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Pan F, Zhang R, Liu X, Shi X, Xin Q, Qiao D, Li C, Zhang Y, Chen M, Guo W, Luan S, Shao L. Three exonic variants in the PHEX gene cause aberrant splicing in a minigene assay. Front Genet 2024; 15:1353674. [PMID: 38841723 PMCID: PMC11150636 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1353674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH, OMIM 307800) is a rare phosphorus metabolism disorder caused by PHEX gene variants. Many variants simply classified as missense or nonsense variants were only analyzed at the DNA level. However, growing evidence indicates that some of these variants may alter pre-mRNA splicing, causing diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to use bioinformatics tools and a minigene assay to ascertain the effects of PHEX variations on pre-mRNA splicing. Methods: We analyzed 174 variants in the PHEX gene described as missense or nonsense variants. Finally, we selected eight candidate variants using bioinformatics tools to evaluate their effects on pre-mRNA splicing using a minigene assay system. The complementary DNA (cDNA) sequence for the PHEX gene (RefSeq NM_000444.6) serves as the basis for DNA variant numbering. Results: Of the eight candidate variants, three were found to cause abnormal splicing. Variants c.617T>G p.(Leu206Trp) and c.621T>A p.(Tyr207*) in exon 5 altered the splicing of pre-mRNA, owing to the activation of a cryptic splice site in exon 5, which produced an aberrant transcript lacking a part of exon 5, whereas variant c.1700G>C p.(Arg567Pro) in exon 16 led to the activation of a cryptic splice site in intron 16, resulting in a partial inclusion of intron 16. Conclusion: Our study employed a minigene system, which has a great degree of flexibility to assess abnormal splicing patterns under the circumstances of patient mRNA samples that are not available, to explore the impact of the exonic variants on pre-mRNA splicing. Based on the aforementioned experimental findings, we demonstrated the importance of analyzing exonic variants at the mRNA level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengjiao Pan
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ruixiao Zhang
- Department of Emergency, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuyan Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaomeng Shi
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qing Xin
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Department of Nephrology, The Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease of Chongqing, Chongqing Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urology Diseases, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Dan Qiao
- Department of Nephrology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Changying Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Mengke Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Liaocheng Third People’s Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - Wencong Guo
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shufang Luan
- Department of Medical Insurance Administration, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Leping Shao
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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Li C, Zhang R, Pan F, Xin Q, Shi X, Guo W, Qiao D, Wang Z, Zhang Y, Liu X, Zhang Y, Shao L. Functional analysis of the CTNS gene exonic variants predicted to affect splicing. Clin Genet 2024; 105:323-328. [PMID: 38009794 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14460] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Cystinosis is a severe, monogenic systemic disease caused by variants in CTNS gene. Currently, there is growing evidence that exonic variants in many diseases can affect pre-mRNA splicing. The impact of CTNS gene exonic variants on splicing regulation may be underestimated due to the lack of routine studies at the RNA level. Here, we analyzed 59 exonic variants in the CTNS gene using bioinformatics tools and identified candidate variants that may induce splicing alterations by minigene assays. We identified six exonic variants that induce splicing alterations by disrupting the ratio of exonic splicing enhancers/exonic splicing silencers (ESEs/ESSs) or by interfering with the recognition of classical splice sites, or both. Our results help in the correct molecular characterization of variants in cystinosis and inform emerging therapies. Furthermore, our work suggests that the combination of in silico and in vitro assays facilitates to assess the effects of DNA variants driving rare genetic diseases on splicing regulation and will enhance the clinical utility of variant functional annotation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changying Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ruixiao Zhang
- Department of Emergency, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fengjiao Pan
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qing Xin
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaomeng Shi
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wencong Guo
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dan Qiao
- Department of Nephrology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yiyin Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuyan Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Leping Shao
