1
|
Vasilyeva TA, Sukhanova NV, Khalanskaya OV, Marakhonov AV, Prokhorov NS, Kadyshev VV, Skryabin NA, Kutsev SI, Zinchenko RA. An Unusual Presentation of Novel Missense Variant in PAX6 Gene: NM_000280.4:c.341A>G, p.(Asn114Ser). Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 46:96-105. [PMID: 38248310 PMCID: PMC10814852 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigates a unique and complex eye phenotype characterized by minimal iris defects, foveal hypoplasia, optic nerve coloboma, and severe posterior segment damage. Through genetic analysis and bioinformatic tools, a specific nonsynonymous substitution, p.(Asn114Ser), within the PAX6 gene's paired domain is identified. Although this substitution is not in direct contact with DNA, its predicted stabilizing effect on the protein structure challenges the traditional understanding of PAX6 mutations, suggesting a gain-of-function mechanism. Contrary to classical loss-of-function effects, this gain-of-function hypothesis aligns with research demonstrating PAX6's dosage sensitivity. Gain-of-function mutations, though less common, can lead to diverse phenotypes distinct from aniridia. Our findings emphasize PAX6's multifaceted influence on ocular phenotypes and the importance of genetic variations. We contribute a new perspective on PAX6 mutations by suggesting a potential gain-of-function mechanism and showcasing the complexities of ocular development. This study sheds light on the intricate interplay of the genetic alterations and regulatory mechanisms underlying complex eye phenotypes. Further research, validation, and collaboration are crucial to unravel the nuanced interactions shaping ocular health and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana A. Vasilyeva
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 115522 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.V.); (N.V.S.); (O.V.K.); (V.V.K.); (S.I.K.); (R.A.Z.)
| | - Natella V. Sukhanova
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 115522 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.V.); (N.V.S.); (O.V.K.); (V.V.K.); (S.I.K.); (R.A.Z.)
| | - Olga V. Khalanskaya
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 115522 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.V.); (N.V.S.); (O.V.K.); (V.V.K.); (S.I.K.); (R.A.Z.)
| | - Andrey V. Marakhonov
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 115522 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.V.); (N.V.S.); (O.V.K.); (V.V.K.); (S.I.K.); (R.A.Z.)
| | - Nikolai S. Prokhorov
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA;
| | - Vitaly V. Kadyshev
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 115522 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.V.); (N.V.S.); (O.V.K.); (V.V.K.); (S.I.K.); (R.A.Z.)
| | - Nikolay A. Skryabin
- Research Institute of Medical Genetics, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 634050 Tomsk, Russia;
| | - Sergey I. Kutsev
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 115522 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.V.); (N.V.S.); (O.V.K.); (V.V.K.); (S.I.K.); (R.A.Z.)
| | - Rena A. Zinchenko
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, 115522 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.V.); (N.V.S.); (O.V.K.); (V.V.K.); (S.I.K.); (R.A.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liehr T, Ziegler M, Person L, Kankel S, Padutsch N, Weise A, Weimer JP, Williams H, Ferreira S, Melo JB, Carreira IM. Small supernumerary marker chromosomes derived from human chromosome 11. Front Genet 2023; 14:1293652. [PMID: 38174048 PMCID: PMC10763568 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1293652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: With only 39 reported cases in the literature, carriers of a small supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC) derived from chromosome 11 represent an extremely rare cytogenomic condition. Methods: Herein, we present a review of reported sSMC(11), add 18 previously unpublished cases, and closely review eight cases classified as 'centromere-near partial trisomy 11' and a further four suited cases from DECIPHER. Results and discussion: Based on these data, we deduced the borders of the pericentric regions associated with clinical symptoms into a range of 2.63 and 0.96 Mb for chromosome 11 short (p) and long (q) arms, respectively. In addition, the minimal pericentric region of chromosome 11 without triplo-sensitive genes was narrowed to positions 47.68 and 60.52 Mb (GRCh37). Furthermore, there are apparent differences in the presentation of signs and symptoms in carriers of larger sSMCs derived from chromosome 11 when the partial trisomy is derived from different chromosome arms. However, the number of informative sSMC(11) cases remains low, with overlapping presentation between p- and q-arm-imbalances. In addition, uniparental disomy (UPD) of 'normal' chromosome 11 needs to be considered in the evaluation of sSMC(11) carriers, as imprinting may be an influencing factor, although no such cases have been reported. Comprehensively, prenatal sSMC(11) cases remain a diagnostic and prognostic challenge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Liehr
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Monika Ziegler
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Luisa Person
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Stefanie Kankel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Niklas Padutsch
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Anja Weise
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Jörg Paul Weimer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Susana Ferreira
- Cytogenetics and Genomics Laboratory, CACC, iCBR/CIMAGO, CIBB, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana B. Melo
- Cytogenetics and Genomics Laboratory, CACC, iCBR/CIMAGO, CIBB, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isabel M. Carreira
- Cytogenetics and Genomics Laboratory, CACC, iCBR/CIMAGO, CIBB, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kuang L, Zhang M, Wang T, Huang T, Li J, Gan R, Yu M, Cao W, Yan X. The molecular genetics of anterior segment dysgenesis. Exp Eye Res 2023; 234:109603. [PMID: 37495069 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Anterior segment dysgenesis is a severe developmental eye disorder that leads to blindness in children. The exact mechanisms underlying this condition remain elusive. Recently, an increasing amount of studies have focused on genes and signal transduction pathways that affect anterior segment dysgenesis;these factors include transcription factors, developmental regulators, extracellular matrix genes, membrane-related proteins, cytoskeleton proteins and other associated genes. To date, dozens of gene variants have been found to cause anterior segment dysgenesis. However, there is still a lack of effective treatments. With a broader and deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying anterior segment development in the future, gene editing technology and stem cell technology may be new treatments for anterior segment dysgenesis. Further studies on the mechanisms of how different genes influence the onset and progression of anterior segment dysgenesis are still needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Longhao Kuang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, 518040, China
