1
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Diaw SH, Delcambre S, Much C, Ott F, Kostic VS, Gajos A, Münchau A, Zittel S, Busch H, Grünewald A, Klein C, Lohmann K. DYT-THAP1: exploring gene expression in fibroblasts for potential biomarker discovery. Neurogenetics 2024; 25:141-147. [PMID: 38498291 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-024-00752-0] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Dystonia due to pathogenic variants in the THAP1 gene (DYT-THAP1) shows variable expressivity and reduced penetrance of ~ 50%. Since THAP1 encodes a transcription factor, modifiers influencing this variability likely operate at the gene expression level. This study aimed to assess the transferability of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in neuronal cells related to pathogenic variants in the THAP1 gene, which were previously identified by transcriptome analyses. For this, we performed quantitative (qPCR) and Digital PCR (dPCR) in cultured fibroblasts. RNA was extracted from THAP1 manifesting (MMCs) and non-manifesting mutation carriers (NMCs) as well as from healthy controls. The expression profiles of ten of 14 known neuronal DEGs demonstrated differences in fibroblasts between these three groups. This included transcription factors and targets (ATF4, CLN3, EIF2A, RRM1, YY1), genes involved in G protein-coupled receptor signaling (BDKRB2, LPAR1), and a gene linked to apoptosis and DNA replication/repair (CRADD), which all showed higher expression levels in MMCs and NMCs than in controls. Moreover, the analysis of genes linked to neurological disorders (STXBP1, TOR1A) unveiled differences in expression patterns between MMCs and controls. Notably, the genes CUEDC2, DRD4, ECH1, and SIX2 were not statistically significantly differentially expressed in fibroblast cultures. With > 70% of the tested genes being DEGs also in fibroblasts, fibroblasts seem to be a suitable model for DYT-THAP1 research despite some restrictions. Furthermore, at least some of these DEGs may potentially also serve as biomarkers of DYT-THAP1 and influence its penetrance and expressivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sylvie Delcambre
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, L-4362, Luxembourg
| | - Christoph Much
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Fabian Ott
- Institute of Experimental Dermatology and Institute of Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Vladimir S Kostic
- Institute of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Agata Gajos
- Department of Extrapyramidal Diseases, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, 90-647, Poland
| | - Alexander Münchau
- Institute of Systems Motor Science, University of Lübeck, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Simone Zittel
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hauke Busch
- Institute of Experimental Dermatology and Institute of Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Anne Grünewald
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, L-4362, Luxembourg
| | - Christine Klein
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Katja Lohmann
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562, Lübeck, Germany.
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2
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Thomsen M, Lange LM, Zech M, Lohmann K. Genetics and Pathogenesis of Dystonia. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 19:99-131. [PMID: 37738511 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-051122-110756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Dystonia is a clinically and genetically highly heterogeneous neurological disorder characterized by abnormal movements and postures caused by involuntary sustained or intermittent muscle contractions. A number of groundbreaking genetic and molecular insights have recently been gained. While they enable genetic testing and counseling, their translation into new therapies is still limited. However, we are beginning to understand shared pathophysiological pathways and molecular mechanisms. It has become clear that dystonia results from a dysfunctional network involving the basal ganglia, cerebellum, thalamus, and cortex. On the molecular level, more than a handful of, often intertwined, pathways have been linked to pathogenic variants in dystonia genes, including gene transcription during neurodevelopment (e.g., KMT2B, THAP1), calcium homeostasis (e.g., ANO3, HPCA), striatal dopamine signaling (e.g., GNAL), endoplasmic reticulum stress response (e.g., EIF2AK2, PRKRA, TOR1A), autophagy (e.g., VPS16), and others. Thus, different forms of dystonia can be molecularly grouped, which may facilitate treatment development in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirja Thomsen
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany;
| | - Lara M Lange
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany;
| | - Michael Zech
- Institute of Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Lohmann
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany;
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3
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Cheng F, Zheng W, Barbuti PA, Bonsi P, Liu C, Casadei N, Ponterio G, Meringolo M, Admard J, Dording CM, Yu-Taeger L, Nguyen HP, Grundmann-Hauser K, Ott T, Houlden H, Pisani A, Krüger R, Riess O. DYT6 mutated THAP1 is a cell type dependent regulator of the SP1 family. Brain 2022; 145:3968-3984. [PMID: 35015830 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
DYT6 dystonia is caused by mutations in the transcription factor THAP1. THAP1 knock-out or knock-in mouse models revealed complex gene expression changes, which are potentially responsible for the pathogenesis of DYT6 dystonia. However, how THAP1 mutations lead to these gene expression alterations and whether the gene expression changes are also reflected in the brain of THAP1 patients are still unclear. In this study we used epigenetic and transcriptomic approaches combined with multiple model systems [THAP1 patients' frontal cortex, THAP1 patients' induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived midbrain dopaminergic neurons, THAP1 heterozygous knock-out rat model, and THAP1 heterozygous knock-out SH-SY5Y cell lines] to uncover a novel function of THAP1 and the potential pathogenesis of DYT6 dystonia. We observed that THAP1 targeted only a minority of differentially expressed genes caused by its mutation. THAP1 mutations lead to dysregulation of genes mainly through regulation of SP1 family members, SP1 and SP4, in a cell type dependent manner. Comparing global differentially expressed genes detected in THAP1 patients' iPSC-derived midbrain dopaminergic neurons and THAP1 heterozygous knock-out rat striatum, we observed many common dysregulated genes and 61 of them were involved in dystonic syndrome-related pathways, like synaptic transmission, nervous system development, and locomotor behaviour. Further behavioural and electrophysiological studies confirmed the involvement of these pathways in THAP1 knock-out rats. Taken together, our study characterized the function of THAP1 and contributes to the understanding of the pathogenesis of primary dystonia in humans and rats. As SP1 family members were dysregulated in some neurodegenerative diseases, our data may link THAP1 dystonia to multiple neurological diseases and may thus provide common treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fubo Cheng
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wenxu Zheng
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Peter Antony Barbuti
- Transversal Translational Medicine, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Strassen, Luxembourg
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paola Bonsi
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Chang Liu
- Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 30, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Nicolas Casadei
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- NGS Competence Center Tuebingen, Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Giulia Ponterio
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Meringolo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Jakob Admard
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- NGS Competence Center Tuebingen, Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Claire Marie Dording
- Transversal Translational Medicine, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Libo Yu-Taeger
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Huu Phuc Nguyen
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Ott
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Henry Houlden
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Antonio Pisani
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- IRCCS C. Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Rejko Krüger
- Transversal Translational Medicine, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Strassen, Luxembourg
- Translational Neuroscience, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
- Parkinson Research Clinic, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (CHL), Luxembourg
| | - Olaf Riess
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- NGS Competence Center Tuebingen, Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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Diaw SH, Ott F, Münchau A, Lohmann K, Busch H. Emerging role of a systems biology approach to elucidate factors of reduced penetrance: transcriptional changes in THAP1-linked dystonia as an example. MED GENET-BERLIN 2022; 34:131-141. [PMID: 38835919 PMCID: PMC11006298 DOI: 10.1515/medgen-2022-2126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in THAP1 can cause dystonia with a penetrance of about 50 %. The underlying mechanisms are unknown and can be considered as means of endogenous disease protection. Since THAP1 encodes a transcription factor, drivers of this variability putatively act at the transcriptome level. Several transcriptome studies tried to elucidate THAP1 function in diverse cellular and mouse models, including mutation carrier-derived cells and iPSC-derived neurons, unveiling various differentially expressed genes and affected pathways. These include nervous system development, dopamine signalling, myelination, or cell-cell adhesion. A network diffusion analysis revealed mRNA splicing, mitochondria, DNA repair, and metabolism as significant pathways that may represent potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sokhna Haissatou Diaw
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Fabian Ott
- Institute of Experimental Dermatology and Institute of Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Alexander Münchau
- Institute of Systems Motor Science, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Katja Lohmann
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Hauke Busch
- Institute of Experimental Dermatology and Institute of Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
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Sanghavi HM, Majumdar S. Oligomerization of THAP9 Transposase via Amino-Terminal Domains. Biochemistry 2021; 60:1822-1835. [PMID: 34033475 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Active DNA transposases like the Drosophila P element transposase (DmTNP) undergo oligomerization as a prerequisite for transposition. Human THAP9 (hTHAP9) is a catalytically active but functionally uncharacterized homologue of DmTNP. Here we report (using co-immunoprecipitation, pull down, colocalization, and proximity ligation assays) that both full length and truncated hTHAP9 (corresponding to amino-terminal DNA binding and predicted coiled coil domains) undergo homo-oligomerization, predominantly in the nuclei of HEK293T cells. Interestingly, the oligomerization is shown to be partially mediated by DNA. However, mutating the leucines (either individually or together) or deleting the predicted coiled coil region did not significantly affect oligomerization. Thus, we highlight the importance of DNA and the amino-terminal regions of hTHAP9 for their ability to form higher-order oligomeric states. We also report that Hcf-1, THAP1, THAP10, and THAP11 are possible protein interaction partners of hTHAP9. Elucidating the functional relevance of the different putative oligomeric state(s) of hTHAP9 would help answer questions about its interaction partners as well as its unknown physiological roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiral M Sanghavi
- Discipline of Biological Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Sharmistha Majumdar
- Discipline of Biological Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
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Staege S, Kutschenko A, Baumann H, Glaß H, Henkel L, Gschwendtberger T, Kalmbach N, Klietz M, Hermann A, Lohmann K, Seibler P, Wegner F. Reduced Expression of GABA A Receptor Alpha2 Subunit Is Associated With Disinhibition of DYT-THAP1 Dystonia Patient-Derived Striatal Medium Spiny Neurons. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:650586. [PMID: 34095114 PMCID: PMC8176025 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.650586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
