401
|
Palacios-Verdú MG, Segura-Puimedon M, Borralleras C, Flores R, Del Campo M, Campuzano V, Pérez-Jurado LA. Metabolic abnormalities in Williams-Beuren syndrome. J Med Genet 2015; 52:248-55. [PMID: 25663682 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2014-102713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS, OMIM-194050) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with multisystemic manifestations caused by a 1.55-1.83 Mb deletion at 7q11.23 including 26-28 genes. Reported endocrine and metabolic abnormalities include transient hypercalcaemia of infancy, subclinical hypothyroidism in ∼ 30% of children and impaired glucose tolerance in ∼ 75% of adult individuals. The purpose of this study was to further study metabolic alterations in patients with WBS, as well as in several mouse models, to establish potential candidate genes. METHODS We analysed several metabolic parameters in a cohort of 154 individuals with WBS (data available from 69 to 151 cases per parameter), as well as in several mouse models with complete and partial deletions of the orthologous WBS locus, and searched for causative genes and potential modifiers. RESULTS Triglyceride plasma levels were significantly decreased in individuals with WBS while cholesterol levels were slightly decreased compared with controls. Hyperbilirubinemia, mostly unconjugated, was found in 18.3% of WBS cases and correlated with subclinical hypothyroidism and hypotriglyceridemia, suggesting common pathogenic mechanisms. Haploinsufficiency at MLXIPL and increased penetrance for hypomorphic alleles at the UGT1A1 gene promoter might underlie the lipid and bilirubin alterations. Other disturbances included increased protein and iron levels, as well as the known subclinical hypothyroidism and glucose intolerance. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that several unreported biochemical alterations, related to haploinsufficiency for specific genes at 7q11.23, are relatively common in WBS. The early diagnosis, follow-up and management of these metabolic disturbances could prevent long-term complications in this disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Gabriela Palacios-Verdú
- Genetics Unit, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Segura-Puimedon
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain Institut für Integrative und Experimentelle Genomik, Universitat zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Cristina Borralleras
- Genetics Unit, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel Flores
- Genetics Unit, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Del Campo
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain Area de Medicina Molecular i Genètica, Hospital dew Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victoria Campuzano
- Genetics Unit, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis Alberto Pérez-Jurado
- Genetics Unit, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
402
|
LIMK1 regulates long-term memory and synaptic plasticity via the transcriptional factor CREB. Mol Cell Biol 2015; 35:1316-28. [PMID: 25645926 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01263-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Deletion of the LIMK1 gene is associated with Williams syndrome, a unique neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe defects in visuospatial cognition and long-term memory (LTM). However, whether LIMK1 contributes to these deficits remains elusive. Here, we show that LIMK1-knockout (LIMK1(-/-)) mice are drastically impaired in LTM but not short-term memory (STM). In addition, LIMK1(-/-) mice are selectively defective in late-phase long-term potentiation (L-LTP), a form of long-lasting synaptic plasticity specifically required for the formation of LTM. Furthermore, we show that LIMK1 interacts and regulates the activity of cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB), an extensively studied transcriptional factor critical for LTM. Importantly, both L-LTP and LTM deficits in LIMK1(-/-) mice are rescued by increasing the activity of CREB. These results provide strong evidence that LIMK1 deletion is sufficient to lead to an LTM deficit and that this deficit is attributable to CREB hypofunction. Our study has identified a direct gene-phenotype link in mice and provides a potential strategy to restore LTM in patients with Williams syndrome through the enhancement of CREB activity in the adult brain.
Collapse
|
403
|
Insights into the genetic foundations of human communication. Neuropsychol Rev 2015; 25:3-26. [PMID: 25597031 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-014-9277-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The human capacity to acquire sophisticated language is unmatched in the animal kingdom. Despite the discontinuity in communicative abilities between humans and other primates, language is built on ancient genetic foundations, which are being illuminated by comparative genomics. The genetic architecture of the language faculty is also being uncovered by research into neurodevelopmental disorders that disrupt the normally effortless process of language acquisition. In this article, we discuss the strategies that researchers are using to reveal genetic factors contributing to communicative abilities, and review progress in identifying the relevant genes and genetic variants. The first gene directly implicated in a speech and language disorder was FOXP2. Using this gene as a case study, we illustrate how evidence from genetics, molecular cell biology, animal models and human neuroimaging has converged to build a picture of the role of FOXP2 in neurodevelopment, providing a framework for future endeavors to bridge the gaps between genes, brains and behavior.
Collapse
|
404
|
Stagi S, Iurato C, Lapi E, Cavalli L, Brandi ML, de Martino M. Bone status in genetic syndromes: a review. Hormones (Athens) 2015; 14:19-31. [PMID: 25885101 DOI: 10.1007/bf03401378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
More and more data seem to indicate the presence of an increasing number of syndromes and genetic diseases characterized by impaired bone mass and quality. Meanwhile, the improvement of etiopathogenetic knowledge and the employment of more adequate treatments have generated a significant increase in survival related to these syndromes and diseases. It is thus important to identify and treat bone impairment in these patients in order to assure a better quality of life. This review provides an updated overview of bone pathophysiology and characteristics in patients with Down, Turner, Klinefelter, Marfan, Williams, Prader-Willi, Noonan, and 22q11 deletions syndrome. In addition, some options for the treatment of the bone status impairment in these patients will be briefly discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Stagi
- Health Sciences Department, University of Florence, Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Iurato
- Health Sciences Department, University of Florence, Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Lapi
- Genetics and Molecular Medicine Unit, Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Loredana Cavalli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Brandi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maurizio de Martino
- Health Sciences Department, University of Florence, Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
405
|
7q11.23 dosage-dependent dysregulation in human pluripotent stem cells affects transcriptional programs in disease-relevant lineages. Nat Genet 2014; 47:132-41. [PMID: 25501393 DOI: 10.1038/ng.3169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cell reprogramming promises to make characterization of the impact of human genetic variation on health and disease experimentally tractable by enabling the bridging of genotypes to phenotypes in developmentally relevant human cell lineages. Here we apply this paradigm to two disorders caused by symmetrical copy number variations of 7q11.23, which display a striking combination of shared and symmetrically opposite phenotypes--Williams-Beuren syndrome and 7q-microduplication syndrome. Through analysis of transgene-free patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and their differentiated derivatives, we find that 7q11.23 dosage imbalance disrupts transcriptional circuits in disease-relevant pathways beginning in the pluripotent state. These alterations are then selectively amplified upon differentiation of the pluripotent cells into disease-relevant lineages. A considerable proportion of this transcriptional dysregulation is specifically caused by dosage imbalances in GTF2I, which encodes a key transcription factor at 7q11.23 that is associated with the LSD1 repressive chromatin complex and silences its dosage-sensitive targets.
