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MacKenzie KC, de Graaf BM, Syrimis A, Zhao Y, Brosens E, Mancini GMS, Schot R, Halley D, Wilke M, Vøllo A, Flinter F, Green A, Mansour S, Pilch J, Stark Z, Zamba-Papanicolaou E, Christophidou-Anastasiadou V, Hofstra RMW, Jongbloed JDH, Nicolaou N, Tanteles GA, Brooks AS, Alves MM. Goldberg-Shprintzen syndrome is determined by the absence, or reduced expression levels, of KIFBP. Hum Mutat 2020; 41:1906-1917. [PMID: 32939943 PMCID: PMC7693350 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Goldberg-Shprintzen syndrome (GOSHS) is caused by loss of function variants in the kinesin binding protein gene (KIFBP). However, the phenotypic range of this syndrome is wide, indicating that other factors may play a role. To date, 37 patients with GOSHS have been reported. Here, we document nine new patients with variants in KIFBP: seven with nonsense variants and two with missense variants. To our knowledge, this is the first time that missense variants have been reported in GOSHS. We functionally investigated the effect of the variants identified, in an attempt to find a genotype-phenotype correlation. We also determined whether common Hirschsprung disease (HSCR)-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), could explain the presence of HSCR in GOSHS. Our results showed that the missense variants led to reduced expression of KIFBP, while the truncating variants resulted in lack of protein. However, no correlation was found between the severity of GOSHS and the location of the variants. We were also unable to find a correlation between common HSCR-associated SNPs, and HSCR development in GOSHS. In conclusion, we show that reduced, as well as lack of KIFBP expression can lead to GOSHS, and our results suggest that a threshold expression of KIFBP may modulate phenotypic variability of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine C MacKenzie
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bianca M de Graaf
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas Syrimis
- Department of Clinical Genetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics and Archbishop Makarios III Medical Centre, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Yuying Zhao
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin Brosens
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Grazia M S Mancini
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rachel Schot
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dicky Halley
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martina Wilke
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arve Vøllo
- Department of Paediatrics, Sykehuset Østfold HF, Fredrikstad, Norway
| | - Frances Flinter
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Andrew Green
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Children's Hospital Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sahar Mansour
- South West Thames Regional Genetic Service, St George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK
| | - Jacek Pilch
- Department of Child Neurology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Zornitza Stark
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - Robert M W Hofstra
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan D H Jongbloed
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nayia Nicolaou
- Department of Clinical Genetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics and Archbishop Makarios III Medical Centre, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - George A Tanteles
- Department of Clinical Genetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics and Archbishop Makarios III Medical Centre, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Alice S Brooks
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria M Alves
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Kostouros A, Koliarakis I, Natsis K, Spandidos DA, Tsatsakis A, Tsiaoussis J. Large intestine embryogenesis: Molecular pathways and related disorders (Review). Int J Mol Med 2020; 46:27-57. [PMID: 32319546 PMCID: PMC7255481 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The large intestine, part of the gastrointestinal tract (GI), is composed of all three germ layers, namely the endoderm, the mesoderm and the ectoderm, forming the epithelium, the smooth muscle layers and the enteric nervous system, respectively. Since gastrulation, these layers develop simultaneously during embryogenesis, signaling to each other continuously until adult age. Two invaginations, the anterior intestinal portal (AIP) and the caudal/posterior intestinal portal (CIP), elongate and fuse, creating the primitive gut tube, which is then patterned along the antero‑posterior (AP) axis and the radial (RAD) axis in the context of left‑right (LR) asymmetry. These events lead to the formation of three distinct regions, the foregut, midgut and hindgut. All the above‑mentioned phenomena are under strict control from various molecular pathways, which are critical for the normal intestinal development and function. Specifically, the intestinal epithelium constitutes a constantly developing tissue, deriving from the progenitor stem cells at the bottom of the intestinal crypt. Epithelial differentiation strongly depends on the crosstalk with the adjacent mesoderm. Major molecular pathways that are implicated in the embryogenesis of the large intestine include the canonical and non‑canonical wingless‑related integration site (Wnt), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), Notch and hedgehog systems. The aberrant regulation of these pathways inevitably leads to several intestinal malformation syndromes, such as atresia, stenosis, or agangliosis. Novel theories, involving the regulation and homeostasis of intestinal stem cells, suggest an embryological basis for the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Thus, the present review article summarizes the diverse roles of these molecular factors in intestinal embryogenesis and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Kostouros
- Laboratory of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion
| | - Ioannis Koliarakis
- Laboratory of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion
| | - Konstantinos Natsis
- Department of Anatomy and Surgical Anatomy, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki
| | | | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
| | - John Tsiaoussis
- Laboratory of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion
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Luzón-Toro B, Fernández RM, Villalba-Benito L, Torroglosa A, Antiñolo G, Borrego S. Influencers on Thyroid Cancer Onset: Molecular Genetic Basis. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:E913. [PMID: 31717449 PMCID: PMC6895808 DOI: 10.3390/genes10110913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer, a cancerous tumor or growth located within the thyroid gland, is the most common endocrine cancer. It is one of the few cancers whereby incidence rates have increased in recent years. It occurs in all age groups, from children through to seniors. Most studies are focused on dissecting its genetic basis, since our current knowledge of the genetic background of the different forms of thyroid cancer is far from complete, which poses a challenge for diagnosis and prognosis of the disease. In this review, we describe prevailing advances and update our understanding of the molecular genetics of thyroid cancer, focusing on the main genes related with the pathology, including the different noncoding RNAs associated with the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Luzón-Toro
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain; (B.L.-T.); (R.M.F.); (L.V.-B.); (A.T.); (G.A.)