| | - Min Zhang
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232000, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, 518040, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, 518040, China
| | - Jin Li
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, 518040, China
| | - Run Gan
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, 518040, China
| | - Mingyu Yu
- Department of the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen Eye Hospital), Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Wenchao Cao
- Department of the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen Eye Hospital), Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Xiaohe Yan
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, 518040, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Daruich A, Duncan M, Robert MP, Lagali N, Semina EV, Aberdam D, Ferrari S, Romano V, des Roziers CB, Benkortebi R, De Vergnes N, Polak M, Chiambaretta F, Nischal KK, Behar-Cohen F, Valleix S, Bremond-Gignac D. Congenital aniridia beyond black eyes: From phenotype and novel genetic mechanisms to innovative therapeutic approaches. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 95:101133. [PMID: 36280537 PMCID: PMC11062406 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Congenital PAX6-aniridia, initially characterized by the absence of the iris, has progressively been shown to be associated with other developmental ocular abnormalities and systemic features making congenital aniridia a complex syndromic disorder rather than a simple isolated disease of the iris. Moreover, foveal hypoplasia is now recognized as a more frequent feature than complete iris hypoplasia and a major visual prognosis determinant, reversing the classical clinical picture of this disease. Conversely, iris malformation is also a feature of various anterior segment dysgenesis disorders caused by PAX6-related developmental genes, adding a level of genetic complexity for accurate molecular diagnosis of aniridia. Therefore, the clinical recognition and differential genetic diagnosis of PAX6-related aniridia has been revealed to be much more challenging than initially thought, and still remains under-investigated. Here, we update specific clinical features of aniridia, with emphasis on their genotype correlations, as well as provide new knowledge regarding the PAX6 gene and its mutational spectrum, and highlight the beneficial utility of clinically implementing targeted Next-Generation Sequencing combined with Whole-Genome Sequencing to increase the genetic diagnostic yield of aniridia. We also present new molecular mechanisms underlying aniridia and aniridia-like phenotypes. Finally, we discuss the appropriate medical and surgical management of aniridic eyes, as well as innovative therapeutic options. Altogether, these combined clinical-genetic approaches will help to accelerate time to diagnosis, provide better determination of the disease prognosis and management, and confirm eligibility for future clinical trials or genetic-specific therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Daruich
- Ophthalmology Department, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, Paris, France; INSERM, UMRS1138, Team 17, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Melinda Duncan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Matthieu P Robert
- Ophthalmology Department, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, Paris, France; Borelli Centre, UMR 9010, CNRS-SSA-ENS Paris Saclay-Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Neil Lagali
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Ophthalmology, Sørlandet Hospital Arendal, Arendal, Norway
| | - Elena V Semina
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Research Institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Daniel Aberdam
- INSERM, UMRS1138, Team 17, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Stefano Ferrari
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, Via Paccagnella 11, Venice, Italy
| | - Vito Romano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiolological Sciences, and Public Health, Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Cyril Burin des Roziers
- INSERM, UMRS1138, Team 17, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France; Service de Médecine Génomique des Maladies de Système et d'Organe, APHP. Centre Université de Paris, Fédération de Génétique et de Médecine Génomique Hôpital Cochin, 27 rue du Fbg St-Jacques, 75679, Paris Cedex 14, France
| | - Rabia Benkortebi
- Ophthalmology Department, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie De Vergnes
- Ophthalmology Department, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Michel Polak
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Gynecology and Diabetology, Hôpital Universitaire Necker Enfants Malades, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, INSERM U1016, Institut IMAGINE, France
| | | | - Ken K Nischal
- Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Strabismus, and Adult Motility, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Eye Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Francine Behar-Cohen
- INSERM, UMRS1138, Team 17, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Valleix
- INSERM, UMRS1138, Team 17, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France; Service de Médecine Génomique des Maladies de Système et d'Organe, APHP. Centre Université de Paris, Fédération de Génétique et de Médecine Génomique Hôpital Cochin, 27 rue du Fbg St-Jacques, 75679, Paris Cedex 14, France
| | - Dominique Bremond-Gignac