Collapse
|
406
|
Tozzi AE, Carloni E, Gesualdo F, Russo L, Raponi M. Attitude of families of patients with genetic diseases to use m-health technologies. Telemed J E Health 2014; 21:86-9. [PMID: 25469727 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2014.0080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dealing with complex chronic disease may take great advantage of mobile health (m-health) technologies. We performed an online survey on the perception of use of m-health technologies among families of patients affected with Down's syndrome, Williams' syndrome, and 22q11 deletion syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS The survey included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, availability of a connection to the Internet on different devices, interest in m-health technologies, and functions to be implemented in order to meet family needs. Through multivariate analysis we studied the association between characteristics of enrolled families and interest in m-health. RESULTS In total, 166 people completed the questionnaire. Forty-seven percent connected to the Internet through a mobile phone, versus 34% through a tablet. Eighty percent were interested in m-health solutions for their child's disease; the main reasons of interest were saving time (49%) and being more involved in the disease management (49%). Desired m-health services were aimed at rapid consultation with a physician (68%) and at retrieving updated information on research and on ongoing clinical studies (66%). Interest in m-health services was associated with availability of a mobile Internet connection, whereas no association was found with living in a remote area. CONCLUSIONS Families of patients with Down's syndrome, Williams' syndrome, and 22q11 deletion syndrome show a positive attitude toward m-health technologies. Such syndromes represent a good model for translating published recommendations into m-health applications, which may improve compliance. Expectations regarding m-health lead to patient empowerment, and m-health applications are perceived as useful not only for people living far away from healthcare centers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto E Tozzi
- IRCCS, Telemedicine Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital , Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
407
|
Das KM, Momenah TS, Larsson SG, Jadoon S, Aldosary AS, Lee EY. Williams-Beuren syndrome: computed tomography imaging review. Pediatr Cardiol 2014; 35:1309-20. [PMID: 25139247 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-014-0998-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) affects young infants and children. The underlying etiopathogenesis of this rare disease is due to the mutation of the elastin gene that is responsible for the elasticity of the arterial wall. As a result of inadequate elastin production, the major systemic arteries become abnormally rigid and can be manifested by an impediment to the blood flow. The most common cardiovascular abnormalities encountered in WBS are supravalvular aortic stenosis, pulmonary arterial stenosis, and mitral valve prolapse. Less frequently observed cardiovascular abnormalities include coarctation of the aorta, ventricular septal defect, patent ductus, subaortic stenosis, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Coronary artery stenosis and severe impediment to the bi-ventricular outflow as a result of supravalvular aortic and pulmonary artery stenosis predispose patients to sudden death. Patients with progressed arterial stenosis and severe stenosis are likely to require intervention to prevent serious complications. Rarely, imaging findings may precede clinical presentation, which allows the radiologist to participate in the patient care. However, to be more prudent, the radiologist must be accustomed to the imaging characteristics of WBS as well as the patient's clinical information, which could raise the suspicion of WBS. We performed a retrospective analysis of all the available images from patients diagnosed with WBS in last 4 years at our institution, and present key imaging findings along with a review of the literature to summarize the clinically relevant features as demonstrated by multidetector computed tomography in WBS. Cross-sectional imaging plays a vital role in the diagnosis of WBS cases with equivocal clinical features. MDCT evaluation of complex cardiovascular abnormalities of WBS including coronary artery disease is feasible with modern MDCT scanners and in the future, this approach could provide accurate information for planning, navigation, and noninvasive assessment of the secondary arterial changes in WBS and thus reducing the dependence upon invasive contrast catherization techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karuna M Das
- Department of Medical Imaging, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, 11525, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
408
|
Bódizs R, Gombos F, Gerván P, Szőcs K, Réthelyi JM, Kovács I. Aging and sleep in Williams syndrome: accelerated sleep deterioration and decelerated slow wave sleep decrement. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2014; 35:3226-3235. [PMID: 25178705 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2014.07.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Specific developmental and aging trajectories characterize sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) of typically developing (TD) subjects. Williams syndrome (WS) is marked by sleep alterations and accelerated aging of several anatomo-functional and cognitive measures. Here we test the hypothesis of a premature aging of sleep in WS. Age-related changes of home recorded sleep EEG of 42 subjects (21 WS, 21 age- and gender matched TD subjects, age: 6-29 years) were tested by Pearson correlations and homogeneity-of-slopes analysis. Typical developmental/aging effects of sleep EEGs were observed in TD subjects. Accelerated aging in WS was confirmed by overall sleep/wake measures. Specifically, premature aging was evident in accelerated age-dependent declines in WS subjects' sleep efficiency, as well as in steeper age-related rises in wakefulness and wake after sleep onset (WASO) of the WS group. In contrast, NREM sleep-related measures indicated atypical decelerations of the developmental trends of WS subjects, characterized by the slowing down of the age-related slow wave sleep (SWS) declines mirrored by the lack of age-dependent increase in Stage 2 (S2) sleep. Age-effects in sleep EEG power spectra were not different among the groups. Objectively measured sleep disruption of subjects with WS is age-dependent and increasing with age. Moreover, these data suggest atypical pre- and postpubertal neural development in WS, with sleep/wake balance and REM sleep time indicating accelerated aging while NREM sleep composition revealing signs of an as yet unidentified, perhaps compensatory developmental delay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Róbert Bódizs
- Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, H-1089 Budapest, Hungary; Department of General Psychology, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Mikszáth tér 1, H-1088 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Ferenc Gombos
- Department of General Psychology, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Mikszáth tér 1, H-1088 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Patrícia Gerván
- Department of General Psychology, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Mikszáth tér 1, H-1088 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Katalin Szőcs
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Balassa u. 6, H-1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - János M Réthelyi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Balassa u. 6, H-1083 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Ilona Kovács
- Department of General Psychology, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Mikszáth tér 1, H-1088 Budapest, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
409
|
Tekendo-Ngongang C, Dahoun S, Nguefack S, Gimelli S, Sloan-Béna F, Wonkam A. Challenges in clinical diagnosis of williams-beuren syndrome in sub-saharan africans: case reports from cameroon. Mol Syndromol 2014; 5:287-92. [PMID: 25565928 DOI: 10.1159/000369421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a rare neurodevelopmental condition caused by a recurrent chromosomal microdeletion involving about 28 contiguous genes at 7q11.23. Most patients display a specific congenital heart defect, characteristic facial features, a particular behavior, and intellectual disability. Cases from sub-Saharan Africa have been seldom reported. The present study describes 3 Cameroonian patients affected by WBS, aged 19 months, 13 and 14 years, in whom the diagnosis was confirmed by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). The first patient presented with a congenital heart defect, the second and third with learning difficulties as well as developmental and behavioral issues. In the latter 2 cases, the facial phenotypes were similar to those of the unaffected population with the same ethnic background. However, the cardiovascular anomalies and friendly behavioral attitudes led to suspicion of WBS. FISH revealed the deletion of the WBS critical region in the first patient, and array-CGH detected a heterozygous ∼1.4-Mb deletion in the 7q11.23 region in the second and third patient. This preliminary report suggests that for sub-Saharan Africans clinical suspicion of WBS could be mostly based on behavioral phenotype and structural heart defects, and less on the classical facial dysmorphic signs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cedrik Tekendo-Ngongang
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon ; Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sophie Dahoun
- Service of Medical Genetics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Seraphin Nguefack
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Stefania Gimelli
- Service of Medical Genetics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Ambroise Wonkam
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon ; Division of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
410
|
Tsukumo Y, Tsukahara S, Furuno A, Iemura SI, Natsume T, Tomida A. TBL2 is a novel PERK-binding protein that modulates stress-signaling and cell survival during endoplasmic reticulum stress. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112761. [PMID: 25393282 PMCID: PMC4231078 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Under ER stress, PKR-like ER-resident kinase (PERK) phosphorylates translation initiation factor eIF2α, resulting in repression of global protein synthesis and concomitant upregulation of the translation of specific mRNAs such as activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4). This PERK function is important for cell survival under ER stress and poor nutrient conditions. However, mechanisms of the PERK signaling pathway are not thoroughly understood. Here we identify transducin (beta)-like 2 (TBL2) as a novel PERK-binding protein. We found that TBL2 is an ER-localized type-I transmembrane protein and preferentially binds to the phosphorylated form of PERK, but not another eIF2α kinase GCN2 or ER-resident kinase IRE1, under ER stress. Immunoprecipitation analysis using various deletion mutants revealed that TBL2 interacts with PERK via the N-terminus proximal region and also associates with eIF2α via the WD40 domain. In addition, TBL2 knockdown can lead to impaired ATF4 induction under ER stress or poor nutrient conditions such as glucose and oxygen deprivation. Consistently, TBL2 knockdown rendered cells vulnerable to stresses similarly to PERK knockdown. Thus, TBL2 serves as a potential regulator of the PERK pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinori Tsukumo
- Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satomi Tsukahara
- Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Aki Furuno
- Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shun-ichiro Iemura
- Biomedicinal Information Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toru Natsume
- Biomedicinal Information Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Tomida
- Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
411
|
Sakhuja P, Whyte H, Kamath B, Martin N, Chitayat D. Williams syndrome presenting with findings consistent with Alagille syndrome. Clin Case Rep 2014; 3:24-8. [PMID: 25678968 PMCID: PMC4317206 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2014] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Conjugated hyperbilirubinemia, posterior embryotoxon, and vertebral anomalies are not features of William syndrome (WS). We herein report a preterm infant who presented with features suggestive of Alagille syndrome, but microarray showed findings consistent with WS. This further extends the phenotype of WS and emphasizes the need for microarray analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Sakhuja
- Division of Neonatology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hilary Whyte
- Division of Neonatology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Binita Kamath
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole Martin
- The Prenatal Diagnosis and Medical Genetics Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Chitayat
- The Prenatal Diagnosis and Medical Genetics Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario, Canada ; Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
412
|