DYT-THAP1 dystonia (formerly DYT6) is an adolescent-onset dystonia characterized by involuntary muscle contractions usually involving the upper body. It is caused by mutations in the gene THAP1 encoding for the transcription factor Thanatos-associated protein (THAP) domain containing apoptosis-associated protein 1 and inherited in an autosomal-dominant manner with reduced penetrance. Alterations in the development of striatal neuronal projections and synaptic function are known from transgenic mice models. To investigate pathogenetic mechanisms, human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived medium spiny neurons (MSNs) from two patients and one family member with reduced penetrance carrying a mutation in the gene THAP1 (c.474delA and c.38G > A) were functionally characterized in comparison to healthy controls. Calcium imaging and quantitative PCR analysis revealed significantly lower Ca2+ amplitudes upon GABA applications and a marked downregulation of the gene encoding the GABAA receptor alpha2 subunit in THAP1 MSNs indicating a decreased GABAergic transmission. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings showed a significantly lower frequency of miniature postsynaptic currents (mPSCs), whereas the frequency of spontaneous action potentials (APs) was elevated in THAP1 MSNs suggesting that decreased synaptic activity might have resulted in enhanced generation of APs. Our molecular and functional data indicate that a reduced expression of GABAA receptor alpha2 subunit could eventually lead to limited GABAergic synaptic transmission, neuronal disinhibition, and hyperexcitability of THAP1 MSNs. These data give pathophysiological insight and may contribute to the development of novel treatment strategies for DYT-THAP1 dystonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma Staege
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hanover, Germany
| | - Anna Kutschenko
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Hauke Baumann
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Hannes Glaß
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht-Kossel", Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Lisa Henkel
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hanover, Germany
| | - Thomas Gschwendtberger
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hanover, Germany
| | - Norman Kalmbach
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Martin Klietz
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht-Kossel", Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Rostock/Greifswald, Rostock, Germany
| | - Katja Lohmann
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Philip Seibler
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Florian Wegner
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hanover, Germany
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van der Heijden ME, Kizek DJ, Perez R, Ruff EK, Ehrlich ME, Sillitoe RV. Abnormal cerebellar function and tremor in a mouse model for non-manifesting partially penetrant dystonia type 6. J Physiol 2021; 599:2037-2054. [PMID: 33369735 PMCID: PMC8559601 DOI: 10.1113/jp280978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Loss-of-function mutations in the Thap1 gene cause partially penetrant dystonia type 6 (DYT6). Some non-manifesting DYT6 mutation carriers have tremor and abnormal cerebello-thalamo-cortical signalling. We show that Thap1 heterozygote mice have action tremor, a reduction in cerebellar neuron number, and abnormal electrophysiological signals in the remaining neurons. These results underscore the importance of Thap1 levels for cerebellar function. These results uncover how cerebellar abnormalities contribute to different dystonia-associated motor symptoms. ABSTRACT Loss-of-function mutations in the Thanatos-associated domain-containing apoptosis-associated protein 1 (THAP1) gene cause partially penetrant autosomal dominant dystonia type 6 (DYT6). However, the neural abnormalities that promote the resultant motor dysfunctions remain elusive. Studies in humans show that some non-manifesting DYT6 carriers have altered cerebello-thalamo-cortical function with subtle but reproducible tremor. Here, we uncover that Thap1 heterozygote mice have action tremor that rises above normal baseline values even though they do not exhibit overt dystonia-like twisting behaviour. At the neural circuit level, we show using in vivo recordings in awake Thap1+/- mice that Purkinje cells have abnormal firing patterns and that cerebellar nuclei neurons, which connect the cerebellum to the thalamus, fire at a lower frequency. Although the Thap1+/- mice have fewer Purkinje cells and cerebellar nuclei neurons, the number of long-range excitatory outflow projection neurons is unaltered. The preservation of interregional connectivity suggests that abnormal neural function rather than neuron loss instigates the network dysfunction and the tremor in Thap1+/- mice. Accordingly, we report an inverse correlation between the average firing rate of cerebellar nuclei neurons and tremor power. Our data show that cerebellar circuitry is vulnerable to Thap1 mutations and that cerebellar dysfunction may be a primary cause of tremor in non-manifesting DYT6 carriers and a trigger for the abnormal postures in manifesting patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike E. van der Heijden
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dominic J. Kizek
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ross Perez
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Elena K. Ruff
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michelle E. Ehrlich
- Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Roy V. Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
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8
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Unraveling Molecular Mechanisms of THAP1 Missense Mutations in DYT6 Dystonia. J Mol Neurosci 2020; 70:999-1008. [PMID: 32112337 PMCID: PMC7334247 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01490-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in THAP1 (THAP domain-containing apoptosis-associated protein 1) are responsible for DYT6 dystonia. Until now, more than eighty different mutations in THAP1 gene have been found in patients with primary dystonia, and two third of them are missense mutations. The potential pathogeneses of these missense mutations in human are largely elusive. In the present study, we generated stable transfected human neuronal cell lines expressing wild-type or mutated THAP1 proteins found in DYT6 patients. Transcriptional profiling using microarrays revealed a set of 28 common genes dysregulated in two mutated THAP1 (S21T and F81L) overexpression cell lines suggesting a common mechanism of these mutations. ChIP-seq showed that THAP1 can bind to the promoter of one of these genes, superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2). Overexpression of THAP1 in SK-N-AS cells resulted in increased SOD2 protein expression, whereas fibroblasts from THAP1 patients have less SOD2 expression, which indicates that SOD2 is a direct target gene of THAP1. In addition, we show that some THAP1 mutations (C54Y and F81L) decrease the protein stability which might also be responsible for altered transcription regulation due to dosage insufficiency. Taking together, the current study showed different potential pathogenic mechanisms of THAP1 mutations which lead to the same consequence of DYT6 dystonia.
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9
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Jinnah H, Sun YV. Dystonia genes and their biological pathways. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 129:159-168. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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10
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Ribot B, Aupy J, Vidailhet M, Mazère J, Pisani A, Bezard E, Guehl D, Burbaud P. Dystonia and dopamine: From phenomenology to pathophysiology. Prog Neurobiol 2019; 182:101678. [PMID: 31404592 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2019.101678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A line of evidence suggests that the pathophysiology of dystonia involves the striatum, whose activity is modulated among other neurotransmitters, by the dopaminergic system. However, the link between dystonia and dopamine appears complex and remains unclear. Here, we propose a physiological approach to investigate the clinical and experimental data supporting a role of the dopaminergic system in the pathophysiology of dystonic syndromes. Because dystonia is a disorder of motor routines, we first focus on the role of dopamine and striatum in procedural learning. Second, we consider the phenomenology of dystonia from every angle in order to search for features giving food for thought regarding the pathophysiology of the disorder. Then, for each dystonic phenotype, we review, when available, the experimental and imaging data supporting a connection with the dopaminergic system. Finally, we propose a putative model in which the different phenotypes could be explained by changes in the balance between the direct and indirect striato-pallidal pathways, a process critically controlled by the level of dopamine within the striatum. Search strategy and selection criteria References for this article were identified through searches in PubMed with the search terms « dystonia », « dopamine", « striatum », « basal ganglia », « imaging data », « animal model », « procedural learning », « pathophysiology », and « plasticity » from 1998 until 2018. Articles were also identified through searches of the authors' own files. Only selected papers published in English were reviewed. The final reference list was generated on the basis of originality and relevance to the broad scope of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Ribot
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Jérome Aupy
- Service de Neurophysiologie Clinique, Hôpital Pellegrin, place Amélie-Raba-Léon, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Marie Vidailhet
- AP-HP, Department of Neurology, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Centre de Recherche de l'Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière UPMC Univ Paris 6 UMR S 1127, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Paris, France
| | - Joachim Mazère
- Université de Bordeaux, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; Service de médecine nucléaire, CHU de Bordeaux, France
| | - Antonio Pisani
- Department of Neuroscience, University "Tor Vergata'', Rome, Italy; Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, Fondazione Santa Lucia I.R.C.C.S., Rome, Italy
| | - Erwan Bezard
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Dominique Guehl
- Service de Neurophysiologie Clinique, Hôpital Pellegrin, place Amélie-Raba-Léon, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Pierre Burbaud
- Service de Neurophysiologie Clinique, Hôpital Pellegrin, place Amélie-Raba-Léon, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
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11
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Dulovic-Mahlow M, Gajos A, Baumann H, Pozojevic J, Kaiser FJ, Bogucki A, Lohmann K. Highly reduced penetrance in a family with a THAP1 nonsense mutation: Role of THAP1 expression? Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2019; 65:274-276. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2019.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Diverse Mechanisms Lead to Common Dysfunction of Striatal Cholinergic Interneurons in Distinct Genetic Mouse Models of Dystonia. J Neurosci 2019; 39:7195-7205. [PMID: 31320448 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0407-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical and experimental data indicate striatal cholinergic dysfunction in dystonia, a movement disorder typically resulting in twisted postures via abnormal muscle contraction. Three forms of isolated human dystonia result from mutations in the TOR1A (DYT1), THAP1 (DYT6), and GNAL (DYT25) genes. Experimental models carrying these mutations facilitate identification of possible shared cellular mechanisms. Recently, we reported elevated extracellular striatal acetylcholine by in vivo microdialysis and paradoxical excitation of cholinergic interneurons (ChIs) by dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) agonism using ex vivo slice electrophysiology in Dyt1 ΔGAG/+ mice. The paradoxical excitation was caused by overactive muscarinic receptors (mAChRs), leading to a switch in D2R coupling from canonical Gi/o to noncanonical β-arrestin signaling. We sought to determine whether these mechanisms in Dyt1 ΔGAG/+ mice are shared with Thap1 C54Y/+ knock-in and Gnal +/- knock-out dystonia models and to determine the impact of sex. We found Thap1 C54Y/+ mice of both sexes have elevated extracellular striatal acetylcholine and D2R-induced paradoxical ChI excitation, which was reversed by mAChR inhibition. Elevated extracellular acetylcholine was absent in male and female Gnal +/- mice, but the paradoxical D2R-mediated ChI excitation was retained and only reversed by inhibition of adenosine A2ARs. The Gi/o-preferring D2R agonist failed to increase ChI excitability, suggesting a possible switch in coupling of D2Rs to β-arrestin, as seen previously in a DYT1 model. These data show that, whereas elevated extracellular acetylcholine levels are not always detected across these genetic models of human dystonia, the D2R-mediated paradoxical excitation of ChIs is shared and is caused by altered function of distinct G-protein-coupled receptors.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Dystonia is a common and often disabling movement disorder. The usual medical treatment of dystonia is pharmacotherapy with nonselective antagonists of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, which have many undesirable side effects. Development of new therapeutics is a top priority for dystonia research. The current findings, considered in context with our previous investigations, establish a role for cholinergic dysfunction across three mouse models of human genetic dystonia: DYT1, DYT6, and DYT25. The commonality of cholinergic dysfunction in these models arising from diverse molecular etiologies points the way to new approaches for cholinergic modulation that may be broadly applicable in dystonia.
