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Giménez-Bejarano A, Alegre-Cortés E, Yakhine-Diop SMS, Gómez-Suaga P, Fuentes JM. Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Repeat Expansion Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1593. [PMID: 37627588 PMCID: PMC10451345 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Repeat expansion diseases are a group of neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disorders characterized by expansions of several successive repeated DNA sequences. Currently, more than 50 repeat expansion diseases have been described. These disorders involve diverse pathogenic mechanisms, including loss-of-function mechanisms, toxicity associated with repeat RNA, or repeat-associated non-ATG (RAN) products, resulting in impairments of cellular processes and damaged organelles. Mitochondria, double membrane organelles, play a crucial role in cell energy production, metabolic processes, calcium regulation, redox balance, and apoptosis regulation. Its dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of repeat expansion diseases. In this review, we provide an overview of the signaling pathways or proteins involved in mitochondrial functioning described in these disorders. The focus of this review will be on the analysis of published data related to three representative repeat expansion diseases: Huntington's disease, C9orf72-frontotemporal dementia/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and myotonic dystrophy type 1. We will discuss the common effects observed in all three repeat expansion disorders and their differences. Additionally, we will address the current gaps in knowledge and propose possible new lines of research. Importantly, this group of disorders exhibit alterations in mitochondrial dynamics and biogenesis, with specific proteins involved in these processes having been identified. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of mitochondrial alterations in these disorders can potentially lead to the development of neuroprotective strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Giménez-Bejarano
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Enfermería y Terapia Ocupacional, Universidad de Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (A.G.-B.); (E.A.-C.); (S.M.S.Y.-D.); (P.G.-S.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativa, Instituto de Salus Carlos III (CIBER-CIBERNED-ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Eva Alegre-Cortés
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Enfermería y Terapia Ocupacional, Universidad de Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (A.G.-B.); (E.A.-C.); (S.M.S.Y.-D.); (P.G.-S.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativa, Instituto de Salus Carlos III (CIBER-CIBERNED-ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Sokhna M. S. Yakhine-Diop
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Enfermería y Terapia Ocupacional, Universidad de Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (A.G.-B.); (E.A.-C.); (S.M.S.Y.-D.); (P.G.-S.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativa, Instituto de Salus Carlos III (CIBER-CIBERNED-ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Patricia Gómez-Suaga
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Enfermería y Terapia Ocupacional, Universidad de Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (A.G.-B.); (E.A.-C.); (S.M.S.Y.-D.); (P.G.-S.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativa, Instituto de Salus Carlos III (CIBER-CIBERNED-ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - José M. Fuentes
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Enfermería y Terapia Ocupacional, Universidad de Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (A.G.-B.); (E.A.-C.); (S.M.S.Y.-D.); (P.G.-S.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativa, Instituto de Salus Carlos III (CIBER-CIBERNED-ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), 10003 Cáceres, Spain
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Nikom D, Zheng S. Alternative splicing in neurodegenerative disease and the promise of RNA therapies. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:457-473. [PMID: 37336982 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00717-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Alternative splicing generates a myriad of RNA products and protein isoforms of different functions from a single gene. Dysregulated alternative splicing has emerged as a new mechanism broadly implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson disease and repeat expansion diseases. Understanding the mechanisms and functional outcomes of abnormal splicing in neurological disorders is vital in developing effective therapies to treat mis-splicing pathology. In this Review, we discuss emerging research and evidence of the roles of alternative splicing defects in major neurodegenerative diseases and summarize the latest advances in RNA-based therapeutic strategies to target these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Nikom
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
- Center for RNA Biology and Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Sika Zheng
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.
- Center for RNA Biology and Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA.
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53
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Linares AJ, Fogel BL. Late-onset hereditary ataxias with dementia. Curr Opin Neurol 2023; 36:324-334. [PMID: 37382141 PMCID: PMC10524827 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000001170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Late-onset genetic cerebellar ataxias are clinically heterogenous with variable phenotypes. Several of these conditions are commonly associated with dementia. Recognition of the relationship between ataxia and dementia can guide clinical genetic evaluation. RECENT FINDINGS Spinocerebellar ataxias often present with variable phenotypes that may include dementia. Genomic studies have begun to identify links between incomplete penetrance and such variable phenotypes in certain hereditary ataxias. Recent studies evaluating the interaction of TBP repeat expansions and STUB1 sequence variants provide a framework to understand how genetic interactions influence disease penetrance and dementia risk in spinocerebellar ataxia types 17 and 48. Further advances in next generation sequencing methods will continue to improve diagnosis and create new insights into the expressivity of existing disorders. SUMMARY The late-onset hereditary ataxias are a clinically heterogenous group of disorders with complex presentations that can include cognitive impairment and/or dementia. Genetic evaluation of late-onset ataxia patients with dementia follows a systemic testing approach that often utilizes repeat expansion testing followed by next-generation sequencing. Advances in bioinformatics and genomics is improving both diagnostic evaluation and establishing a basis for phenotypic variability. Whole genome sequencing will likely replace exome sequencing as a more comprehensive means of routine testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J. Linares
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095 USA
| | - Brent L. Fogel
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095 USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 90095 USA
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54
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Ahsan MU, Liu Q, Perdomo JE, Fang L, Wang K. A survey of algorithms for the detection of genomic structural variants from long-read sequencing data. Nat Methods 2023; 20:1143-1158. [PMID: 37386186 PMCID: PMC11208083 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-01932-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
As long-read sequencing technologies are becoming increasingly popular, a number of methods have been developed for the discovery and analysis of structural variants (SVs) from long reads. Long reads enable detection of SVs that could not be previously detected from short-read sequencing, but computational methods must adapt to the unique challenges and opportunities presented by long-read sequencing. Here, we summarize over 50 long-read-based methods for SV detection, genotyping and visualization, and discuss how new telomere-to-telomere genome assemblies and pangenome efforts can improve the accuracy and drive the development of SV callers in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mian Umair Ahsan
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Qian Liu
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan Elliot Perdomo
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Li Fang
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Genetics and Biomedical Informatics, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Zhang S, Pei G, Li B, Li P, Lin Y. Abnormal phase separation of biomacromolecules in human diseases. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:1133-1152. [PMID: 37475546 PMCID: PMC10423695 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane-less organelles (MLOs) formed through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) are associated with numerous important biological functions, but the abnormal phase separation will also dysregulate the physiological processes. Emerging evidence points to the importance of LLPS in human health and diseases. Nevertheless, despite recent advancements, our knowledge of the molecular relationship between LLPS and diseases is frequently incomplete. In this review, we outline our current understanding about how aberrant LLPS affects developmental disorders, tandem repeat disorders, cancers and viral infection. We also examine disease mechanisms driven by aberrant condensates, and highlight potential treatment approaches. This study seeks to expand our understanding of LLPS by providing a valuable new paradigm for understanding phase separation and human disorders, as well as to further translate our current knowledge regarding LLPS into therapeutic discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songhao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane BiologyTsinghua University-Peking University Joint Centre for Life SciencesSchool of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Gaofeng Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane BiologyTsinghua University-Peking University Joint Centre for Life SciencesSchool of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- Frontier Research Center for Biological StructureTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Boya Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane BiologyTsinghua University-Peking University Joint Centre for Life SciencesSchool of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Pilong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane BiologyTsinghua University-Peking University Joint Centre for Life SciencesSchool of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- Frontier Research Center for Biological StructureTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Yi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane BiologyTsinghua University-Peking University Joint Centre for Life SciencesSchool of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
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Magdy Mohamed Abdelaziz Barakat S, Sallehuddin R, Yuhaniz SS, R. Khairuddin RF, Mahmood Y. Genome assembly composition of the String "ACGT" array: a review of data structure accuracy and performance challenges. PeerJ Comput Sci 2023; 9:e1180. [PMID: 37547391 PMCID: PMC10403225 DOI: 10.7717/peerj-cs.1180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Background The development of sequencing technology increases the number of genomes being sequenced. However, obtaining a quality genome sequence remains a challenge in genome assembly by assembling a massive number of short strings (reads) with the presence of repetitive sequences (repeats). Computer algorithms for genome assembly construct the entire genome from reads in two approaches. The de novo approach concatenates the reads based on the exact match between their suffix-prefix (overlapping). Reference-guided approach orders the reads based on their offsets in a well-known reference genome (reads alignment). The presence of repeats extends the technical ambiguity, making the algorithm unable to distinguish the reads resulting in misassembly and affecting the assembly approach accuracy. On the other hand, the massive number of reads causes a big assembly performance challenge. Method The repeat identification method was introduced for misassembly by prior identification of repetitive sequences, creating a repeat knowledge base to reduce ambiguity during the assembly process, thus enhancing the accuracy of the assembled genome. Also, hybridization between assembly approaches resulted in a lower misassembly degree with the aid of the reference genome. The assembly performance is optimized through data structure indexing and parallelization. This article's primary aim and contribution are to support the researchers through an extensive review to ease other researchers' search for genome assembly studies. The study also, highlighted the most recent developments and limitations in genome assembly accuracy and performance optimization. Results Our findings show the limitations of the repeat identification methods available, which only allow to detect of specific lengths of the repeat, and may not perform well when various types of repeats are present in a genome. We also found that most of the hybrid assembly approaches, either starting with de novo or reference-guided, have some limitations in handling repetitive sequences as it is more computationally costly and time intensive. Although the hybrid approach was found to outperform individual assembly approaches, optimizing its performance remains a challenge. Also, the usage of parallelization in overlapping and reads alignment for genome assembly is yet to be fully implemented in the hybrid assembly approach. Conclusion We suggest combining multiple repeat identification methods to enhance the accuracy of identifying the repeats as an initial step to the hybrid assembly approach and combining genome indexing with parallelization for better optimization of its performance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roselina Sallehuddin
- Computer Science, School of Computing, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Sophiayati Yuhaniz