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Raquel María Fernández
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain; (B.L.-T.); (R.M.F.); (L.V.-B.); (A.T.); (G.A.)
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Leticia Villalba-Benito
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain; (B.L.-T.); (R.M.F.); (L.V.-B.); (A.T.); (G.A.)
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Ana Torroglosa
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain; (B.L.-T.); (R.M.F.); (L.V.-B.); (A.T.); (G.A.)
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Guillermo Antiñolo
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain; (B.L.-T.); (R.M.F.); (L.V.-B.); (A.T.); (G.A.)
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Salud Borrego
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain; (B.L.-T.); (R.M.F.); (L.V.-B.); (A.T.); (G.A.)
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 41013 Seville, Spain
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Torroglosa A, Villalba-Benito L, Luzón-Toro B, Fernández RM, Antiñolo G, Borrego S. Epigenetic Mechanisms in Hirschsprung Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133123. [PMID: 31247956 PMCID: PMC6650840 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hirschsprung disease (HSCR, OMIM 142623) is due to a failure of enteric precursor cells derived from neural crest (EPCs) to proliferate, migrate, survive or differentiate during Enteric Nervous System (ENS) formation. This is a complex process which requires a strict regulation that results in an ENS specific gene expression pattern. Alterations at this level lead to the onset of neurocristopathies such as HSCR. Gene expression is regulated by different mechanisms, such as DNA modifications (at the epigenetic level), transcriptional mechanisms (transcription factors, silencers, enhancers and repressors), postranscriptional mechanisms (3′UTR and ncRNA) and regulation of translation. All these mechanisms are finally implicated in cell signaling to determine the migration, proliferation, differentiation and survival processes for correct ENS development. In this review, we have performed an overview on the role of epigenetic mechanisms at transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels on these cellular events in neural crest cells (NCCs), ENS development, as well as in HSCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Torroglosa
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain.
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 41013 Seville, Spain.
| | - Leticia Villalba-Benito
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain.
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 41013 Seville, Spain.
| | - Berta Luzón-Toro
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain.
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 41013 Seville, Spain.
| | - Raquel María Fernández
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain.
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 41013 Seville, Spain.
| | - Guillermo Antiñolo
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain.
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 41013 Seville, Spain.
| | - Salud Borrego
- Department of Maternofetal Medicine, Genetics and Reproduction, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain.
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 41013 Seville, Spain.
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Di Zanni E, Adamo A, Belligni E, Lerone M, Martucciello G, Mattioli G, Pini Prato A, Ravazzolo R, Silengo M, Bachetti T, Ceccherini I. Common PHOX2B poly-alanine contractions impair RET gene transcription, predisposing to Hirschsprung disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1863:1770-1777. [PMID: 28433712 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
HSCR is a congenital disorder of the enteric nervous system, characterized by the absence of neurons along a variable length of the gut resulting from loss-of-function RET mutations. Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS) is a rare neurocristopathy characterized by impaired response to hypercapnia and hypoxemia caused by heterozygous mutations of the PHOX2B gene, mostly polyalanine (polyA) expansions but also missense, nonsense, and frameshift mutations, while polyA contractions are common in the population and believed neutral. HSCR associated CCHS can present in patients carrying PHOX2B mutations. Indeed, RET expression is orchestrated by different transcriptional factors among which PHOX2B, thus suggesting its possible role in HSCR pathogenesis. Following the observation of HSCR patients carrying in frame trinucleotide deletions within the polyalanine stretch in exon 3 (polyA contractions), we have verified the hypothesis that these PHOX2B variants do reduce its transcriptional activity, likely resulting in a down-regulation of RET expression and, consequently, favouring the development of the HSCR phenotype. Using proper reporter constructs, we show here that the in vitro transactivation of the RET promoter by different HSCR-associated PHOX2B polyA variants has resulted significantly lower compared to the effect of PHOX2B wild type protein. In particular, polyA contractions do induce a reduced transactivation of the RET promoter, milder compared to the severe polyA expansions associated with CCHS+HSCR, and correlated with the length of the deleted trait, with a more pronounced effect when contractions are larger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Di Zanni
- UOC Genetica Medica, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16148, Genova, Italy
| | - Annalisa Adamo
- UOC Genetica Medica, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16148, Genova, Italy
| | - Elga Belligni
- Dipartimento Scienze della Sanità Pubblica e Pediatriche, Università di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Margherita Lerone
- UOC Genetica Medica, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16148, Genova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Martucciello
- UOC Chirurgia, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16148 Genova, Italy; DiNOGMI, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | | | | | - Roberto Ravazzolo
- UOC Genetica Medica, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16148, Genova, Italy; DiNOGMI, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Margherita Silengo
- Dipartimento Scienze della Sanità Pubblica e Pediatriche, Università di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bachetti
- UOC Genetica Medica, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16148, Genova, Italy
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Bondurand N, Southard-Smith EM. Mouse models of Hirschsprung disease and other developmental disorders of the enteric nervous system: Old and new players. Dev Biol 2016; 417:139-57. [PMID: 27370713 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hirschsprung disease (HSCR, intestinal aganglionosis) is a multigenic disorder with variable penetrance and severity that has a general population incidence of 1/5000 live births. Studies using animal models have contributed to our understanding of the developmental origins of HSCR and the genetic complexity of this disease. This review summarizes recent progress in understanding control of enteric nervous system (ENS) development through analyses in mouse models. An overview of signaling pathways that have long been known to control the migration, proliferation and differentiation of enteric neural progenitors into and along the developing gut is provided as a framework for the latest information on factors that influence enteric ganglia formation and maintenance. Newly identified genes and additional factors beyond discrete genes that contribute to ENS pathology including regulatory sequences, miRNAs and environmental factors are also introduced. Finally, because HSCR has become a paradigm for complex oligogenic diseases with non-Mendelian inheritance, the importance of gene interactions, modifier genes, and initial studies on genetic background effects are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadege Bondurand
- INSERM, U955, Equipe 6, F-94000 Creteil, France; Universite Paris-Est, UPEC, F-94000 Creteil, France.
