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Hussain T, Sanchez K, Crayton J, Saha D, Jeter C, Lu Y, Abba M, Seo R, Noebels JL, Fonken L, Aldaz CM. WWOX P47T partial loss-of-function mutation induces epilepsy, progressive neuroinflammation, and cerebellar degeneration in mice phenocopying human SCAR12. Prog Neurobiol 2023; 223:102425. [PMID: 36828035 PMCID: PMC10835625 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2023.102425] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
WWOX gene loss-of-function (LoF) has been associated with neuropathologies resulting in developmental, epileptic, and ataxic phenotypes of varying severity based on the level of WWOX dysfunction. WWOX gene biallelic germline variant p.Pro47Thr (P47T) has been causally associated with a new form of autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia with epilepsy and intellectual disability (SCAR12, MIM:614322). This mutation affecting the WW1 protein binding domain of WWOX, impairs its interaction with canonical proline-proline-X-tyrosine motifs in partner proteins. We generated a mutant knock-in mouse model of Wwox P47T mutation that phenocopies human SCAR12. WwoxP47T/P47T mice displayed epilepsy, profound social behavior and cognition deficits, and poor motor coordination, and unlike KO models that survive only for 1 month, live beyond 1 year of age. These deficits progressed with age and mice became practically immobile, suggesting severe cerebellar dysfunction. WwoxP47T/P47T mice brains revealed signs of progressive neuroinflammation with elevated astro-microgliosis that increased with age. Cerebellar cortex displayed significantly reduced molecular and granular layer thickness and a strikingly reduced number of Purkinje cells with degenerated dendrites. Transcriptome profiling from various brain regions of WW domain LoF mice highlighted widespread changes in neuronal and glial pathways, enrichment of bioprocesses related to neuroinflammation, and severe cerebellar dysfunction. Our results show significant pathobiological effects and potential mechanisms through which WWOX partial LoF leads to epilepsy, cerebellar neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and ataxia. Additionally, the mouse model described here will be a useful tool to understand the role of WWOX in common neurodegenerative conditions in which this gene has been identified as a novel risk factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabish Hussain
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Kevin Sanchez
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Jennifer Crayton
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Dhurjhoti Saha
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Collene Jeter
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Yue Lu
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Martin Abba
- Centro de Investigaciones Inmunológicas Básicas y Aplicadas, School of Medicine, Universidad de La Plata, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Ryan Seo
- Developmental Neurogenetics Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Noebels
- Developmental Neurogenetics Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Laura Fonken
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - C Marcelo Aldaz
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA.
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The WWOX/HIF1A Axis Downregulation Alters Glucose Metabolism and Predispose to Metabolic Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063326. [PMID: 35328751 PMCID: PMC8955937 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent reports indicate that the hypoxia-induced factor (HIF1α) and the Warburg effect play an initiating role in glucotoxicity, which underlies disorders in metabolic diseases. WWOX has been identified as a HIF1α regulator. WWOX downregulation leads to an increased expression of HIF1α target genes encoding glucose transporters and glycolysis’ enzymes. It has been proven in the normoglycemic mice cells and in gestational diabetes patients. The aim of the study was to determine WWOX’s role in glucose metabolism regulation in hyperglycemia and hypoxia to confirm its importance in the development of metabolic disorders. For this purpose, the WWOX gene was silenced in human normal fibroblasts, and then cells were cultured under different sugar and oxygen levels. Thereafter, it was investigated how WWOX silencing alters the genes and proteins expression profile of glucose transporters and glycolysis pathway enzymes, and their activity. In normoxia normoglycemia, higher glycolysis genes expression, their activity, and the lactate concentration were observed in WWOX KO fibroblasts in comparison to control cells. In normoxia hyperglycemia, it was observed a decrease of insulin-dependent glucose uptake and a further increase of lactate. It likely intensifies hyperglycemia condition, which deepen the glucose toxic effect. Then, in hypoxia hyperglycemia, WWOX KO caused weaker glucose uptake and elevated lactate production. In conclusion, the WWOX/HIF1A axis downregulation alters glucose metabolism and probably predispose to metabolic disorders.