- Advanced Informatics Department, Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Yasir Mahmood
- Faculty of Information Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
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57
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Arancibia-Opazo S, Contreras-Riquelme JS, Sánchez M, Cisternas-Olmedo M, Vidal RL, Martin AJM, Sáez MA. Transcriptional and Histone Acetylation Changes Associated with CRE Elements Expose Key Factors Governing the Regulatory Circuit in the Early Stage of Huntington's Disease Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10848. [PMID: 37446028 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a disorder caused by an abnormal expansion of trinucleotide CAG repeats within the huntingtin (Htt) gene. Under normal conditions, the CREB Binding Protein interacts with CREB elements and acetylates Lysine 27 of Histone 3 to direct the expression of several genes. However, mutant Htt causes depletion of CBP, which in turn induces altered histone acetylation patterns and transcriptional deregulation. Here, we have studied a differential expression analysis and H3K27ac variation in 4- and 6-week-old R6/2 mice as a model of juvenile HD. The analysis of differential gene expression and acetylation levels were integrated into Gene Regulatory Networks revealing key regulators involved in the altered transcription cascade. Our results show changes in acetylation and gene expression levels that are related to impaired neuronal development, and key regulators clearly defined in 6-week-old mice are proposed to drive the downstream regulatory cascade in HD. Here, we describe the first approach to determine the relationship among epigenetic changes in the early stages of HD. We determined the existence of changes in pre-symptomatic stages of HD as a starting point for early onset indicators of the progression of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Arancibia-Opazo
- Chromatin, Epigenetic, and Neuroscience Laboratory, Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Santiago 8580745, Chile
- Programa de Doctorado en Genómica Integrativa, Vicerrectoría de Investigación, Universidad Mayor, Santiago 8580745, Chile
- Laboratorio de Redes Biológicas, Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago 8580704, Chile
| | - J Sebastián Contreras-Riquelme
- Plant Genome Regulation Lab, Centro de Biotecnología Vegetal, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
| | - Mario Sánchez
- Chromatin, Epigenetic, and Neuroscience Laboratory, Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Santiago 8580745, Chile
| | - Marisol Cisternas-Olmedo
- Centro de Biología Integrativa, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago 8580745, Chile
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, University of Chile, Santiago 8380455, Chile
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - René L Vidal
- Centro de Biología Integrativa, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago 8580745, Chile
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, University of Chile, Santiago 8380455, Chile
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism, Santiago 8380453, Chile
- Escuela de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago 8580745, Chile
| | - Alberto J M Martin
- Laboratorio de Redes Biológicas, Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago 8580704, Chile
- Escuela de Ingeniería, Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago 7500000, Chile
| | - Mauricio A Sáez
- Chromatin, Epigenetic, and Neuroscience Laboratory, Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Santiago 8580745, Chile
- Centro de Oncología de Precisión, Facultad de Medicina Universidad Mayor, Santiago 7560908, Chile
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Salud de Precisión, Departamento de Procesos Diagnósticos y Evaluación, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco 4813302, Chile
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Mätlik K, Baffuto M, Kus L, Deshmukh AL, Davis DA, Paul MR, Carroll TS, Caron MC, Masson JY, Pearson CE, Heintz N. Cell Type Specific CAG Repeat Expansions and Toxicity of Mutant Huntingtin in Human Striatum and Cerebellum. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.24.538082. [PMID: 37333326 PMCID: PMC10274669 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.24.538082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Brain region-specific degeneration and somatic expansions of the mutant Huntingtin (mHTT) CAG tract are key features of Huntington's disease (HD). However, the relationships between CAG expansions, death of specific cell types, and molecular events associated with these processes are not established. Here we employed fluorescence-activated nuclear sorting (FANS) and deep molecular profiling to gain insight into the properties of cell types of the human striatum and cerebellum in HD and control donors. CAG expansions arise in striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and cholinergic interneurons, in cerebellar Purkinje neurons, and at mATXN3 in MSNs from SCA3 donors. CAG expansions in MSNs are associated with higher levels of MSH2 and MSH3 (forming MutSβ), which can inhibit nucleolytic excision of CAG slip-outs by FAN1 in a concentration-dependent manner. Our data indicate that ongoing CAG expansions are not sufficient for cell death, and identify transcriptional changes associated with somatic CAG expansions and striatal toxicity.
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Katayama T, Takahashi K, Yahara O, Sawada J, Ishida KI, Asanome A, Endo H, Saito T, Hasebe N, Kishibe M, Kanno H, Ishiko S, Sone J. NOTCH2NLC mutation-positive neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease with retinal dystrophy: A case report and literature review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33789. [PMID: 37171294 PMCID: PMC10174370 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a neurodegenerative disorder that produces a broad spectrum of clinical conditions such as dementia, upper motor neuron involvement, extrapyramidal symptoms, and neuropathy. Some studies have reported ophthalmological conditions associated with the disease; however, the details of these conditions remain unclear. PATIENT CONCERNS We report a 63-year-old Japanese female with cognitive decline, blurred vision, photophobia, and color blindness at 52 years of age who was diagnosed with cone dystrophy. She also had anxiety, insomnia, depression, delusions, hallucinations, a wide-based gait with short steps, and urinary incontinence. DIAGNOSES, INTERVENTIONS, AND OUTCOMES Magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse cerebral white matter changes and subcortical hyperintensity on diffusion-weighted imaging. Skin biopsy showed p62-positive intranuclear inclusions in sweat glands. NOTCH2NLC gene analysis revealed abnormal GGC expansion; therefore, NIID was diagnosed. CONCLUSION NOTCH2NLC mutation-positive NIID may be associated with retinal dystrophy. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and skin biopsy are helpful diagnostic clues, and gene analysis is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kae Takahashi
- Department of Neurology, Asahikawa City Hospital, Japan
| | - Osamu Yahara
- Department of Neurology, Asahikawa City Hospital, Japan
| | - Jun Sawada
- Division of Neurology, First Department of Internal Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Ishida
- Division of Neurology, First Department of Internal Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University, Japan
| | - Asuka Asanome
- Division of Neurology, First Department of Internal Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University, Japan
| | - Hisako Endo
- Division of Neurology, First Department of Internal Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Saito
- Division of Neurology, First Department of Internal Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Hasebe
- Division of Neurology, First Department of Internal Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University, Japan
| | - Mari Kishibe
- Department of Dermatology, Asahikawa Medical University, Japan
| | - Harumi Kanno
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asahikawa City Hospital, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ishiko
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asahikawa Medical University, Japan
| | - Jun Sone
- Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Japan
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Shi Y, Niu Y, Zhang P, Luo H, Liu S, Zhang S, Wang J, Li Y, Liu X, Song T, Xu T, He S. Characterization of genome-wide STR variation in 6487 human genomes. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2092. [PMID: 37045857 PMCID: PMC10097659 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37690-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Short tandem repeats (STRs) are abundant and highly mutagenic in the human genome. Many STR loci have been associated with a range of human genetic disorders. However, most population-scale studies on STR variation in humans have focused on European ancestry cohorts or are limited by sequencing depth. Here, we depicted a comprehensive map of 366,013 polymorphic STRs (pSTRs) constructed from 6487 deeply sequenced genomes, comprising 3983 Chinese samples (~31.5x, NyuWa) and 2504 samples from the 1000 Genomes Project (~33.3x, 1KGP). We found that STR mutations were affected by motif length, chromosome context and epigenetic features. We identified 3273 and 1117 pSTRs whose repeat numbers were associated with gene expression and 3'UTR alternative polyadenylation, respectively. We also implemented population analysis, investigated population differentiated signatures, and genotyped 60 known disease-causing STRs. Overall, this study further extends the scale of STR variation in humans and propels our understanding of the semantics of STRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yirong Shi
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Big Data Research in Health, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yiwei Niu
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Big Data Research in Health, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Big Data Research in Health, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Huaxia Luo
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Big Data Research in Health, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Big Data Research in Health, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Sijia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Big Data Research in Health, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jiajia Wang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Big Data Research in Health, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yanyan Li
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Big Data Research in Health, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xinyue Liu
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Big Data Research in Health, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Tingrui Song
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Big Data Research in Health, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Tao Xu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China.
| | - Shunmin He
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Center for Big Data Research in Health, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Wright SE, Todd PK. Native functions of short tandem repeats. eLife 2023; 12:e84043. [PMID: 36940239 PMCID: PMC10027321 DOI: 10.7554/elife.84043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Over a third of the human genome is comprised of repetitive sequences, including more than a million short tandem repeats (STRs). While studies of the pathologic consequences of repeat expansions that cause syndromic human diseases are extensive, the potential native functions of STRs are often ignored. Here, we summarize a growing body of research into the normal biological functions for repetitive elements across the genome, with a particular focus on the roles of STRs in regulating gene expression. We propose reconceptualizing the pathogenic consequences of repeat expansions as aberrancies in normal gene regulation. From this altered viewpoint, we predict that future work will reveal broader roles for STRs in neuronal function and as risk alleles for more common human neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon E Wright
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan–Ann ArborAnn ArborUnited States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan–Ann ArborAnn ArborUnited States
- Department of Neuroscience, Picower InstituteCambridgeUnited States
| | - Peter K Todd
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan–Ann ArborAnn ArborUnited States
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemAnn ArborUnited States
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62
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Bhuiyan A, Asakawa S. Synthesis and cloning of long repeat sequences using single-stranded circular DNA. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1115159. [PMID: 36970617 PMCID: PMC10033958 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1115159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-coding repeat expansion causes several neurodegenerative diseases, such as fragile X syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia, and spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA31). Such repetitive sequences must be investigated to understand disease mechanisms and prevent them, using novel approaches. However, synthesizing repeat sequences from synthetic oligonucleotides is challenging as they are unstable, lack unique sequences, and exhibit propensity to make secondary structures. Synthesizing long repeat sequence using polymerase chain reaction is often difficult due to lack of unique sequence. Here, we employed a rolling circle amplification technique to obtain seamless long repeat sequences using tiny synthetic single-stranded circular DNA as template. We obtained 2.5–3 kbp uninterrupted TGGAA repeats, which is observed in SCA31, and confirmed it using restriction digestion, Sanger and Nanopore sequencing. This cell-free, in vitro cloning method may be applicable for other repeat expansion diseases and be used to produce animal and cell culture models to study repeat expansion diseases in vivo and in vitro.
