection neurons are modulated by excitatory and inhibitory input from a group of local interneurons. While significant insight has been gleaned into the differentiation of olfactory receptor and projection neurons, much less is known about the development and function of the local interneurons. We have found that Dichaete, a conserved Sox HMG box gene, is strongly expressed in a cluster of LAAL cells located adjacent to each antennal lobe in the adult brain. Within these clusters, Dichaete protein expression is detected in both cholinergic and GABAergic local interneurons. In contrast, Dichaete expression is not detected in mature or developing projection neurons, or developing olfactory receptor neurons. Analysis of novel viable Dichaete mutant alleles revealed misrouting of specific projection neuron dendrites and axons, and alterations in glomeruli organization. These results suggest noncell autonomous functions of Dichaete in projection neuron differentiation as well as a potential role for Dichaete-expressing local interneurons in development of the adult olfactory circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna V Melnattur
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
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75
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Castillo SD, Sanchez-Cespedes M. The SOX family of genes in cancer development: biological relevance and opportunities for therapy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2012; 16:903-19. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2012.709239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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76
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Zhao L, Zevallos SE, Rizzoti K, Jeong Y, Lovell-Badge R, Epstein DJ. Disruption of SoxB1-dependent Sonic hedgehog expression in the hypothalamus causes septo-optic dysplasia. Dev Cell 2012; 22:585-96. [PMID: 22421044 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2011.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2011] [Revised: 10/26/2011] [Accepted: 12/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) is a congenital brain anomaly that results in pituitary, optic nerve, and midline forebrain defects. The etiology of SOD is poorly understood, with the majority of cases being sporadic. In rare instances, SOD is caused by mutations in Sox2, Sox3, or Hesx1, but how this manifests in disease is not entirely certain. We demonstrate here that mouse embryos lacking Sonic hedgehog (Shh) in the prospective hypothalamus exhibit key features of SOD, including pituitary hypoplasia and absence of the optic disc. The hypothalamic source of Shh is required to maintain gene expression boundaries along the anteroposterior and mediolateral neural axes that are important for proper pituitary and eye development, respectively. We further reveal that Sox2 and Sox3 are dose-dependent regulators of Shh transcription that directly bind and activate a long-range Shh forebrain enhancer. These data indicate that reduced levels of Shh expression in the hypothalamus cause SOD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhao
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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77
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SOX2 hypomorphism disrupts development of the prechordal floor and optic cup. Mech Dev 2012; 129:1-12. [PMID: 22522080 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2012.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Haploinsufficiency for the HMG-box transcription factor SOX2 results in abnormalities of the human ventral forebrain and its derivative structures. These defects include anophthalmia (absence of eye), microphthalmia (small eye) and hypothalamic hamartoma (HH), an overgrowth of the ventral hypothalamus. To determine how Sox2 deficiency affects the morphogenesis of the ventral diencephalon and eye, we generated a Sox2 allelic series (Sox2(IR), Sox2(LP), and Sox2(EGFP)), allowing for the generation of mice that express germline hypomorphic levels (<40%) of SOX2 protein and that faithfully recapitulate SOX2 haploinsufficient human phenotypes. We find that Sox2 hypomorphism significantly disrupts the development of the posterior hypothalamus, resulting in an ectopic protuberance of the prechordal floor, an upregulation of Shh signaling, and abnormal hypothalamic patterning. In the anterior diencephalon, both the optic stalks and optic cups (OC) of Sox2 hypomorphic (Sox2(HYP)) embryos are malformed. Furthermore, Sox2(HYP) eyes exhibit a loss of neural potential and coloboma, a common phenotype in SOX2 haploinsufficient humans that has not been described in a mouse model of SOX2 deficiency. These results establish for the first time that germline Sox2 hypomorphism disrupts the morphogenesis and patterning of the hypothalamus, optic stalk, and the early OC, establishing a model of the development of the abnormalities that are observed in SOX2 haploinsufficient humans.