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Molecular Biology of the WWOX Gene That Spans Chromosomal Fragile Site FRA16D. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071637. [PMID: 34210081 PMCID: PMC8305172 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071637] [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: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now more than 20 years since the FRA16D common chromosomal fragile site was characterised and the WWOX gene spanning this site was identified. In this time, much information has been discovered about its contribution to disease; however, the normal biological role of WWOX is not yet clear. Experiments leading to the identification of the WWOX gene are recounted, revealing enigmatic relationships between the fragile site, its gene and the encoded protein. We also highlight research mainly using the genetically tractable model organism Drosophila melanogaster that has shed light on the integral role of WWOX in metabolism. In addition to this role, there are some particularly outstanding questions that remain regarding WWOX, its gene and its chromosomal location. This review, therefore, also aims to highlight two unanswered questions. Firstly, what is the biological relationship between the WWOX gene and the FRA16D common chromosomal fragile site that is located within one of its very large introns? Secondly, what is the actual substrate and product of the WWOX enzyme activity? It is likely that understanding the normal role of WWOX and its relationship to chromosomal fragility are necessary in order to understand how the perturbation of these normal roles results in disease.
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Kośla K, Płuciennik E, Styczeń-Binkowska E, Nowakowska M, Orzechowska M, Bednarek AK. The WWOX Gene Influences Cellular Pathways in the Neuronal Differentiation of Human Neural Progenitor Cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:391. [PMID: 31543760 PMCID: PMC6730490 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain is the most functionally organized structure of all organs. It manages behavior, perception and higher cognitive functions. The WWOX gene is non-classical tumor suppressor gene, which has been shown to have an impact on proliferation, apoptosis and migration processes. Moreover, genetic aberrations in WWOX induce severe neuropathological phenotypes in humans and rodents. The aim of the present study was to investigate in detail the impact of WWOX on human neural progenitor cell (hNPC) maintenance and how depletion of WWOX disturbs signaling pathways playing a pivotal role in neuronal differentiation and central nervous system (CNS) organogenesis. hNPC with a silenced WWOX gene exhibited lowered mitochondrial redox potential, enhanced adhesion to fibronectin and extracellular matrix protein mixture, downregulation of MMP2/9 expression and impaired 3D growth. Global transcriptome analysis using cap analysis of gene expression (CAGE) found that WWOX downregulation significantly changes the expression of multiple genes engaged in cytoskeleton organization, adhesion, cell signaling and chromatin remodeling. The massive changes in gene expression caused by WWOX silencing may strongly affect the differentiation and migration of neurons in organogenesis, brain injury, cancerogenesis or neurodifferentiation. WWOX gene appears to be an important regulator of neural tissue architecture and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kośla
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Płuciennik
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | | | - Magdalena Nowakowska
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | | | - Andrzej K Bednarek
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
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Abu-Remaileh M, Abu-Remaileh M, Akkawi R, Knani I, Udi S, Pacold ME, Tam J, Aqeilan RI. WWOX somatic ablation in skeletal muscles alters glucose metabolism. Mol Metab 2019; 22:132-140. [PMID: 30755385 PMCID: PMC6437662 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE WWOX, a well-established tumor suppressor, is frequently lost in cancer and plays important roles in DNA damage response and cellular metabolism. METHODS We re-analyzed several genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using the Type 2 Diabetes Knowledge Portal website to uncover WWOX's association with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Using several engineered mouse models, we studied the effect of somatic WWOX loss on glucose homeostasis. RESULTS Several WWOX variants were found to be strongly associated with MetS disorders. In mouse models, somatic ablation of Wwox in skeletal muscle (WwoxΔSKM) results in weight gain, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance. Furthermore, WwoxΔSKM mice display reduced amounts of slow-twitch fibers, decreased mitochondrial quantity and activity, and lower glucose oxidation levels. Mechanistically, we found that WWOX physically interacts with the cellular energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and that its loss is associated with impaired activation of AMPK, and with significant accumulation of the hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α) in SKM. CONCLUSIONS Our studies uncover an unforeseen role of the tumor suppressor WWOX in whole-body glucose homeostasis and highlight the intimate relationship between cancer progression and metabolic disorders, particularly obesity and type-2 diabetes. SUBJECT AREAS Genetics, Metabolic Syndrome, Diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhannad Abu-Remaileh
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Department of Immunology and Cancer Research-IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Monther Abu-Remaileh
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Rania Akkawi