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63
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Figueiredo AS, Loureiro JR, Macedo-Ribeiro S, Silveira I. Advances in Nucleotide Repeat Expansion Diseases: Transcription Gets in Phase. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060826. [PMID: 36980167 PMCID: PMC10047669 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Unstable DNA repeat expansions and insertions have been found to cause more than 50 neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and neuromuscular disorders. One of the main hallmarks of repeat expansion diseases is the formation of abnormal RNA or protein aggregates in the neuronal cells of affected individuals. Recent evidence indicates that alterations of the dynamic or material properties of biomolecular condensates assembled by liquid/liquid phase separation are critical for the formation of these aggregates. This is a thermodynamically-driven and reversible local phenomenon that condenses macromolecules into liquid-like compartments responsible for compartmentalizing molecules required for vital cellular processes. Disease-associated repeat expansions modulate the phase separation properties of RNAs and proteins, interfering with the composition and/or the material properties of biomolecular condensates and resulting in the formation of abnormal aggregates. Since several repeat expansions have arisen in genes encoding crucial players in transcription, this raises the hypothesis that wide gene expression dysregulation is common to multiple repeat expansion diseases. This review will cover the impact of these mutations in the formation of aberrant aggregates and how they modify gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana S. Figueiredo
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana R. Loureiro
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Macedo-Ribeiro
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Silveira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-2240-8800
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64
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Papadopoulou E, Pepe G, Konitsiotis S, Chondrogiorgi M, Grigoriadis N, Kimiskidis VK, Tsivgoulis G, Mitsikostas DD, Chroni E, Domouzoglou E, Tsaousis G, Nasioulas G. The evolution of comprehensive genetic analysis in neurology: Implications for precision medicine. J Neurol Sci 2023; 447:120609. [PMID: 36905813 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2023.120609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Technological advancements have facilitated the availability of reliable and thorough genetic analysis in many medical fields, including neurology. In this review, we focus on the importance of selecting the appropriate genetic test to aid in the accurate identification of disease utilizing currently employed technologies for analyzing monogenic neurological disorders. Moreover, the applicability of comprehensive analysis via NGS for various genetically heterogeneous neurological disorders is reviewed, revealing its efficiency in clarifying a frequently cloudy diagnostic picture and delivering a conclusive and solid diagnosis that is essential for the proper management of the patient. The feasibility and effectiveness of medical genetics in neurology require interdisciplinary cooperation among several medical specialties and geneticists, to select and perform the most relevant test according to each patient's medical history, using the most appropriate technological tools. The prerequisites for a comprehensive genetic analysis are discussed, highlighting the utility of appropriate gene selection, variant annotation, and classification. Moreover, genetic counseling and interdisciplinary collaboration could improve diagnostic yield further. Additionally, a sub-analysis is conducted on the 1,502,769 variation records with submitted interpretations in the Clinical Variation (ClinVar) database, with a focus on neurology-related genes, to clarify the value of suitable variant categorization. Finally, we review the current applications of genetic analysis in the diagnosis and personalized management of neurological patients and the advances in the research and scientific knowledge of hereditary neurological disorders that are evolving the utility of genetic analysis towards the individualization of the treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Georgia Pepe
- GeneKor Medical SA, Spaton 52, Gerakas 15344, Greece
| | - Spiridon Konitsiotis
- Department of Neurology, University of Ioannina, Stavrou Niarchou Avenue, Ioannina 45500, Greece
| | - Maria Chondrogiorgi
- Department of Neurology, University of Ioannina, Stavrou Niarchou Avenue, Ioannina 45500, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Grigoriadis
- Second Department of Neurology, "AHEPA" University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, St. Kiriakidis 1, Thessaloniki 54636, Greece
| | - Vasilios K Kimiskidis
- First Department of Neurology, "AHEPA" University hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, St. Kiriakidis 1, Thessaloniki 54636, Greece
| | - Georgios Tsivgoulis
- Second Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, "Attikon" University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimos D Mitsikostas
- First Department of Neurology, Aeginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Elisabeth Chroni
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio-Patras, Greece
| | - Eleni Domouzoglou
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Ioannina, Stavrou Niarchou Avenue, Ioannina 45500, Greece
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65
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Phenotype and management of neurologic intronic repeat disorders (NIRDs). Rev Neurol (Paris) 2023; 179:173-182. [PMID: 36371266 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2022.09.004] [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: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
During recent years an increasing number of neurologic disorders due to expanded tri-, tetra-, penta-, or hexa-nucleotide repeat motifs in introns of various genes have been described (neurologic intronic repeat disorders (NIRDs)). The repeat may be pathogenic in the heterozygous or homozygous form. Repeat lengths vary considerably and can be stable or unstable during transmission to the next generation. The most well-known NIRDs are Friedreich ataxia, spinocerebellar ataxia types-10, -31, and -36, CANVAS, C9Orf72 familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS), and myotonic dystrophy-2 (MD2). Phenotypically, NIRDs manifest as mono-organ (e.g. spinocerebellar ataxia type 31) or multi-organ disease (e.g. Friedreich ataxia, myotonic dystrophy-2). A number of other more rare NIRDs have been recently detected. This review aims at summarising and discussing previous findings and recent advances concerning the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and therapeutic management of the most common NIRDs.
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66
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Kalia LV, Nimmo GAM, Mestre TA. Genetic Testing in Clinical Movement Disorders: A Case-Based Review. Semin Neurol 2023; 43:147-155. [PMID: 36854393 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1763507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Genetics are fundamental to understanding the pathophysiology of neurological disease, including movement disorders. Genetic testing in clinical practice has changed dramatically over the last few decades. While the likelihood of establishing an etiological diagnosis is greater now with increased access to testing and more advanced technologies, clinicians face challenges when deciding whether to test, then selecting the appropriate test, and ultimately interpreting and sharing the results with patients and families. In this review, we use a case-based approach to cover core aspects of genetic testing for the neurologist, namely, genetic testing in Parkinson's disease, interpretation of inconclusive genetic test reports, and genetic testing for repeat expansion disorders using Huntington disease as a prototype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine V Kalia
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease and the Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic and Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Graeme A M Nimmo
- Fred A. Litwin Family Centre for Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital and Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tiago A Mestre
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario Canada
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67
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What the Gut Tells the Brain-Is There a Link between Microbiota and Huntington's Disease? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054477. [PMID: 36901907 PMCID: PMC10003333 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The human intestinal microbiota is a diverse and dynamic microenvironment that forms a complex, bi-directional relationship with the host. The microbiome takes part in the digestion of food and the generation of crucial nutrients such as short chain fatty acids (SCFA), but is also impacts the host's metabolism, immune system, and even brain functions. Due to its indispensable role, microbiota has been implicated in both the maintenance of health and the pathogenesis of many diseases. Dysbiosis in the gut microbiota has already been implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, not much is known about the microbiome composition and its interactions in Huntington's disease (HD). This dominantly heritable, incurable neurodegenerative disease is caused by the expansion of CAG trinucleotide repeats in the huntingtin gene (HTT). As a result, toxic RNA and mutant protein (mHTT), rich in polyglutamine (polyQ), accumulate particularly in the brain, leading to its impaired functions. Interestingly, recent studies indicated that mHTT is also widely expressed in the intestines and could possibly interact with the microbiota, affecting the progression of HD. Several studies have aimed so far to screen the microbiota composition in mouse models of HD and find out whether observed microbiome dysbiosis could affect the functions of the HD brain. This review summarizes ongoing research in the HD field and highlights the essential role of the intestine-brain axis in HD pathogenesis and progression. The review also puts a strong emphasis on indicating microbiome composition as a future target in the urgently needed therapy for this still incurable disease.
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68
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Current advances in neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease. Neurol Sci 2023; 44:1881-1889. [PMID: 36795299 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06677-0] [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: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a rare but probably underdiagnosed neurodegenerative disorder due to pathogenic GGC expansions in the NOTCH2NLC gene. In this review, we summarize recent developments in the inheritance features, pathogenesis, and histopathologic and radiologic features of NIID that subvert the previous perceptions of NIID. GGC repeat sizes determine the age of onset and clinical phenotypes of NIID patients. Anticipation may be absent in NIID but paternal bias is observed in NIID pedigrees. Eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions in skin tissues once considered pathological hallmarks of NIID can also present in other GGC repeat diseases. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) hyperintensity along the corticomedullary junction once considered the imaging hallmark of NIID can frequently be absent in muscle weakness and parkinsonism phenotype of NIID. Besides, DWI abnormalities can appear years after the onset of predominant symptoms and may even disappear completely with disease progression. Moreover, continuous reports of NOTCH2NLC GGC expansions in patients with other neurodegenerative diseases lead to the proposal of a new concept of NOTCH2NLC-related GGC repeat expansion disorders (NRED). However, by reviewing the previous literature, we point out the limitations of these studies and provide evidence that these patients are actually suffering from neurodegenerative phenotypes of NIID.