- Ophthalmology Department, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, Paris, France; INSERM, UMRS1138, Team 17, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Filatova AY, Vasilyeva TA, Marakhonov AV, Sukhanova NV, Voskresenskaya AA, Zinchenko RA, Skoblov MY. Upstream ORF frameshift variants in the PAX6 5'UTR cause congenital aniridia. Hum Mutat 2021; 42:1053-1065. [PMID: 34174135 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Congenital aniridia (AN) is a severe autosomal dominant panocular disorder associated with pathogenic variants in the PAX6 gene. Previously, we performed a molecular genetic study of a large cohort of Russian patients with AN and revealed four noncoding nucleotide variants in the PAX6 5'UTR. 14 additional PAX6-5'UTR variants were also reported in the literature, but the mechanism of their pathogenicity remained unclear. In the present study, we experimentally analyze five patient-derived PAX6 5'UTR-variants: four variants that we identified in Russian patients (c.-128-2delA, c.-125dupG, c.-122dupG, c.-118_-117del) and one previously reported (c.-52+5G>C). We show that the variants lead to a decrease in the protein translation efficiency, while mRNA expression level is not significantly reduced. Two of these variants also affect splicing. Furthermore, we predict and experimentally validate the presence of an evolutionarily conserved small uORF in the PAX6 5'UTR. All studied variants lead to the frameshift of the uORF, resulting in its extension. This extended out-of-frame uORF overlaps with the downstream CDS and thereby reduces its translation efficiency. We conclude that the uORF frameshift may be the main mechanism of pathogenicity for at least 15 out of 18 known PAX6 5'UTR variants. Moreover, we predict additional uORFs in the PAX6 5'UTR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Natella V Sukhanova
- Central Clinical Hospital of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Anna A Voskresenskaya
- Cheboksary Branch of the S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Cheboksary, Russian Federation
| | - Rena A Zinchenko
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russian Federation.,N.A. Semashko National Research Institute of Public Health, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Aberrant expression of PAX6 gene associated with classical aniridia: identification and functional characterization of novel noncoding mutations. J Hum Genet 2020; 66:333-338. [PMID: 32920601 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-020-00829-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The PAX6 is essential for ocular morphogenesis and is known to be highly sensitive to changes in gene expression, where neither over- nor under-expression ensures normal ocular development. Two unrelated probands with classical aniridia who were previously considered "PAX6-negative", were studied by whole-genome sequencing. Through the use of multiple in silico deep learning-based algorithms, we identified two novel putative causal mutations, c.-133_-132del in the 5' untranslated region (5'-UTR) and c.-52 + 5G>A in an intron upstream of the PAX6 gene. The luciferase activity was significantly increased and VAX2 binding was disrupted with the former 5'-UTR variant compared with wild-type sequence, which resulted in a striking overexpression of PAX6. The minigene assay showed that the c.-52 + 5G>A mutation caused defective splicing, which resulted in the formation of truncated transcripts.
Collapse
|
7
|
Ryan BC, Lowe K, Hanson L, Gil T, Braun L, Howard PL, Chow RL. Mapping the Pax6 3' untranslated region microRNA regulatory landscape. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:820. [PMID: 30442116 PMCID: PMC6238409 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5212-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND PAX6 is a homeodomain transcription factor that acts in a highly dosage-sensitive manner to regulate the development and function of the eyes, nose, central nervous system, gut, and endocrine pancreas. Several individual microRNAs (miRNA) have been implicated in regulating PAX6 in different cellular contexts, but a more general view of how they contribute to the fine-tuning and homeostasis of PAX6 is poorly understood. RESULTS Here, a comprehensive analysis of the Pax6 3' untranslated region was performed to map potential miRNA recognition elements and served as a backdrop for miRNA expression profiling experiments to identify potential cell/tissue-specific miRNA codes. Pax6 3'UTR pull-down studies identified a cohort of miRNA interactors in pancreatic αTC1-6 cells that, based on the spacing of their recognition sites in the Pax6 3'UTR, revealed 3 clusters where cooperative miRNA regulation may occur. Some of these interacting miRNAs have been implicated in α cell function but have not previously been linked to Pax6 function and may therefore represent novel PAX6 regulators. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal a regulatory landscape upon which miRNAs may participate in the developmental control, fine-tuning and/or homeostasis of PAX6 levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bridget C. Ryan
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3N5 Canada
| | - Kieran Lowe
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3N5 Canada
| | - Laura Hanson
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3N5 Canada
| | - Talveen Gil
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3N5 Canada
| | - Lauren Braun
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3N5 Canada
| | - Perry L. Howard
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2 Canada
| | - Robert L. Chow
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3N5 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
The genetic architecture of aniridia and Gillespie syndrome. Hum Genet 2018; 138:881-898. [PMID: 30242502 PMCID: PMC6710220 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-018-1934-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Absence of part or all of the iris, aniridia, is a feature of several genetically distinct conditions. This review focuses on iris development and then the clinical features and molecular genetics of these iris malformations. Classical aniridia, a panocular eye malformation including foveal hypoplasia, is the archetypal phenotype associated with heterozygous PAX6 loss-of-function mutations. Since this was identified in 1991, many genetic mechanisms of PAX6 inactivation have been elucidated, the commonest alleles being intragenic mutations causing premature stop codons, followed by those causing C-terminal extensions. Rarely, aniridia cases are associated with FOXC1, PITX2 and/or their regulatory regions. Aniridia can also occur as a component of many severe global eye malformations. Gillespie syndrome—a triad of partial aniridia, non-progressive cerebellar ataxia and intellectual disability—is phenotypically and genotypically distinct from classical aniridia. The causative gene has recently been identified as ITPR1. The same characteristic Gillespie syndrome-like iris, with aplasia of the pupillary sphincter and a scalloped margin, is seen in ACTA2-related multisystemic smooth muscle dysfunction syndrome. WAGR syndrome (Wilms tumour, aniridia, genitourinary anomalies and mental retardation/intellectual disability), is caused by contiguous deletion of PAX6 and WT1 on chromosome 11p. Deletions encompassing BDNF have been causally implicated in the obesity and intellectual disability associated with the condition. Lastly, we outline a genetic investigation strategy for aniridia in light of recent developments, suggesting an approach based principally on chromosomal array and gene panel testing. This strategy aims to test all known aniridia loci—including the rarer, life-limiting causes—whilst remaining simple and practical.