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Department of Immunology and Cancer Research-IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ibrahim Knani
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Shiran Udi
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Micheal E Pacold
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Langone Medical Center, 522 First Avenue, Smilow 907, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joseph Tam
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Rami I Aqeilan
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Department of Immunology and Cancer Research-IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Davids M, Markello T, Wolfe LA, Chepa-Lotrea X, Tifft CJ, Gahl WA, Malicdan MCV. Early infantile-onset epileptic encephalopathy 28 due to a homozygous microdeletion involving the WWOX gene in a region of uniparental disomy. Hum Mutat 2018; 40:42-47. [PMID: 30362252 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The genetic etiologies of many rare disorders, including early infantile epileptic encephalopathies, are largely undiagnosed. A 6-year-old girl was admitted to the National Institutes of Health Undiagnosed Diseases Program with profound intellectual disability, infantile-onset seizures, chronic respiratory failure, facial dysmorphisms, skeletal abnormalities, and atrial septum defect. A large region of homozygosity was discovered on chromosome 16, spanning 16q22.1-16q24.3' caused by uniparental disomy (UPD) that included a maternally inherited homozygous microdeletion covering exon 6 of WWOX (NM_016373.3). mRNA expression analysis revealed that the deletion led to nonsense-mediated decay of the NM_016373.3 transcript; the exon 6 of an alternative transcript (NM_130791.3), lacking the short-chain dehydrogenase, was utilized. The microdeletion in WWOX explains the seizures and intellectual disability, while pathogenic variants in another gene, HSPG2, are likely responsible for the patient's skeletal abnormalities. This report describes a rare autosomal recessive disorder with multiple genetic etiologies, one of which involves UPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariska Davids
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, Office of the Director, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Thomas Markello
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, Office of the Director, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.,Office of the Clinical Director, NHGRI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lynne A Wolfe
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, Office of the Director, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.,Office of the Clinical Director, NHGRI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Xenia Chepa-Lotrea
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, Office of the Director, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Cynthia J Tifft
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, Office of the Director, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.,Office of the Clinical Director, NHGRI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - William A Gahl
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, Office of the Director, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.,Office of the Clinical Director, NHGRI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - May Christine V Malicdan
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, Office of the Director, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.,Office of the Clinical Director, NHGRI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
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Liu CC, Ho PC, Lee IT, Chen YA, Chu CH, Teng CC, Wu SN, Sze CI, Chiang MF, Chang NS. WWOX Phosphorylation, Signaling, and Role in Neurodegeneration. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:563. [PMID: 30158849 PMCID: PMC6104168 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Homozygous null mutation of tumor suppressor WWOX/Wwox gene leads to severe neural diseases, metabolic disorders and early death in the newborns of humans, mice and rats. WWOX is frequently downregulated in the hippocampi of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In vitro analysis revealed that knockdown of WWOX protein in neuroblastoma cells results in aggregation of TRAPPC6AΔ, TIAF1, amyloid β, and Tau in a sequential manner. Indeed, TRAPPC6AΔ and TIAF1, but not tau and amyloid β, aggregates are present in the brains of healthy mid-aged individuals. It is reasonable to assume that very slow activation of a protein aggregation cascade starts sequentially with TRAPPC6AΔ and TIAF1 aggregation at mid-ages, then caspase activation and APP de-phosphorylation and degradation, and final accumulation of amyloid β and Tau aggregates in the brains at greater than 70 years old. WWOX binds Tau-hyperphosphorylating enzymes (e.g., GSK-3β) and blocks their functions, thereby supporting neuronal survival and differentiation. As a neuronal protective hormone, 17β-estradiol (E2) binds WWOX at an NSYK motif in the C-terminal SDR (short-chain alcohol dehydrogenase/reductase) domain. In this review, we discuss how WWOX and E2 block protein aggregation during neurodegeneration, and how a 31-amino-acid zinc finger-like Zfra peptide restores memory loss in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan-Chuan Liu
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, National Cheng Kung University College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Cheng Kung University College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chuan Ho
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Cheng Kung University College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - I-Ting Lee