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78
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Combes P, Planche V, Eymard-Pierre E, Sarret C, Rodriguez D, Boespflug-Tanguy O, Vaurs-Barriere C. Relevance of SOX17 variants for hypomyelinating leukodystrophies and congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). Ann Hum Genet 2012; 76:261-7. [PMID: 22348788 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1809.2011.00702.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The SRY-BOX17 gene (SOX17) encodes a transcription factor playing a key role in different developmental processes including endoderm formation, cardiac myogenesis, kidney/urinary development and differentiation of oligodendrocytes, the brain myelinating cells. In a candidate gene approach, we analyzed the SOX17 gene in hypomyelinating leukodystrophies (HL) characterized by a permanent deficit in the amount of central nervous system myelin. Five genes are involved in the aetiology of HL but 40% of HL remains without known genetic origin (UHL). New sequence variations in SOX17 were identified but all correspond to nonpathogenic variants, suggesting that SOX17 is not involved in UHL phenotype. In one patient, we identified the c.775T>A (p.Tyr259Asn) variation already reported as causative of congenital kidney and urinary tract abnormalities (CAKUT). Nevertheless, since our patient did not present such a phenotype, we propose that this variant may alternatively represent an "at-risk" allele for CAKUT rather than a causative allele. This observation strengthens the idea that caution must be taken when linking genetic variation to disease, especially in discrete phenotypes such as CAKUT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Combes
- INSERM, UMR, CNRS, GReD, Medical School, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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79
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Di Iorgi N, Allegri AEM, Napoli F, Bertelli E, Olivieri I, Rossi A, Maghnie M. The use of neuroimaging for assessing disorders of pituitary development. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2012; 76:161-76. [PMID: 21955099 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2011.04238.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the radiological examination method of choice for evaluating hypothalamo-pituitary-related endocrine disease and is considered essential in the assessment of patients with suspected hypothalamo-pituitary pathology. Physicians involved in the care of such patients have, in MRI, a valuable tool that can aid them in determining the pathogenesis of their patients' underlying pituitary conditions. Indeed, the use of MRI has led to an enormous increase in our knowledge of pituitary morphology, improving, in particular, the differential diagnosis of hypopituitarism. Specifically, MRI allows detailed and precise anatomical study of the pituitary gland by differentiating between the anterior and posterior pituitary lobes. MRI recognition of pituitary hyperintensity in the posterior part of the sella, now considered a marker of neurohypophyseal functional integrity, has been the most striking finding in the diagnosis and understanding of certain forms of 'idiopathic' and permanent growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Published data show a number of correlations between pituitary abnormalities as observed on MRI and a patient's endocrine profile. Indeed, several trends have emerged and have been confirmed: (i) a normal MRI or anterior pituitary hypoplasia generally indicates isolated growth hormone deficiency that is mostly transient and resolves upon adult height achievement; (ii) patients with multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies (MPHD) seldom show a normal pituitary gland; and (iii) the classic triad of ectopic posterior pituitary, pituitary stalk hypoplasia/agenesis and anterior pituitary hypoplasia is more frequently reported in MPHD patients and is generally associated with permanent GHD. Pituitary abnormalities have also been reported in patients with hypopituitarism carrying mutations in several genes encoding transcription factors. Establishing endocrine and MRI phenotypes is extremely useful for the selection and management of patients with hypopituitarism, both in terms of possible genetic counselling and in the early diagnosis of evolving anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies. Going forward, neuroimaging techniques are expected to progressively expand and improve our knowledge and understanding of pituitary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascia Di Iorgi
- Department of Paediatrics, IRCCS G. Gaslini, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize recent breakthroughs regarding the genes known to play a role in normal ocular development in humans and to elucidate the role mutations in these genes play in anophthalmia and microphthalmia. RECENT FINDINGS The main themes discussed within this article are the various documented genetic advances in identifying the various causes of anophthalmia and microphthalmia. In addition, the complex interplay of these genes during critical embryonic development will be addressed. SUMMARY The recent identification of many eye development genes has changed the ability to identify a cause of anophthalmia and microphthalmia in many individuals. Syndrome identification and the availability of genetic testing underscores the desirability of evaluation by a geneticist for all individuals with anophthalmia and microphthalmia in order to provide appropriate management, long-term guidance, and genetic counseling.
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81