Collapse
|
9
|
Phenotype–genotype correlations and emerging pathways in ocular anterior segment dysgenesis. Hum Genet 2018; 138:899-915. [DOI: 10.1007/s00439-018-1935-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
10
|
Gregory-Evans CY, Gregory-Evans K. Foveal hypoplasia: the case for arrested development. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1586/eop.11.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
11
|
Palumbo O, Mattina T, Palumbo P, Carella M, Perrotta CS. A de novo 11p13 Microduplication in a Patient with Some Features Invoking Silver-Russell Syndrome. Mol Syndromol 2013; 5:11-8. [PMID: 24550760 DOI: 10.1159/000356459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) show an intrauterine and postnatal growth restriction associated with a variable spectrum of additional features. Genetic or epigenetic alterations on chromosomes 7 and 11 can be detected in several SRS patients; however, a large fraction of cases remains with unknown genetic etiology. Here, we describe the clinical and molecular findings of a patient with a phenotype invoking SRS showing intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation, psychomotor retardation, relative macrocephaly, slightly triangular face with pointed chin, clinodactyly, and a slight body asymmetry, in whom single-nucleotide polymorphism oligonucleotide array analysis led to the identification of a de novo 11p13 duplication containing many genes that could be functionally related with the observed clinical features. Many deletions of chromosome 11p13, resulting in WAGR (Wilms tumor, aniridia, genital anomalies, mental retardation) syndrome, have been described, while only few duplications spanning the same region have been reported so far. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case presenting a SRS carrier of an 11p13 duplication. We propose candidate genes for the observed traits, and in particular, we discuss the possible role of the involvement of 2 noncoding RNAs in the etiology of the phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O Palumbo
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - T Mattina
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical Genetics University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - P Palumbo
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy ; Department of Biology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - M Carella
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - C S Perrotta
- Medical Genetics Unit, P.O. Vittorio Emanuele III, Gela, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Schilter KF, Reis LM, Schneider A, Bardakjian TM, Abdul-Rahman O, Kozel BA, Zimmerman HH, Broeckel U, Semina EV. Whole-genome copy number variation analysis in anophthalmia and microphthalmia. Clin Genet 2013; 84:473-81. [PMID: 23701296 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2013] [Revised: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Anophthalmia/microphthalmia (A/M) represent severe developmental ocular malformations. Currently, mutations in known genes explain less than 40% of A/M cases. We performed whole-genome copy number variation analysis in 60 patients affected with isolated or syndromic A/M. Pathogenic deletions of 3q26 (SOX2) were identified in four independent patients with syndromic microphthalmia. Other variants of interest included regions with a known role in human disease (likely pathogenic) as well as novel rearrangements (uncertain significance). A 2.2-Mb duplication of 3q29 in a patient with non-syndromic anophthalmia and an 877-kb duplication of 11p13 (PAX6) and a 1.4-Mb deletion of 17q11.2 (NF1) in two independent probands with syndromic microphthalmia and other ocular defects were identified; while ocular anomalies have been previously associated with 3q29 duplications, PAX6 duplications, and NF1 mutations in some cases, the ocular phenotypes observed here are more severe than previously reported. Three novel regions of possible interest included a 2q14.2 duplication which cosegregated with microphthalmia/microcornea and congenital cataracts in one family, and 2q21 and 15q26 duplications in two additional cases; each of these regions contains genes that are active during vertebrate ocular development. Overall, this study identified causative copy number mutations and regions with a possible role in ocular disease in 17% of A/M cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K F Schilter
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mort RL, Bentley AJ, Martin FL, Collinson JM, Douvaras P, Hill RE, Morley SD, Fullwood NJ, West JD. Effects of aberrant Pax6 gene dosage on mouse corneal pathophysiology and corneal epithelial homeostasis. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28895. [PMID: 22220198 PMCID: PMC3248408 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2011] [Accepted: 11/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Altered dosage of the transcription factor PAX6 causes multiple human eye pathophysiologies. PAX6+/− heterozygotes suffer from aniridia and aniridia-related keratopathy (ARK), a corneal deterioration that probably involves a limbal epithelial stem cell (LESC) deficiency. Heterozygous Pax6+/Sey-Neu (Pax6+/−) mice recapitulate the human disease and are a good model of ARK. Corneal pathologies also occur in other mouse Pax6 mutants and in PAX77Tg/− transgenics, which over-express Pax6 and model human PAX6 duplication. Methodology/Principal Findings We used electron microscopy to investigate ocular defects in Pax6+/− heterozygotes (low Pax6 levels) and PAX77Tg/− transgenics (high Pax6 levels). As well as the well-documented epithelial defects, aberrant Pax6 dosage had profound effects on the corneal stroma and endothelium in both genotypes, including cellular vacuolation, similar to that reported for human macular corneal dystrophy. We used mosaic expression of an X-linked LacZ transgene in X-inactivation mosaic female (XLacZTg/−) mice to investigate corneal epithelial maintenance by LESC clones in Pax6+/− and PAX77Tg/− mosaic mice. PAX77Tg/− mosaics, over-expressing Pax6, produced normal corneal epithelial radial striped patterns (despite other corneal defects), suggesting that centripetal cell movement was unaffected. Moderately disrupted patterns in Pax6+/− mosaics were corrected by introducing the PAX77 transgene (in Pax6+/−, PAX77Tg/− mosaics). Pax6Leca4/+, XLacZTg/− mosaic mice (heterozygous for the Pax6Leca4 missense mutation) showed more severely disrupted mosaic patterns. Corrected corneal epithelial stripe numbers (an indirect estimate of active LESC clone numbers) declined with age (between 15 and 30 weeks) in wild-type XLacZTg/− mosaics. In contrast, corrected stripe numbers were already low at 15 weeks in Pax6+/− and PAX77Tg/− mosaic corneas, suggesting Pax6 under- and over-expression both affect LESC clones. Conclusions/Significance Pax6+/− and PAX77Tg/− genotypes have only relatively minor effects on LESC clone numbers but cause more severe corneal endothelial and stromal defects. This should prompt further investigations of the pathophysiology underlying human aniridia and ARK.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard L. Mort
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Adam J. Bentley