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Cheng Kung University College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-An Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hsien Chu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Cheng Kung University College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chuan Teng
- Department of Nursing, Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion Research Center, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Nan Wu
- Department of Physiology, National Cheng Kung University College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-I Sze
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, National Cheng Kung University College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Cheng Kung University College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Fu Chiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Mackay Medicine, Nursing and Management College, Graduate Institute of Injury Prevention and Control, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nan-Shan Chang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Cheng Kung University College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Cheng Kung University College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, New York, NY, United States.,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Fan J, Sun W, Lin M, Yu K, Wang J, Duan D, Zheng B, Yang Z, Wang Q. Genetic association study identifies a functional CNV in the WWOX gene contributes to the risk of intracranial aneurysms. Oncotarget 2017; 7:16104-11. [PMID: 26910372 PMCID: PMC4941300 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) accounts for 85% of hemorrhagic stroke. Genetic factors have been known to play an important role in the development of IAs. A functional CNV (CNV-67048) of human WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX), which has been identified as a tumor suppressor gene in multiple cancers, was identified to be associated with gliomas risk previously. Here, we hypothesized that the CNV-67048 could also affect susceptibility of IAs. Based on a two-stage, case− control study with a total of 976 patients of IAs and 1,200 matched healthy controls, we found the effect size for per copy deletion was 1.35 (95% CI = 1.16–1.57; Ptrend = 1.18 × 10−4). Compared with the individuals having no deletion, significantly higher risk of IAs was detected for both subjects carrying 1 copy deletion (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.02–1.52) and subjects carrying 2 copy deletion (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.24–2.53). Real-time PCR was used to confirm the abnormal expression of WWOX in tissues of IA patients and influence of genotypes of CNV-67048. The expression level of WWOX in IA tissues was significantly lower than that in corresponding normal tissues (P = 0.004), and the deletion genotypes of CNV-67048 have lower WWOX mRNA levels in both tumor tissues and border tissues (P < 0.01). Our data suggests that the deletion genotypes of CNV-67048 in WWOX predispose their carriers to IAs, which might be a genetic biomarker to predict risk of IAs in Chinese.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Fan
- Department of Neurology, Chengdu Military General Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Wen Sun
- Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Lin
- Department of Neurology, Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Command, PLA and Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ke Yu
- Department of Neurology, Chengdu Military General Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurology, Chengdu Military General Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Dan Duan
- Department of Neurology, Chengdu Military General Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Chengdu Military General Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenghui Yang
- Department of Neurology, Chengdu Military General Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingsong Wang
- Department of Neurology, Chengdu Military General Hospital, Chengdu, China
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Abu-Remaileh M, Joy-Dodson E, Schueler-Furman O, Aqeilan RI. Pleiotropic Functions of Tumor Suppressor WWOX in Normal and Cancer Cells. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:30728-35. [PMID: 26499798 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.r115.676346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX), originally marked as a likely tumor suppressor gene, has over the years become recognized for its role in a much wider range of cellular activities. Phenotypic effects displayed in animal studies, along with resolution of WWOX's architecture, fold, and binding partners, point to the protein's multifaceted biological functions. Results from a series of complementary experiments seem to indicate WWOX's involvement in metabolic regulation. More recently, clinical studies involving cases of severe encephalopathy suggest that WWOX also plays a part in controlling CNS development, further expanding our understanding of the breadth and complexity of WWOX behavior. Here we present a short overview of the various approaches taken to study this dynamic gene, emphasizing the most recent findings regarding WWOX's metabolic- and CNS-associated functions and their underlying molecular basis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Joy-Dodson
- Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel 91120
| | - Ora Schueler-Furman
- Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel 91120
| | - Rami I Aqeilan
- From the Departments of Immunology & Cancer Research and
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10