| | - E Michelle Southard-Smith
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, 2215 Garland Ave, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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Griseri P, Garrone O, Lo Sardo A, Monteverde M, Rusmini M, Tonissi F, Merlano M, Bruzzi P, Lo Nigro C, Ceccherini I. Genetic and epigenetic factors affect RET gene expression in breast cancer cell lines and influence survival in patients. Oncotarget 2016; 7:26465-79. [PMID: 27034161 PMCID: PMC5041993 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Germline and somatic mutations play a crucial role in breast cancer (BC), driving the initiation, progression, response to therapy and outcome of the disease. Hormonal therapy is limited to patients with tumors expressing steroid hormone receptors, such as estrogen receptor (ER), nevertheless resistance often limits its success.The RET gene is known to be involved in neurocristopathies such as Hirschsprung disease and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2, in the presence of loss-of-function and gain-of-function mutations, respectively. More recently, RET over-expression has emerged as a new player in ER-positive (ER+) BC, and as a potential target to enhance sensitivity and avoid resistance to tamoxifen therapy.Therefore, targeting the RET pathway may lead to new therapies in ER+ BC. To this end, we have investigated the molecular mechanisms which underlie RET overexpression and its possible modulation in two BC cell lines, MCF7 and T47D, showing different RET expression levels. Moreover, we have carried out a pilot association study in 93 ER+ BC patients. Consistent with the adverse role of RET over-expression in BC, increased overall survival was observed in carriers of the variant allele of SNP rs2435357, a RET polymorphism already known to be associated with reduced RET expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Griseri
- UOC Medical Genetics, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ornella Garrone
- Unit of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, S. Croce & Carle Teaching Hospital, Cuneo, Italy
| | | | - Martino Monteverde
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Translational Oncology, Department of Oncology, S. Croce & Carle Teaching Hospital, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Marta Rusmini
- UOC Medical Genetics, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federica Tonissi
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Translational Oncology, Department of Oncology, S. Croce & Carle Teaching Hospital, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Marco Merlano
- Unit of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, S. Croce & Carle Teaching Hospital, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Paolo Bruzzi
- Clinical Epidemiology, IRCCS AUO San Martino IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cristiana Lo Nigro
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Translational Oncology, Department of Oncology, S. Croce & Carle Teaching Hospital, Cuneo, Italy
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Goldstein AM, Thapar N, Karunaratne TB, De Giorgio R. Clinical aspects of neurointestinal disease: Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Dev Biol 2016; 417:217-28. [PMID: 27059882 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is involved in the regulation of virtually all gut functions. Conditions referred to as enteric neuropathies are the result of various mechanisms including abnormal development, degeneration or loss of enteric neurons that affect the structure and functional integrity of the ENS. In the past decade, clinical and molecular research has led to important conceptual advances in our knowledge of the pathogenetic mechanisms of these disorders. In this review we consider ENS disorders from a clinical perspective and highlight the advancing knowledge regarding their pathophysiology. We also review current therapies for these diseases and present potential novel reparative approaches for their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Center for Neurointestinal Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Nikhil Thapar
- Division of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Department of Gastroenterology, UCL Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Tennekoon Buddhika Karunaratne
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Gastrointestinal System, University of Bologna and St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy; Centro di Ricerca BioMedica Applicata (C.R.B.A.), University of Bologna and St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Gastrointestinal System, University of Bologna and St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy; Centro di Ricerca BioMedica Applicata (C.R.B.A.), University of Bologna and St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
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Ceolin L, Romitti M, Rodrigues Siqueira D, Vaz Ferreira C, Oliboni Scapineli J, Assis-Brazil B, Vieira Maximiano R, Dias Amarante T, de Souza Nunes MC, Weber G, Maia AL. Effect of 3'UTR RET Variants on RET mRNA Secondary Structure and Disease Presentation in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147840. [PMID: 26829565 PMCID: PMC4734678 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The RET S836S variant has been associated with early onset and increased risk for metastatic disease in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). However, the mechanism by which this variant modulates MTC pathogenesis is still open to discuss. Of interest, strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) between RET S836S and 3'UTR variants has been reported in Hirschsprung's disease patients. Objective To evaluate the frequency of the RET 3’UTR variants (rs76759170 and rs3026785) in MTC patients and to determine whether these variants are in LD with S836S polymorphism. Methods Our sample comprised 152 patients with sporadic MTC. The RET S836S and 3’UTR (rs76759170 and rs3026785) variants were genotyped using Custom TaqMan Genotyping Assays. Haplotypes were inferred using the phase 2.1 program. RET mRNA structure was assessed by Vienna Package. Results The mean age of MTC diagnosis was 48.5±15.5 years and 57.9% were women. The minor allele frequencies of RET polymorphisms were as follows: S836S, 5.6%; rs76759170, 5.6%; rs3026785, 6.2%. We observed a strong LD among S836S and 3’UTR variants (|D’| = -1, r2 = 1 and |D’| = -1, r2 = 0,967). Patients harboring the S836S/3’UTR variants presented a higher percentage of lymph node and distant metastasis (P = 0.013 and P<0.001, respectively). Accordingly, RNA folding analyses demonstrated different RNA secondary structure predictions for WT(TCCGT), S836S(TTCGT) or 3’UTR(GTCAC) haplotypes. The S836S/3’UTR haplotype presented a greater number of double helices sections and lower levels of minimal free energy when compared to the wild-type haplotype, suggesting that these variants provides the most thermodynamically stable mRNA structure, which may have functional consequences on the rate of mRNA degradation. Conclusion The RET S836S polymorphism is in LD with 3’UTR variants. In silico analysis indicate that the 3’UTR variants may affect the secondary structure of RET mRNA, suggesting that these variants might play a role in posttranscriptional control of the RET transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucieli Ceolin
