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Moseley-Alldredge M, Aragón C, Vargus M, Alley D, Somia N, Chen L. The L1CAM SAX-7 is an antagonistic modulator of Erk Signaling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.14.613091. [PMID: 39345534 PMCID: PMC11429911 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.14.613091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
L1CAMs are immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecules that ensure proper nervous system development and function. In addition to being associated with the autism and schizophrenia spectrum disorders, mutations in the L1CAM family of genes also underlie distinct developmental syndromes with neurological conditions, such as intellectual disability, spastic paraplegia, hypotonia and congenital hydrocephalus. Studies in both vertebrate and invertebrate model organisms have established conserved neurodevelopmental roles for L1CAMs; these include axon guidance, dendrite morphogenesis, synaptogenesis, and maintenance of neural architecture, among others. In Caenorhabditis elegans , L1CAMs, encoded by the sax-7 gene, are required for coordinated locomotion. We previously uncovered a genetic interaction between sax-7 and components of synaptic vesicle cycle, revealing a non-developmental role for sax-7 in regulating synaptic activity. More recently, we determined that sax-7 also genetically interacts with extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) signaling in controlling coordinated locomotion. C. elegans ERK, encoded by the mpk-1 gene, is a serine/threonine protein kinase belonging to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family that governs multiple aspects of animal development and cellular homeostasis. Here, we show this genetic interaction between sax-7 and mpk-1 occurs not only in cholinergic neurons for coordinated locomotion, but also extends outside the nervous system, revealing novel roles for SAX-7/L1CAM in non-neuronal processes, including vulval development. Our genetic findings in both the nervous system and developing vulva are consistent with SAX-7/L1CAM acting as an antagonistic modulator of ERK signaling.
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Dentici ML, Niceta M, Lepri FR, Mancini C, Priolo M, Bonnard AA, Cappelletti C, Leoni C, Ciolfi A, Pizzi S, Cordeddu V, Rossi C, Ferilli M, Mucciolo M, Colona VL, Fauth C, Bellini M, Biasucci G, Sinibaldi L, Briuglia S, Gazzin A, Carli D, Memo L, Trevisson E, Schiavariello C, Luca M, Novelli A, Michot C, Sweertvaegher A, Germanaud D, Scarano E, De Luca A, Zampino G, Zenker M, Mussa A, Dallapiccola B, Cavé H, Digilio MC, Tartaglia M. Loss-of-function variants in ERF are associated with a Noonan syndrome-like phenotype with or without craniosynostosis. Eur J Hum Genet 2024; 32:954-963. [PMID: 38824261 PMCID: PMC11291927 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-024-01642-7] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic, largely truncating variants in the ETS2 repressor factor (ERF) gene, encoding a transcriptional regulator negatively controlling RAS-MAPK signaling, have been associated with syndromic craniosynostosis involving various cranial sutures and Chitayat syndrome, an ultrarare condition with respiratory distress, skeletal anomalies, and facial dysmorphism. Recently, a single patient with craniosynostosis and a phenotype resembling Noonan syndrome (NS), the most common disorder among the RASopathies, was reported to carry a de novo loss-of-function variant in ERF. Here, we clinically profile 26 individuals from 15 unrelated families carrying different germline heterozygous variants in ERF and showing a phenotype reminiscent of NS. The majority of subjects presented with a variable degree of global developmental and/or language delay. Their shared facial features included absolute/relative macrocephaly, high forehead, hypertelorism, palpebral ptosis, wide nasal bridge, and low-set/posteriorly angulated ears. Stature was below the 3rd centile in two-third of the individuals, while no subject showed typical NS cardiac involvement. Notably, craniosynostosis was documented only in three unrelated individuals, while a dolichocephalic aspect of the skull in absence of any other evidence supporting a premature closing of sutures was observed in other 10 subjects. Unilateral Wilms tumor was diagnosed in one individual. Most cases were familial, indicating an overall low impact on fitness. Variants were nonsense and frameshift changes, supporting ERF haploinsufficiency. These findings provide evidence that heterozygous loss-of-function variants in ERF cause a "RASopathy" resembling NS with or without craniosynostosis, and allow a first dissection of the molecular circuits contributing to MAPK signaling pleiotropy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lisa Dentici
- Rare Diseases and Medical Genetics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Niceta
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Cecilia Mancini
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Priolo
- Medical and Molecular Genetics, Ospedale Cardarelli, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Adeline Alice Bonnard
- Service de de Génétique Moléculaire Hôpital Robert Debré, GHU AP-HP Nord - Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR_S1131, Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Université Paris Cité, Paris-Cité, 75019, Paris, France
| | - Camilla Cappelletti
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Università di Roma "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Leoni
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Ciolfi
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Pizzi
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Cordeddu
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Cesare Rossi
- Medical Genetics, IRCSS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Ferilli
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Mafalda Mucciolo
- Translational Cytogenomics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Vito Luigi Colona
- Rare Diseases and Medical Genetics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Christine Fauth
- Institute for Human Genetics, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Melissa Bellini
- Pediatrics and Neonatology, Gugliemo da Saliceto Hospital, 29121, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Giacomo Biasucci
- Pediatrics and Neonatology, Gugliemo da Saliceto Hospital, 29121, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Sinibaldi
- Rare Diseases and Medical Genetics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvana Briuglia
- Genetics and Pharmacogenetics, Ospedale Universitario "Gaetano Martino", 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Andrea Gazzin
- Pediatric Clinical Genetics, Ospedale Pediatrico "Regina Margherita", 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Diana Carli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Università of Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Luigi Memo
- Medical Genetics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS, Burlo Garofolo, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Eva Trevisson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Università di Padova, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Concetta Schiavariello
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Luca
- Department of Medical Sciences, Università of Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Antonio Novelli
- Translational Cytogenomics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Caroline Michot
- Center for Skeletal Dysplasia, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Paris Cité University, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Anne Sweertvaegher
- Service de Pédiatrie, Centre hospitalier de Saint-Quentin, 02321, Saint-Quentin, France
| | - David Germanaud
- Département de Génétique, CEA Paris-Saclay, NeuroSpin, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- Service de Génétique Clinique, AP-HP, Hôpital Robert-Debré, 75019, Paris, France
| | - Emanuela Scarano
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro De Luca
- Medical Genetics Division, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013, San Giovanni, Rotondo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Zampino
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Martin Zenker
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Alessandro Mussa
- Department of Medical Sciences, Università of Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Bruno Dallapiccola
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Helene Cavé
- Service de de Génétique Moléculaire Hôpital Robert Debré, GHU AP-HP Nord - Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR_S1131, Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Université Paris Cité, Paris-Cité, 75019, Paris, France
| | - Maria Cristina Digilio
- Rare Diseases and Medical Genetics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Tartaglia
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146, Rome, Italy.
