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Oliveira D, Assoni AF, Alves LM, Sakugawa A, Melo US, Teles E Silva AL, Sertie AL, Caires LC, Goulart E, Ghirotto B, Carvalho VM, Ferrari MR, Zatz M. ALS-associated VRK1 R321C mutation causes proteostatic imbalance and mitochondrial defects in iPSC-derived motor neurons. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 198:106540. [PMID: 38806131 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106540] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccinia-related kinase 1 (VRK1) is a gene which has been implicated in the pathological process of a broad range of neurodevelopmental disorders as well as neuropathies, such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Here we report a family presenting ALS in an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, segregating with a homozygous missense mutation located in VRK1 gene (p.R321C; Arg321Cys). Proteomic analyses from iPSC-derived motor neurons identified 720 proteins eligible for subsequent investigation, and our exploration of protein profiles revealed significant enrichments in pathways such as mTOR signaling, E2F, MYC targets, DNA repair response, cell proliferation and energetic metabolism. Functional studies further validated such alterations, showing that affected motor neurons presented decreased levels of global protein output, ER stress and downregulation of mTOR signaling. Mitochondrial alterations also pointed to decreased reserve capacity and increased non-mitochondrial oxygen consumption. Taken together, our results present the main pathological alterations associated with VRK1 mutation in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Oliveira
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; School of Medical Sciences Santa Casa and Pathological Sciences Unit, Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericordia de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - A F Assoni
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - L M Alves
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - A Sakugawa
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - U S Melo
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, RG Development and Disease, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - A L Sertie
- Hospital Albert Einstein, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - L C Caires
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - E Goulart
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - B Ghirotto
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - V M Carvalho
- Division of Research and Development, Fleury Group, São Paulo, SP 04344-070, Brazil
| | - M R Ferrari
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - M Zatz
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Lazo PA, Morejón-García P. VRK1 variants at the cross road of Cajal body neuropathogenic mechanisms in distal neuropathies and motor neuron diseases. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 183:106172. [PMID: 37257665 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Distal hereditary neuropathies and neuro motor diseases are complex neurological phenotypes associated with pathogenic variants in a large number of genes, but in some the origin is unknown. Recently, rare pathogenic variants of the human VRK1 gene have been associated with these neurological phenotypes. All VRK1 pathogenic variants are recessive, and their clinical presentation occurs in either homozygous or compound heterozygous patients. The pathogenic VRK1 gene pathogenic variants are located in three clusters within the protein sequence. The main, and initial, shared clinical phenotype among VRK1 pathogenic variants is a distal progressive loss of motor and/or sensory function, which includes diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and hereditary spastic paraplegia. In most cases, symptoms start early in infancy, or in utero, and are slowly progressive. Additional neurological symptoms vary among non-related patients, probably because of their different VRK1 variants and their genetic background. The underlying common pathogenic mechanism, by its functional impairment, is a likely consequence of the roles that the VRK1 protein plays in the regulation on the stability and assembly of Cajal bodies, which affect RNA maturation and processing, neuronal migration of RNPs along axons, and DNA-damage responses. Alterations of these processes are associated with several neuro sensory or motor syndromes. The clinical heterogeneity of the neurological phenotypes associated with VRK1 is a likely consequence of the protein complexes in which VRK1 is integrated, which include several proteins known to be associated with Cajal bodies and DNA damage responses. Several hereditary distal neurological diseases are a consequence of pathogenic variants in genes that alter these cellular functions. We conclude that VRK1-related distal hereditary neuropathies and motor neuron diseases represent a novel subgroup of Cajal body related neurological syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro A Lazo
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Patricia Morejón-García
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
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The VRK1 chromatin kinase regulates the acetyltransferase activity of Tip60/KAT5 by sequential phosphorylations in response to DNA damage. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA (BBA) - GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2022; 1865:194887. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2022.194887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Linville AC, Rico AB, Teague H, Binsted LE, Smith GL, Albarnaz JD, Wiebe MS. Dysregulation of Cellular VRK1, BAF, and Innate Immune Signaling by the Vaccinia Virus B12 Pseudokinase. J Virol 2022; 96:e0039822. [PMID: 35543552 PMCID: PMC9175622 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00398-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Poxvirus proteins remodel signaling throughout the cell by targeting host enzymes for inhibition and redirection. Recently, it was discovered that early in infection the vaccinia virus (VACV) B12 pseudokinase copurifies with the cellular kinase VRK1, a proviral factor, in the nucleus. Although the formation of this complex correlates with inhibition of cytoplasmic VACV DNA replication and likely has other downstream signaling consequences, the molecular mechanisms involved are poorly understood. Here, we further characterize how B12 and VRK1 regulate one another during poxvirus infection. First, we demonstrate that B12 is stabilized in the presence of VRK1 and that VRK1 and B12 coinfluence their respective solubility and subcellular localization. In this regard, we find that B12 promotes VRK1 colocalization with cellular DNA during mitosis and that B12 and VRK1 may be tethered cooperatively to chromatin. Next, we observe that the C-terminal tail of VRK1 is unnecessary for B12-VRK1 complex formation or its proviral activity. Interestingly, we identify a point mutation of B12 capable of abrogating interaction with VRK1 and which renders B12 nonrepressive during infection. Lastly, we investigated the influence of B12 on the host factor BAF and antiviral signaling pathways and find that B12 triggers redistribution of BAF from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. In addition, B12 increases DNA-induced innate immune signaling, revealing a new functional consequence of the B12 pseudokinase. Together, this study characterizes the multifaceted roles B12 plays during poxvirus infection that impact VRK1, BAF, and innate immune signaling. IMPORTANCE Protein pseudokinases comprise a considerable fraction of the human kinome, as well as other forms of life. Recent studies have demonstrated that their lack of key catalytic residues compared to their kinase counterparts does not negate their ability to intersect with molecular signal transduction. While the multifaceted roles pseudokinases can play are known, their contribution to virus infection remains understudied. Here, we further characterize the mechanism of how the VACV B12 pseudokinase and human VRK1 kinase regulate one another in the nucleus during poxvirus infection and inhibit VACV DNA replication. We find that B12 disrupts regulation of VRK1 and its downstream target BAF, while also enhancing DNA-dependent innate immune signaling. Combined with previous data, these studies contribute to the growing field of nuclear pathways targeted by poxviruses and provide evidence of unexplored roles of B12 in the activation of antiviral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria C. Linville
- Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Amber B. Rico
- Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Helena Teague
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy E. Binsted
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Geoffrey L. Smith
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jonas D. Albarnaz
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew S. Wiebe
- Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
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5
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Budziszewski GR, Zhao Y, Spangler CJ, Kedziora KM, Williams M, Azzam D, Skrajna A, Koyama Y, Cesmat A, Simmons H, Arteaga E, Strauss J, Kireev D, McGinty R. Multivalent DNA and nucleosome acidic patch interactions specify VRK1 mitotic localization and activity. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:4355-4371. [PMID: 35390161 PMCID: PMC9071384 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A key role of chromatin kinases is to phosphorylate histone tails during mitosis to spatiotemporally regulate cell division. Vaccinia-related kinase 1 (VRK1) is a serine-threonine kinase that phosphorylates histone H3 threonine 3 (H3T3) along with other chromatin-based targets. While structural studies have defined how several classes of histone-modifying enzymes bind to and function on nucleosomes, the mechanism of chromatin engagement by kinases is largely unclear. Here, we paired cryo-electron microscopy with biochemical and cellular assays to demonstrate that VRK1 interacts with both linker DNA and the nucleosome acidic patch to phosphorylate H3T3. Acidic patch binding by VRK1 is mediated by an arginine-rich flexible C-terminal tail. Homozygous missense and nonsense mutations of this acidic patch recognition motif in VRK1 are causative in rare adult-onset distal spinal muscular atrophy. We show that these VRK1 mutations interfere with nucleosome acidic patch binding, leading to mislocalization of VRK1 during mitosis, thus providing a potential new molecular mechanism for pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yani Zhao
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Cathy J Spangler
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Katarzyna M Kedziora
- Bioinformatics and Analytics Research Collaborative, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael R Williams
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dalal N Azzam
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Aleksandra Skrajna
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yuka Koyama
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Andrew P Cesmat
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Holly C Simmons
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Eyla C Arteaga
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Joshua D Strauss
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dmitri Kireev
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Robert K McGinty
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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6
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Demaegd K, Brilstra EH, Hoogendijk JE, de Bie CI, de Pagter MS, van Hecke W, Mühlebner A, van Es MA, Milone M, van Rheenen W. Distal spinal muscular atrophy featured by predominant calf muscle involvement in VRK1 associated disease – case series and review. Neuromuscul Disord 2022; 32:527-532. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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7