- Thyroid Section, Endocrine Division, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Mirian Romitti
- Thyroid Section, Endocrine Division, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Débora Rodrigues Siqueira
- Thyroid Section, Endocrine Division, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Carla Vaz Ferreira
- Thyroid Section, Endocrine Division, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Jessica Oliboni Scapineli
- Thyroid Section, Endocrine Division, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Beatriz Assis-Brazil
- Pathology Department, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo Vieira Maximiano
- Department of Physics, Computational Biophysics Group, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Tauanne Dias Amarante
- Department of Physics, Computational Biophysics Group, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Miriam Celi de Souza Nunes
- Department of Physics, Computational Biophysics Group, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Gerald Weber
- Department of Physics, Computational Biophysics Group, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana Luiza Maia
- Thyroid Section, Endocrine Division, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
- * E-mail:
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10
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Rusmini M, Griseri P, Matera I, Pontarini E, Ravazzolo R, Mavilio D, Ceccherini I. Expression Variability and Function of the RET Gene in Adult Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells. J Cell Physiol 2014; 229:2027-37. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Rusmini
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica; Istituto Giannina Gaslini; Genova Italy
| | - Paola Griseri
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica; Istituto Giannina Gaslini; Genova Italy
| | - Ivana Matera
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica; Istituto Giannina Gaslini; Genova Italy
| | - Elena Pontarini
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology; Humanitas Clinical and Research Center; Rozzano Milan Italy
| | - Roberto Ravazzolo
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica; Istituto Giannina Gaslini; Genova Italy
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Oftalmologia, Genetica e Materno Infantile (DINOGMI); Università di Genova; Genova Italy
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology; Humanitas Clinical and Research Center; Rozzano Milan Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine; University of Milan; Milan Italy
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11
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Vaclavikova E, Dvorakova S, Skaba R, Pos L, Sykorova V, Halkova T, Vcelak J, Bendlova B. RET variants and haplotype analysis in a cohort of Czech patients with Hirschsprung disease. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98957. [PMID: 24897126 PMCID: PMC4045806 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a congenital aganglionosis of myenteric and submucosal plexuses in variable length of the intestine. This study investigated the influence and a possible modifying function of RET proto-oncogene's single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes in the development and phenotype of the disease in Czech patients. Genotyping of 14 SNPs was performed using TaqMan Genotyping Assays and direct sequencing. The frequencies of SNPs and generated haplotypes were statistically evaluated using chi-square test and the association with the risk of HSCR was estimated by odds ratio. SNP analysis revealed significant differences in frequencies of 11 polymorphic RET variants between 162 HSCR patients and 205 unaffected controls. Particularly variant alleles of rs1864410, rs2435357, rs2506004 (intron 1), rs1800858 (exon 2), rs1800861 (exon 13), and rs2565200 (intron 19) were strongly associated with increased risk of HSCR (p<0.00000) and were over-represented in males vs. females. Conversely, variant alleles of rs1800860, rs1799939 and rs1800863 (exons 7, 11, 15) had a protective role. The haploblock comprising variants in intron 1 and exon 2 was constructed. It represented a high risk of HSCR, however, the influence of other variants was also found after pruning from effect of this haploblock. Clustering patients according to genotype status in haploblock revealed a strong co-segregation with several SNPs and pointed out the differences between long and short form of HSCR. This study involved a large number of SNPs along the entire RET proto-oncogene with demonstration of their risk/protective role also in haplotype and diplotype analysis in the Czech population. The influence of some variant alleles on the aggressiveness of the disease and their role in gender manifestation differences was found. These data contribute to worldwide knowledge of the genetics of HSCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliska Vaclavikova
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
| | - Sarka Dvorakova
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Richard Skaba
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Pos
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vlasta Sykorova
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Halkova
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Vcelak
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Bela Bendlova
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic
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12
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Methylation analysis of EDNRB in human colon tissues of Hirschsprung's disease. Pediatr Surg Int 2013; 29:683-8. [PMID: 23579558 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-013-3308-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is characterized by absence of the enteric nervous system in a variable portion of the distal gut. The endothelin receptor type B (EDNRB) gene has been localized to the chromosome 13q22 region and encodes a G-protein coupled receptor, is generally accepted as a crucial gene for HSCR. This study is to identify the epigenetic changes of EDNRB in the pathogenesis of HSCR. METHODS We investigated the expression levels of EDNRB in 58 HSCR patients and 25 unrelated controls, using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot assay. Moreover, using the methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction, we examined the methylation status of the promoter region of EDNRB. RESULTS Aberrant high expression level of EDNRB was detected in HSCR patients compared with the control group (P = 0.023). Besides, western blot assay confirmed the up-regulation of EDNRB in the post transcription level in the aganglionosis segment of HSCR patients. Furthermore, there was a significantly lower ratio of methylation level of EDNRB in HSCR. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that epigenetic inactivation of the EDNRB gene may play a role in the development of HSCR.