Guenat D, Quentin S, Rizzari C, Lundin C, Coliva T, Edery P, Fryssira H, Bermont L, Ferrand C, Soulier J, Borg C, Rohrlich PS. Constitutional and somatic deletions of the Williams-Beuren syndrome critical region in non-Hodgkin lymphoma. J Hematol Oncol 2014; 7:82. [PMID: 25388916 PMCID: PMC4228180 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-014-0082-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we report and investigate the genomic alterations of two novel cases of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) in children with Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS), a multisystem disorder caused by 7q11.23 hemizygous deletion. Additionally, we report the case of a child with NHL and a somatic 7q11.23 deletion. Although the WBS critical region has not yet been identified as a susceptibility locus in NHL, it harbors a number of genes involved in DNA repair. The high proportion of pediatric NHL reported in WBS is intriguing. Therefore, the role of haploinsufficiency of genes located at 7q11.23 in lymphomagenesis deserves to be investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Guenat
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University Hospital of Besançon, 1 Bd Fleming, Batiment Diaclone, Besançon, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
413
|
Pineiro ML, Roberts AM, Waxler JL, Mullett JE, Pober BR, McDougle CJ. N-acetylcysteine for neuropsychiatric symptoms in a woman with Williams syndrome. J Child Neurol 2014; 29:NP135-8. [PMID: 24396132 DOI: 10.1177/0883073813512025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Williams syndrome is a relatively rare genetic disorder caused by the hemizygous microdeletion of a region in chromosome 7q11.23. Individuals with Williams syndrome typically present with a highly social, overfriendly, and empathic personality. Comorbid medical and neuropsychiatric disorders are common. Reports of effective pharmacological treatment of associated neuropsychiatric disorders are limited. The authors describe the successful treatment of interfering anger, aggression, and hair-pulling with N-acetylcysteine in a 19-year-old woman with Williams syndrome. The neuropsychiatric symptoms emerged 1 week following an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, for which fentanyl, midazolam, and propofol were used as anesthetics. The patient's treatment course and hypothesized mechanisms underlying the clinical presentation and symptom resolution are described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jessica L Waxler
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer E Mullett
- Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Lexington, MA, USA
| | - Barbara R Pober
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA Department of Medical Sciences, Netter School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, Middletown, CT, USA
| | - Christopher J McDougle
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Lexington, MA, USA Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
414
|
Yan D, Zheng X, Tu L, Jia J, Li Q, Cheng L, Wang X. Knockdown of Merm1/Wbscr22 attenuates sensitivity of H460 non-small cell lung cancer cells to SN-38 and 5-FU without alteration to p53 expression levels. Mol Med Rep 2014; 11:295-302. [PMID: 25352209 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Merm1/Wbscr22 is a novel metastasis promoter that has been shown to be involved in tumor metastasis, viability and apoptosis. To the best of our knowledge, there are currently no studies suggesting the possible correlation between the expression of Merm1/Wbscr22 in tumor cells and chemosensitivity to antitumor agents. In the present study, two human non-small cell lung cancer cell lines, H1299 and H460, were used to investigate whether Merm1/Wbscr22 affects chemosensitivity to antitumor agents, including cisplatin (CDDP), doxorubicin (ADM), paclitaxel (PTX), mitomycin (MMC), 7-Ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38; the active metabolite of camptothecin) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Merm1/Wbscr22 knockdown cell lines (H1299-shRNA and H460-shRNA) and negative control cell lines (H1299-NC and H460-NC) were established by stable transfection, and the efficiency of Merm1/Wbscr22 knockdown was confirmed by western blotting, immunofluorescence microscopy and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results demonstrated that shRNA-mediated knockdown of Merm1/Wbscr22 did not affect cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. The H460 cells harboring wild type p53 were markedly more sensitive to all six antitumor agents as compared with the p53-null H1299 cells. Downregulation of Merm1/Wbscr22 did not affect H1299 sensitivity to any of the six antitumor agents, whereas attenuated H460 sensitivity to SN-38 and 5-FU, without significant alteration in p53 at both mRNA and protein levels, was identified. The reduced H460 sensitivity to SN-38 was further confirmed in vivo. SN-38 demonstrated significant tumor growth inhibitory activity in both H460 and H460‑NC tumor xenograft models, but only marginally suppressed the H460-shRNA xenograft tumor growth. Furthermore, CDDP (4, 10, 15 µg/ml)-resistant human non-small lung cancer cells A549 (A549-CDDPr-4, 10, 15) expressed significant amounts of Merm1/Wbscr22 protein, as compared with the parental A549 cells. In conclusion, shRNA-mediated knockdown of Merm1/Wbscr22 attenuates H460 sensitivity to SN-38 and 5-FU, suggesting Merm1/Wbscr22 is involved in chemosensitivity to SN-38 and 5-FU in H460 cells. No direct correlation between the p53 expression level and altered chemosensitivity was identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Yan
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoliang Zheng
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
| | - Linglan Tu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
| | - Jing Jia
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
| | - Qin Li
- Institute of Materia Medica, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
| | - Liyan Cheng
- Institute of Materia Medica, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoju Wang
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
415
|
Köhler S, Schoeneberg U, Czeschik JC, Doelken SC, Hehir-Kwa JY, Ibn-Salem J, Mungall CJ, Smedley D, Haendel MA, Robinson PN. Clinical interpretation of CNVs with cross-species phenotype data. J Med Genet 2014; 51:766-772. [PMID: 25280750 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2014-102633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical evaluation of CNVs identified via techniques such as array comparative genome hybridisation (aCGH) involves the inspection of lists of known and unknown duplications and deletions with the goal of distinguishing pathogenic from benign CNVs. A key step in this process is the comparison of the individual's phenotypic abnormalities with those associated with Mendelian disorders of the genes affected by the CNV. However, because often there is not much known about these human genes, an additional source of data that could be used is model organism phenotype data. Currently, almost 6000 genes in mouse and zebrafish are, when knocked out, associated with a phenotype in the model organism, but no disease is known to be caused by mutations in the human ortholog. Yet, searching model organism databases and comparing model organism phenotypes with patient phenotypes for identifying novel disease genes and medical evaluation of CNVs is hindered by the difficulty in integrating phenotype information across species and the lack of appropriate software tools. METHODS Here, we present an integrated ranking scheme based on phenotypic matching, degree of overlap with known benign or pathogenic CNVs and the haploinsufficiency score for the prioritisation of CNVs responsible for a patient's clinical findings. RESULTS We show that this scheme leads to significant improvements compared with rankings that do not exploit phenotypic information. We provide a software tool called PhenogramViz, which supports phenotype-driven interpretation of aCGH findings based on multiple data sources, including the integrated cross-species phenotype ontology Uberpheno, in order to visualise gene-to-phenotype relations. CONCLUSIONS Integrating and visualising cross-species phenotype information on the affected genes may help in routine diagnostics of CNVs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Köhler
- Institute for Medical Genetics and Human Genetics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin,Berlin, Germany.,Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin, Germany
| | - Uwe Schoeneberg
- Foundation Institute Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Sandra C Doelken
- Institute for Medical Genetics and Human Genetics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin,Berlin, Germany
| | - Jayne Y Hehir-Kwa
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jonas Ibn-Salem
- Institute for Medical Genetics and Human Genetics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin,Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Damian Smedley
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Melissa A Haendel
- Department of Medical Informatics and Epidemiology and OHSU Library, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, USA
| | - Peter N Robinson
- Institute for Medical Genetics and Human Genetics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin,Berlin, Germany.,Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Institute for Bioinformatics, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
416
|
Sammour ZM, Gomes CM, de Bessa J, Pinheiro MS, Kim CAE, Hisano M, Bruschini H, Srougi M. Congenital genitourinary abnormalities in children with Williams-Beuren syndrome. J Pediatr Urol 2014; 10:804-9. [PMID: 24582571 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2014.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by a gene deletion on chromosome 7q11.23. Patients with WBS usually show a group of features such as developmental delay, cardiovascular anomalies, mental retardation, and characteristic facial appearance. Abdominal wall defects, external genitalia anomalies, and structural abnormalities of the urinary tract have been scarcely evaluated and were the focus of our study. MATERIALS AND METHODS We prospectively evaluated 41 boys and 38 girls with WBS, with a mean age of 8.8 ± 4.1 (range 3-19 years). All patients were examined for the evaluation of inguinal and umbilical hernias and genital anomalies. All patients were offered a radiological evaluation, including urinary tract ultrasound, voiding cystourethrogram, and dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scintigraphy (DMSA scan). RESULTS Of the 41 boys, 30 (73.1%) had abnormalities on physical examination, including bilateral undescended testis in 13 (31.7%), retractile testis in four (9.7%), hypospadias in four (9.7%), and unilateral cryptorchidism in three (7.3%) patients. Of the 38 female subjects, 17 (44.7%) had at least one abnormality, including umbilical hernia in 11 (28.9%), unilateral inguinal hernia in four (10.5%), and bilateral inguinal hernia in three (7.8%) patients. Uroradiological abnormalities were found in 41 patients (51.9%). On sonography, six (7.6%) patients had unilateral hydronephrosis, three (3.8%) had a duplicated collecting system, and two (2.5%) had kidney stones. On DMSA, performed in 36 patients, four (11.1%) had unilateral renal scarring and two (5.5%) had bilateral renal scarring. Cystourethrography was obtained from 56 patients, of whom 27 (48.2%) had bladder diverticulum, 18 (32.1%) had bladder wall trabeculation, and three (5.3%) had vesicoureteral reflux. We found no association of urological abnormalities with cardiovascular defects. CONCLUSIONS Patients with WBS have a high prevalence of abdominal wall, external genitalia, and urological abnormalities, emphasizing the importance of proper physical examination and radiological investigation in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zein M Sammour
- Division of Urology, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiano M Gomes
- Division of Urology, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Jose de Bessa
- Division of Urology, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcello S Pinheiro
- Division of Urology, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Chong A E Kim
- Division of Urology, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Hisano
- Division of Urology, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Homero Bruschini
- Division of Urology, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Miguel Srougi
- Division of Urology, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
417
|
Ng R, Järvinen A, Bellugi U. Characterizing associations and dissociations between anxiety, social, and cognitive phenotypes of Williams syndrome. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2014; 35:2403-2415. [PMID: 24973548 PMCID: PMC4112021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2014.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurogenetic disorder known for its "hypersocial" phenotype and a complex profile of anxieties. The anxieties are poorly understood specifically in relation to the social-emotional and cognitive profiles. To address this gap, we employed a Wechsler intelligence test, the Brief Symptom Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Salk Institute Sociability Questionnaire, to (1) examine how anxiety symptoms distinguish individuals with WS from typically developing (TD) individuals; and (2) assess the associations between three key phenotypic features of WS: intellectual impairment, social-emotional functioning, and anxiety. The results highlighted intensified neurophysiological symptoms and subjective experiences of anxiety in WS. Moreover, whereas higher cognitive ability was positively associated with anxiety in WS, the opposite pattern characterized the TD individuals. This study provides novel insight into how the three core phenotypic features associate/dissociate in WS, specifically in terms of the contribution of cognitive and emotional functioning to anxiety symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rowena Ng
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, USA; University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Institute of Child Development, USA
| | - Anna Järvinen
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, USA.