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Chang HT, Liu CC, Chen ST, Yap YV, Chang NS, Sze CI. WW domain-containing oxidoreductase in neuronal injury and neurological diseases. Oncotarget 2015; 5:11792-9. [PMID: 25537520 PMCID: PMC4322972 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The human and mouse WWOX/Wwox gene encodes a candidate tumor suppressor WW domain-containing oxidoreductase protein. This gene is located on a common fragile site FRA16D. WWOX participates in a variety of cellular events and acts as a transducer in the many signal pathways, including TNF, chemotherapeutic drugs, UV irradiation, Wnt, TGF-β, C1q, Hyal-2, sex steroid hormones, and others. While transiently overexpressed WWOX restricts relocation of transcription factors to the nucleus for suppressing cancer survival, physiological relevance of this regard in vivo has not been confirmed. Unlike many tumor suppressor genes, mutation of WWOX is rare, raising a question whether WWOX is a driver for cancer initiation. WWOX/Wwox was initially shown to play a crucial role in neural development and in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and neuronal injury. Later on, WWOX/Wwox was shown to participate in the development of epilepsy, mental retardation, and brain developmental defects in mice, rats and humans. Up to date, most of the research and review articles have focused on the involvement of WWOX in cancer. Here, we review the role of WWOX in neural injury and neurological diseases, and provide perspectives for the WWOX-regulated neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Tzu Chang
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chan-Chuan Liu
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shur-Tzu Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ye Vone Yap
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Nan-Shang Chang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. Advanced Optoelectronic Technology Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-I Sze
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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11
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Choo A, O'Keefe LV, Lee CS, Gregory SL, Shaukat Z, Colella A, Lee K, Denton D, Richards RI. Tumor suppressor WWOX moderates the mitochondrial respiratory complex. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2015; 54:745-61. [PMID: 26390919 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile site FRA16D exhibits DNA instability in cancer, resulting in diminished levels of protein from the WWOX gene that spans it. WWOX suppresses tumor growth by an undefined mechanism. WWOX participates in pathways involving aerobic metabolism and reactive oxygen species. WWOX comprises two WW domains as well as a short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase enzyme. Herein is described an in vivo genetic analysis in Drosophila melanogaster to identify functional interactions between WWOX and metabolic pathways. Altered WWOX levels modulate variable cellular outgrowths caused by genetic deficiencies of components of the mitochondrial respiratory complexes. This modulation requires the enzyme active site of WWOX, and the defective respiratory complex-induced cellular outgrowths are mediated by reactive oxygen species, dependent upon the Akt pathway and sensitive to levels of autophagy and hypoxia-inducible factor. WWOX is known to contribute to homeostasis by regulating the balance between oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis. Reduction of WWOX levels results in diminished ability to respond to metabolic perturbation of normal cell growth. Thus, the ability of WWOX to facilitate escape from mitochondrial damage-induced glycolysis (Warburg effect) is, therefore, a plausible mechanism for its tumor suppressor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Choo
- Department of Genetics and Evolution and Centre for Molecular Pathology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Louise V O'Keefe
- Department of Genetics and Evolution and Centre for Molecular Pathology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Cheng Shoou Lee
- Department of Genetics and Evolution and Centre for Molecular Pathology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Stephen L Gregory
- Department of Genetics and Evolution and Centre for Molecular Pathology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Zeeshan Shaukat
- Department of Genetics and Evolution and Centre for Molecular Pathology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Alexander Colella
- Department of Genetics and Evolution and Centre for Molecular Pathology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Kristie Lee
- Department of Genetics and Evolution and Centre for Molecular Pathology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Donna Denton
- Department of Genetics and Evolution and Centre for Molecular Pathology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Robert I Richards
- Department of Genetics and Evolution and Centre for Molecular Pathology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
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O’Keefe LV, Lee CS, Choo A, Richards RI. Tumor Suppressor WWOX Contributes to the Elimination of Tumorigenic Cells in Drosophila melanogaster. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136356. [PMID: 26302329 PMCID: PMC4547717 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