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13
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Butler Tjaden NE, Trainor PA. The developmental etiology and pathogenesis of Hirschsprung disease. Transl Res 2013; 162:1-15. [PMID: 23528997 PMCID: PMC3691347 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2013.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Revised: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/01/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system is the part of the autonomic nervous system that directly controls the gastrointestinal tract. Derived from a multipotent, migratory cell population called the neural crest, a complete enteric nervous system is necessary for proper gut function. Disorders that arise as a consequence of defective neural crest cell development are termed neurocristopathies. One such disorder is Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), also known as congenital megacolon or intestinal aganglionosis. HSCR occurs in 1/5000 live births and typically presents with the inability to pass meconium, along with abdominal distension and discomfort that usually requires surgical resection of the aganglionic bowel. This disorder is characterized by a congenital absence of neurons in a portion of the intestinal tract, usually the distal colon, because of a disruption of normal neural crest cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, survival, and/or apoptosis. The inheritance of HSCR disease is complex, often non-Mendelian, and characterized by variable penetrance. Extensive research has identified a number of key genes that regulate neural crest cell development in the pathogenesis of HSCR including RET, GDNF, GFRα1, NRTN, EDNRB, ET3, ZFHX1B, PHOX2b, SOX10, and SHH. However, mutations in these genes account for only ∼50% of the known cases of HSCR. Thus, other genetic mutations and combinations of genetic mutations and modifiers likely contribute to the etiology and pathogenesis of HSCR. The aims of this review are to summarize the HSCR phenotype, diagnosis, and treatment options; to discuss the major genetic causes and the mechanisms by which they disrupt normal enteric neural crest cell development; and to explore new pathways that may contribute to HSCR pathogenesis.
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14
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Bandiera S, Cartault F, Jannot AS, Hatem E, Girard M, Rifai L, Loiseau C, Munnich A, Lyonnet S, Henrion-Caude A. Genetic variations creating microRNA target sites in the FXN 3'-UTR affect frataxin expression in Friedreich ataxia. PLoS One 2013; 8:e54791. [PMID: 23382970 PMCID: PMC3559822 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 12/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is a severe neurodegenerative disease caused by GAA repeat expansion within the first intron of the frataxin gene. It has been suggested that the repeat is responsible for the disease severity due to impaired transcription thereby reducing expression of the protein. However, genotype-phenotype correlation is imperfect, and the influence of other gene regions of the frataxin gene is unknown. We hypothesized that FRDA patients may harbor specific regulatory variants in the 3'-UTR. We sequenced the 3'-UTR region of the frataxin gene in a cohort of 57 FRDA individuals and 58 controls. Seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) out of 19 were polymorphic in our case-control sample. These SNPs defined several haplotypes with one reaching 89% of homozygosity in patients versus 24% in controls. In another cohort of 47 FRDA Reunionese patients, 94% patients were found to be homozygous for this haplotype. We found that this FRDA 3'-UTR conferred a 1.2-fold decrease in the expression of a reporter gene versus the alternative haplotype configuration. We established that differential targeting by miRNA could account for this functional variability. We specifically demonstrated the involvement of miR-124 (i.e hsa-mir-124-3p) in the down-regulation of FRDA-3'-UTR. Our results suggest for the first time that post-transcriptional regulation of frataxin occurs through the 3'-UTR and involves miRNA targeting. We propose that the involvement of miRNAs in a FRDA-specific regulation of frataxin may provide a rationale to increase residual levels of frataxin through miRNA-inhibitory molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simonetta Bandiera
- INSERM U781 Hôpital Necker–Enfants Malades, Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Cité, Institut Imagine, Paris, France
| | - François Cartault
- INSERM U781 Hôpital Necker–Enfants Malades, Paris, France
- Département de Génétique, Centre Hospitalier Régional de La Réunion, Saint-Denis, La Réunion, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Jannot
- INSERM U781 Hôpital Necker–Enfants Malades, Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Cité, Institut Imagine, Paris, France
| | - Elie Hatem
- INSERM U781 Hôpital Necker–Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Muriel Girard
- INSERM U781 Hôpital Necker–Enfants Malades, Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Cité, Institut Imagine, Paris, France
| | - Laila Rifai
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Institute of Health, Rabat, Morocco
| | | | - Arnold Munnich
- INSERM U781 Hôpital Necker–Enfants Malades, Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Cité, Institut Imagine, Paris, France
| | - Stanislas Lyonnet
- INSERM U781 Hôpital Necker–Enfants Malades, Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Cité, Institut Imagine, Paris, France
| | - Alexandra Henrion-Caude
- INSERM U781 Hôpital Necker–Enfants Malades, Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Cité, Institut Imagine, Paris, France
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15