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Francis L. Martin
- Centre for Biophotonics, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - J. Martin Collinson
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Panagiotis Douvaras
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Robert E. Hill
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Steven D. Morley
- School of Clinical Sciences & Community Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel J. Fullwood
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - John D. West
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Dolan M, Berry SA, Rubin KR, Hirsch B. Deletion and duplication of 11p13-11p14: Reciprocal aberrations derived from a paternal insertion. Am J Med Genet A 2011; 155A:2775-83. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.34232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2011] [Accepted: 07/06/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
|
15
|
Davis J, Piatigorsky J. Overexpression of Pax6 in mouse cornea directly alters corneal epithelial cells: changes in immune function, vascularization, and differentiation. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011; 52:4158-68. [PMID: 21447684 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.10-6726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess whether Pax6 functions directly in the cornea, a corneal-preferred promoter was used to overexpress Pax6 specifically in the cornea. METHODS Transgenic mice harboring a construct containing mouse Pax6 coding sequences fused downstream of the aldehyde dehydrogenase 3a1 (Aldh3a1) promoter were generated (Pax6 Tg). Pax6 expression was analyzed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Eye sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Schiff reagent, and fluorescein, to assess morphologic changes, the presence of goblet cells, and barrier integrity, respectively. Gene expression changes in mildly affected Pax6 Tg corneas were compared to age-matched, wild-type (WT) corneas by microarray analysis and quantitative PCR. Promoter regulation of several differentially expressed genes was examined by monitoring luciferase activity of reporter constructs after cotransfection with Pax6 in COS7 cells. RESULTS Corneal overexpression of Pax6 produces an abnormal cornea with altered epithelial cell morphology, neovascularization, immune cell invasion, and a compromised barrier; the lens appeared normal. Major changes in expression of genes involved in immune function, vascularization, and epithelial differentiation occurred in corneas from Pax6 Tg versus WT mice. The keratin (K) profile was dramatically altered in the Pax6 Tg corneas, as were several components of the Wnt signaling pathway. In severely affected Pax6 Tg corneas, K12 was reduced, and Pax6 was redistributed into the cytoplasm. Promoters from the chitinase 3-like 3, Wnt inhibitory factor 1, and fms-related tyrosine kinase 1/soluble VEGF receptor genes were upregulated five-, seven-, and threefold, respectively, by Pax6 in transfected COS7 cells. CONCLUSIONS Pax6 functions directly to maintain normal, corneal epithelial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janine Davis
- Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Aradhya S, Smaoui N, Marble M, Lacassie Y. De novo duplication 11p13 involving the PAX6 gene in a patient with neonatal seizures, hypotonia, microcephaly, developmental disability and minor ocular manifestations. Am J Med Genet A 2011; 155A:442-4. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.33814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2010] [Accepted: 10/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
|
17
|
Chanas SA, Collinson JM, Ramaesh T, Dorà N, Kleinjan DA, Hill RE, West JD. Effects of elevated Pax6 expression and genetic background on mouse eye development. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2009; 50:4045-59. [PMID: 19387074 PMCID: PMC2763115 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.07-1630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the effects of Pax6 overexpression and its interaction with genetic background on eye development. METHODS Histologic features of eyes from hemizygous PAX77(+/-) transgenic (high Pax6 gene dose) and wild-type mice were compared on different genetic backgrounds. Experimental PAX77(+/-)<-->wild-type and control wild-type<-->wild-type chimeras were analyzed to investigate the causes of abnormal eye development in PAX77(+/-) mice. RESULTS PAX77(+/-) mice showed an overlapping but distinct spectrum of eye abnormalities to Pax6(+/-) heterozygotes (low Pax6 dose). Some previously reported PAX77(+/-) eye abnormalities did not occur on all three genetic backgrounds examined. Several types of eye abnormalities occurred in the experimental PAX77(+/-)<-->wild-type chimeras, and they occurred more frequently in chimeras with higher contributions of PAX77(+/-) cells. Groups of RPE cells intruded into the optic nerve sheath, indicating that the boundary between the retina and optic nerve may be displaced. Both PAX77(+/-) and wild-type cells were involved in this ingression and in retinal folds, suggesting that neither effect was cell-autonomous. Cell-autonomous effects included failure of PAX77(+/-) and wild-type cells to mix normally and overrepresentation of PAX77(+/-) in the lens epithelium and RPE. CONCLUSIONS The extent of PAX77(+/-) eye abnormalities depended on PAX77(+/-) genotype, genetic background, and stochastic variation. Chimera analysis identified two types of cell-autonomous effects of the PAX77(+/-) genotype. Abnormal cell mixing between PAX77(+/-) and wild-type cells suggests altered expression of cell surface adhesion molecules. Some phenotypic differences between PAX77(+/-)<-->wild-type and Pax6(+/-)<-->wild-type chimeras may reflect differences in the levels of PAX77(+/-) and Pax6(+/-) contributions to chimeric lenses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon A. Chanas
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Genes and Development Group, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - J. Martin Collinson
- School of Medical Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Thaya Ramaesh
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Genes and Development Group, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Sciences, Ophthalmology Section, University of Edinburgh, Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie Dorà
- School of Medical Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Dirk A. Kleinjan
- Medical and Developmental Genetics Section, MRC Human Genetics Unit, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Robert E. Hill
- Medical and Developmental Genetics Section, MRC Human Genetics Unit, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - John D. West