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Frederick NM, Shah PV, Didonna A, Langley MR, Kanthasamy AG, Opal P. Loss of the dystonia gene Thap1 leads to transcriptional deficits that converge on common pathogenic pathways in dystonic syndromes. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:1343-1356. [PMID: 30590536 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary and repetitive co-contractions of agonist and antagonist muscles. Dystonia 6 (DYT6) is an autosomal dominant dystonia caused by loss-of-function mutations in the zinc finger transcription factor THAP1. We have generated Thap1 knock-out mice with a view to understanding its transcriptional role. While germ-line deletion of Thap1 is embryonic lethal, mice lacking one Thap1 allele-which in principle should recapitulate the haploinsufficiency of the human syndrome-do not show a discernable phenotype. This is because mice show autoregulation of Thap1 mRNA levels with upregulation at the non-affected locus. We then deleted Thap1 in glial and neuronal precursors using a nestin-conditional approach. Although these mice do not exhibit dystonia, they show pronounced locomotor deficits reflecting derangements in the cerebellar and basal ganglia circuitry. These behavioral features are associated with alterations in the expression of genes involved in nervous system development, synaptic transmission, cytoskeleton, gliosis and dopamine signaling that link DYT6 to other primary and secondary dystonic syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alessandro Didonna
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Monica R Langley
- Parkinson Disorders Research Program, Iowa Center for Advanced Neurotoxicology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Anumantha G Kanthasamy
- Parkinson Disorders Research Program, Iowa Center for Advanced Neurotoxicology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Puneet Opal
- Davee Department of Neurology.,Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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14
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Mu W, Tochen L, Bertsch C, Singer HS, Barañano KW. Intracranial calcifications and dystonia associated with a novel deletion of chromosome 8p11.2 encompassing SLC20A2 and THAP1. BMJ Case Rep 2019; 12:12/5/e228782. [PMID: 31133547 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-228782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Several genes located within the chromosome 8p11.21 region are associated with movement disorders including SLC20A2 and THAP1. SLC20A2 is one of four genes associated with primary familial brain calcification, a syndrome that also includes movement disorders, cognitive decline and psychiatric issues. THAP1 is associated with dystonia type 6, a dominantly inherited dystonia with variable expression. In addition, several reports in the French-Canadian population have described microdeletions within the 8p11.2 region presenting with dystonia-plus syndromes including brain calcifications. This case report describes a 12-year-old boy with brain calcifications and generalised dystonia associated with a deletion in the 8p11.2 region detected via single nucleotide polymorphism microarray. This report emphasises the importance of obtaining a microarray analysis in diagnosing movement disorders and suggests that this copy number variant may be an under-recognised cause of dystonia and brain calcifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyi Mu
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Laura Tochen
- Department of Neurology, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Caroline Bertsch
- Division of Medical Genetics, University of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Harvey S Singer
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kristin W Barañano
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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15
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Abstract
Dystonia is a neurological condition characterized by abnormal involuntary movements or postures owing to sustained or intermittent muscle contractions. Dystonia can be the manifesting neurological sign of many disorders, either in isolation (isolated dystonia) or with additional signs (combined dystonia). The main focus of this Primer is forms of isolated dystonia of idiopathic or genetic aetiology. These disorders differ in manifestations and severity but can affect all age groups and lead to substantial disability and impaired quality of life. The discovery of genes underlying the mendelian forms of isolated or combined dystonia has led to a better understanding of its pathophysiology. In some of the most common genetic dystonias, such as those caused by TOR1A, THAP1, GCH1 and KMT2B mutations, and idiopathic dystonia, these mechanisms include abnormalities in transcriptional regulation, striatal dopaminergic signalling and synaptic plasticity and a loss of inhibition at neuronal circuits. The diagnosis of dystonia is largely based on clinical signs, and the diagnosis and aetiological definition of this disorder remain a challenge. Effective symptomatic treatments with pharmacological therapy (anticholinergics), intramuscular botulinum toxin injection and deep brain stimulation are available; however, future research will hopefully lead to reliable biomarkers, better treatments and cure of this disorder.
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16
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Meijer IA, Pearson TS. The Twists of Pediatric Dystonia: Phenomenology, Classification, and Genetics. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2018; 25:65-74. [PMID: 29735118 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This article aims to provide a practical review of pediatric dystonia from a clinician's perspective. The focus is on the underlying genetic causes, recent findings, and treatable conditions. Dystonia can occur in an isolated fashion or accompanied by other neurological or systemic features. The clinical presentation is often a complex overlap of neurological findings with a large differential diagnosis. We recommend an approach guided by thorough clinical evaluation, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), biochemical analysis, and genetic testing to hone in on the diagnosis. This article highlights the clinical and genetic complexity of pediatric dystonia and underlines the importance of a genetic diagnosis for therapeutic considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge A Meijer
- Department of Neurology, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, NY; Department of Pediatrics, Neurology division, Université de Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Toni S Pearson
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO.
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17
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Zorzi G, Carecchio M, Zibordi F, Garavaglia B, Nardocci N. Diagnosis and treatment of pediatric onset isolated dystonia. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2018; 22:238-244. [PMID: 29396174 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Isolated dystonia refers to a genetic heterogeneous group of progressive conditions with onset of symptoms during childhood or adolescence, progressive course with frequent generalization and marked functional impairment. There are well-known monogenic forms of isolated dystonia with pediatric onset such as DYT1 and DYT6 transmitted with autosomal dominant inheritance and low penetrance. Genetic findings of the past years have widened the etiological spectrum and the phenotype. The recently discovered genes (GNAL, ANO-3, KTM2B) or variant of already known diseases, such as Ataxia-Teleangectasia, are emerging as another causes of pediatric onset dystonia, sometimes with a more complex phenotype, but their incidence is unknown and still a considerable number of cases remains genetically undetermined. Due to the severe disability of pediatric onset dystonia treatment remains unsatisfactory and still mainly based upon oral pharmacological agents. However, deep brain stimulation is now extensively applied with good to excellent results especially when patients are treated early during the course of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Zorzi
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, IRCCS Fondazione C. Besta, Milan, Italy.