WWOX is a >1Mb gene spanning FRA16D Common Chromosomal Fragile Site, a region of DNA instability in cancer. Consequently, altered WWOX levels have been observed in a wide variety of cancers. In vitro studies have identified a large number and variety of potential roles for WWOX. Although its normal role in vivo and functional contribution to cancer have not been fully defined, WWOX does have an integral role in metabolism and can suppress tumor growth. Using Drosophila melanogaster as an in vivo model system, we find that WWOX is a modulator of TNFα/Egr-mediated cell death. We found that altered levels of WWOX can modify phenotypes generated by low level ectopic expression of TNFα/Egr and this corresponds to altered levels of Caspase 3 activity. These results demonstrate an in vivo role for WWOX in promoting cell death. This form of cell death is accompanied by an increase in levels of reactive oxygen species, the regulation of which we have previously shown can also be modified by altered WWOX activity. We now hypothesise that, through regulation of reactive oxygen species, WWOX constitutes a link between alterations in cellular metabolism observed in cancer cells and their ability to evade normal cell death pathways. We have further shown that WWOX activity is required for the efficient removal of tumorigenic cells from a developing epithelial tissue. Together these results provide a molecular basis for the tumor suppressor functions of WWOX and the better prognosis observed in cancer patients with higher levels of WWOX activity. Understanding the conserved cellular pathways to which WWOX contributes provides novel possibilities for the development of therapeutic approaches to restore WWOX function in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise V. O’Keefe
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Centre for Molecular Pathology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Cheng Shoou Lee
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Centre for Molecular Pathology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Amanda Choo
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Centre for Molecular Pathology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Robert I. Richards
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Centre for Molecular Pathology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Abu-Remaileh M, Seewaldt VL, Aqeilan RI. WWOX loss activates aerobic glycolysis. Mol Cell Oncol 2015; 2:e965640. [PMID: 27308416 PMCID: PMC4904998 DOI: 10.4161/23723548.2014.965640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Revised: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells undergo reprogramming of glucose metabolism to limit energy production to glycolysis-a state known as "aerobic glycolysis." Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1α) is a transcription factor that regulates many genes responsible for this switch. As discussed here, new data suggest that the tumor suppressor WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) modulates HIF1α, thereby regulating this metabolic state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhannad Abu-Remaileh
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology; Department of Immunology and Cancer Research-IMRIC; Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School; Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Victoria L Seewaldt
- Department of Medical Oncology; Duke University Medical Center; Durham, NC USA
| | - Rami I Aqeilan
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology; Department of Immunology and Cancer Research-IMRIC; Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School; Jerusalem, Israel
- Human Cancer Genetics Program; Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center; Columbus, OH USA
- Correspondence to: Rami I Aqeilan;
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Richards RI, Choo A, Lee CS, Dayan S, O'Keefe L. WWOX, the chromosomal fragile site FRA16D spanning gene: its role in metabolism and contribution to cancer. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2015; 240:338-44. [PMID: 25595186 DOI: 10.1177/1535370214565990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The WWOX gene spans the common chromosomal fragile site FRA16D that is located within a massive (780 kb) intron. The WWOX gene is very long, at 1.1 Mb, which may contribute to the very low abundance of the full-length 1.4 kb mRNA. Alternative splicing also accounts for a variety of aberrant transcripts, most of which are devoid of C-terminal sequences required for WWOX to act as an oxidoreductase. The mouse WWOX gene also spans a chromosomal fragile site implying some sort of functional relationship that confers a selective advantage. The encoded protein domains of WWOX are conserved through evolution (between humans and Drosophila melanogaster) and include WW domains, an NAD -binding site, short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase enzyme and nuclear compartmentalization signals. This homology has enabled functional analyses in D. melanogaster that demonstrate roles for WWOX in reactive oxygen species regulation and metabolism. Indeed the human WWOX gene is also responsive to altered metabolism. Cancer cells typically exhibit altered metabolism (Warburg effect). Many cancers exhibit FRA16D DNA instability that results in aberrant WWOX expression and is associated with poor prognosis for these cancers. It is therefore thought that aberrant WWOX expression contributes to the altered metabolism in cancer. In addition, others have found that a specific (low-expression) allele of WWOX genotype contributes to cancer predisposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert I Richards
- Discipline of Genetics and Centre for Molecular Pathology, School of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Amanda Choo
- Discipline of Genetics and Centre for Molecular Pathology, School of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Cheng Shoou Lee
- Discipline of Genetics and Centre for Molecular Pathology, School of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Sonia Dayan
- Discipline of Genetics and Centre for Molecular Pathology, School of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Louise O'Keefe
- Discipline of Genetics and Centre for Molecular Pathology, School of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Nazarian