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Yang J, Ni L, Li A, Li M, Ruan S, Xiang D, Zhu Z, Ye L. A novel homozygous splice-site mutation of JK gene leads to Jk(a-b-) phenotype. Transfus Med 2024; 34:39-45. [PMID: 37950522 DOI: 10.1111/tme.13016] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of the Jk(a-b-) phenotype in a Chinese transfusion patient. BACKGROUND Many different mutation types relating to Jk(a-b-) phenotype have been reported. However, the splice-site mutation is relatively rare and the related functional verification is lacking. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, the blood sample was collected from a transfusion patient with the Jk(a-b-) phenotype. Serotyping was performed using routine serological methods. The exons sequences and coding regions of the JK gene were amplified using polymerase chain reaction and directly sequenced. To perform a minigene splicing assay, the intronic mutation sequences were cloned into a pSPL3 splice reporting vector. The splicing reporter minigene assay was performed in HEK 293T cells. RESULTS The Jk(a-b-) phenotype of the blood sample was identified through serological testing. Sequencing results revealed that the sample had a novel homozygous splice-site mutation JK*02N (NM_015865.7: c.663+3A>C). Further analysis, including cDNA sequencing and minigene splicing assay, confirmed that the novel splice-site mutation resulted in exon skipping. Interestingly, different numbers of exons being skipped were obtained by the two methods. CONCLUSION This study revealed a novel homozygous splicing-site mutation associated with the Jk(a-b-) phenotype in Chinese population. Our results emphasise the importance of the in vitro functional method minigene splicing assay, while also acknowledging its potential limitations when compared to cDNA sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxuan Yang
- Immunohematology Lab, Shanghai Institute of Blood Transfusion, Shanghai Blood Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Lina Ni
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Weihai Central Hospital, Weihai, China
| | - Aijing Li
- Immunohematology Lab, Shanghai Institute of Blood Transfusion, Shanghai Blood Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Minghao Li
- Immunohematology Lab, Shanghai Institute of Blood Transfusion, Shanghai Blood Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Shulin Ruan
- Immunohematology Lab, Shanghai Institute of Blood Transfusion, Shanghai Blood Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Xiang
- Immunohematology Lab, Shanghai Institute of Blood Transfusion, Shanghai Blood Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziyan Zhu
- Immunohematology Lab, Shanghai Institute of Blood Transfusion, Shanghai Blood Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Luyi Ye
- Immunohematology Lab, Shanghai Institute of Blood Transfusion, Shanghai Blood Center, Shanghai, China
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Zhang R, Lang Y, Shi X, Zhang Y, Liu X, Pan F, Qiao D, Teng X, Shao L. Three exonic variants in the COL4A5 gene alter RNA splicing in a minigene assay. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2024; 12:e2395. [PMID: 38400605 PMCID: PMC10891438 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2395] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND X-linked Alport syndrome (XLAS) is an inherited renal disease caused by rare variants of COL4A5 on chromosome Xq22. Many studies have indicated that single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in exons can disrupt normal splicing process of the pre-mRNA by altering various splicing regulatory signals. The male patients with XLAS have a strong genotype-phenotype correlation. Confirming the effect of variants on splicing can help to predict kidney prognosis. This study aimed to investigate whether single nucleotide substitutions, located within three bases at the 5' end of the exons or internal position of the exons in COL4A5 gene, cause aberrant splicing process. METHODS We analyzed 401 SNVs previously presumed missense and nonsense variants in COL4A5 gene by bioinformatics programs and identified candidate variants that may affect the splicing of pre-mRNA via minigene assays. RESULTS Our study indicated three of eight candidate variants induced complete or partial exon skipping. Variants c.2678G>C and c.2918G>A probably disturb classic splice sites leading to corresponding exon skipping. Variant c.3700C>T may disrupt splicing enhancer motifs accompanying with generation of splicing silencer sequences resulting in the skipping of exon 41. CONCLUSION Our study revealed that two missense variants positioned the first nucleotides of the 5' end of COL4A5 exons and one internal exonic nonsense variant caused aberrant splicing. Importantly, this study emphasized the necessity of assessing the effects of SNVs at the mRNA level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Zhang
- Department of Nephrologythe Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Yanhua Lang
- Department of Materialsthe Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Xiaomeng Shi
- Department of Nephrologythe Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Yiyin Zhang
- Department of Nephrologythe Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Xuyan Liu
- Department of Nephrologythe Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Fengjiao Pan
- Department of Nephrologythe Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Dan Qiao
- Department of Nephrologythe Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Xin Teng
- Department of Ultrasoundthe Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Leping Shao
- Department of Nephrologythe Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