| | - Miryam Carecchio
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, IRCCS Fondazione C. Besta, Milan, Italy; Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, IRCCS Fondazione C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Zibordi
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, IRCCS Fondazione C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Nardo Nardocci
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, IRCCS Fondazione C. Besta, Milan, Italy
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18
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Mutations in THAP1/DYT6 reveal that diverse dystonia genes disrupt similar neuronal pathways and functions. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007169. [PMID: 29364887 PMCID: PMC5798844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystonia is characterized by involuntary muscle contractions. Its many forms are genetically, phenotypically and etiologically diverse and it is unknown whether their pathogenesis converges on shared pathways. Mutations in THAP1 [THAP (Thanatos-associated protein) domain containing, apoptosis associated protein 1], a ubiquitously expressed transcription factor with DNA binding and protein-interaction domains, cause dystonia, DYT6. There is a unique, neuronal 50-kDa Thap1-like immunoreactive species, and Thap1 levels are auto-regulated on the mRNA level. However, THAP1 downstream targets in neurons, and the mechanism via which it causes dystonia are largely unknown. We used RNA-Seq to assay the in vivo effect of a heterozygote Thap1 C54Y or ΔExon2 allele on the gene transcription signatures in neonatal mouse striatum and cerebellum. Enriched pathways and gene ontology terms include eIF2α Signaling, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Neuron Projection Development, Axonal Guidance Signaling, and Synaptic LongTerm Depression, which are dysregulated in a genotype and tissue-dependent manner. Electrophysiological and neurite outgrowth assays were consistent with those enrichments, and the plasticity defects were partially corrected by salubrinal. Notably, several of these pathways were recently implicated in other forms of inherited dystonia, including DYT1. We conclude that dysfunction of these pathways may represent a point of convergence in the pathophysiology of several forms of inherited dystonia. Dystonia is a brain disorder that causes disabling involuntary muscle contractions and abnormal postures. Mutations in THAP1, a zinc-finger transcription factor, cause DYT6, but its neuronal targets and functions are unknown. In this study, we sought to determine the effects of Thap1C54Y and ΔExon2 alleles on the gene transcription signatures at postnatal day 1 (P1) in the mouse striatum and cerebellum in order to correlate function with specific genes or pathways. Our unbiased transcriptomics approach showed that Thap1 mutants revealed multiple signaling pathways involved in neuronal plasticity, axonal guidance, and oxidative stress response, which are also present in other forms of dystonia, particularly DYT1. We conclude that dysfunction of these pathways may represent a point of convergence on the pathogenesis of unrelated forms of inherited dystonia.
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19
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Weisheit CE, Pappas SS, Dauer WT. Inherited dystonias: clinical features and molecular pathways. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2018; 147:241-254. [PMID: 29325615 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63233-3.00016-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent decades have witnessed dramatic increases in understanding of the genetics of dystonia - a movement disorder characterized by involuntary twisting and abnormal posture. Hampered by a lack of overt neuropathology, researchers are investigating isolated monogenic causes to pinpoint common molecular mechanisms in this heterogeneous disease. Evidence from imaging, cellular, and murine work implicates deficiencies in dopamine neurotransmission, transcriptional dysregulation, and selective vulnerability of distinct neuronal populations to disease mutations. Studies of genetic forms of dystonia are also illuminating the developmental dependence of disease symptoms that is typical of many forms of the disease. As understanding of monogenic forms of dystonia grows, a clearer picture will develop of the abnormal motor circuitry behind this relatively common phenomenology. This chapter focuses on the current data covering the etiology and epidemiology, clinical presentation, and pathogenesis of four monogenic forms of isolated dystonia: DYT-TOR1A, DYT-THAP1, DYT-GCH1, and DYT-GNAL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne E Weisheit
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Samuel S Pappas
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - William T Dauer
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
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20
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Abstract
Mainly due to the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS), the field of genetics of dystonia has rapidly grown in recent years, which led to the discovery of a number of novel dystonia genes and the development of a new classification and nomenclature for inherited dystonias. In addition, new findings from both in vivo and in vitro studies have been published on the role of previously known dystonia genes, extending our understanding of the pathophysiology of dystonia. We here review the current knowledge and recent findings in the known genes for isolated dystonia TOR1A, THAP1, and GNAL as well as for the combined dystonias due to mutations in GCH1, ATP1A3, and SGCE. We present confirmatory evidence for a role of dystonia genes that had not yet been unequivocally established including PRKRA, TUBB4A, ANO3, and TAF1. We finally discuss selected novel genes for dystonia such as KMT2B and VAC14 along with the challenges for gene identification in the NGS era and the translational importance of dystonia genetics in clinical practice.
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21
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Aguilo F, Zakirova Z, Nolan K, Wagner R, Sharma R, Hogan M, Wei C, Sun Y, Walsh MJ, Kelley K, Zhang W, Ozelius LJ, Gonzalez-Alegre P, Zwaka TP, Ehrlich ME. THAP1: Role in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Survival and Differentiation. Stem Cell Reports 2017; 9:92-107. [PMID: 28579396 PMCID: PMC5511047 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
THAP1 (THAP [Thanatos-associated protein] domain-containing, apoptosis-associated protein 1) is a ubiquitously expressed member of a family of transcription factors with highly conserved DNA-binding and protein-interacting regions. Mutations in THAP1 cause dystonia, DYT6, a neurologic movement disorder. THAP1 downstream targets and the mechanism via which it causes dystonia are largely unknown. Here, we show that wild-type THAP1 regulates embryonic stem cell (ESC) potential, survival, and proliferation. Our findings identify THAP1 as an essential factor underlying mouse ESC survival and to some extent, differentiation, particularly neuroectodermal. Loss of THAP1 or replacement with a disease-causing mutation results in an enhanced rate of cell death, prolongs Nanog, Prdm14, and/or Rex1 expression upon differentiation, and results in failure to upregulate ectodermal genes. ChIP-Seq reveals that these activities are likely due in part to indirect regulation of gene expression. Wild-type THAP1 regulates ESC potential, survival, and proliferation THAP1 is essential for ESC differentiation, particularly neuroectodermal Thap1C54Y or ΔExon2 ESCs prolong expression of pluripotent genes upon differentiation Thap1C54Y or ΔExon2 EBs show increased cell death and abnormal differentiation
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Aguilo
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Zuchra Zakirova
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Katie Nolan
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ryan Wagner
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Rajal Sharma
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Megan Hogan
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Chengguo Wei
- Department of Medicine Bioinformatics Core, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Yifei Sun
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Martin J Walsh
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kevin Kelley
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Weijia Zhang
- Department of Medicine Bioinformatics Core, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Laurie J Ozelius
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Pedro Gonzalez-Alegre
- Perelman Center for Cellular & Molecular Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Thomas P Zwaka
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Michelle E Ehrlich
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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22
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Hollstein R, Reiz B, Kötter L, Richter A, Schaake S, Lohmann K, Kaiser FJ. Dystonia-causing mutations in the transcription factor THAP1 disrupt HCFC1 cofactor recruitment and alter gene expression. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 26:2975-2983. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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23
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Cascalho A, Jacquemyn J, Goodchild RE. Membrane defects and genetic redundancy: Are we at a turning point for DYT1 dystonia? Mov Disord 2016; 32:371-381. [PMID: 27911022 DOI: 10.1002/mds.26880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterozygosity for a 3-base pair deletion (ΔGAG) in TOR1A/torsinA is one of the most common causes of hereditary dystonia. In this review, we highlight current understanding of how this mutation causes disease from research spanning structural biochemistry, cell science, neurobiology, and several model organisms. We now know that homozygosity for ΔGAG has the same effects as Tor1aKO , implicating a partial loss of function mechanism in the ΔGAG/+ disease state. In addition, torsinA loss specifically affects neurons in mice, even though the gene is broadly expressed, apparently because of differential expression of homologous torsinB. Furthermore, certain neuronal subtypes are more severely affected by torsinA loss. Interestingly, these include striatal cholinergic interneurons that display abnormal responses to dopamine in several Tor1a animal models. There is also progress on understanding torsinA molecular cell biology. The structural basis of how ΔGAG inhibits torsinA ATPase activity is defined, although mutant torsinAΔGAG protein also displays some characteristics suggesting it contributes to dystonia by a gain-of-function mechanism. Furthermore, a consistent relationship is emerging between torsin dysfunction and membrane biology, including an evolutionarily conserved regulation of lipid metabolism. Considered together, these findings provide major advances toward understanding the molecular, cellular, and neurobiological pathologies of DYT1/TOR1A dystonia that can hopefully be exploited for new approaches to treat this disease. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cascalho
- Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie Centre for the Biology of Disease, Leuven, Belgium.,KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Julie Jacquemyn
- Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie Centre for the Biology of Disease, Leuven, Belgium.,KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rose E Goodchild
- Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie Centre for the Biology of Disease, Leuven, Belgium.,KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium
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Genetic screening of THAP1 in primary dystonia patients of India. Neurosci Lett 2016; 637:31-37. [PMID: 27913194 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.11.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary Dystonia is a common movement disorder manifested by dystonic symptoms only. DYT6, a major genetic factor, plays a significant role in primary pure dystonia pathogenesis. In this study we analyzed THAP1 (DYT 6) gene in primary pure dystonia patients, which has been widely studied in other populations but not in Indians. METHODS The study cohort contained 227 index primary pure dystonia patients with the involvement of cervical region and 254 neurologically control individuals collected from East Indian population. All three exons of THAP1 and their flanking sequences, including exon-intron boundaries, were screened by PCR, DNA sequencing and/or RFLP analysis. RESULTS A total of three nucleotide variants were detected, which include a reported missense mutation (c.427 A>G; p.Met143Val) in a juvenile onset generalized dystonia patient, a novel frameshift deletion mutation (c.208-209 ΔAA; p.K70VfsX15) in a juvenile onset cervical dystonia patient and a rare variant in 3' UTR of THAP1 (c.*157 T>C) in an adult-onset blepharospasm patient. In addition, two SNPs (rs71521601 and rs111989331) were detected both in the patients and controls with the major allele of the latter being significantly over represented in the patients. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that the THAP1 is likely to have a causative role in the pathogenesis of Indian primary pure dystonia patients. Though the phenotypic spectrum is extensively diverse, the cervical involvement with dystonic tremor and speech problem is common amongst the patients harboring mutations.