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Stoll C, Dott B, Alembik Y, Roth MP. Associated malformations among infants with anophthalmia and microphthalmia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 94:147-52. [DOI: 10.1002/bdra.22877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2010] [Revised: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Beccari L, Conte I, Cisneros E, Bovolenta P. Sox2-mediated differential activation of Six3.2 contributes to forebrain patterning. Development 2012; 139:151-64. [PMID: 22096077 DOI: 10.1242/dev.067660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The vertebrate forebrain is patterned during gastrulation into telencephalic, retinal, hypothalamic and diencephalic primordia. Specification of each of these domains requires the concerted activity of combinations of transcription factors (TFs). Paradoxically, some of these factors are widely expressed in the forebrain, which raises the question of how they can mediate regional differences. To address this issue, we focused on the homeobox TF Six3.2. With genomic and functional approaches we demonstrate that, in medaka fish, Six3.2 regulates, in a concentration-dependent manner, telencephalic and retinal specification under the direct control of Sox2. Six3.2 and Sox2 have antagonistic functions in hypothalamic development. These activities are, in part, executed by Foxg1 and Rx3, which seem to be differentially and directly regulated by Six3.2 and Sox2. Together, these data delineate the mechanisms by which Six3.2 diversifies its activity in the forebrain and highlight a novel function for Sox2 as one of the main regulators of anterior forebrain development. They also demonstrate that graded levels of the same TF, probably operating in partially independent transcriptional networks, pattern the vertebrate forebrain along the anterior-posterior axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Beccari
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, c/Nicolas Cabrera 1, Madrid 28049, Spain
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83
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Lopez Jimenez N, Flannick J, Yahyavi M, Li J, Bardakjian T, Tonkin L, Schneider A, Sherr EH, Slavotinek AM. Targeted 'next-generation' sequencing in anophthalmia and microphthalmia patients confirms SOX2, OTX2 and FOXE3 mutations. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2011; 12:172. [PMID: 22204637 PMCID: PMC3262754 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2350-12-172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2011] [Accepted: 12/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anophthalmia/microphthalmia (A/M) is caused by mutations in several different transcription factors, but mutations in each causative gene are relatively rare, emphasizing the need for a testing approach that screens multiple genes simultaneously. We used next-generation sequencing to screen 15 A/M patients for mutations in 9 pathogenic genes to evaluate this technology for screening in A/M. METHODS We used a pooled sequencing design, together with custom single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) calling software. We verified predicted sequence alterations using Sanger sequencing. RESULTS We verified three mutations - c.542delC in SOX2, resulting in p.Pro181Argfs*22, p.Glu105X in OTX2 and p.Cys240X in FOXE3. We found several novel sequence alterations and SNPs that were likely to be non-pathogenic - p.Glu42Lys in CRYBA4, p.Val201Met in FOXE3 and p.Asp291Asn in VSX2. Our analysis methodology gave one false positive result comprising a mutation in PAX6 (c.1268A > T, predicting p.X423LeuextX*15) that was not verified by Sanger sequencing. We also failed to detect one 20 base pair (bp) deletion and one 3 bp duplication in SOX2. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated the power of next-generation sequencing with pooled sample groups for the rapid screening of candidate genes for A/M as we were correctly able to identify disease-causing mutations. However, next-generation sequencing was less useful for small, intragenic deletions and duplications. We did not find mutations in 10/15 patients and conclude that there is a need for further gene discovery in A/M.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Lopez Jimenez
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, 533 Parnassus St, Room U585P, San Francisco CA 94143-0748 USA
| | - Jason Flannick
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge MA Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts USA
| | - Mani Yahyavi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, 533 Parnassus St, Room U585P, San Francisco CA 94143-0748 USA
| | - Jiang Li
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143-0114 USA
| | - Tanya Bardakjian
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19141 USA
| | - Leath Tonkin
- Vincent J. Coates Genomics Sequencing Laboratory (GSL) QB3/University of California, Berkeley USA B206 Stanley Hall MC 3220 Berkeley, CA 94720-3220
| | - Adele Schneider
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19141 USA
| | - Elliott H Sherr
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143-0114 USA
| | - Anne M Slavotinek
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, 533 Parnassus St, Room U585P, San Francisco CA 94143-0748 USA
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Slavotinek AM. Eye development genes and known syndromes. Mol Genet Metab 2011; 104:448-56. [PMID: 22005280 PMCID: PMC3224152 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2011.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2011] [Revised: 09/21/2011] [Accepted: 09/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Anophthalmia and microphthalmia (A/M) are significant eye defects because they can have profound effects on visual acuity. A/M is associated with non-ocular abnormalities in an estimated 33-95% of cases and around 25% of patients have an underlying genetic syndrome that is diagnosable. Syndrome recognition is important for targeted molecular genetic testing, prognosis and for counseling regarding recurrence risks. This review provides clinical and molecular information for several of the commonest syndromes associated with A/M: Anophthalmia-Esophageal-Genital syndrome, caused by SOX2 mutations, Anophthalmia and pituitary abnormalities caused by OTX2 mutations, Matthew-Wood syndrome caused by STRA6 mutations, oculofaciocardiodental syndrome and Lenz microphthalmia caused by BCOR mutations, Microphthalmia Linear Skin pigmentation syndrome caused by HCCS mutations, Anophthalmia, pituitary abnormalities, polysyndactyly caused by BMP4 mutations and Waardenburg anophthalmia caused by mutations in SMOC1. In addition, we briefly discuss the ocular and extraocular phenotypes associated with several other important eye developmental genes, including GDF6, VSX2, RAX, SHH, SIX6 and PAX6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Slavotinek
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0748, USA.