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Liu Y, Xu J, Lv Q, Liang Z, Li L, Pan Q. Case report: identification of one frameshift variant and two in cis non-canonical splice variants of NEB gene in prenatal arthrogryposis. Front Genet 2023; 14:1220170. [PMID: 37745844 PMCID: PMC10512086 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1220170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
NEB mutation is associated with congenital nemaline myopathies. Here, we report a family with recurrent prenatal arthrogryposis. Trio whole exome sequencing (WES) disclosed three novel NEB (NM_001271208.2) variants including one paternal frameshift c.19049_19050delCA (p.Thr6350Argfs*14) and two double maternal variants in cis c. [24871G>T;24871-10C>G] (p. [Val8291Phe;?]). They are evaluated as "likely pathogenic (LP)", "variant of uncertain of significance (VUS)", and "VUS", respectively. After further prediction, the c.24871G>T, c.24871-10C>G, and c.[24871G>T;24871-10C>G] were respectively genetically engineered into the three plasmids. Compared with their wild-type counterparts, the three plasmids all produced truncated transcripts, and also a significant proportion of the full-length transcripts, which allowed us to reclassify NEB c.24871G>T and c.24871-10C>G variants as LP. As far as we know, this is the first case carrying NEB allele-specific function of partial loss. This result helped the couple make informed reproductive choices and opt for assisted reproduction for future pregnancies. This study also increased awareness to the phenotype of prenatal nemaline myopathy and expanded the variant spectrum of NEB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuefang Liu
- Genetic and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Huai’an Maternity and Child Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai’an, China
| | - Juan Xu
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Qiaoyi Lv
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Zhe Liang
- Genetic and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Huai’an Maternity and Child Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai’an, China
| | - Lingling Li
- Family Planning Department, Huai’an Maternity and Child Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai’an, China
| | - Qiong Pan
- Genetic and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Huai’an Maternity and Child Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai’an, China
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Liu X, Shi X, Xin Q, Liu Z, Pan F, Qiao D, Chen M, Zhang Y, Guo W, Li C, Zhang Y, Shao L, Zhang R. Identified eleven exon variants in PKD1 and PKD2 genes that altered RNA splicing by minigene assay. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:407. [PMID: 37468838 PMCID: PMC10354997 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09444-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common monogenic multisystem disease caused primarily by mutations in the PKD1 gene or PKD2 gene. There is increasing evidence that some of these variants, which are described as missense, synonymous or nonsense mutations in the literature or databases, may be deleterious by affecting the pre-mRNA splicing process. RESULTS This study aimed to determine the effect of these PKD1 and PKD2 variants on exon splicing combined with predictive bioinformatics tools and minigene assay. As a result, among the 19 candidate single nucleotide alterations, 11 variants distributed in PKD1 (c.7866C > A, c.7960A > G, c.7979A > T, c.7987C > T, c.11248C > G, c.11251C > T, c.11257C > G, c.11257C > T, c.11346C > T, and c.11393C > G) and PKD2 (c.1480G > T) were identified to result in exon skipping. CONCLUSIONS We confirmed that 11 variants in the gene of PKD1 and PKD2 affect normal splicing by interfering the recognition of classical splicing sites or by disrupting exon splicing enhancers and generating exon splicing silencers. This is the most comprehensive study to date on pre-mRNA splicing of exonic variants in ADPKD-associated disease-causing genes in consideration of the increasing number of identified variants in PKD1 and PKD2 gene in recent years. These results emphasize the significance of assessing the effect of exon single nucleotide variants in ADPKD at the mRNA level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyan Liu
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, No.5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Xiaomeng Shi
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, No.5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Qing Xin
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, No.5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Zhiying Liu
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fengjiao Pan
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, No.5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Dan Qiao
- Department of Nephrology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Mengke Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
| | - Yiyin Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, No.5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Wencong Guo
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, No.5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Changying Li
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, No.5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Leping Shao
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, No.5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Ruixiao Zhang
- Department of Emergency, the Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, No.5 Donghai Middle Road, Qingdao, 266071, China.