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Genes and Development Group, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Dorà N, Ou J, Kucerova R, Parisi I, West JD, Collinson JM. PAX6 dosage effects on corneal development, growth, and wound healing. Dev Dyn 2008; 237:1295-306. [PMID: 18386822 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The requirement for correct dosage of the transcription factor Pax6 during corneal growth and development was investigated using the Pax6-overexpressing (PAX77) transgenic mouse. Transgenics had a microcornea phenotype due to failure of postnatal growth, associated with reduction in the number of cells layers in the corneal epithelium. Cell cycle progression was monitored using bromodeoxyuridine, p63, cyclin E, and phosphohistone-3 labeling: proliferation rates were higher in PAX77+ than wild-type, without a concomitant increase in apoptosis. Hence, failure of proliferation did not underlie microcornea. PAX77+ corneal epithelia had reduced levels of cytokeratin-12, and exhibited severe wound healing delay that, in contrast to Pax6+/- mice, could not be modulated by exogenous growth factors. PAX77+ lenses showed partial failure of lens fiber differentiation. The data demonstrate that anterior eye development is very sensitive to Pax6 dosage. Although there are similarities between the eye phenotype of Pax6 heterozygotes and overexpressing mice, there are also striking differences. Developmental
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Dorà
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Chromosomal map of human brain malformations. Hum Genet 2008; 124:73-80. [PMID: 18563447 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-008-0528-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2008] [Accepted: 06/12/2008] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The etiology of most central nervous system (CNS) malformations remains unknown. We have utilized the fact that autosomal chromosome aberrations are commonly associated with CNS malformations to identify new causative gene loci. The human cytogenetic database, a computerized catalog of the clinical phenotypes associated with cytogenetically detectable human chromosome aberrations, was used to identify patients with 14 selected brain malformations including 541 with deletions, and 290 carrying duplications. These cases were used to develop an autosomal deletion and duplication map consisting of 67 different deleted malformation associated bands (MABs) in 55 regions and 88 different duplicated MABs in 36 regions; 31 of the deleted and 8 duplicated MABs were highly significantly associated (P < 0.001). All holoprosencephaly MABs found in the database contained a known HPE gene providing some level of validation for the approach. Significantly associated MABs are discussed for each malformation together with the published data about known disease-causing genes and reported malformation-associated loci, as well as the limitations of the proposed approach.
Collapse
|
20
|
Hever AM, Williamson KA, van Heyningen V. Developmental malformations of the eye: the role of PAX6, SOX2 and OTX2. Clin Genet 2007; 69:459-70. [PMID: 16712695 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2006.00619.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Eye development initiates as an evagination of the early neural plate, before the closure of the neural tube. Structural malformations of the eye such as anophthalmia and microphthalmia arise very early in development. It is not surprising therefore that three of the genes currently identified to play a significant role in these developmental eye anomalies are also major players in brain development and regionalization. However, as has been emerging for a high proportion of transcriptional regulators studied, these genes have evolved to play multiple roles throughout development, and perhaps even in adult tissue maintenance. This complex spatiotemporal expression pattern requires elaborate regulatory systems which we are beginning to unravel. A major component of these complex regulatory networks is a series of cis-acting elements, highly conserved through evolution, which spread large distances from the coding region of each gene. We describe how cross regulation for PAX6, SOX2 and perhaps OTX2 has now been uncovered, pointing to the mechanisms that can fine-tune the expression of such essential developmental components. These interactions also help us understand why there is significant phenotypic overlap between mutations at these three loci.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A M Hever
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Fredricks DN, Marrazzo JM. Molecular methodology in determining vaginal flora in health and disease: Its time has come. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2005; 7:463-70. [PMID: 16225785 DOI: 10.1007/s11908-005-0049-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The microbial flora of the human vagina can affect the health of women, their fetuses, and newborns. Conventional cultivation methods fail to detect some fastidious vaginal bacteria, leading to an incomplete census. Recent advances in molecular biology have facilitated the detection and identification of bacteria without cultivation, and the advantages and limitations of this approach are described. Molecular studies of the vaginal flora have discovered many uncultivated bacterial species. For instance, several novel bacteria in the Clostridiales order are highly specific indicators of bacterial vaginosis, and bacteria related to Megasphaera, Leptotrichia, Atopobium, and Dialister species are commonly found in subjects with bacterial vaginosis. A more complete understanding of vaginal microbial populations resulting from the adoption of molecular tools may lead to better strategies to maintain healthy vaginal floras and will create opportunities to explore the role of novel bacteria in reproductive tract diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David N Fredricks
- Program in Infectious Diseases, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue, North, Box 19024, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hahnemann JMD, Nir M, Friberg M, Engel U, Bugge M. Trisomy 10 mosaicism and maternal uniparental disomy 10 in a liveborn infant with severe congenital malformations. Am J Med Genet A 2005; 138A:150-4. [PMID: 16114048 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.30908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
We report on a liveborn infant with trisomy 10 mosaicism combined with maternal uniparental heterodisomy for chromosome 10. The mosaicism 47,XY,+10/46,XY was found in five different tissues, including one blood sample, while cultured lymphocytes from two other blood samples showed a normal karyotype, 46,XY. DNA analysis with six PCR-based microsatellite markers demonstrated the trisomic cell line to be a result of maternal meiotic nondisjunction, and revealed maternal uniparental heterodisomy in the diploid cell line, suggesting that the formation of the diploid cell line was due to trisomy rescue. The boy had severe growth retardation, major dysmorphism, and malformations, and died at 37 days. We reviewed the previous nine reports of infants and fetuses with trisomy 10 mosaicism reported in the literature. We suggest that a common clinical syndrome can be defined comprising skull, jaw and ear abnormalities, cleft lip/palate, malformations of eyes, heart and kidneys, deformity of hands and feet, and most often death neonatally or in early infancy. The cytogenetic findings in the present patient demonstrate the importance of karyotyping more than one tissue, and not only lymphocytes, when a chromosomal aberration is strongly suspected.