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Casey J, Kawaguchi R, Morrissey M, Sun H, McGettigan P, Nielsen JE, Conroy J, Regan R, Kenny E, Cormican P, Morris DW, Tormey P, Chróinín MN, Kennedy BN, Lynch S, Green A, Ennis S. First implication of STRA6 mutations in isolated anophthalmia, microphthalmia, and coloboma: a new dimension to the STRA6 phenotype. Hum Mutat 2011; 32:1417-26. [PMID: 21901792 DOI: 10.1002/humu.21590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2011] [Accepted: 07/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and coloboma (MAC) are structural congenital eye malformations that cause a significant proportion of childhood visual impairments. Several disease genes have been identified but do not account for all MAC cases, suggesting that additional risk loci exist. We used single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) homozygosity mapping (HM) and targeted next-generation sequencing to identify the causative mutation for autosomal recessive isolated colobomatous microanophthalmia (MCOPCB) in a consanguineous Irish Traveller family. We identified a double-nucleotide polymorphism (g.1157G>A and g.1156G>A; p.G304K) in STRA6 that was homozygous in all of the MCOPCB patients. The STRA6 p.G304K mutation was subsequently detected in additional MCOPCB patients, including one individual with Matthew-Wood syndrome (MWS; MCOPS9). STRA6 encodes a transmembrane receptor involved in vitamin A uptake, a process essential to eye development and growth. We have shown that the G304K mutant STRA6 protein is mislocalized and has severely reduced vitamin A uptake activity. Furthermore, we reproduced the MCOPCB phenotype in a zebrafish disease model by inhibiting retinoic acid (RA) synthesis, suggesting that diminished RA levels account for the eye malformations in STRA6 p.G304K patients. The current study demonstrates that STRA6 mutations can cause isolated eye malformations in addition to the congenital anomalies observed in MWS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Casey
- School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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86
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Abstract
Bilateral anophthalmia is a rare entity and association with septo-optic dysplasia is an even rare condition. The condition is characterized by absent eyeballs in the presence of eyelids, conjunctiva or lacrimal apparatus. Though anophthalmia can be diagnosed clinically, imaging plays a crucial role in delineating the associated anomalies. In addition, often clinical anophthalmia may prove to be severe microphthalmia on imaging. We describe the imaging findings in an infant with bilateral anophthalmia and septo-optic dysplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Jana
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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87
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Rainger J, van Beusekom E, Ramsay JK, McKie L, Al-Gazali L, Pallotta R, Saponari A, Branney P, Fisher M, Morrison H, Bicknell L, Gautier P, Perry P, Sokhi K, Sexton D, Bardakjian TM, Schneider AS, Elcioglu N, Ozkinay F, Koenig R, Mégarbané A, Semerci CN, Khan A, Zafar S, Hennekam R, Sousa SB, Ramos L, Garavelli L, Furga AS, Wischmeijer A, Jackson IJ, Gillessen-Kaesbach G, Brunner HG, Wieczorek D, van Bokhoven H, FitzPatrick DR. Loss of the BMP antagonist, SMOC-1, causes Ophthalmo-acromelic (Waardenburg Anophthalmia) syndrome in humans and mice. PLoS Genet 2011; 7:e1002114. [PMID: 21750680 PMCID: PMC3131273 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2010] [Accepted: 04/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Ophthalmo-acromelic syndrome (OAS), also known as Waardenburg Anophthalmia syndrome, is defined by the combination of eye malformations, most commonly bilateral anophthalmia, with post-axial oligosyndactyly. Homozygosity mapping and subsequent targeted mutation analysis of a locus on 14q24.2 identified homozygous mutations in SMOC1 (SPARC-related modular calcium binding 1) in eight unrelated families. Four of these mutations are nonsense, two frame-shift, and two missense. The missense mutations are both in the second Thyroglobulin Type-1 (Tg1) domain of the protein. The orthologous gene in the mouse, Smoc1, shows site- and stage-specific expression during eye, limb, craniofacial, and somite development. We also report a targeted pre-conditional gene-trap mutation of Smoc1 (Smoc1tm1a) that reduces mRNA to ∼10% of wild-type levels. This gene-trap results in highly penetrant hindlimb post-axial oligosyndactyly in homozygous mutant animals (Smoc1tm1a/tm1a). Eye malformations, most commonly coloboma, and cleft palate occur in a significant proportion of Smoc1tm1a/tm1a embryos and pups. Thus partial loss of Smoc-1 results in a convincing phenocopy of the human disease. SMOC-1 is one of the two mammalian paralogs of Drosophila Pentagone, an inhibitor of decapentaplegic. The orthologous gene in Xenopus laevis, Smoc-1, also functions as a Bone Morphogenic Protein (BMP) antagonist in early embryogenesis. Loss of BMP antagonism during mammalian development provides a plausible explanation for both the limb and eye phenotype in humans and mice. Ophthalmo-acromelic syndrome (OAS) is a rare congenital genetic disorder involving complete absence of the eyes and limb malformations, with missing or fused bones in the feet and hands. In this paper we report the identification of genetic changes to both copies of the SMOC1 gene as the cause of most cases of OAS. We have identified eight different mutations in this gene in unrelated individuals, and six of these mutations are predicted to completely abolish SMOC-1 function. We have also genetically disrupted the mouse Smoc1 gene to produce only 10% of normal levels. These animals, called Smoc1tm1a/tm1a mice, have similar hindlimb malformations to those seen in the limbs of human OAS patients, resulting in missing toes in some mice and fusion of toes in others. Smoc1tm1a/tm1a embryos and pups also have eye malformations but these are milder than those seen in human cases, perhaps because, unlike the human cases, the mice still have some residual function of the gene. We suggest that the normal function of SMOC-1 may be to regulate an important class of growth factors, called Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs), which are essential for normal embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Rainger