| | - Ursula Bellugi
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, USA
| |
Collapse
|
418
|
Ibn-Salem J, Köhler S, Love MI, Chung HR, Huang N, Hurles ME, Haendel M, Washington NL, Smedley D, Mungall CJ, Lewis SE, Ott CE, Bauer S, Schofield PN, Mundlos S, Spielmann M, Robinson PN. Deletions of chromosomal regulatory boundaries are associated with congenital disease. Genome Biol 2014; 15:423. [PMID: 25315429 PMCID: PMC4180961 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-014-0423-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent data from genome-wide chromosome conformation capture analysis indicate that the human genome is divided into conserved megabase-sized self-interacting regions called topological domains. These topological domains form the regulatory backbone of the genome and are separated by regulatory boundary elements or barriers. Copy-number variations can potentially alter the topological domain architecture by deleting or duplicating the barriers and thereby allowing enhancers from neighboring domains to ectopically activate genes causing misexpression and disease, a mutational mechanism that has recently been termed enhancer adoption. Results We use the Human Phenotype Ontology database to relate the phenotypes of 922 deletion cases recorded in the DECIPHER database to monogenic diseases associated with genes in or adjacent to the deletions. We identify combinations of tissue-specific enhancers and genes adjacent to the deletion and associated with phenotypes in the corresponding tissue, whereby the phenotype matched that observed in the deletion. We compare this computationally with a gene-dosage pathomechanism that attempts to explain the deletion phenotype based on haploinsufficiency of genes located within the deletions. Up to 11.8% of the deletions could be best explained by enhancer adoption or a combination of enhancer adoption and gene-dosage effects. Conclusions Our results suggest that enhancer adoption caused by deletions of regulatory boundaries may contribute to a substantial minority of copy-number variation phenotypes and should thus be taken into account in their medical interpretation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13059-014-0423-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
419
|
Nannini V. Metabolic and autoimmune syndromes. Atlas Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am 2014; 22:123-34. [PMID: 25171994 DOI: 10.1016/j.cxom.2014.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Victor Nannini
- Private Practice, Long Island Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, P.C., 134 Mineola Boulevard, Mineola, New York 11501, USA; Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nassau University Medical Center, 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, New York 11554, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
420
|
Fahed AC, Roberts AE, Mital S, Lakdawala NK. Heart failure in congenital heart disease: a confluence of acquired and congenital. Heart Fail Clin 2014; 10:219-27. [PMID: 24275306 DOI: 10.1016/j.hfc.2013.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in congenital heart disease (CHD), with increasing prevalence because of improved treatment options and outcomes. Genetic factors and acquired postnatal factors in CHD might play a major role in the progression to HF. This article proposes 3 routes that lead to HF in CHD: rare monogenic entities that cause both CHD and HF; severe CHD lesions in which acquired hemodynamic effects of CHD or surgery result in HF; and, most commonly, a combined effect of complex genetics in overlapping pathways and acquired stressors caused by the primary lesion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akl C Fahed
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
421
|
Mapping genetically controlled neural circuits of social behavior and visuo-motor integration by a preliminary examination of atypical deletions with Williams syndrome. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104088. [PMID: 25105779 PMCID: PMC4126723 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study of eight rare atypical deletion cases with Williams-Beuren syndrome (WS; also known as 7q11.23 deletion syndrome) consisting of three different patterns of deletions, compared to typical WS and typically developing (TD) individuals, we show preliminary evidence of dissociable genetic contributions to brain structure and human cognition. Univariate and multivariate pattern classification results of morphometric brain patterns complemented by behavior implicate a possible role for the chromosomal region that includes: 1) GTF2I/GTF2IRD1 in visuo-spatial/motor integration, intraparietal as well as overall gray matter structures, 2) the region spanning ABHD11 through RFC2 including LIMK1, in social cognition, in particular approachability, as well as orbitofrontal, amygdala and fusiform anatomy, and 3) the regions including STX1A, and/or CYLN2 in overall white matter structure. This knowledge contributes to our understanding of the role of genetics on human brain structure, cognition and pathophysiology of altered cognition in WS. The current study builds on ongoing research designed to characterize the impact of multiple genes, gene-gene interactions and changes in gene expression on the human brain.
Collapse
|
422
|
Ng R, Järvinen A, Bellugi U. Toward a deeper characterization of the social phenotype of Williams syndrome: The association between personality and social drive. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2014; 35:1838-1849. [PMID: 24794322 PMCID: PMC4053572 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2014.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Revised: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has robustly established a Williams syndrome (WS) specific personality profile, predominantly characterized a gregarious, people-oriented, and tense predisposition. Extending this work, the aims of the current, cross-sectional study were two-fold: (1) to elucidate the stability of personality characteristics in individuals with WS and typically developing (TD) comparisons across development, and (2) to explore the personality attributes that may be related to the respective profiles of social functioning characterizing the two groups, which is currently poorly understood. The sample comprised of participants with WS and TD matched on chronological age. The test battery included the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ) and the Salk Institute Sociability Questionnaire (SISQ), an index of real-life social behavior. The main results showed that compared to the TD individuals, the WS group were consistently rated higher in Social Closeness, and this trait remained stable across development. Interpersonal behaviors were best predicted by Social Closeness in WS and by Social Potency in TD. Regression analysis highlighted that while a central motive underlying the increased drive toward social interaction in individuals with WS pertains to a desire to form affectionate relationships, TD individuals by contrast are motivated by a desire to exert social influence over others (leadership, social-dominance) and Well-Being (positive emotional disposition). In conclusion, these findings provide novel insight into social motivational factors underpinning the WS social behavior in real life, and contribute toward a deeper characterization of the WS affiliative drive. We suggest potential areas for behavioral intervention targeting improved social adjustment in individuals with WS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rowena Ng
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neuroscience, the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037-1002, USA; University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Institute of Child Development, 51 East River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Anna Järvinen
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neuroscience, the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037-1002, USA.
| | - Ursula Bellugi
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neuroscience, the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037-1002, USA
| |
Collapse
|
423
|
|
424
|
Segura-Puimedon M, Sahún I, Velot E, Dubus P, Borralleras C, Rodrigues AJ, Valero MC, Valverde O, Sousa N, Herault Y, Dierssen M, Pérez-Jurado LA, Campuzano V. Heterozygous deletion of the Williams-Beuren syndrome critical interval in mice recapitulates most features of the human disorder. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 23:6481-94. [PMID: 25027326 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome is a developmental multisystemic disorder caused by a recurrent 1.55-1.83 Mb heterozygous deletion on human chromosome band 7q11.23. Through chromosomal engineering with the cre-loxP system, we have generated mice with an almost complete deletion (CD) of the conserved syntenic region on chromosome 5G2. Heterozygous CD mice were viable, fertile and had a normal lifespan, while homozygotes were early embryonic lethal. Transcript levels of most deleted genes were reduced 50% in several tissues, consistent with gene dosage. Heterozygous mutant mice showed postnatal growth delay with reduced body weight and craniofacial abnormalities such as small mandible. The cardiovascular phenotype was only manifested with borderline hypertension, mildly increased arterial wall thickness and cardiac hypertrophy. The neurobehavioral phenotype revealed impairments in motor coordination, increased startle response to acoustic stimuli and hypersociability. Mutant mice showed a general reduction in brain weight. Cellular and histological abnormalities were present in the amygdala, cortex and hippocampus, including increased proportion of immature neurons. In summary, these mice recapitulate most crucial phenotypes of the human disorder, provide novel insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease such as the neural substrates of the behavioral manifestations, and will be valuable to evaluate novel therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Segura-Puimedon
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona 08003, Spain, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Spain
| | - Ignasi Sahún
- Laboratory Animal Applied Research Platform (PRAAL), Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Emilie Velot
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Department of Translational Medicine and Neuroscience, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS UMR7104, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, INSERM U964, Université de Strasbourg, Institut Clinique de la Souris, ICS, PHENOMIN, GIE CERBM, Illkirch CEDEX 67404, France
| | - Pierre Dubus
- EA2406, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Cristina Borralleras
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Spain, Neurosciences Program, Institut Hospital del Mar D'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Ana J Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, and ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - María C Valero
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, IL 61801, USA and
| | - Olga Valverde
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona 08003, Spain, Neurosciences Program, Institut Hospital del Mar D'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, and ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Yann Herault
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Department of Translational Medicine and Neuroscience, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS UMR7104, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, INSERM U964, Université de Strasbourg, Institut Clinique de la Souris, ICS, PHENOMIN, GIE CERBM, Illkirch CEDEX 67404, France
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Spain, Neurosciences Program, Institut Hospital del Mar D'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona 08003, Spain, Centre de Regulació Genòmica (CRG), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Luis A Pérez-Jurado
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona 08003, Spain, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Spain, Neurosciences Program, Institut Hospital del Mar D'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Victoria Campuzano
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona 08003, Spain, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Spain, Neurosciences Program, Institut Hospital del Mar D'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona 08003, Spain,
| |
Collapse
|
425
|
Broadbent H, Farran EK, Chin E, Metcalfe K, Tassabehji M, Turnpenny P, Sansbury F, Meaburn E, Karmiloff-Smith A. Genetic contributions to visuospatial cognition in Williams syndrome: insights from two contrasting partial deletion patients. J Neurodev Disord 2014; 6:18. [PMID: 25057328 PMCID: PMC4107613 DOI: 10.1186/1866-1955-6-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Williams syndrome (WS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder arising from a hemizygotic deletion of approximately 27 genes on chromosome 7, at locus 7q11.23. WS is characterised by an uneven cognitive profile, with serious deficits in visuospatial tasks in comparison to relatively proficient performance in some other cognitive domains such as language and face processing. Individuals with partial genetic deletions within the WS critical region (WSCR) have provided insights into the contribution of specific genes to this complex phenotype. However, the combinatorial effects of different genes remain elusive. Methods We report on visuospatial cognition in two individuals with contrasting partial deletions in the WSCR: one female (HR), aged 11 years 9 months, with haploinsufficiency for 24 of the WS genes (up to GTF2IRD1), and one male (JB), aged 14 years 2 months, with the three most telomeric genes within the WSCR deleted, or partially deleted. Results Our in-depth phenotyping of the visuospatial domain from table-top psychometric, and small- and large-scale experimental tasks reveal a profile in HR in line with typically developing controls, albeit with some atypical features. These data are contrasted with patient JB’s atypical profile of strengths and weaknesses across the visuospatial domain, as well as with more substantial visuospatial deficits in individuals with the full WS deletion. Conclusions Our findings point to the contribution of specific genes to spatial processing difficulties associated with WS, highlighting the multifaceted nature of spatial cognition and the divergent effects of genetic deletions within the WSCR on different components of visuospatial ability. The importance of general transcription factors at the telomeric end of the WSCR, and their combinatorial effects on the WS visuospatial phenotype are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily K Farran