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Abu-Remaileh M, Aqeilan RI. The tumor suppressor WW domain-containing oxidoreductase modulates cell metabolism. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2014; 240:345-50. [PMID: 25491415 DOI: 10.1177/1535370214561956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) encodes a tumor suppressor that is frequently altered in cancer. WWOX binds several proteins and thus is postulated to be involved in a variety of cellular processes. Interestingly, Wwox-knockout mice develop normally in utero but succumb to hypoglycemia and other metabolic defects early in life resulting in their death by 3-4 weeks of age. Cumulative evidence has linked WWOX with cellular metabolism including steroid metabolism, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) metabolism, bone metabolism and, more recently, glucose metabolism. In this review, we discuss these evolving functions for WWOX and how its deletion affects cellular metabolism and neoplastic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhannad Abu-Remaileh
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Department of Immunology and Cancer Research-IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91220, Israel
| | - Rami I Aqeilan
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Department of Immunology and Cancer Research-IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91220, Israel Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology and Medical Genetics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Aqeilan RI, Abu-Remaileh M, Abu-Odeh M. The common fragile site FRA16D gene product WWOX: roles in tumor suppression and genomic stability. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:4589-99. [PMID: 25245215 PMCID: PMC11113097 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1724-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The fragile WWOX gene, encompassing the chromosomal fragile site FRA16D, is frequently altered in human cancers. While vulnerable to DNA damage itself, recent evidence has shown that the WWOX protein is essential for proper DNA damage response (DDR). Furthermore, the gene product, WWOX, has been associated with multiple protein networks, highlighting its critical functions in normal cell homeostasis. Targeted deletion of Wwox in murine models suggests its in vivo requirement for proper growth, metabolism, and survival. Recent molecular and biochemical analyses of WWOX functions highlighted its role in modulating aerobic glycolysis and genomic stability. Cumulatively, we propose that the gene product of FRA16D, WWOX, is a functionally essential protein that is required for cell homeostasis and that its deletion has important consequences that contribute to the neoplastic process. This review discusses the essential role of WWOX in tumor suppression and genomic stability and how its alteration contributes to cancer transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami I Aqeilan
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91220, Jerusalem, Israel,
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Kośla K, Nowakowska M, Pospiech K, Bednarek AK. WWOX modulates the gene expression profile in the T98G glioblastoma cell line rendering its phenotype less malignant. Oncol Rep 2014; 32:1362-8. [PMID: 25051421 PMCID: PMC4148378 DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.3335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of WWOX gene upregulation on the transcriptome and phenotype of the T98G glioblastoma cell line. The cells with high WWOX expression demonstrated a significantly different transcription profile for approximately 3,000 genes. The main cellular pathways affected were Wnt, TGFβ, Notch and Hedgehog. Moreover, the WWOX-transfected cells proliferated at less than half the rate, exhibited greatly lowered adhesion to ECM, increased apoptosis and impaired 3D culture formation. They also demonstrated an increased ability for crossing the basement membrane. Our results indicate that WWOX, apart from its tumor-suppressor function, appears to be a key regulator of the main cellular functions of the cell cycle and apoptosis. Furthermore, our results showed that WWOX may be involved in controlling metabolism, cytoskeletal structure and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kośla
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
| | - Magdalena Nowakowska
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
| | - Karolina Pospiech
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
| | - Andrzej K Bednarek
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
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Tumor suppressor WWOX regulates glucose metabolism via HIF1α modulation. Cell Death Differ 2014; 21:1805-14. [PMID: 25012504 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2014.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2013] [Revised: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) encodes a tumor suppressor that is frequently lost in many cancer types. Wwox-deficient mice develop normally but succumb to a lethal hypoglycemia early in life. Here, we identify WWOX as a tumor suppressor with emerging role in regulation of aerobic glycolysis. WWOX controls glycolytic genes' expression through hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 1α (HIF1α) regulation. Specifically, WWOX, via its first WW domain, physically interacts with HIF1α and modulates its levels and transactivation function. Consistent with this notion, Wwox-deficient cells exhibited increased HIF1α levels and activity and displayed increased glucose uptake. Remarkably, WWOX deficiency is associated with enhanced glycolysis and diminished mitochondrial respiration, conditions resembling the 'Warburg effect'. Furthermore, Wwox-deficient cells are more tumorigenic and display increased levels of GLUT1 in vivo. Finally, WWOX expression is inversely correlated with GLUT1 levels in breast cancer samples highlighting WWOX as a modulator of cancer metabolism. Our studies uncover an unforeseen role for the tumor-suppressor WWOX in cancer metabolism.