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ellen van Beusekom
- Department of Human Genetics, Institute for Genetic and Metabolic Disorders and Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline K. Ramsay
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa McKie
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lihadh Al-Gazali
- Departments of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rosanna Pallotta
- Regional Service for Diagnosis, Prevention, and Care of Birth Defects, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Section of Preventive and Social Pediatrics, G. D'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Anita Saponari
- Regional Service for Diagnosis, Prevention, and Care of Birth Defects, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Section of Preventive and Social Pediatrics, G. D'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Peter Branney
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm Fisher
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Harris Morrison
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Bicknell
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Philippe Gautier
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Perry
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kishan Sokhi
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, University of Edinburgh, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Little France, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - David Sexton
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Tanya M. Bardakjian
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Adele S. Schneider
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Nursel Elcioglu
- Department of Pediatric Genetics, Marmara University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ferda Ozkinay
- Ege University, Medical Faculty, Department of Pediatrics, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Rainer Koenig
- Institut für Humangenetik der Johann Wolfgang Goethe Universität, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andre Mégarbané
- Unité de Génétique Médicale, Faculté de Médecine, Université Saint Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - C. Nur Semerci
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Ayesha Khan
- Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Saemah Zafar
- Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Raoul Hennekam
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Translational Genetics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sérgio B. Sousa
- Serviço Genética Médica, Hospital Pediátrico de Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lina Ramos
- Serviço Genética Médica, Hospital Pediátrico de Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Livia Garavelli
- Department of Clinical Genetics, S. Maria Nuova Hospital, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Anita Wischmeijer
- Department of Clinical Genetics, S. Maria Nuova Hospital, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Ian J. Jackson
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Han G. Brunner
- Department of Human Genetics, Institute for Genetic and Metabolic Disorders and Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dagmar Wieczorek
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Hans van Bokhoven
- Department of Human Genetics, Institute for Genetic and Metabolic Disorders and Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail: (DRF); (HvB)
| | - David R. FitzPatrick
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (DRF); (HvB)
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88
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Bardakjian TM, Kwok S, Slavotinek AM, Schneider AS. Clinical report of microphthalmia and optic nerve coloboma associated with a de novo microdeletion of chromosome 16p11.2. Am J Med Genet A 2011; 152A:3120-3. [PMID: 21082658 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.33492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Anophthalmia and microphthalmia are etiologically and clinically heterogeneous. We present a 13-year-old boy with microphthalmia and multiple anomalies who was evaluated as part of our research into the etiology of microphthalmia. His clinical features included left microphthalmia, persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous and posterior coloboma, right posterior pole coloboma, pectus excavatum, mild hypotonia, mild delays in speech and motor development, and an anxiety disorder with social difficulties. Investigations with a chromosome microarray revealed a de novo deletion of chromosome 16p11.2 of approximately 882 kb in size. Deletions of this region of chromosome 16p11.2 are a newly delineated microdeletion syndrome, but this is the first report of microphthalmia and coloboma associated with monosomy for 16p11.2, and emphasizes the clinical variability that can be present with this deletion. This report contributes to the growing knowledge regarding this microdeletion and suggests that rare copy number changes may be a cause of microphthalmia and other eye anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya M Bardakjian
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19141, USA.