- Institute of Education, University of London, London, UK
| | - Esther Chin
- Birkbeck Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, University of London, London, UK
| | - Kay Metcalfe
- Genetic Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Peter Turnpenny
- Royal Devon and Exeter Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK ; Penninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, Exeter, UK
| | - Francis Sansbury
- Royal Devon and Exeter Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK ; Penninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, Exeter, UK
| | - Emma Meaburn
- Birkbeck Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, University of London, London, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
426
|
Fattah FJ, Hara K, Fattah KR, Yang C, Wu N, Warrington R, Chen DJ, Zhou P, Boothman DA, Yu H. The transcription factor TFII-I promotes DNA translesion synthesis and genomic stability. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004419. [PMID: 24922507 PMCID: PMC4055408 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Translesion synthesis (TLS) enables DNA replication through damaged bases, increases cellular DNA damage tolerance, and maintains genomic stability. The sliding clamp PCNA and the adaptor polymerase Rev1 coordinate polymerase switching during TLS. The polymerases Pol η, ι, and κ insert nucleotides opposite damaged bases. Pol ζ, consisting of the catalytic subunit Rev3 and the regulatory subunit Rev7, then extends DNA synthesis past the lesion. Here, we show that Rev7 binds to the transcription factor TFII-I in human cells. TFII-I is required for TLS and DNA damage tolerance. The TLS function of TFII-I appears to be independent of its role in transcription, but requires homodimerization and binding to PCNA. We propose that TFII-I bridges PCNA and Pol ζ to promote TLS. Our findings extend the general principle of component sharing among divergent nuclear processes and implicate TLS deficiency as a possible contributing factor in Williams-Beuren syndrome. DNA translesion synthesis (TLS) allows the DNA replication machinery to replicate past damaged bases, thus increasing cellular tolerance for DNA damage and maintaining genomic stability. Suppression of TLS is expected to enhance the efficacy of the anti-cancer drug, cisplatin. TLS employs a special set of DNA polymerases, including Pol ζ. The TLS polymerases are also involved in somatic hypermutation and proper immune response in mammals. Thus, it is critical to understand the underlying mechanisms of TLS. In this study, we have discovered the transcription factor TFII-I as a new Pol ζ-binding protein in human cells. We show that TFII-I is indeed required for TLS and DNA damage tolerance. We further delineate the mechanism by which TFII-I contributes to TLS. Our study significantly advances the molecular understanding of TLS, and provides a fascinating example of component sharing among disparate nuclear processes. Finally, because one copy of the TFII-I gene is deleted in Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS), our work implicates TLS deficiency as a potential causal factor of this human genetic disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farjana J. Fattah
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kodai Hara
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kazi R. Fattah
- Division of Molecular Radiation Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Chenyi Yang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Nan Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ross Warrington
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, United States of America
| | - David J. Chen
- Division of Molecular Radiation Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Pengbo Zhou
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - David A. Boothman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Hongtao Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
427
|
Kozel BA, Bayliss SJ, Berk DR, Waxler JL, Knutsen RH, Danback JR, Pober BR. Skin findings in Williams syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 2014; 164A:2217-25. [PMID: 24920525 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.36628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Previous examination in a small number of individuals with Williams syndrome (also referred to as Williams-Beuren syndrome) has shown subtly softer skin and reduced deposition of elastin, an elastic matrix protein important in tissue recoil. No quantitative information about skin elasticity in individuals with Williams syndrome is available; nor has there been a complete report of dermatologic findings in this population. To fill this knowledge gap, 94 patients with Williams syndrome aged 7-50 years were recruited as part of the skin and vascular elasticity (WS-SAVE) study. They underwent either a clinical dermatologic assessment by trained dermatologists (2010 WSA family meeting) or measurement of biomechanical properties of the skin with the DermaLab™ suction cup (2012 WSA family meeting). Clinical assessment confirmed that soft skin is common in this population (83%), as is premature graying of the hair (80% of those 20 years or older), while wrinkles (92%), and abnormal scarring (33%) were detected in larger than expected proportions. Biomechanical studies detected statistically significant differences in dP (the pressure required to lift the skin), dT (the time required to raise the skin through a prescribed gradient), VE (viscoelasticity), and E (Young's modulus) relative to matched controls. The RT (retraction time) also trended longer but was not significant. The biomechanical differences noted in these patients did not correlate with the presence of vascular defects also attributable to elastin insufficiency (vascular stiffness, hypertension, and arterial stenosis) suggesting the presence of tissue specific modifiers that modulate the impact of elastin insufficiency in each tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beth A Kozel
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
428
|
Seidelmann SB, Lighthouse JK, Greif DM. Development and pathologies of the arterial wall. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:1977-99. [PMID: 24071897 PMCID: PMC11113178 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1478-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Revised: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Arteries consist of an inner single layer of endothelial cells surrounded by layers of smooth muscle and an outer adventitia. The majority of vascular developmental studies focus on the construction of endothelial networks through the process of angiogenesis. Although many devastating vascular diseases involve abnormalities in components of the smooth muscle and adventitia (i.e., the vascular wall), the morphogenesis of these layers has received relatively less attention. Here, we briefly review key elements underlying endothelial layer formation and then focus on vascular wall development, specifically on smooth muscle cell origins and differentiation, patterning of the vascular wall, and the role of extracellular matrix and adventitial progenitor cells. Finally, we discuss select human diseases characterized by marked vascular wall abnormalities. We propose that continuing to apply approaches from developmental biology to the study of vascular disease will stimulate important advancements in elucidating disease mechanism and devising novel therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Angiogenic Proteins/genetics
- Angiogenic Proteins/metabolism
- Animals
- Arteries/growth & development
- Arteries/metabolism
- Arteries/pathology
- Cardiovascular Diseases/genetics
- Cardiovascular Diseases/metabolism
- Cardiovascular Diseases/pathology
- Cell Differentiation
- Cell Lineage/genetics
- Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Endothelial Cells/pathology
- Endothelium, Vascular/growth & development
- Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism
- Endothelium, Vascular/pathology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Humans
- Morphogenesis/genetics
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/growth & development
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Neovascularization, Pathologic
- Neovascularization, Physiologic
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara B. Seidelmann
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George St., Rm 773J, New Haven, CT 06511 USA
| | - Janet K. Lighthouse
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George St., Rm 773J, New Haven, CT 06511 USA
| | - Daniel M. Greif
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George St., Rm 773J, New Haven, CT 06511 USA
| |
Collapse
|
429
|
Johnson DW, Llop JR, Farrell SF, Yuan J, Stolzenburg LR, Samuelson AV. The Caenorhabditis elegans Myc-Mondo/Mad complexes integrate diverse longevity signals. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004278. [PMID: 24699255 PMCID: PMC3974684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Myc family of transcription factors regulates a variety of biological processes, including the cell cycle, growth, proliferation, metabolism, and apoptosis. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the "Myc interaction network" consists of two opposing heterodimeric complexes with antagonistic functions in transcriptional control: the Myc-Mondo:Mlx transcriptional activation complex and the Mad:Max transcriptional repression complex. In C. elegans, Mondo, Mlx, Mad, and Max are encoded by mml-1, mxl-2, mdl-1, and mxl-1, respectively. Here we show a similar antagonistic role for the C. elegans Myc-Mondo and Mad complexes in longevity control. Loss of mml-1 or mxl-2 shortens C. elegans lifespan. In contrast, loss of mdl-1 or mxl-1 increases longevity, dependent upon MML-1:MXL-2. The MML-1:MXL-2 and MDL-1:MXL-1 complexes function in both the insulin signaling and dietary restriction pathways. Furthermore, decreased insulin-like/IGF-1 signaling (ILS) or conditions of dietary restriction increase the accumulation of MML-1, consistent with the notion that the Myc family members function as sensors of metabolic status. Additionally, we find that Myc family members are regulated by distinct mechanisms, which would allow for integrated control of gene expression from diverse signals of metabolic status. We compared putative target genes based on ChIP-sequencing data in the modENCODE project and found significant overlap in genomic DNA binding between the major effectors of ILS (DAF-16/FoxO), DR (PHA-4/FoxA), and Myc family (MDL-1/Mad/Mxd) at common target genes, which suggests that diverse signals of metabolic status converge on overlapping transcriptional programs that influence aging. Consistent with this, there is over-enrichment at these common targets for genes that function in lifespan, stress response, and carbohydrate metabolism. Additionally, we find that Myc family members are also involved in stress response and the maintenance of protein homeostasis. Collectively, these findings indicate that Myc family members integrate diverse signals of metabolic status, to coordinate overlapping metabolic and cytoprotective transcriptional programs that determine the progression of aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David W. Johnson
- University of Rochester, Department of Biomedical Genetics, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Jesse R. Llop
- University of Rochester, Department of Biomedical Genetics, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Sara F. Farrell
- University of Rochester, Department of Biomedical Genetics, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Jie Yuan
- Rochester Institute of Technology, Computer Science Department, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Lindsay R. Stolzenburg
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Andrew V. Samuelson
- University of Rochester, Department of Biomedical Genetics, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
430
|
The function of elastic fibers in the arteries: beyond elasticity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 62:79-83. [PMID: 24679588 DOI: 10.1016/j.patbio.2014.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The main components of elastic fibers, elastin and fibrillin-containing microfibrils play a structural and mechanical role in the arteries and their essential function is to provide elasticity and resilience to the tissues. However, through control of the quiescent contractile phenotype of arterial smooth muscle cells, elastin also acts as an autocrine factor and, via the binding of 'latent transforming growth factor (TGF)-β binding protein (LTBP) - latency-associated peptide (LAP) - TGF-β' complexes, fibrillins regulate the activation and availability of TGF-βs. These recent discoveries are detailed in this review.
