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Kuldell JC, Kaplan CD. RNA Polymerase II activity control of gene expression and involvement in disease. J Mol Biol 2024:168770. [PMID: 39214283 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Gene expression is dependent on RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) activity in eukaryotes. In addition to determining the rate of RNA synthesis for all protein coding genes, Pol II serves as a platform for the recruitment of factors and regulation of co-transcriptional events, from RNA processing to chromatin modification and remodeling. The transcriptome can be shaped by changes in Pol II kinetics affecting RNA synthesis itself or because of alterations to co-transcriptional events that are responsive to or coupled with transcription. Genetic, biochemical, and structural approaches to Pol II in model organisms have revealed critical insights into how Pol II works and the types of factors that regulate it. The complexity of Pol II regulation generally increases with organismal complexity. In this review, we describe fundamental aspects of how Pol II activity can shape gene expression, discuss recent advances in how Pol II elongation is regulated on genes, and how altered Pol II function is linked to human disease and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Kuldell
- Department of Biological Sciences, 202A LSA, Fifth and Ruskin Avenues, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA 15260
| | - Craig D Kaplan
- Department of Biological Sciences, 202A LSA, Fifth and Ruskin Avenues, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA 15260.
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2
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Che F, Li C, Zhang L, Qian C, Mo L, Li B, Wu H, Wang L, Yang Y. Novel FOXP2 variant associated with speech and language dysfunction in a Chinese family and literature review. J Appl Genet 2024; 65:367-373. [PMID: 38418803 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-024-00849-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Since its initial identification, the Forkhead Box P2 gene (FOXP2) has maintained its singular status as the archetypal monogenic determinant implicated in Mendelian forms of human speech and language impairments. Despite the passage of two decades subsequent to its discovery, extant literature remains disproportionately sparse with regard to case-specific instances and loci of mutational perturbations. The objective of the current investigation centers on furnishing an enriched delineation of both its clinical manifestations and its mutational heterogeneity. Clinical phenotypes and peripheral blood samples were assiduously amassed from familial subjects. Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing methodologies were deployed for the unambiguous identification of potential genetic variants and for corroborating their co-segregation within the family pedigree. An exhaustive review of published literature focusing on patients manifesting speech and language disorders consequent to FOXP2 genetic anomalies was also undertaken. The investigation yielded the identification of a novel heterozygous variant, c.661del (p.L221Ffs*41), localized within the FOXP2 gene in the proband, an inheritance from his symptomatic mother. The proband presented with an array of symptoms, encompassing dysarthric speech, deficits in instruction comprehension, and communicative impediments. In comparison, the mother exhibited attenuated symptoms, including rudimentary verbalization capabilities punctuated by pronounced stuttering and dysarthria. A comprehensive analysis of articles archived in the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD) classified under "DM" disclosed the existence of 74 patients inclusive of the subjects under current examination, sub-divided into 19 patients with null variants, 5 patients with missense variants, and 50 patients with gross deletions or complex genomic rearrangements. A conspicuous predominance of delayed speech, impoverished current verbal abilities, verbal comprehension deficits, and learning difficulties were observed in patients harboring null or missense FOXP2 variants, as compared to their counterparts with gross deletions or complex rearrangements. Developmental delays, hypotonia, and craniofacial aberrations were exclusive to the latter cohort. The elucidated findings augment the existing corpus of knowledge on the genetic architecture influencing both the proband and his mother within this specified familial context. Of critical importance, these discoveries furnish a robust molecular framework conducive to the prenatal diagnostic evaluations of prospective progeny within this familial lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyu Che
- Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Chenhao Li
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Liyu Zhang
- Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Chenxi Qian
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lidangzhi Mo
- Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Benchang Li
- Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Haibin Wu
- Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Lifang Wang
- Department of Child Health Care, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China.
| | - Ying Yang
- Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China.