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25
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Domingo A, Erro R, Lohmann K. Novel Dystonia Genes: Clues on Disease Mechanisms and the Complexities of High-Throughput Sequencing. Mov Disord 2016; 31:471-7. [PMID: 26991507 DOI: 10.1002/mds.26600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystonia is a genetically heterogenous disease and a prototype disorder where next-generation sequencing has facilitated the identification of new pathogenic genes. This includes the first two genes linked to recessively inherited isolated dystonia, that is, HPCA (hippocalcin) and COL6A3 (collagen VI alpha 3). These genes are proposed to underlie cases of the so-called DYT2-like dystonia, while also reiterating two distinct pathways in dystonia pathogenesis. First, deficiency in HPCA function is thought to alter calcium homeostasis, a mechanism that has previously been forwarded for CACNA1A and ANO3. The novel myoclonus-dystonia genes KCTD17 and CACNA1B also implicate abnormal calcium signaling in dystonia. Second, the phenotype in COL6A3-loss-of-function zebrafish models argues for a neurodevelopmental defect, which has previously been suggested as a possible biological mechanism for THAP1, TOR1A, and TAF1 based on expression data. The newly reported myoclonus-dystonia gene, RELN, plays also a role in the formation of brain structures. Defects in neurodevelopment likewise seem to be a recurrent scheme underpinning mainly complex dystonias, for example those attributable to biallelic mutations in GCH1, TH, SPR, or to heterozygous TUBB4A mutations. To date, it remains unclear whether dystonia is a common phenotypic outcome of diverse underlying disease mechanisms, or whether the different genetic causes converge in a single pathway. Importantly, the relevance of pathways highlighted by novel dystonia genes identified by high-throughput sequencing depends on the confirmation of mutation pathogenicity in subsequent genetic and functional studies. However, independent, careful validation of genetic findings lags behind publications of newly identified genes. We conclude with a discussion on the characteristics of true-positive reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aloysius Domingo
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Roberto Erro
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- Dipartimento di Scienze Neurologiche e del Movimento, Università di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Katja Lohmann
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
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26
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Lack of association between TOR1A and THAP1 mutations and sporadic adult-onset primary focal dystonia in a Chinese population. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2016; 142:26-30. [PMID: 26803725 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2016.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE TOR1A (torsin family 1, member A) and THAP1 (THAP domain containing, apoptosis associated protein 1) are two candidate genes that have been reported to be linked to adult-onset primary dystonia. However, the overall results have been inconsistent, likely because primary dystonia may have subtype-specific genetic risk factors. The aim of our study was to assess the association of TOR1A and THAP1 with adult-onset primary focal dystonia (AOPFD), the most common subtype of primary dystonia. METHODS A total of 248 subjects, comprising 117 AOPFD patients and 131 healthy controls, were included in our study. All coding exons of TOR1A and THAP1 were initially analyzed in the 117 patients. Subsequently, we investigated the association of two common TOR1A variants (rs2296793, rs1801968) with AOPFD in a Chinese population (117 patients versus 131 controls) and performed a pooled analysis by combining our data with previously published data. RESULTS No mutation of TOR1A and THAP1 was found other than two TOR1A variants (rs2296793, rs1801968), which have been previously reported in AOPFD patients. There were no statistically significant differences in the minor allele frequency (MAF) and genotype frequency between AOPFD and controls in our Chinese population (P>0.05). This result was confirmed by pooled analysis of multi-ethnic groups. CONCLUSION Our study suggested that there might not be an association between TOR1A or THAP1 and patients with AOPFD.
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Ruiz M, Perez-Garcia G, Ortiz-Virumbrales M, Méneret A, Morant A, Kottwitz J, Fuchs T, Bonet J, Gonzalez-Alegre P, Hof PR, Ozelius LJ, Ehrlich ME. Abnormalities of motor function, transcription and cerebellar structure in mouse models of THAP1 dystonia. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:7159-70. [PMID: 26376866 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
DYT6 dystonia is caused by mutations in THAP1 [Thanatos-associated (THAP) domain-containing apoptosis-associated protein] and is autosomal dominant and partially penetrant. Like other genetic primary dystonias, DYT6 patients have no characteristic neuropathology, and mechanisms by which mutations in THAP1 cause dystonia are unknown. Thap1 is a zinc-finger transcription factor, and most pathogenic THAP1 mutations are missense and are located in the DNA-binding domain. There are also nonsense mutations, which act as the equivalent of a null allele because they result in the generation of small mRNA species that are likely rapidly degraded via nonsense-mediated decay. The function of Thap1 in neurons is unknown, but there is a unique, neuronal 50-kDa Thap1 species, and Thap1 levels are auto-regulated on the mRNA level. Herein, we present the first characterization of two mouse models of DYT6, including a pathogenic knockin mutation, C54Y and a null mutation. Alterations in motor behaviors, transcription and brain structure are demonstrated. The projection neurons of the deep cerebellar nuclei are especially altered. Abnormalities vary according to genotype, sex, age and/or brain region, but importantly, overlap with those of other dystonia mouse models. These data highlight the similarities and differences in age- and cell-specific effects of a Thap1 mutation, indicating that the pathophysiology of THAP1 mutations should be assayed at multiple ages and neuronal types and support the notion of final common pathways in the pathophysiology of dystonia arising from disparate mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Pedro Gonzalez-Alegre
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Patrick R Hof
- Department of Neurosciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA and
| | - Laurie J Ozelius
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Department of Neurology
| | - Michelle E Ehrlich
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Department of Neurology,
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Abstract
Isolated inherited dystonia-formerly referred to as primary dystonia-is characterized by abnormal motor functioning of a grossly normal appearing brain. The disease manifests as abnormal involuntary twisting movements. The absence of overt neuropathological lesions, while intriguing, has made it particularly difficult to unravel the pathogenesis of isolated inherited dystonia. The explosion of genetic techology enabling the identification of the causative gene mutations is transforming our understanding of dystonia pathogenesis, as the molecular, cellular and circuit level consequences of these mutations are identified in experimental systems. Here, I review the clinical genetics and cell biology of three forms of inherited dystonia for which the causative mutation is known: DYT1 (TOR1A), DYT6 (THAP1), DYT25 (GNAL).
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Affiliation(s)
- William Dauer
- Department of Neurology, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-220, USA,
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Ortiz-Virumbrales M, Ruiz M, Hone E, Dolios G, Wang R, Morant A, Kottwitz J, Ozelius LJ, Gandy S, Ehrlich ME. Dystonia type 6 gene product Thap1: identification of a 50 kDa DNA-binding species in neuronal nuclear fractions. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2014; 2:139. [PMID: 25231164 PMCID: PMC4177242 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-014-0139-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in THAP1 result in dystonia type 6, with partial penetrance and variable phenotype. The goal of this study was to examine the nature and expression pattern of the protein product(s) of the Thap1 transcription factor (DYT6 gene) in mouse neurons, and to study the regional and developmental distribution, and subcellular localization of Thap1 protein. The goal was accomplished via overexpression and knock-down of Thap1 in the HEK293T cell line and in mouse striatal primary cultures and western blotting of embryonic Thap1-null tissue. The endogenous and transduced Thap1 isoforms were characterized using three different commercially available anti-Thap1 antibodies and validated by immunoprecipitation and DNA oligonucleotide affinity chromatography. We identified multiple, novel Thap1 species of apparent Mr 32 kDa, 47 kDa, and 50–52 kDa in vitro and in vivo, and verified the previously identified species at 29–30 kDa in neurons. The Thap1 species at the 50 kDa size range was exclusively detected in murine brain and testes and were located in the nuclear compartment. Thus, in addition to the predicted 25 kDa apparent Mr, we identified Thap1 species with greater apparent Mr that we speculate may be a result of posttranslational modifications. The neural localization of the 50 kDa species and its nuclear compartmentalization suggests that these may be key Thap1 species controlling neuronal gene transcription. Dysfunction of the neuronal 50 kDa species may therefore be implicated in the pathogenesis of DYT6.