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69
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Dhaliwal J, Wagner J. STR-based feature extraction and selection for genetic feature discovery in neurological disease genes. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2480. [PMID: 36774368 PMCID: PMC9922266 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29376-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene expression, often determined by single nucleotide polymorphisms, short repeated sequences known as short tandem repeats (STRs), structural variants, and environmental factors, provides means for an organism to produce gene products necessary to live. Variation in expression levels, sometimes known as enrichment patterns, has been associated with disease progression. Thus, the STR enrichment patterns have recently gained interest as potential genetic markers for disease progression. However, to the best of our knowledge, we are unaware of any study that evaluates and explores STRs, particularly trinucleotide sequences, as machine learning features for classifying neurological disease genes for the purpose of discovering genetic features. Thus, in this paper, we proposed a new metric and a novel feature extraction and selection algorithm based on statistically significant STR-based features and their respective enrichment patterns to create a statistically significant feature set. The proposed new metric has shown that the neurological disease family genes have a non-random AA, AT, TA, TG, and TT enrichment pattern. This is an important result, as it supports prior research that has established that certain trinucleotides, such as AAT, ATA, ATT, TAT, and TTA, are favored during protein misfolding. In contrast, trinucleotides, such as TAA, TAG, and TGA, are favored during premature termination codon mutations as they are stop codons. This suggests that the metric has the potential to identify patterns that may be genetic features in a sample of neurological genes. Moreover, the practical performance and high prediction results of the statistically significant STR-based feature set indicate that variations in STR enrichment patterns can distinguish neurological disease genes. In conclusion, the proposed approach may have the potential to discover differential genetic features for other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasbir Dhaliwal
- Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| | - John Wagner
- PsychoGenics Inc., Paramus, New Jersey, 07652, United States of America
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70
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Calluori S, Stark R, Pearson BL. Gene-Environment Interactions in Repeat Expansion Diseases: Mechanisms of Environmentally Induced Repeat Instability. Biomedicines 2023; 11:515. [PMID: 36831049 PMCID: PMC9953593 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Short tandem repeats (STRs) are units of 1-6 base pairs that occur in tandem repetition to form a repeat tract. STRs exhibit repeat instability, which generates expansions or contractions of the repeat tract. Over 50 diseases, primarily affecting the central nervous system and muscles, are characterized by repeat instability. Longer repeat tracts are typically associated with earlier age of onset and increased disease severity. Environmental exposures are suspected to play a role in the pathogenesis of repeat expansion diseases. Here, we review the current knowledge of mechanisms of environmentally induced repeat instability in repeat expansion diseases. The current evidence demonstrates that environmental factors modulate repeat instability via DNA damage and induction of DNA repair pathways, with distinct mechanisms for repeat expansion and contraction. Of particular note, oxidative stress is a key mediator of environmentally induced repeat instability. The preliminary evidence suggests epigenetic modifications as potential mediators of environmentally induced repeat instability. Future research incorporating an array of environmental exposures, new human cohorts, and improved model systems, with a continued focus on cell-types, tissues, and critical windows, will aid in identifying mechanisms of environmentally induced repeat instability. Identifying environmental modulators of repeat instability and their mechanisms of action will inform preventions, therapies, and public health measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Calluori
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Barnard College of Columbia University, 3009 Broadway, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Rebecca Stark
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Brandon L. Pearson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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71
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Reyes CJF, Asano K. Between Order and Chaos: Understanding the Mechanism and Pathology of RAN Translation. Biol Pharm Bull 2023; 46:139-146. [PMID: 36724941 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b22-00448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation is a pathogenic mechanism in which repetitive sequences are translated into aggregation-prone proteins from multiple reading frames, even without a canonical AUG start codon. Since its discovery in spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (SCA8) and myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), RAN translation is now known to occur in the context of 12 disease-linked repeat expansions. This review discusses recent advances in understanding the regulatory mechanisms controlling RAN translation and its contribution to the pathophysiology of repeat expansion diseases. We discuss the key findings in the context of Fragile X Tremor Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS), a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CGG repeat expansion in the 5' untranslated region of FMR1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katsura Asano
- Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, Division of Biology, Kansas State University.,Laboratory of Translational Control Study, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University.,Hiroshima Research Center for Healthy Aging, Hiroshima University
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72
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Fan C, Chen K, Wang Y, Ball EV, Stenson PD, Mort M, Bacolla A, Kehrer-Sawatzki H, Tainer JA, Cooper DN, Zhao H. Profiling human pathogenic repeat expansion regions by synergistic and multi-level impacts on molecular connections. Hum Genet 2023; 142:245-274. [PMID: 36344696 PMCID: PMC10290229 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-022-02500-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Whilst DNA repeat expansions cause numerous heritable human disorders, their origins and underlying pathological mechanisms are often unclear. We collated a dataset comprising 224 human repeat expansions encompassing 203 different genes, and performed a systematic analysis with respect to key topological features at the DNA, RNA and protein levels. Comparison with controls without known pathogenicity and genomic regions lacking repeats, allowed the construction of the first tool to discriminate repeat regions harboring pathogenic repeat expansions (DPREx). At the DNA level, pathogenic repeat expansions exhibited stronger signals for DNA regulatory factors (e.g. H3K4me3, transcription factor-binding sites) in exons, promoters, 5'UTRs and 5'genes but were not significantly different from controls in introns, 3'UTRs and 3'genes. Additionally, pathogenic repeat expansions were also found to be enriched in non-B DNA structures. At the RNA level, pathogenic repeat expansions were characterized by lower free energy for forming RNA secondary structure and were closer to splice sites in introns, exons, promoters and 5'genes than controls. At the protein level, pathogenic repeat expansions exhibited a preference to form coil rather than other types of secondary structure, and tended to encode surface-located protein domains. Guided by these features, DPREx ( http://biomed.nscc-gz.cn/zhaolab/geneprediction/# ) achieved an Area Under the Curve (AUC) value of 0.88 in a test on an independent dataset. Pathogenic repeat expansions are thus located such that they exert a synergistic influence on the gene expression pathway involving inter-molecular connections at the DNA, RNA and protein levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Fan
- Department of Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 500001, People's Republic of China
| | - Ken Chen
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 500001, China
| | - Yukai Wang
- School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 500001, China
| | - Edward V Ball
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Peter D Stenson
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Matthew Mort
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Albino Bacolla
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 6767 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - John A Tainer
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 6767 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - David N Cooper
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Huiying Zhao
- Department of Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 500001, People's Republic of China.
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73
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Lang J, Xu Z, Wang Y, Sun J, Yang Z. NanoSTR: A method for detection of target short tandem repeats based on nanopore sequencing data. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1093519. [PMID: 36743210 PMCID: PMC9889824 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1093519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Short tandem repeats (STRs) are widely present in the human genome. Studies have confirmed that STRs are associated with more than 30 diseases, and they have also been used in forensic identification and paternity testing. However, there are few methods for STR detection based on nanopore sequencing due to the challenges posed by the sequencing principles and the data characteristics of nanopore sequencing. We developed NanoSTR for detection of target STR loci based on the length-number-rank (LNR) information of reads. NanoSTR can be used for STR detection and genotyping based on long-read data from nanopore sequencing with improved accuracy and efficiency compared with other existing methods, such as Tandem-Genotypes and TRiCoLOR. NanoSTR showed 100% concordance with the expected genotypes using error-free simulated data, and also achieved >85% concordance using the standard samples (containing autosomal and Y-chromosomal loci) with MinION sequencing platform, respectively. NanoSTR showed high performance for detection of target STR markers. Although NanoSTR needs further optimization and development, it is useful as an analytical method for the detection of STR loci by nanopore sequencing. This method adds to the toolbox for nanopore-based STR analysis and expands the applications of nanopore sequencing in scientific research and clinical scenarios. The main code and the data are available at https://github.com/langjidong/NanoSTR.
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74
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Repeat-associated non-AUG translation induces cytoplasmic aggregation of CAG repeat-containing RNAs. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2215071120. [PMID: 36623192 PMCID: PMC9934169 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2215071120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
CAG trinucleotide repeat expansions cause several neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease and spinocerebellar ataxia. RNAs with expanded CAG repeats contribute to disease in two unusual ways. First, these repeat-containing RNAs may agglomerate in the nucleus as foci that sequester several RNA-binding proteins. Second, these RNAs may undergo aberrant repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation in multiple frames and produce aggregation-prone proteins. The relationship between RAN translation and RNA foci, and their relative contributions to cellular dysfunction, are unclear. Here, we show that CAG repeat-containing RNAs that undergo RAN translation first accumulate at nuclear foci and, over time, are exported to the cytoplasm. In the cytoplasm, these RNAs are initially dispersed but, upon RAN translation, aggregate with the RAN translation products. These RNA-RAN protein agglomerates sequester various RNA-binding proteins and are associated with the disruption of nucleocytoplasmic transport and cell death. In contrast, RNA accumulation at nuclear foci alone does not produce discernable defects in nucleocytoplasmic transport or cell viability. Inhibition of RAN translation prevents cytoplasmic RNA aggregation and alleviates cell toxicity. Our findings demonstrate that RAN translation-induced RNA-protein aggregation correlates with the key pathological hallmarks observed in disease and suggest that cytoplasmic RNA aggregation may be an underappreciated phenomenon in CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion disorders.
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75
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The Power of Clinical Diagnosis for Deciphering Complex Genetic Mechanisms in Rare Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14010196. [PMID: 36672937 PMCID: PMC9858967 DOI: 10.3390/genes14010196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Complex genetic disease mechanisms, such as structural or non-coding variants, currently pose a substantial difficulty in frontline diagnostic tests. They thus may account for most unsolved rare disease patients regardless of the clinical phenotype. However, the clinical diagnosis can narrow the genetic focus to just a couple of genes for patients with well-established syndromes defined by prominent physical and/or unique biochemical phenotypes, allowing deeper analyses to consider complex genetic origin. Then, clinical-diagnosis-driven genome sequencing strategies may expedite the development of testing and analytical methods to account for complex disease mechanisms as well as to advance functional assays for the confirmation of complex variants, clinical management, and the development of new therapies.