Collapse
|
431
|
Coppus AMW. People with intellectual disability: what do we know about adulthood and life expectancy? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 18:6-16. [PMID: 23949824 DOI: 10.1002/ddrr.1123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Revised: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Increases in the life expectancy of people with Intellectual Disability have followed similar trends to those found in the general population. With the exception of people with severe and multiple disabilities or Down syndrome, the life expectancy of this group now closely approximates with that of the general population. Middle and old age, which until 30 years ago were not recognized in this population, are now important parts of the life course of these individuals. Older adults with Intellectual Disabilities form a small, but significant and growing proportion of older people in the community. How these persons grow older and how symptoms and complications of the underlying cause of the Intellectual Disability will influence their life expectancy is of the utmost importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A M W Coppus
- Dichterbij, Center for the Intellectually Disabled, Medical Center, Gennep, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
432
|
Koehler U, Pabst B, Pober B, Kozel B. Clinical utility gene card for: Williams-Beuren Syndrome [7q11.23]. Eur J Hum Genet 2014; 22:ejhg201428. [PMID: 24569604 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2014.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Revised: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Udo Koehler
- MGZ - Medizinisch Genetisches Zentrum, Munich, Germany
| | - Brigitte Pabst
- Institute for Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Barbara Pober
- 1] Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA [2] Department of Medical Sciences, Frank H Netter School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, North Haven, CT, USA
| | - Beth Kozel
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
433
|
Schonherz Y, Davidov M, Knafo A, Zilkha H, Shoval G, Zalsman G, Frisch A, Weizman A, Gothelf D. Shyness discriminates between children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and Williams syndrome and predicts emergence of psychosis in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. J Neurodev Disord 2014; 6:3. [PMID: 24517288 PMCID: PMC3923103 DOI: 10.1186/1866-1955-6-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a common neurogenetic syndrome associated with high rates of psychosis. The aims of the present study were to identify the unique temperament traits that characterize children with 22q11.2DS compared to children with Williams syndrome (WS) and typically developing (TD) controls, and to examine temperamental predictors of the emergence of psychosis in 22q11.2DS. Methods The temperament of 55 children with 22q11.2DS, 36 with WS, and 280 TD children was assessed using the Emotionality, Activity, Sociability (EAS) Temperament Survey, Parental Ratings. The presence of a psychotic disorder was evaluated in 49 children and adolescents with 22q11.2DS at baseline and again 5.43 ± 2.23 years after baseline temperament assessment. Results Children with 22q11.2DS scored higher on Shyness compared to WS and TD controls. Children with 22q11.2DS and WS scored higher on Emotionality and lower on Activity compared to TD controls. Shyness was more severe in older compared to younger children with 22q11.2DS. Baseline Shyness scores significantly predicted the later emergence of a psychotic disorder at follow-up, in children with 22q11.2DS. Conclusions Our results suggest that shyness is an early marker associated with the later emergence of psychosis in 22q11.2DS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Doron Gothelf
- The Behavioral Neurogenetics Center, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer 52621, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
434
|
Marcato L, Turolla L, Pompilii E, Dupont C, Gruchy N, De Toffol S, Bracalente G, Bacrot S, Troilo E, Tabet AC, Rossi S, Delezoïde AL, Baldo D, Leporrier N, Maggi F, Molin A, Pilu G, Simoni G, Vialard F, Grati FR. Prenatal phenotype of Williams-Beuren syndrome and of the reciprocal duplication syndrome. Clin Case Rep 2014; 2:25-32. [PMID: 25356238 PMCID: PMC4184624 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Key Clinical Message Copy losses/gains of the Williams–Beuren syndrome (WBS) region cause neurodevelopmental disorders with variable expressivity. The WBS prenatal diagnosis cannot be easily performed by ultrasound because only few phenotypic features can be assessed. Three WBS and the first reciprocal duplication prenatal cases are described with a review of the literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Livia Marcato
- Research and development, cytogenetics and molecular biology, TOMA Advanced Biomedical Assays Busto Arsizio, Varese, Italy
| | - Licia Turolla
- Unit of medical genetics, ULSS 9 Treviso Hospital Treviso, Italy
| | - Eva Pompilii
- Unit of medical genetics, St. Orsola Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna Bologna, Italy ; Gynepro Medical Bologna, Italy
| | - Celine Dupont
- Department of Cytogenetics and Developmental Biology, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris and University Paris 7 Diderot Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Gruchy
- Deparment of Genetics, CHU Caen Côte de Nacre, UFR de Médecine Caen Caen, France
| | - Simona De Toffol
- Research and development, cytogenetics and molecular biology, TOMA Advanced Biomedical Assays Busto Arsizio, Varese, Italy
| | | | - Severine Bacrot
- Department of Cytogenetics and Developmental Biology, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris and University Paris 7 Diderot Paris, France
| | | | - Anne C Tabet
- Department of Cytogenetics and Developmental Biology, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris and University Paris 7 Diderot Paris, France
| | - Sabrina Rossi
- Unit of Anatomy pathology, histology, cytodiagnostics and cytogenetics, ULSS 9 Treviso Hospital Treviso, Italy
| | - Anne L Delezoïde
- Department of Cytogenetics and Developmental Biology, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris and University Paris 7 Diderot Paris, France
| | - Demetrio Baldo
- Unit of medical genetics, ULSS 9 Treviso Hospital Treviso, Italy
| | - Nathalie Leporrier
- Deparment of Genetics, CHU Caen Côte de Nacre, UFR de Médecine Caen Caen, France
| | - Federico Maggi
- Research and development, cytogenetics and molecular biology, TOMA Advanced Biomedical Assays Busto Arsizio, Varese, Italy
| | - Arnaud Molin
- Deparment of Genetics, CHU Caen Côte de Nacre, UFR de Médecine Caen Caen, France
| | - Gianluigi Pilu
- Gynepro Medical Bologna, Italy ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Orsola Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Simoni
- Research and development, cytogenetics and molecular biology, TOMA Advanced Biomedical Assays Busto Arsizio, Varese, Italy
| | - Francois Vialard
- Department of Cytogenetics, Fetopathology, Obstetrics and Gynaeacology, CHI Poissy St Germain Poissy, France
| | - Francesca R Grati
- Research and development, cytogenetics and molecular biology, TOMA Advanced Biomedical Assays Busto Arsizio, Varese, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
435
|
Jangani M, Poolman TM, Matthews L, Yang N, Farrow SN, Berry A, Hanley N, Williamson AJK, Whetton AD, Donn R, Ray DW. The methyltransferase WBSCR22/Merm1 enhances glucocorticoid receptor function and is regulated in lung inflammation and cancer. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:8931-46. [PMID: 24488492 PMCID: PMC3979408 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.540906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GC) regulate cell fate and immune function. We identified the metastasis-promoting methyltransferase, metastasis-related methyltransferase 1 (WBSCR22/Merm1) as a novel glucocorticoid receptor (GR) regulator relevant to human disease. Merm1 binds the GR co-activator GRIP1 but not GR. Loss of Merm1 impaired both GR transactivation and transrepression by reducing GR recruitment to its binding sites. This was accompanied by loss of GR-dependent H3K4Me3 at a well characterized promoter. Inflammation promotes GC resistance, in part through the actions of TNFα and IFNγ. These cytokines suppressed Merm1 protein expression by driving ubiquitination of two conserved lysine residues. Restoration of Merm1 expression rescued GR transactivation. Cytokine suppression of Merm1 and of GR function was also seen in human lung explants. In addition, striking loss of Merm1 protein was observed in both inflammatory and neoplastic human lung pathologies. In conclusion, Merm1 is a novel regulator of chromatin structure affecting GR recruitment and function, contributing to loss of GC sensitivity in inflammation, with suppressed expression in pulmonary disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Jangani
- From the Centre in Endocrinology and Diabetes, Institute of Human Development, and
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
436
|
Jobling MA. The music of the genes. INVESTIGATIVE GENETICS 2014; 5:2. [PMID: 24461062 PMCID: PMC3901330 DOI: 10.1186/2041-2223-5-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Jobling
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
437
|
Viana MM, Frasson M, Galvão H, Leão LL, Stofanko M, Gonçalves-Dornelas H, da Silva Cunha P, Burle de Aguiar MJ. Ocular Features in 16 Brazilian Patients with Williams-Beuren Syndrome. Ophthalmic Genet 2014; 36:234-8. [DOI: 10.3109/13816810.2013.873941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
438
|
Vandeweyer G, Kooy RF. Detection and interpretation of genomic structural variation in health and disease. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2014; 13:61-82. [DOI: 10.1586/erm.12.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
439
|