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Mondal BC, Shim J, Evans CJ, Banerjee U. Pvr expression regulators in equilibrium signal control and maintenance of Drosophila blood progenitors. eLife 2014; 3:e03626. [PMID: 25201876 PMCID: PMC4185420 DOI: 10.7554/elife.03626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood progenitors within the lymph gland, a larval organ that supports hematopoiesis in Drosophila melanogaster, are maintained by integrating signals emanating from niche-like cells and those from differentiating blood cells. We term the signal from differentiating cells the 'equilibrium signal' in order to distinguish it from the 'niche signal'. Earlier we showed that equilibrium signaling utilizes Pvr (the Drosophila PDGF/VEGF receptor), STAT92E, and adenosine deaminase-related growth factor A (ADGF-A) (Mondal et al., 2011). Little is known about how this signal initiates during hematopoietic development. To identify new genes involved in lymph gland blood progenitor maintenance, particularly those involved in equilibrium signaling, we performed a genetic screen that identified bip1 (bric à brac interacting protein 1) and Nucleoporin 98 (Nup98) as additional regulators of the equilibrium signal. We show that the products of these genes along with the Bip1-interacting protein RpS8 (Ribosomal protein S8) are required for the proper expression of Pvr.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bama Charan Mondal
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Jiwon Shim
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
- Department of Life Science, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Cory J Evans
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Utpal Banerjee
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
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Erogullari A, Hollstein R, Seibler P, Braunholz D, Koschmidder E, Depping R, Eckhold J, Lohnau T, Gillessen-Kaesbach G, Grünewald A, Rakovic A, Lohmann K, Kaiser FJ. THAP1, the gene mutated in DYT6 dystonia, autoregulates its own expression. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2014; 1839:1196-204. [PMID: 25088175 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2014.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2014] [Revised: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
THAP1 encodes a transcription factor but its regulation is largely elusive. TOR1A was shown to be repressed by THAP1 in vitro. Notably, mutations in both of these genes lead to dystonia (DYT6 or DYT1). Surprisingly, expressional changes of TOR1A in THAP1 mutation carriers have not been detected indicating additional levels of regulation. Here, we investigated whether THAP1 is able to autoregulate its own expression. Using in-silico prediction, luciferase reporter gene assays, and (quantitative) chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), we defined the THAP1 minimal promoter to a 480bp-fragment and demonstrated specific binding of THAP1 to this region which resulted in repression of the THAP1 promoter. This autoregulation was disturbed by different DYT6-causing mutations. Two mutants (Ser6Phe, Arg13His) were shown to be less stable than wildtype THAP1 adding to the effect of reduced binding to the THAP1 promoter. Overexpressed THAP1 is preferably degraded through the proteasome. Notably, endogenous THAP1 expression was significantly reduced in cells overexpressing wildtype THAP1 as demonstrated by quantitative PCR. In contrast, higher THAP1 levels were detected in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPS)-derived neurons from THAP1 mutation carriers. Thus, we identified a feedback-loop in the regulation of THAP1 expression and demonstrated that mutant THAP1 leads to higher THAP1 expression levels. This compensatory autoregulation may contribute to the mean age at onset in the late teen years or even reduced penetrance in some THAP1 mutation carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alev Erogullari
- Sektion für Funktionelle Genetik am Institut für Humangenetik, University of Luebeck, Luebeck 23538, Germany
| | - Ronja Hollstein
- Sektion für Funktionelle Genetik am Institut für Humangenetik, University of Luebeck, Luebeck 23538, Germany
| | - Philip Seibler
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Luebeck, Luebeck 23538, Germany
| | - Diana Braunholz
- Sektion für Funktionelle Genetik am Institut für Humangenetik, University of Luebeck, Luebeck 23538, Germany
| | - Eva Koschmidder
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Luebeck, Luebeck 23538, Germany
| | - Reinhard Depping
- Institute of Physiology, Center of Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, University of Luebeck, Luebeck 23538, Germany
| | - Juliane Eckhold
- Sektion für Funktionelle Genetik am Institut für Humangenetik, University of Luebeck, Luebeck 23538, Germany; Institut für Humangenetik, University of Luebeck, Luebeck 23538, Germany
| | - Thora Lohnau
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Luebeck, Luebeck 23538, Germany
| | | | - Anne Grünewald
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Luebeck, Luebeck 23538, Germany
| | - Aleksandar Rakovic
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Luebeck, Luebeck 23538, Germany
| | - Katja Lohmann
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Luebeck, Luebeck 23538, Germany.
| | - Frank J Kaiser
- Sektion für Funktionelle Genetik am Institut für Humangenetik, University of Luebeck, Luebeck 23538, Germany
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Vulinovic F, Lohmann K, Rakovic A, Capetian P, Alvarez-Fischer D, Schmidt A, Weißbach A, Erogullari A, Kaiser FJ, Wiegers K, Ferbert A, Rolfs A, Klein C, Seibler P. Unraveling cellular phenotypes of novel TorsinA/TOR1A mutations. Hum Mutat 2014; 35:1114-22. [PMID: 24931141 DOI: 10.1002/humu.22604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
A three-nucleotide (GAG) deletion (ΔE) in TorsinA (TOR1A) has been identified as the most common cause of dominantly inherited early-onset torsion dystonia (DYT1). TOR1A encodes a chaperone-like AAA+-protein localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. Currently, only three additional, likely mutations have been reported in single dystonia patients. Here, we report two new, putative TOR1A mutations (p.A14_P15del and p.E121K) that we examined functionally in comparison with wild-type (WT) protein and two known mutations (ΔE and p.R288Q). While inclusion formation is a characteristic feature for ΔE TOR1A, elevated levels of aggregates for other mutations were not observed when compared with WT TOR1A. WT and mutant TOR1A showed preferred degradation through the autophagy-lysosome pathway, which is most pronounced for p.A14_P15del, p.R288Q, and ΔE TOR1A. Notably, blocking of the autophagy pathway with bafilomycin resulted in a significant increase in inclusion formation in p.E121K TOR1A. In addition, all variants had an influence on protein stability. Although the p.A14_P15del mutation affects the proposed oligomerization domain of TOR1A, this mutation did not disturb the ability to dimerize. Our findings demonstrate functional changes for all four mutations on different levels. Thus, both diagnostic and research genetic screening of dystonia patients should not be limited to testing for the ∆E mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franca Vulinovic
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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Cheng FB, Feng JC, Ma LY, Miao J, Ott T, Wan XH, Grundmann K. Combined occurrence of a novel TOR1A and a THAP1 mutation in primary dystonia. Mov Disord 2014; 29:1079-83. [PMID: 24862462 DOI: 10.1002/mds.25921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Revised: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ΔGAG deletion of the TOR1A gene (DYT1) is responsible for DYT1 dystonia. However, no other TOR1A mutation has been reported in the Chinese population. METHODS Two hundred one dystonia patients without the ΔGAG deletion were screened for other mutations in TOR1A. Gene function changes were analyzed by subcellular distribution and luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS A novel TOR1A mutation (c.581A>T, p.Asp194Val) was found in a patient with early-onset segmental dystonia harboring a THAP1 mutation (c.539T>C, p.Leu180Ser). Overexpression of mutant TOR1A Asp194Val protein induces inclusion formation in SK-N-AS cell lines, and the repressive activity of the mutant THAP1 Leu180Ser protein on TOR1A gene expression is decreased compared with wild-type THAP1. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report about a dystonia patient harboring two distinct dystonia gene mutations. Functional analysis indicated a potential additive effect of these two mutations, which might provoke the occurrence of dystonic symptoms in this patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Bo Cheng
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Tuebingen, 72076, Germany; Department of Neurology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
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Camargo CHF, Camargos ST, Raskin S, Cardoso FEC, Teive HAG. DYT6 in Brazil: Genetic Assessment and Clinical Characteristics of Patients. TREMOR AND OTHER HYPERKINETIC MOVEMENTS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2014; 4:226. [PMID: 24757586 PMCID: PMC3992363 DOI: 10.7916/d83776rc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Several genes associated with dystonia have been identified. A mutation in one of these, THAP1 (DYT6), is linked to isolated dystonia. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of THAP1 gene mutations and the clinical characteristics of patients with these mutations in a clinical population in Brazil. Methods Seventy-four patients presenting with dystonia involving the cervical muscles and without mutations in the TOR1A (DYT1) gene or any other movement disorders were recruited at a movement disorders clinic between June 2008 and June 2009. All the patients underwent clinical examination and were screened for mutations of the THAP1 gene. Results Three patients had the novel p.Gln97Ter THAP1 nonsense mutation in heterozygosis. One of them had no family history of dystonia. Symptoms in this patient first appeared in his right arm, and the condition progressed to the generalized form. The other two patients belonged to the same family (cousins). Symptoms in the first patient started in her right arm at the age of 18 years and the condition progressed to the segmental form. The second patient, who carried the p.Arg169Gln missense mutation, developed dystonia in her left arm at the age of 6 years. The condition progressed to generalized dystonia. Discussion We conclude that THAP1 mutations are also a cause, albeit uncommon, of segmental and generalized dystonia in the Brazilian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Henrique F Camargo
- Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil ; Neurology Service, Medicine Department, Hospital Universitário, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, Brazil
| | | | - Salmo Raskin
- Genetika Laboratory and Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Hélio Afonso G Teive
- Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
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Ledoux MS, Dauer WT, Warner TT. Emerging common molecular pathways for primary dystonia. Mov Disord 2014; 28:968-81. [PMID: 23893453 DOI: 10.1002/mds.25547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Revised: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The dystonias are a group of hyperkinetic movement disorders whose principal cause is neuron dysfunction at 1 or more interconnected nodes of the motor system. The study of genes and proteins that cause familial dystonia provides critical information about the cellular pathways involved in this dysfunction, which disrupts the motor pathways at the systems level. In recent years study of the increasing number of DYT genes has implicated a number of cell functions that appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of dystonia. A review of the literature published in English-language publications available on PubMed relating to the genetics and cellular pathology of dystonia was performed. Numerous potential pathogenetic mechanisms have been identified. We describe those that fall into 3 emerging thematic groups: cell-cycle and transcriptional regulation in the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope function, and control of synaptic function. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Ledoux
- Department of Neurology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center Memphis, Tennessee 38163, USA