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89
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Schilter KF, Schneider A, Bardakjian T, Soucy JF, Tyler RC, Reis LM, Semina EV. OTX2 microphthalmia syndrome: four novel mutations and delineation of a phenotype. Clin Genet 2011; 79:158-68. [PMID: 20486942 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2010.01450.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The OTX2 homeobox-containing transcription factor gene was shown to play a key role in the development of head structures in vertebrates. In humans, OTX2 mutations result in anophthalmia/microphthalmia (A/M) often associated with systemic anomalies. We screened 52 unrelated individuals affected with A/M and identified disease-causing variants in four families (8%), a higher frequency than previously reported. All four mutations are predicted to result in truncation of normal OTX2 protein sequence, consistent with previously reported mechanisms; three changes occurred de novo and one mutation was inherited from an affected parent. Four of the five OTX2-positive patients in our study displayed additional systemic findings, including two novel features, Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome and an anteriorly placed anus. Analysis of the phenotypic features of OTX2-positive A/M patients in this study and those previously reported suggests the presence of pituitary anomalies and lack of genitourinary and gastrointestinal manifestations as potential distinguishing characteristics from SOX2 anophthalmia syndrome. Interestingly, pituitary anomalies seem to be more strongly associated with mutations that occur in the second half of OTX2, after the homeodomain and SGQFTP motif. OTX2 patients also show a high rate of inherited mutations (35%), often from mildly or unaffected parents, emphasizing the importance of careful parental examination/testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- K F Schilter
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226-0509, USA
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90
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Stark Z, Storen R, Bennetts B, Savarirayan R, Jamieson RV. Isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with SOX2 mutation and anophthalmia/microphthalmia in offspring. Eur J Hum Genet 2011; 19:753-6. [PMID: 21326281 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2011.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) is a genetically heterogeneous condition in which patients frequently require assisted reproduction to achieve fertility. In patients with IHH who are otherwise well, no particular increased risk of congenital anomalies in the resultant offspring has been highlighted. Heterozygous mutations in SOX2 are the commonest single-gene cause of anophthalmia/microphthalmia (A/M) and sometimes result in pituitary abnormalities. We report a family with a novel frameshift mutation in the SOX2 transactivation domain, p.Gly280AlafsX91, resulting in bilateral anophthalmia and subtle endocrinological abnormalities in a male sibling, and unilateral microphthalmia in a female sibling. The mutation is present in their mother who has IHH, but has no eye disorders or other anomalies. She underwent assisted reproduction to achieve fertility. This report has important implications for the evaluation of patients with IHH, particularly in the setting of planned infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zornitza Stark
- Genetic Health Services Victoria, and Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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91
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Matsushima D, Heavner W, Pevny LH. Combinatorial regulation of optic cup progenitor cell fate by SOX2 and PAX6. Development 2011; 138:443-54. [PMID: 21205789 DOI: 10.1242/dev.055178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In humans, haploinsufficiency of either SOX2 or PAX6 is associated with microphthalmia, anophthalmia or aniridia. In this study, through the genetic spatiotemporal specific ablation of SOX2 on both wild-type and Pax6-haploinsufficent backgrounds in the mouse, we have uncovered a transcriptionally distinct and developmentally transient stage of eye development. We show that genetic ablation of SOX2 in the optic cup results in complete loss of neural competence and eventual cell fate conversion to non-neurogenic ciliary epithelium. This cell fate conversion is associated with a striking increase in PAX6, and genetically ablating SOX2 on a Pax6-haploinsufficient background partially rescues the Sox2-mutant phenotype. Collectively, these results demonstrate that precise regulation of the ratio of SOX2 to PAX6 is necessary to ensure accurate progenitor cell specification, and place SOX2 as a decisive factor of neural competence in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Matsushima
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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92
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Hutton SR, Pevny LH. SOX2 expression levels distinguish between neural progenitor populations of the developing dorsal telencephalon. Dev Biol 2011; 352:40-7. [PMID: 21256837 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2010] [Revised: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 01/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The HMG-Box transcription factor SOX2 is expressed in neural progenitor populations throughout the developing and adult central nervous system and is necessary to maintain their progenitor identity. However, it is unclear whether SOX2 levels are uniformly expressed across all neural progenitor populations. In the developing dorsal telencephalon, two distinct populations of neural progenitors, radial glia and intermediate progenitor cells, are responsible for generating a majority of excitatory neurons found in the adult neocortex. Here we demonstrate, using both cellular and molecular analyses, that SOX2 is differentially expressed between radial glial and intermediate progenitor populations. Moreover, utilizing a SOX2(EGFP) mouse line, we show that this differential expression can be used to prospectively isolate distinct, viable populations of radial glia and intermediate cells for in vitro analysis. Given the limited repertoire of cell-surface markers currently available for neural progenitor cells, this provides an invaluable tool for prospectively identifying and isolating distinct classes of neural progenitor cells from the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott R Hutton
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, 115 Mason Farm Rd., CB 7250, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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93
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Numakura C, Kitanaka S, Kato M, Ishikawa S, Hamamoto Y, Katsushima Y, Kimura T, Hayasaka K. Supernumerary impacted teeth in a patient with SOX2 anophthalmia syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 2010; 152A:2355-9. [PMID: 20803647 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.33556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
SOX2 anophthalmia syndrome characteristically presents as anophthalmia or microphthalmia, with various extraocular symptoms, such as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, brain anomaly, and esophageal abnormalities. In this report, we describe a patient with SOX2 anophthalmia syndrome complicated with a dental anomaly, multiple supernumerary impacted teeth, and persistence of deciduous teeth. Multiple supernumerary teeth are usually not solitary symptoms, but indicate systemic syndrome such as cleidocranial dysplasia. In odontogenesis, many transcriptional factors, such as BMPs, FGFs, and Wnts, play significant roles and SOX2 is known to interact with some of them. The role of SOX2 in dental development remains unknown, however, multiple supernumerary teeth can be considered as extraocular symptoms of SOX2 anophthalmia syndrome, rather than the coincidence of two rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chikahiko Numakura
- Department of Pediatrics, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan.