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
The syndrome bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by a disturbed vaginal microflora in which the normally occurring lactobacilli yield quantitatively to an overgrowth of mainly anaerobic bacteria. As BV is a possible cause of obstetrics complications and gynaecological disease--as well as a nuisance to the affected women--there is a strong impetus to find a cure. In BV treatment studies, the diagnosis criteria for diagnosis of BV vary considerably and different methods are used for cure evaluation. The design of study protocols varies and there is no consensus respecting a suitable time for follow-up visits. For the purpose of this review, available data were recalculated for 4-week post treatment cure rates. For oral metronidazole the 4-week cure rate was found not to exceed 60-70%. Treatment regimens with topical clindamycin or topical metronidazole have the same cure rates. It can thus be said that no sound scientific basis exists for recommending any particular treatment. There is no evidence of beneficial effects on BV engendered by partner treatment, or by addition of probiotics or buffered gel. Long-term follow-up (longer than 4 weeks) shows a relapse rate of 70%. With a primary cure rate of 60-70%, and a similar relapse rate documented in the reviewed literature, clinicians simply do not have adequate data for determining treatment or designing clinical studies. This is unfortunate since--apart from the obvious patient benefits--clinical studies can often serve as a guide for more basic studies in the quest for underlying disease mechanisms. In the case of BV there is still a need for continued basic studies on the vaginal flora, local immunity to the flora and host-parasite interactions as an aid when designing informative clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P G Larsson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Linköping University, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kärnsjukhuset, Skövde, Sweden.
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Verbruggen BSM, Boon ME, van Schie MA, Wijsman-Grootendorst R, Kok LP. Dysbacteriosis in silver-stained cervical smears of Dutch-Moroccan immigrants: HPV infection and preneoplasia. Diagn Cytopathol 2005; 34:56-61. [PMID: 16355375 DOI: 10.1002/dc.20327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The vaginal/cervical smears of a group of Moroccan immigrants were used to compare vaginal dysbacteriosis (i.e., a bacterial population change with a decrease in lactobacilli and an increase of coccoid bacteria in vaginal/cervical smears) with Dutch women. From our archives, 779 smears from Moroccan immigrants were compared with 1,060 smears of age-matched Dutch women. For bacterial flora, Jones-Marres silver stains were used to define four groups. Koilocytosis and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) were also recorded. The bacterial vaginal flora of Moroccan immigrants and Dutch women was different. The Moroccan women had a lower dysbacteriosis than Dutch women (3% vs. 24%). Koilocytosis and CIN were less frequent in the immigrant population. The possible synergy of a disturbed vaginal flora with human papillomavirus (HPV), HIV, or cervical preneoplasia indicates that vaginal hygiene and a normal flora may have positive effects on the uterine cervix.