He W, Sun X, Liu L, Li M, Jin H, Wang WH. The prevalence of chromosomal deletions relating to developmental delay and/or intellectual disability in human euploid blastocysts. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85207. [PMID: 24409323 PMCID: PMC3883698 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal anomalies in human embryos produced by in vitro fertilization are very common, which include numerical (aneuploidy) and structural (deletion, duplication or others) anomalies. Our previous study indicated that chromosomal deletion(s) is the most common structural anomaly accounting for approximately 8% of euploid blastocysts. It is still unknown if these deletions in human euploid blastocysts have clinical significance. In this study, we analyzed 15 previously diagnosed euploid blastocysts that had chromosomal deletion(s) using Agilent oligonucleotide DNA microarray platform and localized the gene location in each deletion. Then, we used OMIM gene map and phenotype database to investigate if these deletions are related with some important genes that cause genetic diseases, especially developmental delay or intellectual disability. As results, we found that the detectable chromosomal deletion size with Agilent microarray is above 2.38 Mb, while the deletions observed in human blastocysts are between 11.6 to 103 Mb. With OMIM gene map and phenotype database information, we found that deletions can result in loss of 81-464 genes. Out of these genes, 34–149 genes are related with known genetic problems. Furthermore, we found that 5 out of 15 samples lost genes in the deleted region, which were related to developmental delay and/or intellectual disability. In conclusion, our data indicates that all human euploid blastocysts with chromosomal deletion(s) are abnormal and transfer of these embryos may cause birth defects and/or developmental and intellectual disabilities. Therefore, the embryos with chromosomal deletion revealed by DNA microarray should not be transferred to the patients, or further gene map and/or phenotype seeking is necessary before making a final decision.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenyin He
- Key Laboratory of Major Obstetrics Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaofang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Major Obstetrics Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Lian Liu
- Pacgenomics Inc., Village Medical Center, Thousand Oaks, California, United States of America
| | - Man Li
- Pacgenomics Inc., Village Medical Center, Thousand Oaks, California, United States of America
| | - Hua Jin
- Pacgenomics Inc., Village Medical Center, Thousand Oaks, California, United States of America
| | - Wei-Hua Wang
- New Houston Health, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Vivere Health, Franklin, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
440
|
Heilmann A, Schinke T, Bindl R, Wehner T, Rapp A, Haffner-Luntzer M, Nemitz C, Liedert A, Amling M, Ignatius A. The Wnt serpentine receptor Frizzled-9 regulates new bone formation in fracture healing. PLoS One 2013; 8:e84232. [PMID: 24391920 PMCID: PMC3877253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling is a key regulator of bone metabolism and fracture healing. The canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway is regarded as the dominant mechanism, and targeting this pathway has emerged as a promising strategy for the treatment of osteoporosis and poorly healing fractures. In contrast, little is known about the role of non-canonical Wnt signaling in bone. Recently, it was demonstrated that the serpentine receptor Fzd9, a Wnt receptor of the Frizzled family, is essential for osteoblast function and positively regulates bone remodeling via the non-canonical Wnt pathway without involving β-catenin-dependent signaling. Here we investigated whether the Fzd9 receptor is essential for fracture healing using a femur osteotomy model in Fzd9−/− mice. After 10, 24 and 32 days the fracture calli were analyzed using biomechanical testing, histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry, and micro-computed tomography. Our results demonstrated significantly reduced amounts of newly formed bone at all investigated healing time points in the absence of Fzd9 and, accordingly, a decreased mechanical competence of the callus tissue in the late phase of fracture healing. In contrast, cartilage formation and numbers of osteoclasts degrading mineralized matrix were unaltered. β-Catenin immunolocalization showed that canonical Wnt-signaling was not affected in the absence of Fzd9 in osteoblasts as well as in proliferating and mature chondrocytes within the fracture callus. The expression of established differentiation markers was not altered in the absence of Fzd9, whereas chemokines Ccl2 and Cxcl5 seemed to be reduced. Collectively, our results suggest that non-canonical signaling via the Fzd9 receptor positively regulates intramembranous and endochondral bone formation during fracture healing, whereas it does not participate in the formation of cartilage or in the osteoclastic degradation of mineralized matrix. The finding that Fzd9, in addition to its role in physiological bone remodeling, regulates bone repair may have implications for the development of treatments for poorly or non-healing fractures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aline Heilmann
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Center of Musculoskeletal Research, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Thorsten Schinke
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ronny Bindl
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Center of Musculoskeletal Research, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tim Wehner
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Center of Musculoskeletal Research, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anna Rapp
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Center of Musculoskeletal Research, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Melanie Haffner-Luntzer
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Center of Musculoskeletal Research, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Claudia Nemitz
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Center of Musculoskeletal Research, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Astrid Liedert
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Center of Musculoskeletal Research, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Michael Amling
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anita Ignatius
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Center of Musculoskeletal Research, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
441
|
The patient with a history of congenital heart disease who is to undergo ambulatory surgery. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol 2013; 26:685-91. [DOI: 10.1097/aco.0000000000000012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
442
|
A calcified sinutubular junction: the discovery of a supravalvular aortic stenosis in an elderly woman. Neth Heart J 2013; 21:561-4. [PMID: 23640577 PMCID: PMC3833916 DOI: 10.1007/s12471-013-0426-7] [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] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of a 64 year old woman with a calcified ring at the level of the sinotubular junction. Echocardiography and Computed Tomography showed a supravalvular aortic stenosis, without known associated lesions, except for the existence of an aberrant right subclavian artery. These combination of abnormalities makes it an unique case. Differential diagnosis of sinutubular calcification is added. From the literature a short review of supravalvular aortic stenosis is presented with indications for surgical intervention. Lifelong and regular follow up is necessary.
Collapse
|
443
|
Saad K, Abdelrahman AA, Abdallah AM, Othman HAK, Badry R. Clinical and neuropsychiatric status in children with Williams-Beuren Syndrome in Upper Egypt. Asian J Psychiatr 2013; 6:560-5. [PMID: 24309873 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2013.08.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The aim of this study was to evaluate and explore the clinical, neuropsychiatric status and EEG pattern in a series of children with Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) in Assiut, Upper Egypt. We aimed to provide a comprehensive data comparable to what has been published, to enable us to make comparisons across different cultural areas. This will contribute to a better definition of the neuropsychiatric features that may be specific to WBS that allows early and better detection and management of those children. MATERIALS AND METHODS A series of 17 WBS children patients who consulted at our hospital were evaluated. The patients were assessed mainly for clinical, neurological, psychiatric and EEG status. We performed FISH for all patients. RESULTS All patients had a deletion of the long arm of chromosome 7 (7q 11.23). All had elfin facies. Neurological examination revealed hypotonia in 25% of patients and rigidity (12.50%), brisk deep tendon reflexes (25%), abnormal plantar response (12.50%). Cerebellar and extrapyramidal signs were frequent: dysmetria (31.25%), dysdiadochokinesia (31.25%) and ataxia (18.75%). Epileptic seizures were present in 31.25% of patients and ADHD (37.5%). Autism was present in one patient. EEG abnormalities were present in 31.25%. Congenital cardiopathies were present in 62.50%. CONCLUSION Our data showed that WBS children had multi-systemic clinical complications and the management of those patients requires the pediatrician to understand the natural course of this condition, awareness of potential medical problems, and periodic baseline clinical, neuropsychiatric evaluations, monitoring, and rapid intervention to improve the medical care for patients who have WBS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Saad
- Department of Pediatrics, Assiut University, Assiut 71516, Egypt.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
444
|
Outcome of surgical correction of congenital supravalvular aortic stenosis with two- and three-sinus reconstruction techniques. Ann Thorac Surg 2013; 97:634-40. [PMID: 24266950 DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2013.09.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Revised: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several surgical techniques for the treatment of congenital supravalvular aortic stenosis have been developed, yet there is no consensus about the optimal approach. We reviewed our institutional experience with 2- and 3-sinus reconstruction techniques. METHODS Thirty-eight patients operated on for supravalvular aortic stenosis between 1987 and 2012 in our institution were analyzed retrospectively. Eight patients (21%) were infants and in 5 (13.2%) diffuse stenosis was present. Mean peak pressure gradient was 86.1±28.7 mm Hg preoperatively. Surgical procedures included single-patch enlargement (McGoon, n=3), inverted bifurcated-patch aortoplasty (Doty, n=22), 3-sinus patch augmentation (Brom, n=8), and autologous slide aortoplasty (n=5). Major concomitant procedures were performed in 10 patients (26.3%). RESULTS Early mortality was 2.6%. Follow-up continued for a median of 7.5 years (range 3 weeks to 22 years). Overall survival estimates were 94% and 90% and overall freedom from reoperation was 83% at 5 and 20 years, respectively. No differences were found between surgical techniques in respect to survival, clinical course, hemodynamic outcome, or freedom from reoperation rates. A significantly worse outcome in regard to survival and reoperation rates was observed in infants. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates equally good results for the repair of supravalvular aortic stenosis with both 2- and 3-sinus reconstruction. No evidence of a superior outcome for 3-sinus reconstruction techniques was found. Operation in infancy is an important factor associated with unfavorable outcome.