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Rafehi H, Read J, Szmulewicz DJ, Davies KC, Snell P, Fearnley LG, Scott L, Thomsen M, Gillies G, Pope K, Bennett MF, Munro JE, Ngo KJ, Chen L, Wallis MJ, Butler EG, Kumar KR, Wu KHC, Tomlinson SE, Tisch S, Malhotra A, Lee-Archer M, Dolzhenko E, Eberle MA, Roberts LJ, Fogel BL, Brüggemann N, Lohmann K, Delatycki MB, Bahlo M, Lockhart PJ. An intronic GAA repeat expansion in FGF14 causes the autosomal-dominant adult-onset ataxia SCA50/ATX-FGF14. Am J Hum Genet 2023; 110:105-119. [PMID: 36493768 PMCID: PMC9892775 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2022.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult-onset cerebellar ataxias are a group of neurodegenerative conditions that challenge both genetic discovery and molecular diagnosis. In this study, we identified an intronic (GAA) repeat expansion in fibroblast growth factor 14 (FGF14). Genetic analysis of 95 Australian individuals with adult-onset ataxia identified four (4.2%) with (GAA)>300 and a further nine individuals with (GAA)>250. PCR and long-read sequence analysis revealed these were pure (GAA) repeats. In comparison, no control subjects had (GAA)>300 and only 2/311 control individuals (0.6%) had a pure (GAA)>250. In a German validation cohort, 9/104 (8.7%) of affected individuals had (GAA)>335 and a further six had (GAA)>250, whereas 10/190 (5.3%) control subjects had (GAA)>250 but none were (GAA)>335. The combined data suggest (GAA)>335 are disease causing and fully penetrant (p = 6.0 × 10-8, OR = 72 [95% CI = 4.3-1,227]), while (GAA)>250 is likely pathogenic with reduced penetrance. Affected individuals had an adult-onset, slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia with variable features including vestibular impairment, hyper-reflexia, and autonomic dysfunction. A negative correlation between age at onset and repeat length was observed (R2 = 0.44, p = 0.00045, slope = -0.12) and identification of a shared haplotype in a minority of individuals suggests that the expansion can be inherited or generated de novo during meiotic division. This study demonstrates the power of genome sequencing and advanced bioinformatic tools to identify novel repeat expansions via model-free, genome-wide analysis and identifies SCA50/ATX-FGF14 as a frequent cause of adult-onset ataxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haloom Rafehi
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Justin Read
- Bruce Lefroy Centre, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - David J. Szmulewicz
- Cerebellar Ataxia Clinic, Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kayli C. Davies
- Bruce Lefroy Centre, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Penny Snell
- Bruce Lefroy Centre, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Liam G. Fearnley
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia,Bruce Lefroy Centre, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Liam Scott
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Mirja Thomsen
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Greta Gillies
- Bruce Lefroy Centre, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Kate Pope
- Bruce Lefroy Centre, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Mark F. Bennett
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia,Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Jacob E. Munro
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kathie J. Ngo
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Luke Chen
- Alfred Hospital, Department of Neurology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mathew J. Wallis
- Clinical Genetics Service, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,School of Medicine and Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | | | - Kishore R. Kumar
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Molecular Medicine Laboratory and Department of Neurology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, NSW, Australia,Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kathy HC. Wu
- School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Clinical Genomics, St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia,Discipline of Genomic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Susan E. Tomlinson
- School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Department of Neurology, St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen Tisch
- School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Department of Neurology, St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Abhishek Malhotra
- Department of Neuroscience, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew Lee-Archer
- Launceston General Hospital, Tasmanian Health Service, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | | | | | - Leslie J. Roberts
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Research, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Brent L. Fogel
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA,Departments of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Norbert Brüggemann
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany,Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Germany
| | - Katja Lohmann
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Martin B. Delatycki
- Bruce Lefroy Centre, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia,Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Melanie Bahlo
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Paul J. Lockhart
- Bruce Lefroy Centre, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia,Corresponding author
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77
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Kurokawa R, Kurokawa M, Mitsutake A, Nakaya M, Baba A, Nakata Y, Moritani T, Abe O. Clinical and neuroimaging review of triplet repeat diseases. Jpn J Radiol 2023; 41:115-130. [PMID: 36169768 PMCID: PMC9889482 DOI: 10.1007/s11604-022-01343-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Triplet repeat diseases (TRDs) refer to a group of diseases caused by three nucleotide repeats elongated beyond a pathologic threshold. TRDs are divided into the following four groups depending on the pathomechanisms, although the pathomechanisms of several diseases remain unelucidated: polyglutamine disorders, caused by a pathologic repeat expansion of CAG (coding the amino acid glutamine) located within the exon; loss-of-function repeat disorders, characterized by the common feature of a loss of function of the gene within which they occur; RNA gain-of-function disorders, involving the production of a toxic RNA species; and polyalanine disorders, caused by a pathologic repeat expansion of GCN (coding the amino acid alanine) located within the exon. Many of these TRDs manifest through neurologic symptoms; moreover, neuroimaging, especially brain magnetic resonance imaging, plays a pivotal role in the detection of abnormalities, differentiation, and management of TRDs. In this article, we reviewed the clinical and neuroimaging features of TRDs. An early diagnosis of TRDs through clinical and imaging approaches is important and may contribute to appropriate medical intervention for patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Kurokawa
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan ,Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Mariko Kurokawa
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan ,Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Akihiko Mitsutake
- Department of Neurology, International University of Health and Welfare, Mita Hospital, 1-4-3 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8329 Japan
| | - Moto Nakaya
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
| | - Akira Baba
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Yasuhiro Nakata
- Department of Neuroradiology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, 2-6-1 Musashidai, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-0042 Japan
| | - Toshio Moritani
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Osamu Abe
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655 Japan
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78
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Saha G, Ghosh S, Dubey VK, Saudagar P. Gene Alterations Induced by Glutamine (Q) Encoding CAG Repeats Associated with Neurodegeneration. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2575:3-23. [PMID: 36301468 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2716-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have been reported linking the role of polyglutamine (polyQ) disease-associated proteins with altered gene regulation induced by an unstable trinucleotide (CAG) repeat. Owing to their dynamic nature of expansion, these DNA repeats form secondary structures interfering with the normal cellular mechanisms like replication and transcription and, thereby, have become the underlying cause of numerous neurodegenerative disorders involving mental retardation and/or muscular or neuronal degeneration. Despite the widespread expression of the disease-causing protein, specific subsets of neurons are susceptible to specific patterns of inheritance and clinical symptoms. Although this cell-type selectivity is still elusive and less understood, it has been found that aberrant transcriptional regulation is one of the primary causes of polyQ diseases where the functions of histone-modifying complexes are disrupted. Besides, epigenetic modifications play a critical role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. In this chapter, we will be delving into how these polyQ repeats induce the self-assembly and aggregation of altered carrier proteins based on gene alterations, causing neuronal toxicity and cellular deaths. Besides, genomic instability in CAG repeats due to altered chromatin-related enzymes will be highlighted, along with epigenetic changes present in many polyQ disorders. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms in the root cause of these disorders will culminate in identifying therapeutic approaches for the treatment of these neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gundappa Saha
- Department of Basic & Translational Sciences, Penn Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sukanya Ghosh
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Vikash Kumar Dubey
- School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Prakash Saudagar
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Warangal, Telangana, India.
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79
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Morelli KH, Wu Q, Gosztyla ML, Liu H, Yao M, Zhang C, Chen J, Marina RJ, Lee K, Jones KL, Huang MY, Li A, Smith-Geater C, Thompson LM, Duan W, Yeo GW. An RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas13d system alleviates disease-related phenotypes in Huntington's disease models. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:27-38. [PMID: 36510111 PMCID: PMC9829537 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-022-01207-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal, dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by CAG trinucleotide expansion in exon 1 of the huntingtin (HTT) gene. Since the reduction of pathogenic mutant HTT messenger RNA is therapeutic, we developed a mutant allele-sensitive CAGEX RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas13d system (Cas13d-CAGEX) that eliminates toxic CAGEX RNA in fibroblasts derived from patients with HD and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons. We show that intrastriatal delivery of Cas13d-CAGEX via an adeno-associated viral vector selectively reduces mutant HTT mRNA and protein levels in the striatum of heterozygous zQ175 mice, a model of HD. This also led to improved motor coordination, attenuated striatal atrophy and reduction of mutant HTT protein aggregates. These phenotypic improvements lasted for at least eight months without adverse effects and with minimal off-target transcriptomic effects. Taken together, we demonstrate proof of principle of an RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas13d system as a therapeutic approach for HD, a strategy with implications for the treatment of other dominantly inherited disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn H Morelli
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Qian Wu
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Maya L Gosztyla
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hongshuai Liu
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Minmin Yao
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chuangchuang Zhang
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jiaxu Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ryan J Marina
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kari Lee
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Krysten L Jones
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Megan Y Huang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Allison Li
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Charlene Smith-Geater
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Leslie M Thompson
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Wenzhen Duan
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- The Solomon H Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Gene W Yeo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Stem Cell Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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80
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Younger DS. Childhood muscular dystrophies. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 195:461-496. [PMID: 37562882 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98818-6.00024-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Infancy- and childhood-onset muscular dystrophies are associated with a characteristic distribution and progression of motor dysfunction. The underlying causes of progressive childhood muscular dystrophies are heterogeneous involving diverse genetic pathways and genes that encode proteins of the plasma membrane, extracellular matrix, sarcomere, and nuclear membrane components. The prototypical clinicopathological features in an affected child may be adequate to fully distinguish it from other likely diagnoses based on four common features: (1) weakness and wasting of pelvic-femoral and scapular muscles with involvement of heart muscle; (2) elevation of serum muscle enzymes in particular serum creatine kinase; (3) necrosis and regeneration of myofibers; and (4) molecular neurogenetic assessment particularly utilizing next-generation sequencing of the genome of the likeliest candidates genes in an index case or family proband. A number of different animal models of therapeutic strategies have been developed for gene transfer therapy, but so far these techniques have not yet entered clinical practice. Treatment remains for the most part symptomatic with the goal of ameliorating locomotor and cardiorespiratory manifestations of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Younger
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Neuroscience, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine and Neurology, White Plains Hospital, White Plains, NY, United States.