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Moore SW. Chromosomal and related Mendelian syndromes associated with Hirschsprung's disease. Pediatr Surg Int 2012; 28:1045-58. [PMID: 23001136 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-012-3175-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a fairly frequent cause of intestinal obstruction in children. It is characterized as a sex-linked heterogonous disorder with variable severity and incomplete penetrance giving rise to a variable pattern of inheritance. Although Hirschsprung's disease occurs as an isolated phenotype in at least 70% of cases, it is not infrequently associated with a number of congenital abnormalities and associated syndromes, demonstrating a spectrum of congenital anomalies. Certain of these syndromic phenotypes have been linked to distinct genetic sites, indicating underlying genetic associations of the disease and probable gene-gene interaction, in its pathogenesis. These associations with HSCR include Down's syndrome and other chromosomal anomalies, Waardenburg syndrome and other Dominant sensorineural deafness, the Congenital Central Hypoventilation and Mowat-Wilson and other brain-related syndromes, as well as the MEN2 and other tumour associations. A number of other autosomal recessive syndromes include the Shah-Waardenburg, the Bardet-Biedl and Cartilage-hair hypoplasia, Goldberg-Shprintzen syndromes and other syndromes related to cholesterol and fat metabolism among others. The genetics of Hirschsprung's disease are highly complex with the majority of known genetic sites relating to the main susceptibility pathways (RET an EDNRB). Non-syndromic non-familial, short-segment HSCR appears to represent a non-Mendelian condition with variable expression and sex-dependent penetrance. Syndromic and familial forms, on the other hand, have complex patterns of inheritance and being reported as autosomal dominant, recessive and polygenic patterns of inheritance. The phenotypic variability and incomplete penetrance observed in Hirschsprung's disease could also be explained by the involvement of modifier genes, especially in its syndromic forms. In this review, we look at the chromosomal and Mendelian associations and their underlying signalling pathways, to obtain a better understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in developing aganglionosis of the distal bowel.
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Affiliation(s)
- S W Moore
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, P.O. Box 19063, Tygerberg, South Africa.
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16
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Pan ZW, Luo CF, Liu ZJ, Li JC. RET 3'UTR polymorphisms and its protective role in Hirschsprung disease in southeastern Chinese. J Pediatr Surg 2012; 47:1699-705. [PMID: 22974609 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2012.03.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2011] [Revised: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a complex congenital disorder characterized by intestinal obstructions owing to the absence of the intestinal ganglion cells of the nerve plexuses in variable lengths of the digestive tract. Several RET polymorphisms and haplotypes have been described as underrepresented in HSCR patients with respect to controls. We thus sought to investigate whether polymorphisms in RET 3'UTR are associated with isolated HSCR in the Chinese population. METHODS Polymerase chain reaction amplification and direct sequencing were used to screen polymorphisms in RET 3'UTR in patients with sporadic HSCR and ethnically matched controls in Han Chinese populations. Association tests of RET 3'UTR variants and haplotypes with HSCR were performed. RESULTS We examined a total of 107 Chinese sporadic HSCR patients and 89 ethnically matched controls by sequencing the 3'UTR of the RET gene. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 2 monomorphic SNPs were identified. The genotype distributions and the allele frequencies of the 5 SNPs were significantly different between HSCR cases and controls and occurred more frequently in the control population. Haplotype analysis has shown a higher frequency of haplotypes comprising variant alleles in controls as compared with cases. CONCLUSIONS The significant deviations of the genotype distributions and the allele frequencies of these SNPs in the HSCR population compared with the control population demonstrate that these SNPs have a strong negative association with HSCR and could act as protective alleles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Wen Pan
- Institute of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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17
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Panza E, Knowles CH, Graziano C, Thapar N, Burns AJ, Seri M, Stanghellini V, De Giorgio R. Genetics of human enteric neuropathies. Prog Neurobiol 2012; 96:176-89. [PMID: 22266104 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2012.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2011] [Revised: 12/13/2011] [Accepted: 01/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of molecular mechanisms that underlie development of the enteric nervous system has greatly expanded in recent decades. Enteric neuropathies related to aberrant genetic development are thus becoming increasingly recognized. There has been no recent review of these often highly morbid disorders. This review highlights advances in knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of these disorders from a clinical perspective. It includes diseases characterized by an infantile aganglionic Hirschsprung phenotype and those in which structural abnormalities are less pronounced. The implications for diagnosis, screening and possible reparative approaches are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Panza
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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18
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Wallace AS, Anderson RB. Genetic interactions and modifier genes in Hirschsprung's disease. World J Gastroenterol 2011; 17:4937-44. [PMID: 22174542 PMCID: PMC3236992 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i45.4937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2011] [Revised: 06/09/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hirschsprung’s disease is a congenital disorder that occurs in 1:5000 live births. It is characterised by an absence of enteric neurons along a variable region of the gastrointestinal tract. Hirschsprung’s disease is classified as a multigenic disorder, because the same phenotype is associated with mutations in multiple distinct genes. Furthermore, the genetics of Hirschsprung’s disease are highly complex and not strictly Mendelian. The phenotypic variability and incomplete penetrance observed in Hirschsprung’s disease also suggests the involvement of modifier genes. Here, we summarise the current knowledge of the genetics underlying Hirschsprung’s disease based on human and animal studies, focusing on the principal causative genes, their interactions, and the role of modifier genes.