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Morejon-Garcia P, Keren B, Marcos-Alcalde I, Gomez-Puertas P, Mochel F, Lazo PA. Dysfunctional Homozygous VRK1-D263G Variant Impairs the Assembly of Cajal Bodies and DNA Damage Response in Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia. NEUROLOGY-GENETICS 2021; 7:e624. [PMID: 34504951 PMCID: PMC8422991 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives To conduct a genetic and molecular functional study of a family with members affected of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) of unknown origin and carrying a novel pathogenic vaccinia-related kinase 1 (VRK1) variant. Methods Whole-exome sequencing was performed in 2 patients, and their parents diagnosed with HSP. The novel VRK1 variant was detected by whole-exome sequencing, molecularly modeled and biochemically characterized in kinase assays. Functionally, we studied the role of this VRK1 variant in DNA damage response and its effect on the assembly of Cajal bodies (CBs). Results We have identified a very rare homozygous variant VRK1-D263G with a neurologic phenotype associated with HSP and moderate intellectual disability. The molecular modeling of this VRK1 variant protein predicted an alteration in the folding of a loop that interferes with the access to the kinase catalytic site. The VRK1-D263G variant is kinase inactive and does not phosphorylate histones H2AX and H3, transcription factors activating transcription factor 2 and p53, coilin needed for assembly of CBs, and p53 binding protein 1, a DNA repair protein. Functionally, this VRK1 variant protein impairs CB formation and the DNA damage response. Discussion This report expands the neurologic spectrum of neuromotor syndromes associated with a new and rare VRK1 variant, representing a novel pathogenic participant in complicated HSP and demonstrates that CBs and the DNA damage response are impaired in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Morejon-Garcia
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program (P.M.-G., P.A.L.), Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL) (P.M.-G., P.A.L.), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Spain; Genetics Department (B.K.), La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, APHP. Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Molecular Modelling Group (I.M.-A.), Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa". CSIC - Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain; Biosciences Research Institute (I.M.-A., P.G.-P.), School of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain; and Sorbonne Université - Université Pierre et Marie Curie (F.M.), Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, INSERM U-1127, CNRS-UMR 7225, Paris, France
| | - Boris Keren
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program (P.M.-G., P.A.L.), Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL) (P.M.-G., P.A.L.), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Spain; Genetics Department (B.K.), La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, APHP. Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Molecular Modelling Group (I.M.-A.), Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa". CSIC - Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain; Biosciences Research Institute (I.M.-A., P.G.-P.), School of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain; and Sorbonne Université - Université Pierre et Marie Curie (F.M.), Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, INSERM U-1127, CNRS-UMR 7225, Paris, France
| | - Iñigo Marcos-Alcalde
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program (P.M.-G., P.A.L.), Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL) (P.M.-G., P.A.L.), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Spain; Genetics Department (B.K.), La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, APHP. Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Molecular Modelling Group (I.M.-A.), Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa". CSIC - Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain; Biosciences Research Institute (I.M.-A., P.G.-P.), School of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain; and Sorbonne Université - Université Pierre et Marie Curie (F.M.), Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, INSERM U-1127, CNRS-UMR 7225, Paris, France
| | - Paulino Gomez-Puertas
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program (P.M.-G., P.A.L.), Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL) (P.M.-G., P.A.L.), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Spain; Genetics Department (B.K.), La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, APHP. Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Molecular Modelling Group (I.M.-A.), Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa". CSIC - Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain; Biosciences Research Institute (I.M.-A., P.G.-P.), School of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain; and Sorbonne Université - Université Pierre et Marie Curie (F.M.), Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, INSERM U-1127, CNRS-UMR 7225, Paris, France
| | - Fanny Mochel
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program (P.M.-G., P.A.L.), Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL) (P.M.-G., P.A.L.), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Spain; Genetics Department (B.K.), La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, APHP. Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Molecular Modelling Group (I.M.-A.), Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa". CSIC - Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain; Biosciences Research Institute (I.M.-A., P.G.-P.), School of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain; and Sorbonne Université - Université Pierre et Marie Curie (F.M.), Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, INSERM U-1127, CNRS-UMR 7225, Paris, France
| | - Pedro A Lazo
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program (P.M.-G., P.A.L.), Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad de Salamanca; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL) (P.M.-G., P.A.L.), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Spain; Genetics Department (B.K.), La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, APHP. Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Molecular Modelling Group (I.M.-A.), Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa". CSIC - Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain; Biosciences Research Institute (I.M.-A., P.G.-P.), School of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain; and Sorbonne Université - Université Pierre et Marie Curie (F.M.), Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, INSERM U-1127, CNRS-UMR 7225, Paris, France
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8