Collapse
|
445
|
Euteneuer J, Carvalho CMB, Kulkarni S, Vineyard M, Grady RM, Lupski JR, Shinawi M. Molecular and phenotypic characterization of atypical Williams-Beuren syndrome. Clin Genet 2013; 86:487-91. [PMID: 24246242 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2013] [Revised: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a multisystemic genomic disorder typically caused by a recurrent ˜1.5-1.8 Mb deletion on 7q11.23. Atypical deletions can provide important insight into the genotype-phenotype correlations. Here, we report the phenotypic and molecular characterization of a girl with a de novo 81.8 kb deletion in the WBS critical region, which involves the ELN and LIMK1 genes only. The patient presented at 2 months of age with extensive vascular abnormalities, mild facial dysmorphism and delays in her fine motor skills. We discuss potential molecular mechanisms and the role of ELN and LIMK1 in the different phenotypic features. We compare the findings in our patient with previously reported overlapping deletions. The phenotypic variability among these patients suggests that other factors are important in the phenotype and possibly include: position effects related to copy number variation size, variations in the non-deleted alleles, genetic modifiers elsewhere in the genome, or reduced penetrance for specific phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Euteneuer
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
446
|
Role of multifunctional transcription factor TFII-I and putative tumour suppressor DBC1 in cell cycle and DNA double strand damage repair. Br J Cancer 2013; 109:3042-8. [PMID: 24231951 PMCID: PMC3859932 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2013.532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Revised: 08/09/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: In multicellular organisms, precise control of cell cycle and the maintenance of genomic stability are crucial to prevent chromosomal alterations. The accurate function of the DNA damage pathway is maintained by DNA repair mechanisms including homologous recombination (HR). Herein, we show that both TFII-I and DBC1 mediate cellular mechanisms of cell-cycle regulation and DNA double strand damage repair. Methods: Regulation of cell cycle by TFII-I and DBC1 was investigated using Trypan blue dye exclusion test, luciferase assay, and flow cytometry analysis. We also analysed the role of TFII-I and DBC1 in DNA double strand damage repair after irradiation by immunofluorescence study, clonogenicity assay, and HR assay. Results: Flow cytometry analysis revealed a novel function that siRNA-mediated knockdown of endogenous DBC1 resulted in G2/M phase arrest. We also have shown that both endogenous TFII-I and DBC1 activate DNA repair mechanisms after irradiation because irradiation-induced foci formation of TFII-I-γH2AX was observed, and the depletion of endogenous TFII-I or DBC1 resulted in the inhibition of normal HR efficiency. Conclusion: These results reveal novel mechanisms by which TFII-I and DBC1 can modulate cellular fate by affecting cell-cycle control as well as HR pathway.
Collapse
|
447
|
Structural variation-associated expression changes are paralleled by chromatin architecture modifications. PLoS One 2013; 8:e79973. [PMID: 24265791 PMCID: PMC3827143 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Copy number variants (CNVs) influence the expression of genes that map not only within the rearrangement, but also to its flanks. To assess the possible mechanism(s) underlying this “neighboring effect”, we compared intrachromosomal interactions and histone modifications in cell lines of patients affected by genomic disorders and control individuals. Using chromosome conformation capture (4C-seq), we observed that a set of genes flanking the Williams-Beuren Syndrome critical region (WBSCR) were often looping together. The newly identified interacting genes include AUTS2, mutations of which are associated with autism and intellectual disabilities. Deletion of the WBSCR disrupts the expression of this group of flanking genes, as well as long-range interactions between them and the rearranged interval. We also pinpointed concomitant changes in histone modifications between samples. We conclude that large genomic rearrangements can lead to chromatin conformation changes that extend far away from the structural variant, thereby possibly modulating expression globally and modifying the phenotype. GEO Series accession number: GSE33784, GSE33867.
Collapse
|
448
|
Benson RR, Gattu R, Cacace AT. Left hemisphere fractional anisotropy increase in noise-induced tinnitus: a diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) study of white matter tracts in the brain. Hear Res 2013; 309:8-16. [PMID: 24212050 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2013.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Revised: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a contemporary neuroimaging modality used to study connectivity patterns and microstructure of white matter tracts in the brain. The use of DTI in the study of tinnitus is a relatively unexplored methodology with no studies focusing specifically on tinnitus induced by noise exposure. In this investigation, participants were two groups of adults matched for etiology, age, and degree of peripheral hearing loss, but differed by the presence or absence (+/-) of tinnitus. It is assumed that matching individuals on the basis of peripheral hearing loss, allows for differentiating changes in white matter microstructure due to hearing loss from changes due to the effects of chronic tinnitus. Alterations in white matter tracts, using the fractional anisotropy (FA) metric, which measures directional diffusion of water, were quantified using tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) with additional details provided by in vivo probabilistic tractography. Our results indicate that 10 voxel clusters differentiated the two groups, including 9 with higher FA in the group with tinnitus. A decrease in FA was found for a single cluster in the group with tinnitus. However, seven of the 9 clusters with higher FA were in left hemisphere thalamic, frontal, and parietal white matter. These foci were localized to the anterior thalamic radiations and the inferior and superior longitudinal fasciculi. The two right-sided clusters with increased FA were located in the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus and superior longitudinal fasciculus. The only decrease in FA for the tinnitus-positive group was found in the superior longitudinal fasciculus of the left parietal lobe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ramtilak Gattu
- Department of Radiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Anthony T Cacace
- Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Wayne State University, 207 Rackham, 60 Farnsworth, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
449
|
Gray JC, Krazinski AW, Schoepf UJ, Meinel FG, Pietris NP, Suranyi P, Hlavacek AM. Cardiovascular manifestations of Williams syndrome: imaging findings. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2013; 7:400-7. [PMID: 24331936 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcct.2013.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Revised: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Williams syndrome is a relatively common (1 in 10,000 live births) genetic disorder caused by a deletion involving chromosome 7 that results in a variety of clinically significant abnormalities, including developmental delay, behavioral changes, hypercalcemia, and a distinct "elfin" facial appearance. Congenital cardiovascular disease that presents in childhood is responsible for most of the morbidity and mortality associated with this disorder. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to review imaging findings of some of the more common cardiovascular manifestations of Williams syndrome and to highlight some of the unique anatomic variations that can be seen in these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Cranston Gray
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Dr, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Aleksander W Krazinski
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Dr, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - U Joseph Schoepf
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Dr, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
| | - Felix G Meinel
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Dr, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Nicholas P Pietris
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Pal Suranyi
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Dr, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Anthony M Hlavacek
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Dr, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
450
|
Kozel BA, Danback JR, Waxler JL, Knutsen RH, de Las Fuentes L, Reusz GS, Kis E, Bhatt AB, Pober BR. Williams syndrome predisposes to vascular stiffness modified by antihypertensive use and copy number changes in NCF1. Hypertension 2013; 63:74-9. [PMID: 24126171 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.113.02087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Williams syndrome is caused by the deletion of 26 to 28 genes, including elastin, on human chromosome 7. Elastin insufficiency leads to the cardiovascular hallmarks of this condition, namely focal stenosis and hypertension. Extrapolation from the Eln(+/-) mouse suggests that affected people may also have stiff vasculature, a risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction, and cardiac death. NCF1, one of the variably deleted Williams genes, is a component of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase complex and is involved in the generation of oxidative stress, making it an interesting candidate modifier for vascular stiffness. Using a case-control design, vascular stiffness was evaluated by pulse wave velocity in 77 Williams cases and matched controls. Cases had stiffer conducting vessels than controls (P<0.001), with increased stiffness observed in even the youngest children with Williams syndrome. Pulse wave velocity increased with age at comparable rates in cases and controls, and although the degree of vascular stiffness varied, it was seen in both hypertensive and normotensive Williams participants. Use of antihypertensive medication and extension of the Williams deletion to include NCF1 were associated with protection from vascular stiffness. These findings demonstrate that vascular stiffness is a primary vascular phenotype in Williams syndrome and that treatment with antihypertensives or agents inhibiting oxidative stress may be important in managing patients with this condition, potentially even those who are not overtly hypertensive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beth A Kozel
- Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S Euclid, Campus Box 8208, St. Louis, MO 63110.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|