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19
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Neocleous V, Skordis N, Portides G, Efstathiou E, Costi C, Ioannou N, Pantzaris M, Anastasiadou V, Deltas C, Phylactou LA. RET proto-oncogene mutations are restricted to codon 618 in Cypriot families with multiple endocrine neoplasia 2. J Endocrinol Invest 2011; 34:764-9. [PMID: 21422799 DOI: 10.3275/7605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RET germline mutations predispose to the development of inherited cancer syndrome multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). Several variants of the RET proto-oncogene including G691S and S904S have been suggested to act as genetic modifiers at the age of onset ofMEN2. AIM The aim of this study is to characterize clinically and molecularly 7 Cypriot patients with familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC) and 1 with MEN2A and also to determine the allelic frequencies of the RET variants G691S and S904S. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Seven probands from FMTC families and 1 from MEN2A were screened for the presence of RET mutations and the G691S and S904S variants. Additionally, 226 healthy Cypriots, who served as controls were analysed in an attempt to compare the frequencies of G691S and S904S RET variants to those observed in the 8 patients. RESULTS The clinical diagnosis of the probands was based on clinical presentation and supported with biochemical findings. The germline C618R mutation of exon 10 was identified in all 8 probands and in 15 relatives from 7 different families. No significant difference in the G691S/S904S variants allele frequencies between patients (4/16 or 25%) and controls (124/452 or 27.4%) was found. CONCLUSIONS Mutational screening of the RET gene identified a common mutation (C618R) in all 8 (7 FMTC and 1 MEN2A) unrelated Cypriot patients which may be explained by a founder effect. Additionally, no association of the G691S/S904S variants was linked with the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
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20
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Fernández RM, Sánchez-Mejías A, Navarro E, López-Alonso M, Antiñolo G, Borrego S. The RET functional variant c 587T>C is not associated with susceptibility to sporadic medullary thyroid cancer. Thyroid 2009; 19:1017-8. [PMID: 19678735 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2009.0158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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21
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Burzynski G, Shepherd IT, Enomoto H. Genetic model system studies of the development of the enteric nervous system, gut motility and Hirschsprung's disease. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2009; 21:113-27. [PMID: 19215589 PMCID: PMC4041618 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2008.01256.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the largest and most complicated subdivision of the peripheral nervous system. Its action is necessary to regulate many of the functions of the gastrointestinal tract including its motility. Whilst the ENS has been studied extensively by developmental biologists, neuroscientists and physiologists for several decades it has only been since the early 1990s that the molecular and genetic basis of ENS development has begun to emerge. Central to this understanding has been the use of genetic model organisms. In this article, we will discuss recent advances that have been achieved using both mouse and zebrafish model genetic systems that have led to new insights into ENS development and the genetic basis of Hirschsprung's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Burzynski
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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22
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Svensson A, Bergin AMH, Löwhagen GB, Tunbäck P, Bellner L, Padyukov L, Eriksson K. A 3'-untranslated region polymorphism in the TBX21 gene encoding T-bet is a risk factor for genital herpes simplex virus type 2 infection in humans. J Gen Virol 2008; 89:2262-2268. [PMID: 18753235 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.2008/001305-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
It was recently shown that the transcription factor T-bet is crucial for adequate innate and acquired immune responses to genital herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection in mice. To test the possible genetic influence of variations in the TBX21 gene encoding T-bet on susceptibility to infection, this study evaluated the frequencies of five different single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human TBX21 gene in 159 HSV-2-infected individuals and compared them with those in 186 healthy HSV-2-seronegative controls. The data showed that one variation (rs17244587) in the 3'-untranslated region of TBX21 was strongly associated with the incidence of genital HSV-2 infection. The frequency of the A allele at this position was 0.19 in the group of HSV-2-infected individuals compared with 0.05 in the group of uninfected controls (P=9.3x10(-8)). Furthermore, a homozygous AA genotype was found only among HSV-2-infected individuals and not in seronegative controls. These results indicate that the host genetic background may affect susceptibility to HSV-2 infection in humans, with TBX21 as a strong candidate gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Svensson
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ann-Marie H Bergin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gun-Britt Löwhagen
- Department of Dermatovenerology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Petra Tunbäck
- Department of Clinical Virology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Dermatovenerology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lars Bellner
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Leonid Padyukov
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kristina Eriksson
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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23
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RET polymorphisms and the risk of Hirschsprung's disease in a Chinese population. J Hum Genet 2008; 53:825-833. [PMID: 18612588 DOI: 10.1007/s10038-008-0315-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2008] [Accepted: 06/08/2008] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a congenital disorder characterized by intestinal obstructions due to the absence of enteric ganglia along variable lengths of the intestinal tract. RET coding mutations have been found in approximately 50% of familial cases, but they only explain a minority of sporadic cases. Here, we report our investigation of a possible role of RET non-coding mutations in sporadic HSCR patients. The haplotypes of seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), all located in a region 4 kb upstream of the gene through to 23 kb of intron 1, and one SNP in exon 2 were constructed in 125 Han Chinese patients with sporadic HSCR and in 148 Han Chinese controls. Our results indicated that eight SNPs were significantly associated with HSCR (P < 0.0001). The C allele of rs2505535 would appear to represent a protecting allele for the Chinese population. One single haplotype composed of these eight markers was present in 59.6% of patients, versus 18.1% of controls. Based on our results, we conclude that non-coding mutations in RET have important roles in the development of HSCR. The unknown functional disease variant(s), with a dosage-dependent effect in HSCR, is likely to be located in the 5'-region of the RET gene.