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94
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Sox2 is essential for formation of trophectoderm in the preimplantation embryo. PLoS One 2010; 5:e13952. [PMID: 21103067 PMCID: PMC2980489 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2010] [Accepted: 10/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In preimplantation mammalian development the transcription factor Sox2 (SRY-related HMG-box gene 2) forms a complex with Oct4 and functions in maintenance of self-renewal of the pluripotent inner cell mass (ICM). Previously it was shown that Sox2−/− embryos die soon after implantation. However, maternal Sox2 transcripts may mask an earlier phenotype. We investigated whether Sox2 is involved in controlling cell fate decisions at an earlier stage. Methods and Findings We addressed the question of an earlier role for Sox2 using RNAi, which removes both maternal and embryonic Sox2 mRNA present during the preimplantation period. By depleting both maternal and embryonic Sox2 mRNA at the 2-cell stage and monitoring embryo development in vitro we show that, in the absence of Sox2, embryos arrest at the morula stage and fail to form trophectoderm (TE) or cavitate. Following knock-down of Sox2 via three different short interfering RNA (siRNA) constructs in 2-cell stage mouse embryos, we have shown that the majority of embryos (76%) arrest at the morula stage or slightly earlier and only 18.7–21% form blastocysts compared to 76.2–83% in control groups. In Sox2 siRNA-treated embryos expression of pluripotency associated markers Oct4 and Nanog remained unaffected, whereas TE associated markers Tead4, Yap, Cdx2, Eomes, Fgfr2, as well as Fgf4, were downregulated in the absence of Sox2. Apoptosis was also increased in Sox2 knock-down embryos. Rescue experiments using cell-permeant Sox2 protein resulted in increased blastocyst formation from 18.7% to 62.6% and restoration of Sox2, Oct4, Cdx2 and Yap protein levels in the rescued Sox2-siRNA blastocysts. Conclusion and Significance We conclude that the first essential function of Sox2 in the preimplantation mouse embryo is to facilitate establishment of the trophectoderm lineage. Our findings provide a novel insight into the first differentiation event within the preimplantation embryo, namely the segregation of the ICM and TE lineages.
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95
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Wyatt AW, Osborne RJ, Stewart H, Ragge NK. Bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) mutations are associated with variable ocular, brain, ear, palate, and skeletal anomalies. Hum Mutat 2010; 31:781-7. [PMID: 20506283 DOI: 10.1002/humu.21280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling regulates a range of cellular processes and plays an important role in the specification and patterning of the early embryo. However, due to the functional redundancy of BMP ligands and receptors in tissues where they are coexpressed, relatively little is known about the role of individual BMP ligands in human disease. Here we report heterozygous variations in BMP7, including a frameshift, missense, and Kozak sequence mutation, in individuals with developmental eye anomalies and a range of systemic abnormalities, including developmental delay, deafness, scoliosis, and cleft palate. We determined that BMP7 is expressed in the developing eye, brain, and ear in human embryos in a manner consistent with the phenotype seen in our mutation cases. These data establish BMP7 as an important gene in human eye development, and suggest that BMP7 should be considered during clinical evaluation of individuals with developmental eye anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander W Wyatt
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford, United Kingdom
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96
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Use of genome-wide SNP homozygosity mapping in small pedigrees to identify new mutations in VSX2 causing recessive microphthalmia and a semidominant inner retinal dystrophy. Hum Genet 2010; 128:51-60. [DOI: 10.1007/s00439-010-0823-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2010] [Accepted: 04/01/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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97
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Chew LJ, Gallo V. The Yin and Yang of Sox proteins: Activation and repression in development and disease. J Neurosci Res 2010; 87:3277-87. [PMID: 19437544 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The general view of development consists of the acquisition of committed/differentiated phenotypes following a period of self-renewal and progenitor expansion. Lineage specification and progression are phenomena of antagonistic events, silencing tissue-specific gene expression in precursors to allow self-renewal and multipotentiality, and subsequently suppressing proliferation and embryonic gene expression to promote the restricted expression of tissue-specific genes during maturation. The high mobility group-containing Sox family of transcription factors constitutes one of the earliest classes of genes to be expressed during embryonic development. These proteins not only are indispensable for progenitor cell specification but also are critical for terminal differentiation of multiple cell types in a wide variety of lineages. Sox transcription factors are now known to induce or repress progenitor cell characteristics and cell proliferation or to activate the expression of tissue-specific genes. Sox proteins fulfill their diverse functions in developmental regulation by distinct molecular mechanisms. Not surprisingly, in addition to DNA binding and bending, Sox transcription factors also interact with different protein partners to function as coactivators or corepressors of downstream target genes. Here we seek to provide an overview of the current knowledge of Sox gene functional mechanisms, in an effort to understand their roles in both development and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jin Chew
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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98
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Schneider A, Bardakjian T, Reis LM, Tyler RC, Semina EV. Novel SOX2 mutations and genotype-phenotype correlation in anophthalmia and microphthalmia. Am J Med Genet A 2010; 149A:2706-15. [PMID: 19921648 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.33098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