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Sung A, Moretti P, Shaibani A. Adult-Onset Spinal Muscular Atrophy due to Mutations in the VRK1 Gene. NEUROLOGY-GENETICS 2021; 7:e599. [PMID: 34169149 PMCID: PMC8220962 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objective To expand our knowledge of the range of clinical phenotypes associated with vaccinia-related kinase 1 (VRK1) gene mutations. Methods We present clinical and molecular data of 2 individuals with slowly progressive weakness and a clinical syndrome consistent with adult-onset spinal muscular atrophy without pontocerebellar atrophy. Results Genetic testing revealed likely pathogenic variants in the VRK1 gene in both subjects. One individual carried homozygous p.R321C (c.961 C>T), likely pathogenic variants. The other carried compound heterozygous p.V236M (c.706 G>A) and p.R321C (c.961 C>T), likely pathogenic variants. Notably, both patients were of Hispanic descent. Conclusions We report 2 cases with VRK1 mutations presenting as adult-onset spinal muscular atrophy without pontocerebellar hypoplasia and review the current literature of similar cases. Our report expands the clinical spectrum of neurologic disorders associated with VRK1 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Sung
- Department of Neurology (A. Sung), University of California San Diego; Department of Neurology (P.M.), University of Utah Health Science Center; George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center (P.M.), Salt Lake City, UT; and Nerve and Muscle Center of Texas (A. Shaibani), Houston
| | - Paolo Moretti
- Department of Neurology (A. Sung), University of California San Diego; Department of Neurology (P.M.), University of Utah Health Science Center; George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center (P.M.), Salt Lake City, UT; and Nerve and Muscle Center of Texas (A. Shaibani), Houston
| | - Aziz Shaibani
- Department of Neurology (A. Sung), University of California San Diego; Department of Neurology (P.M.), University of Utah Health Science Center; George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center (P.M.), Salt Lake City, UT; and Nerve and Muscle Center of Texas (A. Shaibani), Houston
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9
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Picher-Martel V, Brunet F, Dupré N, Chrestian N. The Occurrence of FUS Mutations in Pediatric Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. J Child Neurol 2020; 35:556-562. [PMID: 32281455 DOI: 10.1177/0883073820915099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive motor neuron disease affecting both upper and lower motor neurons and leading to progressive paralysis. Most cases are sporadic, and the symptoms generally begin in the sixth or seventh decade. Juvenile ALS appears in a rare subgroup of patients with onset before the age of 25 years old. Contrary to the classical adult phenotype where 90% of cases are sporadic, most cases of juvenile ALS are caused by a genetic mutation in either SOD1 (superoxide dismutase one), SETX (senataxin), or FUS (fused in sarcoma). In the pediatric population, ALS is more infrequent and rarely considered in the differential diagnosis. There are few reports of ALS in children. Here, we describe a 14-year-old boy with a very fast progressing classical ALS phenotype and tremor caused by a c.1554_1557delACAG mutation in FUS. Our review of the literature advocates that pediatric ALS is highly suggestive of FUS mutations and that gene should be tested in children presenting with symptoms of ALS. The children with FUS-related ALS may have no family history and present initially with learning disabilities, tremor, and mild motor developmental delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Picher-Martel
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University and CHU de Québec- Laval University, Québec, Canada.,Centre de recherche CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec, Canada.,These authors contributed equally to the work
| | - Francis Brunet
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University and CHU de Québec- Laval University, Québec, Canada.,These authors contributed equally to the work
| | - Nicolas Dupré
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University and CHU de Québec- Laval University, Québec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Chrestian
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Paediatric Neuromuscular Disorder, Centre Mère Enfant Soleil, Laval University, Québec, Canada
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Silva DP, Soeiro E Sá M, Silveira F, Pinto S, Gromicho M, Sousa AB, Leão M, De Carvalho M. VRK1 variants in two Portuguese unrelated patients with childhood-onset motor neuron disease. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2020; 21:291-295. [PMID: 32242460 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2020.1746343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
VRK1 encodes a serine/protein kinase possibly involved in pathways related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis. Pathogenic variants in VRK1 have been related to different phenotypes. We describe the clinical phenotype of two unrelated Portuguese patients with different VRK1 variants. Both patients presented a bilateral distal weakness in lower limbs beginning in childhood slowly progressing to upper limbs, associated with pyramidal signs, without bulbar, respiratory or cognitive involvement, according to probable ALS. Imaging and nerve conduction studies were unremarkable in both patients. Genetic testing in patient 1 identified two VRK1 variants in heterozygosity: c.265C > T, p.(Arg89*) and c.769G > A, p.(Gly257Ser), classified as pathogenic and variant of uncertain significance, respectively. In patient 2, two probably pathogenic variants in VRK1 were identified in heterozygosity: c.710-14T > C in intron 8 and c.721C > T, p.(Arg241Cys) in exon 9. We report two unrelated patients with different variants in VRK1 displaying a similar childhood-onset motor neuron disease/ALS, further expanding the phenotypic spectrum associated to VRK1 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Pimenta Silva
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa-Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mariana Soeiro E Sá