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Stewart DJ, Nunez MI, Jelinek J, Hong D, Gupta S, Aldaz M, Issa JP, Kurzrock R, Wistuba II. Impact of decitabine on immunohistochemistry expression of the putative tumor suppressor genes FHIT, WWOX, FUS1 and PTEN in clinical tumor samples. Clin Epigenetics 2014; 6:13. [PMID: 25024751 PMCID: PMC4094901 DOI: 10.1186/1868-7083-6-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since tumor suppressor gene function may be lost through hypermethylation, we assessed whether the demethylating agent decitabine could increase tumor suppressor gene expression clinically. For fragile histidine triad (FHIT), WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX), fused in sarcoma-1 (FUS1) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), immunohistochemistry scores from pre- and post-decitabine tumor biopsies (25 patients) were correlated with methylation of the long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1) repetitive DNA element (as a surrogate for global DNA methylation) and with tumor regression. RESULTS With negative staining pre-decitabine (score = 0), the number of patients converting to positive staining post-decitabine was 1 of 1 for FHIT, 3 of 6 for WWOX, 2 of 3 for FUS1 and 1 of 10 for PTEN. In tumors with low pre-decitabine tumor suppressor gene scores (≤150), expression was higher post-treatment in 8 of 8 cases for FHIT (P = 0.014), 7 of 17 for WWOX (P = 0.0547), 7 of 12 for FUS1 (P = 0.0726), and 1 of 16 for PTEN (P = 0.2034). If FHIT, WWOX and FUS1 were considered together, median pre- versus post-decitabine scores were 60 versus 100 (P = 0.0002). Overall, tumor suppressor gene expression change did not correlate with LINE-1 demethylation, although tumors converting from negative to positive had a median decrease in LINE-1 methylation of 24%, compared to 6% in those not converting (P = 0.069). Five of 15 fully evaluable patients had reductions in tumor diameter (range 0.2% to 33.4%). Of these, three had simultaneous increases in three tumor suppressor genes (including the two patients with the greatest tumor regression) compared to 2 of 10 with tumor growth (P = 0.25). CONCLUSIONS In tumors with low tumor suppressor gene expression, decitabine may be associated with increased expression of the tumor suppressor genes FHIT, FUS1, and WWOX, but not PTEN.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Stewart
- University of Ottawa, 501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON K1H 8 L6, Canada
| | - Maria I Nunez
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jaroslav Jelinek
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, 3307 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - David Hong
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sanjay Gupta
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Marcelo Aldaz
- UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1808 Park Road 1C, Smithville, TX 78957, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Issa
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, 3307 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- University of California San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ignacio I Wistuba
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Abdel-Salam G, Thoenes M, Afifi HH, Körber F, Swan D, Bolz HJ. The supposed tumor suppressor gene WWOX is mutated in an early lethal microcephaly syndrome with epilepsy, growth retardation and retinal degeneration. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2014; 9:12. [PMID: 24456803 PMCID: PMC3918143 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1172-9-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background WWOX, encoding WW domain-containing oxidoreductase, spans FRA16D, the second most common chromosomal fragile site frequently altered in cancers. It is therefore considered a tumor suppressor gene, but its direct implication in cancerogenesis remains controversial. Methods and results By whole-exome sequencing, we identified a homozygous WWOX nonsense mutation, p.Arg54*, in a girl from a consanguineous family with a severe syndrome of growth retardation, microcephaly, epileptic seizures, retinopathy and early death, a phenotype highly similar to the abormalities reported in lde/lde rats with a spontaneous functional null mutation of Wwox. As in rats, no tumors were observed in the patient or heterozygous mutation carriers. Conclusions Our finding, a homozygous loss-of-function germline mutation in WWOX in a patient with a lethal autosomal recessive syndrome, supports an alternative role of WWOX and indicates its importance for human viability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Hanno Jörn Bolz
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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