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81
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Abstract
Haplotyping individual full-length transcripts can be important in diagnosis and treatment of certain genetic diseases. One set of diseases, repeat expansions of simple tandem repeat sequences are the cause of over 40 neurological disorders. In many of these conditions, expanding a polymorphic repeat beyond a given threshold has been strongly associated with disease onset and severity. Given that most repeat expansions are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, repeat expansion disorders are typically characterized by a heterozygous expansion locus associated with a single haplotype. Precision genetic medicines can be used to selectively target expansion-containing sequences in a haplotype-specific manner.However, repeat expansion lengths often exceed the capacity of next-generation sequencing (NGS) reads. Therefore, the accurate length and haplotype determination of repeat expansions requires special considerations and requires the development of custom methods. Here we highlight a method for targeted haplotype phasing of the HTT gene, which can be adopted for use with other full-length transcripts and in other repeat expansion disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nenad Svrzikapa
- Wave Life Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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82
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Satange R, Rode AB, Hou MH. Revisiting recent unusual drug-DNA complex structures: Implications for cancer and neurological disease diagnostics and therapeutics. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 76:117094. [PMID: 36410206 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.117094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
DNA plays a crucial role in various biological processes such as protein production, replication, recombination etc. by adopting different conformations. Targeting these conformations by small molecules is not only important for disease therapy, but also improves our understanding of the mechanisms of disease development. In this review, we provide an overview of some of the most recent ligand-DNA complexes that have diagnostic and therapeutic applications in neurological diseases caused by abnormal repeat expansions and in cancer associated with mismatches. In addition, we have discussed important implications of ligands targeting higher-order structures, such as four-way junctions, G-quadruplexes and triplexes for drug discovery and DNA nanotechnology. We provide an overview of the results and perspectives of such structural studies on ligand-DNA interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Satange
- Institute of Genomics and Bioinformatics National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Ambadas B Rode
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone, Faridabad-Gurugram Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana 121001, India
| | - Ming-Hon Hou
- Institute of Genomics and Bioinformatics National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan; Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan.
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83
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Tucci P, Lattanzi R, Severini C, Saso L. Nrf2 Pathway in Huntington's Disease (HD): What Is Its Role? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315272. [PMID: 36499596 PMCID: PMC9739588 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease that occurs worldwide. Despite some progress in understanding the onset of HD, drugs that block or delay symptoms are still not available. In recent years, many treatments have been proposed; among them, nuclear transcriptional factor-2 (Nrf2) enhancer compounds have been proposed as potential therapeutic agents to treat HD. Nrf2 triggers an endogenous antioxidant pathway activated in different neurodegenerative disorders. Probably, the stimulation of Nrf2 during either the early phase or before HD symptoms' onset, could slow or prevent striatum degeneration. In this review, we present the scientific literature supporting the role of Nrf2 in HD and the potential prophylactic and therapeutic role of this compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Tucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Roberta Lattanzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Severini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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84
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Rosenbohm A, Pott H, Thomsen M, Rafehi H, Kaya S, Szymczak S, Volk AE, Mueller K, Silveira I, Weishaupt JH, Tönnies H, Seibler P, Zschiedrich K, Schaake S, Westenberger A, Zühlke C, Depienne C, Trinh J, Ludolph AC, Klein C, Bahlo M, Lohmann K. Familial Cerebellar Ataxia and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Frontotemporal Dementia with DAB1 and C9ORF72 Repeat Expansions: An 18-Year Study. Mov Disord 2022; 37:2427-2439. [PMID: 36148898 PMCID: PMC10900262 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coding and noncoding repeat expansions are an important cause of neurodegenerative diseases. OBJECTIVE This study determined the clinical and genetic features of a large German family that has been followed for almost 2 decades with an autosomal dominantly inherited spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) and independent co-occurrence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). METHODS We carried out clinical examinations and telephone interviews, reviewed medical records, and performed magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography scans of all available family members. Comprehensive genetic investigations included linkage analysis, short-read genome sequencing, long-read sequencing, repeat-primed polymerase chain reaction, and Southern blotting. RESULTS The family comprises 118 members across seven generations, 30 of whom were definitely and five possibly affected. In this family, two different pathogenic mutations were found, a heterozygous repeat expansion in C9ORF72 in four patients with ALS/FTD and a heterozygous repeat expansion in DAB1 in at least nine patients with SCA, leading to a diagnosis of DAB1-related ataxia (ATX-DAB1; SCA37). One patient was affected by ALS and SCA and carried both repeat expansions. The repeat in DAB1 had the same configuration but was larger than those previously described ([ATTTT]≈75 [ATTTC]≈40-100 [ATTTT]≈415 ). Clinical features in patients with SCA included spinocerebellar symptoms, sometimes accompanied by additional ophthalmoplegia, vertical nystagmus, tremor, sensory deficits, and dystonia. After several decades, some of these patients suffered from cognitive decline and one from additional nonprogressive lower motor neuron affection. CONCLUSION We demonstrate genetic and clinical findings during an 18-year period in a unique family carrying two different pathogenic repeat expansions, providing novel insights into their genotypic and phenotypic spectrums. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hendrik Pott
- Institute of NeurogeneticsUniversity of LübeckLübeckGermany
| | - Mirja Thomsen
- Institute of NeurogeneticsUniversity of LübeckLübeckGermany
| | - Haloom Rafehi
- Division of Population Health and ImmunityThe Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
- Department of Medical BiologyThe University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
| | - Sabine Kaya
- Institute of Human GeneticsUniversity Hospital EssenEssenGermany
| | - Silke Szymczak
- Insitute of Medical Biometry and StatisticsUniversity of LübeckLübeckGermany
| | - Alexander E. Volk
- Institute of Human GeneticsUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | | | - Isabel Silveira
- i3S‐Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em SaúdeUniversidade do PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Jochen H. Weishaupt
- Division of Neurodegeneration, Neurology DepartmentUniversity Medicine Mannheim, Heidelberg UniversityMannheimGermany
| | - Holger Tönnies
- Institute of Human GeneticsChristian‐Albrechts‐UniversityKielGermany
| | - Philip Seibler
- Institute of NeurogeneticsUniversity of LübeckLübeckGermany
| | | | - Susen Schaake
- Institute of NeurogeneticsUniversity of LübeckLübeckGermany
| | | | | | | | - Joanne Trinh
- Institute of NeurogeneticsUniversity of LübeckLübeckGermany
| | - Albert C. Ludolph
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of UlmUlmGermany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Site UlmUlmGermany
| | | | - Melanie Bahlo
- Division of Population Health and ImmunityThe Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
- Department of Medical BiologyThe University of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
| | - Katja Lohmann
- Institute of NeurogeneticsUniversity of LübeckLübeckGermany
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85
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Gil-Martínez J, Bernardo-Seisdedos G, Mato JM, Millet O. The use of pharmacological chaperones in rare diseases caused by reduced protein stability. Proteomics 2022; 22:e2200222. [PMID: 36205620 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202200222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Rare diseases are most often caused by inherited genetic disorders that, after translation, will result in a protein with altered function. Decreased protein stability is the most frequent mechanism associated with a congenital pathogenic missense mutation and it implies the destabilization of the folded conformation in favour of unfolded or misfolded states. In the cellular context and when experimental data is available, a mutant protein with altered thermodynamic stability often also results in impaired homeostasis, with the deleterious accumulation of protein aggregates, metabolites and/or metabolic by-products. In the last decades, a significant effort has enabled the characterization of rare diseases associated to protein stability defects and triggered the development of innovative therapeutic intervention lines, say, the use of pharmacological chaperones to correct the intracellular impaired homeostasis. Here, we review the current knowledge on rare diseases caused by reduced protein stability, paying special attention to the thermodynamic aspects of the protein destabilization, also focusing on some examples where pharmacological chaperones are being tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Gil-Martínez
- Precision Medicine and Metabolism Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | - José M Mato
- Precision Medicine and Metabolism Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia, Spain.,CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Millet
- Precision Medicine and Metabolism Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia, Spain.,ATLAS Molecular Pharma, Bizkaia, Spain.,CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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86
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Khan ES, Danckwardt S. Pathophysiological Role and Diagnostic Potential of R-Loops in Cancer and Beyond. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122181. [PMID: 36553448 PMCID: PMC9777984 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
R-loops are DNA-RNA hybrids that play multifunctional roles in gene regulation, including replication, transcription, transcription-replication collision, epigenetics, and preserving the integrity of the genome. The aberrant formation and accumulation of unscheduled R-loops can disrupt gene expression and damage DNA, thereby causing genome instability. Recent links between unscheduled R-loop accumulation and the abundance of proteins that modulate R-loop biogenesis have been associated with numerous human diseases, including various cancers. Although R-loops are not necessarily causative for all disease entities described to date, they can perpetuate and even exacerbate the initially disease-eliciting pathophysiology, making them structures of interest for molecular diagnostics. In this review, we discuss the (patho) physiological role of R-loops in health and disease, their surprising diagnostic potential, and state-of-the-art techniques for their detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essak S. Khan
- Posttranscriptional Gene Regulation, Cancer Research and Experimental Hemostasis, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), DKFZ Frankfurt-Mainz, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sven Danckwardt
- Posttranscriptional Gene Regulation, Cancer Research and Experimental Hemostasis, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Rhine-Main, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Correspondence:
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87
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Correia JS, Duarte-Silva S, Salgado AJ, Maciel P. Cell-based therapeutic strategies for treatment of spinocerebellar ataxias: an update. Neural Regen Res 2022; 18:1203-1212. [PMID: 36453395 PMCID: PMC9838137 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.355981] [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: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias are heritable neurodegenerative diseases caused by a cytosine-adenine-guanine expansion, which encodes a long glutamine tract (polyglutamine) in the respective wild-type protein causing misfolding and protein aggregation. Clinical features of polyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias include neuronal aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, decreased proteasomal activity, and autophagy impairment. Mutant polyglutamine protein aggregates accumulate within neurons and cause neural dysfunction and death in specific regions of the central nervous system. Spinocerebellar ataxias are mostly characterized by progressive ataxia, speech and swallowing problems, loss of coordination and gait deficits. Over the past decade, efforts have been made to ameliorate disease symptoms in patients, yet no cure is available. Previous studies have been proposing the use of stem cells as promising tools for central nervous system tissue regeneration. So far, pre-clinical trials have shown improvement in various models of neurodegenerative diseases following stem cell transplantation, including animal models of spinocerebellar ataxia types 1, 2, and 3. However, contrasting results can be found in the literature, depending on the animal model, cell type, and route of administration used. Nonetheless, clinical trials using cellular implants into degenerated brain regions have already been applied, with the expectation that these cells would be able to differentiate into the specific neuronal subtypes and re-populate these regions, reconstructing the affected neural network. Meanwhile, the question of how feasible it is to continue such treatments remains unanswered, with long-lasting effects being still unknown. To establish the value of these advanced therapeutic tools, it is important to predict the actions of the transplanted cells as well as to understand which cell type can induce the best outcomes for each disease. Further studies are needed to determine the best route of administration, without neglecting the possible risks of repetitive transplantation that these approaches so far appear to demand. Despite the challenges ahead of us, cell-transplantation therapies are reported to have transient but beneficial outcomes in spinocerebellar ataxias, which encourages efforts towards their improvement in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Sofia Correia
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal,ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Sara Duarte-Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal,ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - António José Salgado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal,ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Maciel
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal,ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal,Correspondence to: Patrícia Maciel, .