SOX2 represents a High Mobility Group domain containing transcription factor that is essential for normal development in vertebrates. Mutations in SOX2 are known to result in a spectrum of severe ocular phenotypes in humans, also typically associated with other systemic defects. Ocular phenotypes include anophthalmia/microphthalmia (A/M), optic nerve hypoplasia, ocular coloboma and other eye anomalies. We screened 51 unrelated individuals with A/M and identified SOX2 mutations in the coding region of the gene in 10 individuals. Seven of the identified mutations are novel alterations, while the remaining three individuals carry the previously reported recurrent 20-nucleotide deletion in SOX2, c.70del20. Among the SOX2-positive cases, seven patients had bilateral A/M and mutations resulting in premature termination of the normal protein sequence (7/38; 18% of all bilateral cases), one patient had bilateral A/M associated with a single amino acid insertion (1/38; 3% of bilateral cases), and the final two patients demonstrated unilateral A/M associated with missense mutations (2/13; 15% of all unilateral cases). These findings and review of previously reported cases suggest a potential genotype/phenotype correlation for SOX2 mutations with missense changes generally leading to less severe ocular defects. In addition, we report a new familial case of affected siblings with maternal mosaicism for the identified SOX2 mutation, which further underscores the importance of parental testing to provide accurate genetic counseling to families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele Schneider
- Albert Einstein Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics Division of Genetics, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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99
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Abstract
The vertebrate eye comprises tissues from different embryonic origins: the lens and the cornea are derived from the surface ectoderm, but the retina and the epithelial layers of the iris and ciliary body are from the anterior neural plate. The timely action of transcription factors and inductive signals ensure the correct development of the different eye components. Establishing the genetic basis of eye defects in zebrafishes, mouse, and human has been an important tool for the detailed analysis of this complex process. A single eye field forms centrally within the anterior neural plate during gastrulation; it is characterized on the molecular level by the expression of "eye-field transcription factors." The single eye field is separated into two, forming the optic vesicle and later (under influence of the lens placode) the optic cup. The lens develops from the lens placode (surface ectoderm) under influence of the underlying optic vesicle. Pax6 acts in this phase as master control gene, and genes encoding cytoskeletal proteins, structural proteins, or membrane proteins become activated. The cornea forms from the surface ectoderm, and cells from the periocular mesenchyme migrate into the cornea giving rise for the future cornea stroma. Similarly, the iris and ciliary body form from the optic cup. The outer layer of the optic cup becomes the retinal pigmented epithelium, and the main part of the inner layer of the optic cup forms later the neural retina with six different types of cells including the photoreceptors. The retinal ganglion cells grow toward the optic stalk forming the optic nerve. This review describes the major molecular players and cellular processes during eye development as they are known from frogs, zebrafish, chick, and mice-showing also differences among species and missing links for future research. The relevance to human disorders is one of the major aspects covered throughout the review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Graw
- Helmholtz Center Munich-German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Developmental Genetics, Neuherberg, Germany
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100
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Bardakjian TM, Schneider AS, Ng D, Johnston JJ, Biesecker LG. Association of a de novo 16q copy number variant with a phenotype that overlaps with Lenz microphthalmia and Townes-Brocks syndromes. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2009; 10:137. [PMID: 20003547 PMCID: PMC2806267 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2350-10-137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2009] [Accepted: 12/16/2009] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anophthalmia and microphthalmia are etiologically and clinically heterogeneous. Lenz microphthalmia is a syndromic form that is typically inherited in an X-linked pattern, though the causative gene mutation is unknown. Townes-Brocks syndrome manifests thumb anomalies, imperforate anus, and ear anomalies. We present a 13-year-old boy with a syndromic microphthalmia phenotype and a clinical diagnosis of Lenz microphthalmia syndrome. CASE PRESENTATION The patient was subjected to clinical and molecular evaluation, including array CGH analysis. The clinical features included left clinical anophthalmia, right microphthalmia, anteriorly placed anus with fistula, chordee, ventriculoseptal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, posteriorly rotated ears, hypotonia, growth retardation with delayed bone age, and mental retardation. The patient was found to have an approximately 5.6 Mb deletion of 16q11.2q12.1 by microarray based-comparative genomic hybridization, which includes the SALL1 gene, which causes Townes-Brocks syndrome. CONCLUSIONS Deletions of 16q11.2q12.2 have been reported in several individuals, although those prior reports did not note microphthalmia or anophthalmia. This region includes SALL1, which causes Townes-Brocks syndrome. In retrospect, this child has a number of features that can be explained by the SALL1 deletion, although it is not clear if the microphthalmia is a rare feature of Townes-Brocks syndrome or caused by other mechanisms. These data suggest that rare copy number changes may be a cause of syndromic microphthalmia allowing a personalized genomic medicine approach to the care of patients with these aberrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya M Bardakjian
- Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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