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Zhang Y, Liu W, Shu Z, Li Y, Sun F, Li ZG, Han TX, Mao HW, Wang TY. Delayed-onset adenosine deaminase deficiency with a novel synonymous mutation and a case series from China. World J Pediatr 2023; 19:687-700. [PMID: 37154862 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-023-00729-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is a key enzyme in the purine salvage pathway. Genetic defects of the ADA gene can cause a subtype of severe combined immunodeficiency. To date, few Chinese cases have been reported. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with ADA deficiency in Beijing Children's Hospital and summarized the previously published ADA deficiency cases from China in the literature. RESULTS Nine patients were identified with two novel mutations (W272X and Q202 =). Early-onset infection, thymic abnormalities and failure to thrive were the most common manifestations of Chinese ADA-deficient patients. The ADA genotype has a major effect on the clinical phenotype. Notably, a novel synonymous mutation (c.606G>A, p.Q202=) was identified in a delayed-onset patient, which affected pre-mRNA splicing leading to a frameshift and premature truncation of the protein. Furthermore, the patient showed γδT cells expansion with an increased effect or phenotype, which may be associated with the delayed onset of disease. In addition, we reported cerebral aneurysm and intracranial artery stenosis for the first time in ADA deficiency. Five patients died with a median age of four months, while two patients received stem cell transplantation and are alive. CONCLUSIONS This study described the first case series of Chinese ADA-deficient patients. Early-onset infection, thymic abnormalities and failure to thrive were the most common manifestations in our patients. We identified a synonymous mutation that affected pre-mRNA splicing in the ADA gene, which had never been reported in ADA deficiency. Furthermore, we reported cerebral aneurysm in a delayed-onset patient for the first time. Further study is warranted to investigate the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, No. 56 Nan Lishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Hematology Oncology Center, Henan Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital Affiliated of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhou Shu
- Department of Immunology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, No. 56 Nan Lishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Immunology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, No. 56 Nan Lishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Immunology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, No. 56 Nan Lishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Li
- Hematologic Disease Laboratory, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
- Hematology Center, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, No. 56 Nan Lishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100045, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, National Key Discipline of Pediatrics, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Tong-Xin Han
- Department of Immunology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, No. 56 Nan Lishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Hua-Wei Mao
- Department of Immunology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, No. 56 Nan Lishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100045, China.
- Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.
| | - Tian-You Wang
- Hematology Center, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, No. 56 Nan Lishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100045, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, National Key Discipline of Pediatrics, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.