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88
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Lucchino V, Scaramuzzino L, Scalise S, Lo Conte M, Zannino C, Benedetto GL, Aguglia U, Ferlazzo E, Cuda G, Parrotta EI. Insights into the Genetic Profile of Two Siblings Affected by Unverricht-Lundborg Disease Using Patient-Derived hiPSCs. Cells 2022; 11:3491. [PMID: 36359887 PMCID: PMC9655992 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Unverricht-Lundborg disease (ULD), also known as progressive myoclonic epilepsy 1 (EPM1), is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a complex symptomatology that includes action- and stimulus-sensitive myoclonus and tonic-clonic seizures. The main cause of the onset and development of ULD is a repeat expansion of a dodecamer sequence localized in the promoter region of the gene encoding cystatin B (CSTB), an inhibitor of lysosomal proteases. Although this is the predominant mutation found in most patients, the physio-pathological mechanisms underlying the disease complexity remain largely unknown. In this work, we used patient-specific iPSCs and their neuronal derivatives to gain insight into the molecular and genetic machinery responsible for the disease in two Italian siblings affected by different phenotypes of ULD. Specifically, fragment length analysis on amplified CSTB promoters found homozygous status for dodecamer expansion in both patients and showed that the number of dodecamer repeats is the same in both. Furthermore, the luciferase reporter assay showed that the CSTB promoter activity was similarly reduced in both lines compared to the control. This information allowed us to draw important conclusions: (1) the phenotypic differences of the patients do not seem to be strictly dependent on the genetic mutation around the CSTB gene, and (2) that some other molecular mechanisms, not yet clearly identified, might be taken into account. In line with the inhibitory role of cystatin B on cathepsins, molecular investigations performed on iPSCs-derived neurons showed an increased expression of lysosomal cathepsins (B, D, and L) and a reduced expression of CSTB protein. Intriguingly, the increase in cathepsin expression does not appear to be correlated with the residual amount of CSTB, suggesting that other mechanisms, in addition to the regulation of cathepsins, could be involved in the pathological complexity of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Lucchino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Luana Scaramuzzino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefania Scalise
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Michela Lo Conte
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Clara Zannino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giorgia Lucia Benedetto
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Graecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Umberto Aguglia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Graecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Edoardo Ferlazzo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Graecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cuda
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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89
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Reyes CJ, Asano K, Todd PK, Klein C, Rakovic A. Repeat-Associated Non-AUG Translation of AGAGGG Repeats that Cause X-Linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism. Mov Disord 2022; 37:2284-2289. [PMID: 35971992 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism (XDP) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the intronic insertion of a SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA) retrotransposon carrying an (AGAGGG)n repeat expansion in the TAF1 gene. The molecular mechanisms by which this mutation causes neurodegeneration remain elusive. OBJECTIVES We investigated whether (AGAGGG)n repeats undergo repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation, a pathogenic mechanism common among repeat expansion diseases. METHODS XDP-specific RAN translation reporter plasmids were generated, transfected in HEK293 cells, and putative dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs) were detected by Western blotting. Immunocytochemistry was performed in COS-7 cells to determine the subcellular localization of one DPR. RESULTS We detected putative DPRs from two reading frames, supporting the translation of poly-(Glu-Gly) and poly-(Arg-Glu) species. XDP RAN translation initiates within the (AGAGGG)n sequence and poly-(Glu-Gly) DPRs formed nuclear inclusions in transfected cells. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our work provides the first in-vitro proof of principle that the XDP-linked (AGAGGG)n repeat expansions can undergo RAN translation. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katsura Asano
- Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
- Laboratory of Translational Control Study, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Hiroshima Research Center for Healthy Aging, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Peter K Todd
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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90
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Zhang J, Fakharzadeh A, Roland C, Sagui C. RNA as a Major-Groove Ligand: RNA-RNA and RNA-DNA Triplexes Formed by GAA and UUC or TTC Sequences. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:38728-38743. [PMID: 36340174 PMCID: PMC9631886 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia is associated with noncanonical nucleic acid structures that emerge when GAA:TTC repeats in the first intron of the FXN gene expand beyond a critical number of repeats. Specifically, the noncanonical repeats are associated with both triplexes and R-loops. Here, we present an in silico investigation of all possible triplexes that form by attaching a third RNA strand to an RNA:RNA or DNA:DNA duplex, complementing previous DNA-based triplex studies. For both new triplexes results are similar. For a pyridimine UUC+ third strand, the parallel orientation is stable while its antiparallel counterpart is unstable. For a neutral GAA third strand, the parallel conformation is stable. A protonated GA+A third strand is stable in both parallel and antiparallel orientations. We have also investigated Na+ and Mg2+ ion distributions around the triplexes. The presence of Mg2+ ions helps stabilize neutral, antiparallel GAA triplexes. These results (along with previous DNA-based studies) allow for the emergence of a complete picture of the stability and structural characteristics of triplexes based on the GAA and TTC/UUC sequences, thereby contributing to the field of trinucleotide repeats and the associated unusual structures that trigger expansion.
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91
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König T, Wurm R, Parvizi T, Silvaieh S, Hotzy C, Cetin H, Klotz S, Gelpi E, Bancher C, Benke T, Dal-Bianco P, Defrancesco M, Fischer P, Marksteiner J, Sutterlüty H, Ransmayr G, Schmidt R, Zimprich A, Stögmann E. C9orf72 repeat length might influence clinical sub-phenotypes in dementia patients. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 175:105927. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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92
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Yefimova MG. Myelinosome organelles in pathological retinas: ubiquitous presence and dual role in ocular proteostasis maintenance. Neural Regen Res 2022; 18:1009-1016. [PMID: 36254982 PMCID: PMC9827766 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.355753] [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: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The timely and efficient elimination of aberrant proteins and damaged organelles, formed in response to various genetic and environmental stressors, is a vital need for all cells of the body. Recent lines of evidence point out several non-classical strategies employed by ocular tissues to cope with aberrant constituents generated in the retina and in the retinal pigmented epithelium cells exposed to various stressors. Along with conventional strategies relying upon the intracellular degradation of aberrant constituents through ubiquitin-proteasome and/or lysosome-dependent autophagy proteolysis, two non-conventional mechanisms also contribute to proteostasis maintenance in ocular tissues. An exosome-mediated clearing and a myelinosome-driven secretion mechanism do not require intracellular degradation but provide the export of aberrant constituents and "waste proteins" outside of the cells. The current review is centered on the non-degradative myelinosome-driven secretion mechanism, which operates in the retina of transgenic Huntington's disease R6/1 model mice. Myelinosome-driven secretion is supported by rare organelles myelinosomes that are detected not only in degenerative Huntington's disease R6/1 retina but also in various pathological states of the retina and of the retinal pigmented epithelium. The intra-retinal traffic and inter-cellular exchange of myelinosomes was discussed in the context of a dual role of the myelinosome-driven secretion mechanism for proteostasis maintenance in different ocular compartments. Special focus was made on the interplay between degradative and non-degradative strategies in ocular pathophysiology, to delineate potential therapeutic approaches to counteract several vision diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina G. Yefimova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St-Petersburg, Russia,Laboratoire STIM CNRS ERL 7003, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France,Correspondence to: Marina G. Yefimova, .
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93
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Childs-Disney JL, Yang X, Gibaut QMR, Tong Y, Batey RT, Disney MD. Targeting RNA structures with small molecules. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2022; 21:736-762. [PMID: 35941229 PMCID: PMC9360655 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00521-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
RNA adopts 3D structures that confer varied functional roles in human biology and dysfunction in disease. Approaches to therapeutically target RNA structures with small molecules are being actively pursued, aided by key advances in the field including the development of computational tools that predict evolutionarily conserved RNA structures, as well as strategies that expand mode of action and facilitate interactions with cellular machinery. Existing RNA-targeted small molecules use a range of mechanisms including directing splicing - by acting as molecular glues with cellular proteins (such as branaplam and the FDA-approved risdiplam), inhibition of translation of undruggable proteins and deactivation of functional structures in noncoding RNAs. Here, we describe strategies to identify, validate and optimize small molecules that target the functional transcriptome, laying out a roadmap to advance these agents into the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xueyi Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | | | - Yuquan Tong
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Robert T Batey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA.