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Uesaka T, Nagashimada M, Yonemura S, Enomoto H. Diminished Ret expression compromises neuronal survival in the colon and causes intestinal aganglionosis in mice. J Clin Invest 2008; 118:1890-8. [PMID: 18414682 DOI: 10.1172/jci34425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2007] [Accepted: 03/05/2008] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the RET gene are the primary cause of Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), or congenital intestinal aganglionosis. However, how RET malfunction leads to HSCR is not known. It has recently been shown that glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family receptor alpha1 (GFRalpha1), which binds to GDNF and activates RET, is essential for the survival of enteric neurons. In this study, we investigated Ret regulation of enteric neuron survival and its potential involvement in HSCR. Conditional ablation of Ret in postmigratory enteric neurons caused widespread neuronal death in the colon, which led to colonic aganglionosis. To further examine this finding, we generated a mouse model for HSCR by reducing Ret expression levels. These mice recapitulated the genetic and phenotypic features of HSCR and developed colonic aganglionosis due to impaired migration and successive death of enteric neural crest-derived cells. Death of enteric neurons was also induced in the colon, where reduction of Ret expression was induced after the period of enteric neural crest cell migration, indicating that diminished Ret expression directly affected the survival of colonic neurons. Thus, enteric neuron survival is sensitive to RET dosage, and cell death is potentially involved in the etiology of HSCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Uesaka
- Laboratory for Neuronal Differentiation and Regeneration and Laboratory for Cellular Morphogenesis, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, Kobe, Japan
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Moore SW, Zaahl MG. A review of genetic mutation in familial Hirschsprung's disease in South Africa: towards genetic counseling. J Pediatr Surg 2008; 43:325-9. [PMID: 18280283 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2007.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2007] [Accepted: 10/09/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) represents a complex disorder of signaling molecules, resulting from the effects of at least 9 known susceptibility genes. Affected families carry 200 times higher risk, but genetic counseling via pedigree analysis is difficult and the significance of genetic variations is unclear. This study evaluated a set of patients affected by HSCR with familial recurrence to evaluate factors of greatest value in genetic counseling. PATIENTS AND METHODS One hundred twenty patients with HSCR (including 18 kindreds) were screened for genetic variations of the 2 major susceptibility genes (RET and endothelin B receptor [EDNRB]) and compared with 60 control samples (20 per ethnic group). Familial recurrence patterns were studied for patient sex, pattern of recurrence, presence of associated syndromic features, and genetic features of major susceptibility genes. Polymerase chain reaction and HEX-SSCP analysis were performed on DBA extracted from blood/microdissected tissue samples. SSCP variants were validated and automated sequencing techniques performed on polymerase chain reaction products showing conformational variants in acrylamide gel. RESULTS Familial cases had a male-female ratio of 1.5:1, male-to-male transmission (n = 10; 2 father to son), female-to-male transmissions (n = 4; 3 female carriers, female-to-female (n = 4; 2 mother to daughter), and 1 paternal RET deletion-female with very long segment aganglionosis. Increasing gene penetrance occurred in 3 pedigrees. An increased incidence of long segment HSCR was noted in families with recurrence and appeared important. No consistent mendelian trends or specific genetic sites were observed, but 3 suggested autosomal dominant and recessive in a further 3. Identified genetic variations included deletions, frame shifts, and missense mutations, as well as a number of significant single nucleotide polymorphism variations. Transmitted RET mutations occurred in 5 (30%) of 16 kindreds. Splice RET mutation plus variants of exon 17 (973L) affected 2 children with identical total colonic aganglionosis. In a 3-generation family, variations in RET exons 6, 13, and 18 (928) affected 3 male children with increasing penetration to recur as total intestinal aganglionosis in a grandchild. CONCLUSIONS Mendelian transmission appears mediated by the RET proto-oncogene. EDNRB mutations suggest haplotypic gene-gene interaction. Genetic counseling remains a challenge in HSCR because of its multfactorial etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel W Moore
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa.
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Heanue TA, Pachnis V. Enteric nervous system development and Hirschsprung's disease: advances in genetic and stem cell studies. Nat Rev Neurosci 2007; 8:466-79. [PMID: 17514199 DOI: 10.1038/nrn2137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 386] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) has been explored by developmental neurobiologists and medical researchers for decades. Whereas developmental biologists have been unravelling the molecular mechanisms underlying the migration, proliferation and differentiation of the neural crest derivatives that give rise to the ENS, human geneticists have been uncovering the genetic basis for diseases of the ENS, notably Hirschsprung's disease. Here we discuss the exciting recent advances, including novel transgenic and genetic tools, a broadening range of model organisms, and the pursuit of ENS stem cells as a therapeutic tool, that are bringing these fields closer together.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany A Heanue
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK
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