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Lohmann K, Klein C. Genetics of dystonia: what's known? What's new? What's next? Mov Disord 2014; 28:899-905. [PMID: 23893446 DOI: 10.1002/mds.25536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2013] [Revised: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although all forms of dystonia share the core clinical features of involuntary dystonic dyskinesia, there is not only marked phenotypic but also etiologic heterogeneity. Isolated dystonia can be caused by mutations in TOR1A (DYT1), TUBB4 (DYT4), THAP1 (DYT6), CIZ1 (DYT23), ANO3 (DYT24), and GNAL (DYT25). Combined dystonias (with parkinsonism or myoclonus) are further subdivided into persistent (TAF1 [DYT3], GCHI [DYT5], SGCE [DYT11], ATP1A3 [DYT12]), PRKRA (DYT16), and paroxysmal (MR-1 [DYT8], PRRT2 [DYT10], SLC2A1 [DYT18]. With the advent of next-generation sequencing, an unprecedented number of new dystonia genes have recently been described, including 4 in the past 12 months. Despite the need for independent confirmation, these recent findings raise 2 important questions regarding (1) the role of genetics in dystonia overall and (2) the role of different molecular mechanisms in dystonia pathogenesis. The genetic contribution to dystonia represents a continuum ranging from genetic susceptibility factors of small effect to causative genes with markedly reduced penetrance to those with full penetrance. Equally diverse and complex are the pathways and neuronal function(s) putatively involved in dystonia pathogenesis including dopamine signaling, intracellular transport, cytoskeletal dynamics, transcriptional regulation, cell-cycle control, ion channel function, energy metabolism, signal transduction, and detoxification mechanisms. In the next decade of dystonia research, we expect to see the discovery of additional dystonia genes and susceptibility factors. In this context, it will be of great interest to explore whether the diverse cellular functions of the known dystonia proteins may be linked to shared pathways and thus complete the complex puzzle of dystonia pathogenesis. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Lohmann
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
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Vemula SR, Xiao J, Zhao Y, Bastian RW, Perlmutter JS, Racette BA, Paniello RC, Wszolek ZK, Uitti RJ, Van Gerpen JA, Hedera P, Truong DD, Blitzer A, Rudzińska M, Momčilović D, Jinnah HA, Frei K, Pfeiffer RF, LeDoux MS. A rare sequence variant in intron 1 of THAP1 is associated with primary dystonia. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2014; 2:261-72. [PMID: 24936516 PMCID: PMC4049367 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Revised: 12/31/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although coding variants in THAP1 have been causally associated with primary dystonia, the contribution of noncoding variants remains uncertain. Herein, we examine a previously identified Intron 1 variant (c.71+9C>A, rs200209986). Among 1672 subjects with mainly adult-onset primary dystonia, 12 harbored the variant in contrast to 1/1574 controls (P < 0.01). Dystonia classification included cervical dystonia (N = 3), laryngeal dystonia (adductor subtype, N = 3), jaw-opening oromandibular dystonia (N = 1), blepharospasm (N = 2), and unclassified (N = 3). Age of dystonia onset ranged from 25 to 69 years (mean = 54 years). In comparison to controls with no identified THAP1 sequence variants, the c.71+9C>A variant was associated with an elevated ratio of Isoform 1 (NM_018105) to Isoform 2 (NM_199003) in leukocytes. In silico and minigene analyses indicated that c.71+9C>A alters THAP1 splicing. Lymphoblastoid cells harboring the c.71+9C>A variant showed extensive apoptosis with relatively fewer cells in the G2 phase of the cell cycle. Differentially expressed genes from lymphoblastoid cells revealed that the c.71+9C>A variant exerts effects on DNA synthesis, cell growth and proliferation, cell survival, and cytotoxicity. In aggregate, these data indicate that THAP1 c.71+9C>A is a risk factor for adult-onset primary dystonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satya R Vemula
- Departments of Neurology and Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center Memphis, Tennessee, 38163
| | - Jianfeng Xiao
- Departments of Neurology and Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center Memphis, Tennessee, 38163
| | - Yu Zhao
- Departments of Neurology and Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center Memphis, Tennessee, 38163
| | | | - Joel S Perlmutter
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Brad A Racette
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Randal C Paniello
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | - Ryan J Uitti
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida, 32224
| | - Jay A Van Gerpen
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida, 32224
| | - Peter Hedera
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Daniel D Truong
- Parkinson's & Movement Disorder Institute Fountain Valley, California, 92708
| | - Andrew Blitzer
- New York Center for Voice and Swallowing Disorders New York, New York
| | - Monika Rudzińska
- Department of Neurology, Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow Kraków, Poland
| | - Dragana Momčilović
- Clinic for Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Medical Faculty University of Belgrade Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Hyder A Jinnah
- Departments of Neurology, Human Genetics, and Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University Atlanta, Georgia, 30322
| | - Karen Frei
- Department of Neurology, Loma Linda University Health System Loma Linda, California, 92354
| | - Ronald F Pfeiffer
- Departments of Neurology and Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center Memphis, Tennessee, 38163
| | - Mark S LeDoux
- Departments of Neurology and Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center Memphis, Tennessee, 38163
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Sabariego M, Morón I, Gómez MJ, Donaire R, Tobeña A, Fernández-Teruel A, Martínez-Conejero JA, Esteban FJ, Torres C. Incentive loss and hippocampal gene expression in inbred Roman high- (RHA-I) and Roman low- (RLA-I) avoidance rats. Behav Brain Res 2013; 257:62-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Revised: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Lerner RP, Niethammer M, Eidelberg D. Understanding the anatomy of dystonia: determinants of penetrance and phenotype. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2013; 13:401. [PMID: 24114145 PMCID: PMC3883436 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-013-0401-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The dystonias comprise a group of syndromes characterized by prolonged involuntary muscle contractions resulting in repetitive movements and abnormal postures. Primary dystonia has been associated with over 14 different genotypes, most of which follow an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern with reduced penetrance. Independent of etiology, the disease is characterized by extensive variability in disease phenotype and clinical severity. Recent neuroimaging studies investigating this phenomenon in manifesting and non-manifesting genetic carriers of dystonia have discovered microstructural integrity differences in the cerebello-thalamo-cortical tract in both groups related to disease penetrance. Further study suggests these differences to be specific to subrolandic white matter regions somatotopically related to clinical phenotype. Clinical severity was correlated to the degree of microstructural change. These findings suggest a mechanism for the penetrance and clinical variability observed in dystonia and may represent a novel therapeutic target for patients with refractory limb symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata P Lerner
- Center for Neurosciences, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
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Weber A, Köhler A, Hahn A, Neubauer B, Müller U. Benign infantile convulsions (IC) and subsequent paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) in a patient with 16p11.2 microdeletion syndrome. Neurogenetics 2013; 14:251-3. [PMID: 24100940 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-013-0376-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia with infantile convulsions (PKD/IC) is caused by mutations in the gene PRRT2 located in 16p11.2. A deletion syndrome 16p11.2 is well established and is characterized by intellectual disability, speech delay, and autism. PKD/IC, however, is extremely rare in this syndrome. We describe a case of PKD/IC and 16p11.2 deletion syndrome and discuss modifiers of PRRT2 activity to explain the rare concurrence of both syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Weber
- Institut für Humangenetik, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Giessen, Germany,
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Kawarai T, Miyamoto R, Murakami N, Miyazaki Y, Koizumi H, Sako W, Mukai Y, Sato K, Matsumoto S, Sakamoto T, Izumi Y, Kaji R. [Dystonia genes and elucidation of their roles in dystonia pathogenesis]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2013; 53:419-29. [PMID: 23782819 DOI: 10.5692/clinicalneurol.53.419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Identification of causative genes for hereditary dystonia and elucidation of their functions are crucial for better understanding of dystonia pathogenesis. As seen in other hereditary neurologic disorders, intra- and inter-familial clinical variations have been demonstrated in hereditary dystonia. Asymptomatic carriers can be found due to alterations in penetrance, generally reduced in succeeding generations. Current known dystonia genes include those related to dopamine metabolism, transcription factor, cytoskeleton, transport of glucose and sodium ion, etc. It has been reported that effects of deep brain stimulation can vary significantly depending on genotype. Accumulation of genotype-outcome correlations would contribute to treatment decisions for dystonia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshitaka Kawarai
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience Institute of Health Biosciences, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokushima
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Abstract
Dystonia is a common movement disorder seen by neurologists in clinic. Genetic forms of the disease are important to recognize clinically and also provide valuable information about possible pathogenic mechanisms within the wider disorder. In the past few years, with the advent of new sequencing technologies, there has been a step change in the pace of discovery in the field of dystonia genetics. In just over a year, four new genes have been shown to cause primary dystonia (CIZ1, ANO3, TUBB4A and GNAL), PRRT2 has been identified as the cause of paroxysmal kinesigenic dystonia and other genes, such as SLC30A10 and ATP1A3, have been linked to more complicated forms of dystonia or new phenotypes. In this review, we provide an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding genetic forms of dystonia—related to both new and well-known genes alike—and incorporating genetic, clinical and molecular information. We discuss the mechanistic insights provided by the study of the genetic causes of dystonia and provide a helpful clinical algorithm to aid clinicians in correctly predicting the genetic basis of various forms of dystonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Charlesworth
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
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Gervais V, Campagne S, Durand J, Muller I, Milon A. NMR studies of a new family of DNA binding proteins: the THAP proteins. JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR NMR 2013; 56:3-15. [PMID: 23306615 DOI: 10.1007/s10858-012-9699-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The THAP (THanatos-Associated Protein) domain is an evolutionary conserved C2CH zinc-coordinating domain shared with a large family of cellular factors (THAP proteins). Many members of the THAP family act as transcription factors that control cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, angiogenesis, apoptosis and epigenetic gene silencing. They recognize specific DNA sequences in the promoters of target genes and subsequently recruit effector proteins. Recent structural and functional studies have allowed getting better insight into the nuclear and cellular functions of some THAP members and the molecular mechanisms by which they recognize DNA. The present article reviews recent advances in the knowledge of the THAP domains structures and their interaction with DNA, with a particular focus on NMR. It provides the solution structure of the THAP domain of THAP11, a recently characterized human THAP protein with important functions in transcription and cell growth in colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Gervais
- CNRS, IPBS (Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale), 205 route de Narbonne, BP64182, 31077, Toulouse, France.