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa-Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fernando Silveira
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de S. João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana Pinto
- Faculdade de Medicina-Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, and
| | - Marta Gromicho
- Faculdade de Medicina-Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, and
| | - Ana Berta Sousa
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa-Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel Leão
- Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Medical Genetics, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de S. João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mamede De Carvalho
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa-Norte, Lisbon, Portugal.,Faculdade de Medicina-Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, and
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11
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Tian WT, Liu LH, Zhou HY, Zhang C, Zhan FX, Zhu ZY, Chen SD, Luan XH, Cao L. New phenotype of DCTN1-related spectrum: early-onset dHMN plus congenital foot deformity. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2020; 7:200-209. [PMID: 32023010 PMCID: PMC7034498 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.50985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical and genetic features of two patients with different phenotypes due to various Dynactin 1 (DCTN1) gene mutations and further explore the phenotype-genotype relationship. METHODS Patient 1 is a 23-year-old man with congenital foot deformity and life-long distal muscle weakness and atrophy. Patient 2 is a 48-year-old woman with adult-onset progressive weakness, lower limbs atrophy, and pyramid bundle signs. Electrophysiology test showed normal nerve conduction velocity of both patients and neurogenic changes in needle electromyography. Open sural nerve biopsy for Patient 1 showed slight loss of myelinated nerve fibers. Both patients were performed with whole-exome sequencing followed by functional study of identified variants. RESULTS Two mutations in DCTN1 gene were identified in Patient 1 (c.626dupC) and Patient 2 (c.3823C>T), respectively. In vitro, the wild type mostly located in cytoplasm and colocalized with α-tubulin. However, c.626dupC tended to be trapped into nuclear and the c.3823C>T formed cytoplasmic aggregates, both losing colocalization with α-tubulin. Western blotting showed a truncated mutant with less molecular weight of c.626dupC was expressed. INTERPRETATION We identify two novel DCTN1 mutations causing different phenotypes: (1) early-onset distal hereditary motor neuropathy plus congenital foot malformation and (2) amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, respectively. We provide the initial evidence that foot developmental deficiency probably arises from subcellular localizing abnormality of Dynactin 1, revealing DCTN1-related spectrum is still expanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wo-Tu Tian
- Department of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Hua Liu
- Department of Neurology, Jurong Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Jurong People's Hospital, Jurong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hai-Yan Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei-Xia Zhan
- Department of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ze-Yu Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng-Di Chen
- Department of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing-Hua Luan
- Department of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Cao
- Department of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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12
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Greenbaum L, Barel O, Nikitin V, Hersalis-Eldar A, Kol N, Reznik-Wolf H, Dominissini D, Pras E, Dori A. Identification of a homozygous VRK1 mutation in two patients with adult-onset distal hereditary motor neuropathy. Muscle Nerve 2020; 61:395-400. [PMID: 31837156 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adult-onset hereditary motor neuropathies are caused by mutations in multiple genes. Mutations within the vaccinia-related kinase 1 (VRK1) gene were associated with a wide spectrum of recessively inherited motor neuropathies, characterized by childhood to early adulthood age of onset and an occasionally non-lower motor neuron involvement. METHODS We describe two patients with adult-onset (aged 48 and 40 years) length-dependent motor neuropathy from unrelated consanguineous families of Moroccan Jewish descent. One also demonstrated mild nocturnal respiratory difficulty and sensory symptoms. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed. RESULTS A homozygous mutation in VRK1 (c.1160G>A (p.Arg387His)), shared by both patients, was identified. This rare mutation segregated with the disease in the two families, and was absent in 120 controls of Jewish Moroccan origin. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support VRK1 as a causative gene for adult-onset distal hereditary motor neuropathy, and indicate its relevance for evaluation of individuals with similar motor impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lior Greenbaum
- The Danek Gertner Institute of Human Genetics, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.,The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ortal Barel
- Cancer Research Center and Wohl Institute for Translational Medicine, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Vera Nikitin
- Department of Neurology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | | | - Nitzan Kol
- Cancer Research Center and Wohl Institute for Translational Medicine, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Haike Reznik-Wolf
- The Danek Gertner Institute of Human Genetics, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Dan Dominissini
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Cancer Research Center and Wohl Institute for Translational Medicine, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Elon Pras
- The Danek Gertner Institute of Human Genetics, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Amir Dori
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Neurology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
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