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhou YH, Zheng JB, Gu X, Saunders GF, Yung WKA. Novel PAX6 binding sites in the human genome and the role of repetitive elements in the evolution of gene regulation. Genome Res 2002; 12:1716-22. [PMID: 12421758 PMCID: PMC187547 DOI: 10.1101/gr.188302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Pax6 is a critical transcription factor in the development of the eye, pancreas, and central nervous system. It is composed of two DNA-binding domains, the paired domain (PD), which has two helix-turn-helix (HTH) motifs, and the homeodomain (HD), made up from another HTH motif. Each HTH motif can bind to DNA separately or in combination with the others. We identified three novel binding sites that are specific for the PD and HD domains of human PAX6 from single-copy human genomic DNA libraries using cyclic amplification of protein binding sequences (CAPBS) and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs). One of the binding sites was found within sequences of repetitive Alu elements. However, most of the Alu sequences were unable to bind to PAX6 because of a small number of mismatches (mostly in CpG dinucleotide hot spots) in the consensus Alu sequences. PAX6 binding Alu elements are found primarily in old and intermediate-aged Alu subfamilies. These data along with our previously identified B1-type Pax6 binding site showed that evolutionarily conserved Pax6 has target sites that are disparate in primates and rodents. This difference indicates that human and mouse Pax6-regulated gene networks may have evolved through these lineage-specific repeat elements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hong Zhou
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Chang B, Smith RS, Peters M, Savinova OV, Hawes NL, Zabaleta A, Nusinowitz S, Martin JE, Davisson ML, Cepko CL, Hogan BLM, John SWM. Haploinsufficient Bmp4 ocular phenotypes include anterior segment dysgenesis with elevated intraocular pressure. BMC Genet 2001; 2:18. [PMID: 11722794 PMCID: PMC59999 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2156-2-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2001] [Accepted: 11/06/2001] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glaucoma is a blinding disease usually associated with high intraocular pressure (IOP). In some families, abnormal anterior segment development contributes to glaucoma. The genes causing anterior segment dysgenesis and glaucoma in most of these families are not identified and the affected developmental processes are poorly understood. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) participate in various developmental processes. We tested the importance of Bmp4 gene dosage for ocular development and developmental glaucoma. RESULTS Bmp4+/- mice have anterior segment abnormalities including malformed, absent or blocked trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal drainage structures. Mice with severe drainage structure abnormalities, over 80% or more of their angle's extent, have elevated IOP. The penetrance and severity of abnormalities is strongly influenced by genetic background, being most severe on the C57BL/6J background and absent on some other backgrounds. On the C57BL/6J background there is also persistence of the hyaloid vasculature, diminished numbers of inner retinal cells, and absence of the optic nerve. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that heterozygous deficiency of BMP4 results in anterior segment dysgenesis and elevated IOP. The abnormalities are similar to those in human patients with developmental glaucoma. Thus, BMP4 is a strong candidate to contribute to Axenfeld-Rieger anomaly and other developmental conditions associated with human glaucoma. BMP4 also participates in posterior segment development and wild-type levels are usually critical for optic nerve development on the C57BL/6J background. Bmp4+/- mice are useful for studying various components of ocular development, and may allow identification of strain specific modifiers affecting a variety of ocular phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Chang
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
| | - Richard S Smith
- The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, USA
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
| | - Maureen Peters
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Steven Nusinowitz
- Department of Ophthalmology; UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Janice E Martin
- The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, USA
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
| | | | - Constance L Cepko
- The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brigid LM Hogan
- The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical School, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Simon WM John
- The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, USA
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Nishimura DY, Searby CC, Alward WL, Walton D, Craig JE, Mackey DA, Kawase K, Kanis AB, Patil SR, Stone EM, Sheffield VC. A spectrum of FOXC1 mutations suggests gene dosage as a mechanism for developmental defects of the anterior chamber of the eye. Am J Hum Genet 2001; 68:364-72. [PMID: 11170889 PMCID: PMC1235270 DOI: 10.1086/318183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2000] [Accepted: 11/16/2000] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the forkhead transcription-factor gene (FOXC1), have been shown to cause defects of the anterior chamber of the eye that are associated with developmental forms of glaucoma. Discovery of these mutations was greatly facilitated by the cloning and characterization of the 6p25 breakpoint in a patient with both congenital glaucoma and a balanced-translocation event involving chromosomes 6 and 13. Here we describe the identification of novel mutations in the FOXC1 gene in patients with anterior-chamber defects of the eye. We have detected nine new mutations (eight of which are novel) in the FOXC1 gene in patients with anterior-chamber eye defects. Of these mutations, five frameshift mutations predict loss of the forkhead domain, as a result of premature termination of translation. Of particular interest is the fact that two families have a duplication of 6p25, involving the FOXC1 gene. These data suggest that both FOXC1 haploinsufficiency and increased gene dosage can cause anterior-chamber defects of the eye.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darryl Y. Nishimura
- Departments of Pediatrics and Ophthalmology and The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Menzies Centre for Population Health Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne; and Department of Ophthalmology, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Charles C. Searby
- Departments of Pediatrics and Ophthalmology and The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Menzies Centre for Population Health Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne; and Department of Ophthalmology, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Wallace L. Alward
- Departments of Pediatrics and Ophthalmology and The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Menzies Centre for Population Health Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne; and Department of Ophthalmology, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - David Walton
- Departments of Pediatrics and Ophthalmology and The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Menzies Centre for Population Health Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne; and Department of Ophthalmology, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Jamie E. Craig
- Departments of Pediatrics and Ophthalmology and The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Menzies Centre for Population Health Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne; and Department of Ophthalmology, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - David A. Mackey
- Departments of Pediatrics and Ophthalmology and The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Menzies Centre for Population Health Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne; and Department of Ophthalmology, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Kazuhide Kawase
- Departments of Pediatrics and Ophthalmology and The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Menzies Centre for Population Health Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne; and Department of Ophthalmology, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Adam B. Kanis
- Departments of Pediatrics and Ophthalmology and The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Menzies Centre for Population Health Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne; and Department of Ophthalmology, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Shivanand R. Patil
- Departments of Pediatrics and Ophthalmology and The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Menzies Centre for Population Health Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne; and Department of Ophthalmology, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Edwin M. Stone
- Departments of Pediatrics and Ophthalmology and The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Menzies Centre for Population Health Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne; and Department of Ophthalmology, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Val C. Sheffield
- Departments of Pediatrics and Ophthalmology and The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Menzies Centre for Population Health Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne; and Department of Ophthalmology, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Llerena Jr. JC, Almeida JCCD. Cytogenetic and molecular contributions to the study of mental retardation. Genet Mol Biol 1998. [DOI: 10.1590/s1415-47571998000200018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
|