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Topa A, Rohlin A, Fehr A, Lovmar L, Stenman G, Tarnow P, Maltese G, Bhatti-Søfteland M, Kölby L. The value of genome-wide analysis in craniosynostosis. Front Genet 2024; 14:1322462. [PMID: 38318288 PMCID: PMC10839781 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1322462] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: This study assessed the diagnostic yield of high-throughput sequencing methods in a cohort of craniosynostosis (CS) patients not presenting causal variants identified through previous targeted analysis. Methods: Whole-genome or whole-exome sequencing (WGS/WES) was performed in a cohort of 59 patients (from 57 families) assessed by retrospective phenotyping as having syndromic or nonsyndromic CS. Results: A syndromic form was identified in 51% of the unrelated cases. A genetic cause was identified in 38% of syndromic cases, with novel variants detected in FGFR2 (a rare Alu insertion), TWIST1, TCF12, KIAA0586, HDAC9, FOXP1, and NSD2. Additionally, we report two patients with rare recurrent variants in KAT6A and YY1 as well as two patients with structural genomic aberrations: one with a 22q13 duplication and one with a complex rearrangement involving chromosome 2 (2p25 duplication including SOX11 and deletion of 2q22). Moreover, we identified potentially relevant variants in 87% of the remaining families with no previously detected causal variants, including novel variants in ADAMTSL4, ASH1L, ATRX, C2CD3, CHD5, ERF, H4C5, IFT122, IFT140, KDM6B, KMT2D, LTBP1, MAP3K7, NOTCH2, NSD1, SOS1, SPRY1, POLR2A, PRRX1, RECQL4, TAB2, TAOK1, TET3, TGFBR1, TCF20, and ZBTB20. Conclusion: These results confirm WGS/WES as a powerful diagnostic tool capable of either targeted in silico or broad genomic analysis depending on phenotypic presentation (e.g., classical or unusual forms of syndromic CS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Topa
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Genomics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Rohlin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Genomics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - André Fehr
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Pathology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lovisa Lovmar
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Genomics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Göran Stenman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Pathology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Peter Tarnow
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Giovanni Maltese
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Madiha Bhatti-Søfteland
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lars Kölby
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Gaillard L, Goverde A, Weerts MJA, de Klein A, Mathijssen IMJ, Van Dooren MF. Genetic diagnostic yield in an 11-year cohort of craniosynostosis patients. Eur J Med Genet 2023; 66:104843. [PMID: 37716645 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2023.104843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Craniosynostosis may present in isolation, 'non-syndromic', or with additional congenital anomalies/neurodevelopmental disorders, 'syndromic'. Clinical focus shifted from confirming classical syndromic cases to offering genetic testing to all craniosynostosis patients. This retrospective study assesses diagnostic yield of molecular testing by investigating prevalences of chromosomal and monogenic (likely) pathogenic variants in an 11-year cohort of 1020 craniosynostosis patients. 502 children underwent genetic testing. Pathogenic variants were identified in 174 patients (35%). Diagnostic yield was significantly higher in syndromic craniosynostosis (62%) than in non-syndromic craniosynostosis (6%). Before whole exome sequencing (WES) emerged, single-gene testing was performed using Sanger sequencing or multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). Diagnostic yield was 11% and was highest for EFNB1, FGFR2, FGFR3, and IL11RA. Diagnostic yield for copy number variant analysis using microarray was 8%. From 2015 onwards, the WES craniosynostosis panel was implemented, with a yield of 10%. In unsolved, mainly syndromic, cases suspected of a genetic cause, additional WES panels (multiple congenital anomalies (MCA)/intellectual disability (ID)) or open exome analysis were performed with an 18% diagnostic yield. To conclude, microarray and the WES craniosynostosis panel are key to identifying pathogenic variants. in craniosynostosis patients. Given the advances in genetic diagnostics, we should look beyond the scope of the WES craniosynostosis panel and consider extensive genetic diagnostics (e.g. open exome sequencing, whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing and episignature analysis) if no diagnosis is obtained through microarray and/or WES craniosynostosis panel. If parents are uncomfortable with more extensive diagnostics, MCA or ID panels may be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Gaillard
- Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Anne Goverde
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Clinical Genetics, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marjolein J A Weerts
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Clinical Genetics, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Annelies de Klein
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Clinical Genetics, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Irene M J Mathijssen
- Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke F Van Dooren
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Clinical Genetics, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Chaisrisawadisuk S, Khampalikit I, Moore MH, Sathienkijkanchai A. Metopic and Sagittal Craniosynostosis in Williams Syndrome. J Craniofac Surg 2023; 34:e564-e566. [PMID: 37246286 DOI: 10.1097/scs.0000000000009394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Craniosynostosis has been previously reported in patients with Williams syndrome. Due to the associated significant cardiovascular anomalies, with an attendant increased risk of death under anaesthesia, most patients have been managed conservatively. Here we report the multidisciplinary approach in a 12-month-old female infant with Williams syndrome who has metopic and sagittal craniosynostosis. The child successfully underwent calvarial remodelling procedures, with the clinical outcome demonstrating dramatically improved global development after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarut Chaisrisawadisuk
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Inthira Khampalikit
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mark H Moore
- Cleft and Craniofacial South Australia, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Achara Sathienkijkanchai
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Bille A, Foss-Skiftesvik J, Juhler M. The current understanding of germline predisposition in non-syndromic sagittal craniosynostosis: a systematic review. Childs Nerv Syst 2023; 39:689-700. [PMID: 36400978 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-022-05736-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this literature review was to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the current understanding of the genetic etiology for non-syndromic sagittal craniosynostosis. METHODS Using the PubMed database and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), we systematically reviewed relevant records on germline genetics in children with non-syndromic sagittal craniosynostosis. RESULTS Two hundred two records were identified, of which 25 were included following title and abstract screening and subsequent full-text review. The 25 records in combination included 829 children with non-syndromic sagittal craniosynostosis. A likely pathogenic or pathogenic germline variant was reported for 9.8% of the 827 patients for whom germline genetic testing was performed. The reported variants were distributed across 50 different genes, with more than one variant detected in 13 genes. CONCLUSION Based on the existing literature, genetic predisposition is likely to play a role in at least 9% of children with non-syndromic sagittal craniosynostosis. Future studies will benefit from international consensus in terms of diagnostic nomenclature and a higher level of standardization across study methodologies and bioinformatic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Bille
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Neurosurgery, Section 6031 Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jon Foss-Skiftesvik
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Neurosurgery, Section 6031 Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marianne Juhler
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Section 6031 Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Tooze RS, Calpena E, Weber A, Wilson LC, Twigg SRF, Wilkie AOM. Review of Recurrently Mutated Genes in Craniosynostosis Supports Expansion of Diagnostic Gene Panels. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:615. [PMID: 36980886 PMCID: PMC10048212 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Craniosynostosis, the premature fusion of the cranial sutures, affects ~1 in 2000 children. Although many patients with a genetically determined cause harbor a variant in one of just seven genes or have a chromosomal abnormality, over 60 genes are known to be recurrently mutated, thus comprising a long tail of rarer diagnoses. Genome sequencing for the diagnosis of rare diseases is increasingly used in clinical settings, but analysis of the data is labor intensive and involves a trade-off between achieving high sensitivity or high precision. PanelApp, a crowd-sourced disease-focused set of gene panels, was designed to enable prioritization of variants in known disease genes for a given pathology, allowing enhanced identification of true-positives. For heterogeneous disorders like craniosynostosis, these panels must be regularly updated to ensure that diagnoses are not being missed. We provide a systematic review of genetic literature on craniosynostosis over the last 5 years, including additional results from resequencing a 42-gene panel in 617 affected individuals. We identify 16 genes (representing a 25% uplift) that should be added to the list of bona fide craniosynostosis disease genes and discuss the insights that these new genes provide into pathophysiological mechanisms of craniosynostosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S. Tooze
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Eduardo Calpena
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Astrid Weber
- Liverpool Centre for Genomic Medicine, Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK
| | - Louise C. Wilson
- North East Thames Regional Genetics Service, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Stephen R. F. Twigg
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Andrew O. M. Wilkie
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
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