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Lohmann K, Wilcox RA, Winkler S, Ramirez A, Rakovic A, Park JS, Arns B, Lohnau T, Groen J, Kasten M, Brüggemann N, Hagenah J, Schmidt A, Kaiser FJ, Kumar KR, Zschiedrich K, Alvarez-Fischer D, Altenmüller E, Ferbert A, Lang AE, Münchau A, Kostic V, Simonyan K, Agzarian M, Ozelius LJ, Langeveld APM, Sue CM, Tijssen MAJ, Klein C. Whispering dysphonia (DYT4 dystonia) is caused by a mutation in the TUBB4 gene. Ann Neurol 2013; 73:537-45. [PMID: 23595291 DOI: 10.1002/ana.23829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2012] [Revised: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A study was undertaken to identify the gene underlying DYT4 dystonia, a dominantly inherited form of spasmodic dysphonia combined with other focal or generalized dystonia and a characteristic facies and body habitus, in an Australian family. METHODS Genome-wide linkage analysis was carried out in 14 family members followed by genome sequencing in 2 individuals. The index patient underwent a detailed neurological follow-up examination, including electrophysiological studies and magnetic resonance imaging scanning. Biopsies of the skin and olfactory mucosa were obtained, and expression levels of TUBB4 mRNA were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in 3 different cell types. All exons of TUBB4 were screened for mutations in 394 unrelated dystonia patients. RESULTS The disease-causing gene was mapped to a 23cM region on chromosome 19p13.3-p13.2 with a maximum multipoint LOD score of 5.338 at markers D9S427 and D9S1034. Genome sequencing revealed a missense variant in the TUBB4 (tubulin beta-4; Arg2Gly) gene as the likely cause of disease. Sequencing of TUBB4 in 394 unrelated dystonia patients revealed another missense variant (Ala271Thr) in a familial case of segmental dystonia with spasmodic dysphonia. mRNA expression studies demonstrated significantly reduced levels of mutant TUBB4 mRNA in different cell types from a heterozygous Arg2Gly mutation carrier compared to controls. INTERPRETATION A mutation in TUBB4 causes DYT4 dystonia in this Australian family with so-called whispering dysphonia, and other mutations in TUBB4 may contribute to spasmodic dysphonia. Given that TUBB4 is a neuronally expressed tubulin, our results imply abnormal microtubule function as a novel mechanism in the pathophysiology of dystonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Lohmann
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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Petrucci S, Valente EM. Genetic issues in the diagnosis of dystonias. Front Neurol 2013; 4:34. [PMID: 23596437 PMCID: PMC3622056 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2013.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystonias are heterogeneous hyperkinetic movement disorders characterized by involuntary muscle contractions which result in twisting and repetitive movements and abnormal postures. Several causative genes have been identified, but their genetic bases still remain elusive. Primary Torsion Dystonias (PTDs), in which dystonia is the only clinical sign, can be inherited in a monogenic fashion, and many genes and loci have been identified for autosomal dominant (DYT1/TOR1A; DYT6/THAP1; DYT4/TUBB4a; DYT7; DYT13; DYT21; DYT23/CIZ1; DYT24/ANO3; DYT25/GNAL) and recessive (DYT2; DYT17) forms. However most sporadic cases, especially those with late-onset, are likely multifactorial, with genetic and environmental factors interplaying to reach a threshold of disease. At present, genetic counseling of dystonia patients remains a difficult task. Recently non-motor clinical findings in dystonias, new highlights in the pathophysiology of the disease, and the availability of high-throughput genome-wide techniques are proving useful tools to better understand the complexity of PTD genetics. We briefly review the genetic basis of the most common forms of hereditary PTDs, and discuss relevant issues related to molecular diagnosis and genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Petrucci
- Neurogenetics Unit, CSS-Mendel Laboratory, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy ; Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome Rome, Italy
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Abstract
A number of genetic causes of movement disorders including Parkinson disease, dystonia, restless legs syndrome or essential tremor have been elucidated in recent years. This process was accelerated by novel technologies including genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and next generation sequencing (NGS). Although monogenic forms are overall rare, they provide a unique opportunity to investigate mutation carriers who are still in the presymptomatic phase. As these subjects present individuals at risk to develop the disease, they have been included in longitudinal studies to unravel disease mechanisms and elucidate novel therapeutic targets. In addition, cell culture and animal studies have been performed to functionally characterize proteins mutated in different movement disorders to provide further insight into disturbed cellular pathways. In this article, we summarize known monogenic forms and the associated phenotype as well as genetic risk factors and review the function of relevant genes and proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Lohmann
- Institut für Neurogenetik, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Deutschland.
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Zhao Y, Xiao J, Gong S, Clara JA, Ledoux MS. Neural expression of the transcription factor THAP1 during development in rat. Neuroscience 2012; 231:282-95. [PMID: 23219941 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.11.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Revised: 11/24/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Loss of function mutations in THAP1 has been associated with primary generalized and focal dystonia in children and adults. THAP1 encodes a transcription factor (THAP1) that harbors an atypical zinc finger domain and plays a critical role in G(1)-S cell cycle control. Current thinking suggests that dystonia may be a neurodevelopmental circuit disorder. Hence, THAP1 may participate in the development of the nervous system. Herein, we report the neurodevelopmental expression patterns of Thap1 transcript and THAP1 protein from the early postnatal period through adulthood in the rat brain, spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia (DRG). We detected Thap1 transcript and THAP1-immunoreactivity (IR) in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, striatum, substantia nigra, thalamus, spinal cord and DRG. Thap1 transcript expression was higher in the brain than in spinal cord and DRG at P1 and P7 and declined to similar levels at P14 and later time points in all regions except the cerebellum, where it remained high through adulthood. In the brain, THAP1 expression was highest in early development, particularly in the cerebellum at P7. In addition to Purkinje cells in the cerebellum, THAP1-IR was also localized to pyramidal neurons in the cerebral cortex, relay neurons in the thalamus, medium spiny and cholinergic neurons in the striatum, dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, and pyramidal and interneurons in the hippocampus. In the cerebellar cortex, THAP1-IR was prominently distributed in the perikarya and proximal dendrites of Purkinje cells at early time-points. In contrast, it was more diffusely distributed throughout the dendritic arbor of adult Purkinje cells producing a moderate diffuse staining pattern in the molecular layer. At all time points, nuclear IR was weaker than cytoplasmic IR. The prominent cytoplasmic and developmentally regulated expression of THAP1 suggests that THAP1 may function as part of a cell surface-nucleus signaling cascade involved in terminal neural differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Zhao
- Department of Neurology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
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Dobričić VS, Kresojević ND, Svetel MV, Janković MZ, Petrović IN, Tomić AD, Novaković IV, Kostić VS. Mutation screening of the DYT6/THAP1 gene in Serbian patients with primary dystonia. J Neurol 2012. [PMID: 23180184 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-012-6753-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Primary dystonia (PrD) is characterized by sustained muscle contractions, causing twisting and repetitive movements and abnormal postures. Besides DYT1/TOR1A gene, DYT6/THAP1 gene is the second gene known to cause primary pure dystonia. We screened 281 Serbian primary dystonia patients and 106 neurologically healthy control individuals for the GAG deletion in TOR1A gene and for mutations in THAP1 gene by direct sequencing. Nine subjects were found to have the GAG deletion in TOR1A gene. Four coding mutations, including two novel mutations, were identified in the THAP1 gene in five unrelated patients. Two mutations were missense, one was nonsense, and one was 24 bp duplication. None of the coding mutations were seen in 106 control individuals. In addition, one novel nucleotide change in the 5'UTR region of THAP1 gene was detected in two unrelated patients. The mutation frequency of THAP1 gene in Serbian patients with primary dystonia was 1.8 %, similar to the mutation frequency in other populations. Most of the patients reported here with THAP1 mutations had the clinical features of predominantly laryngeal or oromandibular dystonia. Our data expand the genotypic spectrum of THAP1 and strengthen the association with upper body involvement, including the cranial and cervical regions that are usually spared in DYT1-PrD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerija S Dobričić
- Institute of Neurology CCS, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 6, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Paudel R, Hardy J, Revesz T, Holton JL, Houlden H. Review: Genetics and neuropathology of primary pure dystonia. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2012; 38:520-34. [PMID: 22897341 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.2012.01298.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R Paudel
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience Queen Square Brain Bank and UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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