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94
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Vihinen M. Individual Genetic Heterogeneity. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13091626. [PMID: 36140794 PMCID: PMC9498725 DOI: 10.3390/genes13091626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic variation has been widely covered in literature, however, not from the perspective of an individual in any species. Here, a synthesis of genetic concepts and variations relevant for individual genetic constitution is provided. All the different levels of genetic information and variation are covered, ranging from whether an organism is unmixed or hybrid, has variations in genome, chromosomes, and more locally in DNA regions, to epigenetic variants or alterations in selfish genetic elements. Genetic constitution and heterogeneity of microbiota are highly relevant for health and wellbeing of an individual. Mutation rates vary widely for variation types, e.g., due to the sequence context. Genetic information guides numerous aspects in organisms. Types of inheritance, whether Mendelian or non-Mendelian, zygosity, sexual reproduction, and sex determination are covered. Functions of DNA and functional effects of variations are introduced, along with mechanism that reduce and modulate functional effects, including TARAR countermeasures and intraindividual genetic conflict. TARAR countermeasures for tolerance, avoidance, repair, attenuation, and resistance are essential for life, integrity of genetic information, and gene expression. The genetic composition, effects of variations, and their expression are considered also in diseases and personalized medicine. The text synthesizes knowledge and insight on individual genetic heterogeneity and organizes and systematizes the central concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauno Vihinen
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC B13, Lund University, SE-22184 Lund, Sweden
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95
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Červenák Z, Červenák F, Baldovič M, Patlevičová A, Masnicová S. Mutational analysis of 16 STR markers in the Slovak population. Ann Hum Biol 2022; 49:248-253. [PMID: 35867540 DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2022.2105397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Short tandem repeats (STRs) are genetic markers frequently used for human identification and paternity testing. They are highly mutable, which may occasionally lead to inconsistencies between the genotypes of parents and their children. As the mutation rates of individual STR markers can vary among populations, population-specific data are of high importance. AIM To investigate the mutation rates of 16 STR markers in the Slovak population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS In this study, we analysed the germline mutation rates of 16 STR markers (TH01, D3S1358, vWA, D21S11, D16S539, D1S1656, D19S433, SE33, D10S1248, D22S1045, D12S391, D8S1179, D2S1338, D2S441, D18S51 and FGA) in the Slovak population. At these loci, we analysed 42 096 allelic transfers and identified 61 mutation events. RESULTS The loci with the highest overall mutation rates were SE33 and FGA, while no mutations were identified in TH01, D19S433 and D22S1045. The average paternal mutation rate was higher than the maternal mutation rate. All but one mutation consisted of gains or losses of a single repeat unit and the overall mutation rate was estimated to be 1.45 x10-3 per meiosis. CONCLUSION This study provides data which can be used to further strengthen the correct paternity index calculations and reliability of paternity testing in Slovakia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdenko Červenák
- Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Clinical Research Unit, 5. Department of Internal Medicine, Comenius University Science Park, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Filip Červenák
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Department of Genetics, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Marian Baldovič
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Department of Molecular Biology, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.,GHC GENETICS SK, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Andrea Patlevičová
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Trnava, Slovak Republic.,GHC GENETICS SK, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Soňa Masnicová
- Department of Criminalistics and Forensic Sciences, Academy of Police Force in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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96
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Braun M, Shoshani S, Tabach Y. Transcriptome changes in DM1 patients’ tissues are governed by the RNA interference pathway. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:955753. [PMID: 36060259 PMCID: PMC9437208 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.955753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystemic disease caused by pathogenic expansions of CTG repeats. The expanded repeats are transcribed to long RNA and induce cellular toxicity. Recent studies suggest that the CUG repeats are processed by the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway to generate small interfering repeated RNA (siRNA). However, the effects of the CTG repeat-derived siRNAs remain unclear. We hypothesize that the RNAi machinery in DM1 patients generates distinct gene expression patterns that determine the disease phenotype in the individual patient. The abundance of genes with complementary repeats that are targeted by siRNAs in each tissue determines the way that the tissue is affected in DM1. We integrated and analyzed published transcriptome data from muscle, heart, and brain biopsies of DM1 patients, and revealed shared, characteristic changes that correlated with disease phenotype. These signatures are overrepresented by genes and transcription factors bearing endogenous CTG/CAG repeats and are governed by aberrant activity of the RNAi machinery, miRNAs, and a specific gain-of-function of the CTG repeats. Computational analysis of the DM1 transcriptome enhances our understanding of the complex pathophysiology of the disease and may reveal a path for cure.
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97
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Kelley CP, Haerle MC, Wang ET. Negative autoregulation mitigates collateral RNase activity of repeat-targeting CRISPR-Cas13d in mammalian cells. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111226. [PMID: 35977479 PMCID: PMC9809062 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas13 RNA endonucleases show promise for programmable RNA knockdown. However, sequence-specific binding of Cas13 unleashes non-specific bystander RNA cleavage, or collateral activity, raising concerns for experiments and therapeutic applications. Although robust in cell-free and bacterial environments, collateral activity in mammalian cells remains disputed. We investigate Cas13d collateral activity in a therapeutic context for myotonic dystrophy type 1, caused by a transcribed CTG repeat expansion. We find that, when targeting CUGn RNA in mammalian cells, Cas13d depletes endogenous and transgenic RNAs, interferes with critical cellular processes, and activates stress response and apoptosis. Collateral effects also occur when targeting abundant endogenous transcripts. To minimize collateral activity for repeat-targeting approaches, we introduce GENO, an adeno-associated virus-compatible strategy that leverages guide RNA processing to control Cas13d expression. We argue that thorough assessment of collateral activity is necessary when applying Cas13 in mammalian cells and that GENO illustrates advantages of compact regulatory systems for Cas-based gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chase P Kelley
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Maja C Haerle
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Eric T Wang
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
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98
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Chemical interference with DSIF complex formation lowers synthesis of mutant huntingtin gene products and curtails mutant phenotypes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2204779119. [PMID: 35914128 PMCID: PMC9371670 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2204779119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Earlier work has shown that siRNA-mediated reduction of the SUPT4H or SUPT5H proteins, which interact to form the DSIF complex and facilitate transcript elongation by RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), can decrease expression of mutant gene alleles containing nucleotide repeat expansions differentially. Using luminescence and fluorescence assays, we identified chemical compounds that interfere with the SUPT4H-SUPT5H interaction and then investigated their effects on synthesis of mRNA and protein encoded by mutant alleles containing repeat expansions in the huntingtin gene (HTT), which causes the inherited neurodegenerative disorder, Huntington's Disease (HD). Here we report that such chemical interference can differentially affect expression of HTT mutant alleles, and that a prototypical chemical, 6-azauridine (6-AZA), that targets the SUPT4H-SUPT5H interaction can modify the biological response to mutant HTT gene expression. Selective and dose-dependent effects of 6-AZA on expression of HTT alleles containing nucleotide repeat expansions were seen in multiple types of cells cultured in vitro, and in a Drosophila melanogaster animal model for HD. Lowering of mutant HD protein and mitigation of the Drosophila "rough eye" phenotype associated with degeneration of photoreceptor neurons in vivo were observed. Our findings indicate that chemical interference with DSIF complex formation can decrease biochemical and phenotypic effects of nucleotide repeat expansions.
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Quality of Life Changes Following the Onset of Cerebellar Ataxia: Symptoms and Concerns Self-reported by Ataxia Patients and Informants. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 21:592-605. [PMID: 35334077 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01393-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Semi-structured interviews of patient accounts and caregiver, or informant, perspectives are a beneficial resource for patients suffering from diseases with complex symptomatology, such as cerebellar ataxia. The aim of this study was to identify, quantify, and compare the ways in which cerebellar ataxia patients' and informants' quality of life had changed as a result of living with ataxia. Using a semi-structured interview, responses were collected from patients and informants regarding motor, cognitive, and psychosocial variables. Responses were also collected from patients and informants to open-ended questions that were subsequently categorized into 15 quality of life themes that best represented changes experienced by the patients and informants. Ataxia patients and informants agreed as to the severity of posture/gait, daily activities/fine motor tasks, speech/feeding/swallowing, and oculomotor/vision impairment. It was also demonstrated that severity ratings for specific motor-related functions strongly correlated with corresponding functions within the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS), and that this interview identified frequency associations between motor impairments and specific psychosocial difficulties, which could be useful for prognostic purposes. Overall, the information obtained from this study characterized the symptoms and challenges to ataxia patients and their caregivers, which could serve as a useful educational resource for those affected by ataxia, clinicians, and researchers.
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Deng N, Zhang Y, Ma Z, Lin R, Cheng TH, Tang H, Snyder M, Cohen S. DSIF modulates RNA polymerase II occupancy according to template G + C content. NAR Genom Bioinform 2022; 4:lqac054. [PMID: 35910045 PMCID: PMC9326580 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqac054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The DSIF complex comprising the Supt4h and Supt5h transcription elongation proteins clamps RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) onto DNA templates, facilitating polymerase processivity. Lowering DSIF components can differentially decrease expression of alleles containing nucleotide repeat expansions, suggesting that RNAPII transit through repeat expansions is dependent on DSIF functions. To globally identify sequence features that affect dependence of the polymerase on DSIF in human cells, we used ultra-deep ChIP-seq analysis and RNA-seq to investigate and quantify the genome-wide effects of Supt4h loss on template occupancy and transcript production. Our results indicate that RNAPII dependence on Supt4h varies according to G + C content. Effects of DSIF knockdown were prominent during transcription of sequences high in G + C but minimal for sequences low in G + C and were particularly evident for G + C-rich segments of long genes. Reanalysis of previously published ChIP-seq data obtained from mouse cells showed similar effects of template G + C composition on Supt5h actions. Our evidence that DSIF dependency varies globally in different template regions according to template sequence composition suggests that G + C content may have a role in the selectivity of Supt4h knockdown and Supt5h knockdown during transcription of gene alleles containing expansions of G + C-rich repeats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Deng
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Zhihai Ma
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Richard Lin
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Tzu-Hao Cheng
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University , Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Hua Tang
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Michael P Snyder
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Stanley N Cohen
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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