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Rodríguez-Martín M, Báez-Flores J, Ribes V, Isidoro-García M, Lacal J, Prieto-Matos P. Non-Mammalian Models for Understanding Neurological Defects in RASopathies. Biomedicines 2024; 12:841. [PMID: 38672195 PMCID: PMC11048513 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040841] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
RASopathies, a group of neurodevelopmental congenital disorders stemming from mutations in the RAS/MAPK pathway, present a unique opportunity to delve into the intricacies of complex neurological disorders. Afflicting approximately one in a thousand newborns, RASopathies manifest as abnormalities across multiple organ systems, with a pronounced impact on the central and peripheral nervous system. In the pursuit of understanding RASopathies' neurobiology and establishing phenotype-genotype relationships, in vivo non-mammalian models have emerged as indispensable tools. Species such as Danio rerio, Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, Xenopus species and Gallus gallus embryos have proven to be invaluable in shedding light on the intricate pathways implicated in RASopathies. Despite some inherent weaknesses, these genetic models offer distinct advantages over traditional rodent models, providing a holistic perspective on complex genetics, multi-organ involvement, and the interplay among various pathway components, offering insights into the pathophysiological aspects of mutations-driven symptoms. This review underscores the value of investigating the genetic basis of RASopathies for unraveling the underlying mechanisms contributing to broader neurological complexities. It also emphasizes the pivotal role of non-mammalian models in serving as a crucial preliminary step for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Rodríguez-Martín
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.R.-M.); (J.B.-F.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.I.-G.); (P.P.-M.)
| | - Juan Báez-Flores
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.R.-M.); (J.B.-F.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.I.-G.); (P.P.-M.)
| | - Vanessa Ribes
- Institut Jacques Monod, Université Paris Cité, CNRS, F-75013 Paris, France;
| | - María Isidoro-García
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.I.-G.); (P.P.-M.)
- Clinical Biochemistry Department, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Clinical Rare Diseases Reference Unit DiERCyL, 37007 Castilla y León, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jesus Lacal
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.R.-M.); (J.B.-F.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.I.-G.); (P.P.-M.)
| | - Pablo Prieto-Matos
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.I.-G.); (P.P.-M.)
- Clinical Rare Diseases Reference Unit DiERCyL, 37007 Castilla y León, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostics Science, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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Scorrano G, David E, Calì E, Chimenz R, La Bella S, Di Ludovico A, Di Rosa G, Gitto E, Mankad K, Nardello R, Mangano GD, Leoni C, Ceravolo G. The Cardiofaciocutaneous Syndrome: From Genetics to Prognostic-Therapeutic Implications. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2111. [PMID: 38136934 PMCID: PMC10742720 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122111] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiofaciocutaneous (CFC) syndrome is one of the rarest RASopathies characterized by multiple congenital ectodermal, cardiac and craniofacial abnormalities with a mild to severe ocular, gastrointestinal and neurological involvement. It is an autosomal dominant syndrome, with complete penetrance, caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants in the genes BRAF, MAP2K1/MEK1, MAP2K2/MEK2, KRAS or, rarely, YWHAZ, all part of the RAS-MAPK pathway. This pathway is a signal transduction cascade that plays a crucial role in normal cellular processes such as cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, survival, metabolism and migration. CFC syndrome overlaps with Noonan syndrome, Costello syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1 and Legius syndrome, therefore making the diagnosis challenging. Neurological involvement in CFC is more severe than in other RASopathies. Phenotypic variability in CFC patients is related to the specific gene affected, without a recognized genotype-phenotype correlation for distinct pathogenic variants. Currently, there is no specific treatment for CFC syndrome. Encouraging zebrafish model system studies suggested that, in the future, MEK inhibitors could be a suitable treatment of progressive phenotypes of CFC in children. A multidisciplinary care is necessary for appropriate medical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Scorrano
- Department of Pediatrics, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.S.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Emanuele David
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elisa Calì
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK; (E.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Roberto Chimenz
- Pediatric Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, University Hospital “G. Martino”, 98124 Messina, Italy;
| | - Saverio La Bella
- Department of Pediatrics, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.S.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Armando Di Ludovico
- Department of Pediatrics, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.S.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Gabriella Di Rosa
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy;
| | - Eloisa Gitto
- Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Kshitij Mankad
- Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 3JH, UK;
| | - Rosaria Nardello
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, “G. D’Alessandro” University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (R.N.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Donato Mangano
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, “G. D’Alessandro” University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (R.N.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Chiara Leoni
- Center for Rare Diseases and Birth Defects, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Ceravolo
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK; (E.C.); (G.C.)
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