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Chu G, Li P, Zhao Q, He R, Zhao Y. Mutation spectrum of Kallmann syndrome: identification of five novel mutations across ANOS1 and FGFR1. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:23. [PMID: 36859276 PMCID: PMC9976430 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01074-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kallmann syndrome (KS) is a common type of idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. To date, more than 30 genes including ANOS1 and FGFR1 have been identified in different genetic models of KS without affirmatory genotype-phenotype correlation, and novel mutations have been found. METHODS A total of 35 unrelated patients with clinical features of disorder of sex development were recruited. Custom-panel sequencing or whole-exome sequencing was performed to detect the pathogenic mutations. Sanger sequencing was performed to verify single-nucleotide variants. Copy number variation-sequencing (CNV-seq) was performed to determine CNVs. The pathogenicity of the identified variant was predicted in silico. mRNA transcript analysis and minigene reporter assay were performed to test the effect of the mutation on splicing. RESULTS ANOS1 gene c.709 T > A and c.711 G > T were evaluated as pathogenic by several commonly used software, and c.1063-2 A > T was verified by transcriptional splicing assay. The c.1063-2 A > T mutation activated a cryptic splice acceptor site downstream of the original splice acceptor site and resulted in an aberrant splicing of the 24-basepair at the 5' end of exon 8, yielding a new transcript with c.1063-1086 deletion. FRFR1 gene c.1835delA was assessed as pathogenic according to the ACMG guideline. The CNV of del(8)(p12p11.22)chr8:g.36140000_38460000del was judged as pathogenic according to the ACMG & ClinGen technical standards. CONCLUSIONS Herein, we identified three novel ANOS1 mutations and two novel FGFR1 variations in Chinese KS families. In silico prediction and functional experiment evaluated the pathogenesis of ANOS1 mutations. FRFR1 c.1835delA mutation and del(8)(p12p11.22)chr8:g.36140000_38460000del were assessed as pathogenic variations. Therefore, our study expands the spectrum of mutations associated with KS and provides diagnostic evidence for patients who carry the same mutation in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoming Chu
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, Liaoning, China
| | - Pingping Li
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, Liaoning, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, Liaoning, China
| | - Rong He
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, Liaoning, China
| | - Yanyan Zhao
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, Liaoning, China.
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Shi X, Wang H, Zhang R, Liu Z, Guo W, Wang S, Liu X, Lang Y, Bottillo I, Dong B, Shao L. Minigene splicing assays reveal new insights into exonic variants of the SLC12A3 gene in Gitelman syndrome. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2023; 11:e2128. [PMID: 36597580 PMCID: PMC10094094 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gitelman syndrome (GS) is a type of salt-losing tubular disease, most of which is caused by SLC12A3 gene variants, and missense variants account for the majority. Recently, the phenomenon of exon skipping, in which variants disrupt normal pre-mRNA splicing, has been related to a variety of diseases. Therefore, we hypothesize that a certain proportion of SLC12A3 variants can result in disease via interfering with the normal splicing process. METHODS We analyzed 342 previously presumed SLC12A3 missense variants using bioinformatics programs and identified candidate variants that may alter the splicing of pre-mRNA through minigene assays. RESULTS Our study revealed that, among ten candidate variants, six variants (c.602G>A, c.602G>T, c.1667C>T, c.1925G>A, c.2548G>C, and c.2549G>C) led to complete or incomplete exon skipping by affecting exonic splicing regulatory elements and/or disturbing canonical splice sites. CONCLUSION It is worth mentioning that this is the largest study on pre-mRNA splicing of SLC12A3 exonic variants. In addition, our study emphasizes the importance of detecting splicing function at the mRNA level in GS and indicates that minigene analysis is a valuable tool for splicing functional assays of variants in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Shi
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Qingdao Eighth People's Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Ruixiao Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhiying Liu
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wencong Guo
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Sai Wang
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Department of Dermatology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xuyan Liu
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanhua Lang
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Irene Bottillo
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Bingzi Dong
- Department of Endocrinology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Leping Shao
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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10
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Feng C, Wang Z, Liu C, Liu S, Wang Y, Zeng Y, Wang Q, Peng T, Pu X, Liu J. Integrated bioinformatical analysis, machine learning and in vitro experiment-identified m6A subtype, and predictive drug target signatures for diagnosing renal fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:909784. [PMID: 36120336 PMCID: PMC9470879 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.909784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal biopsy is the gold standard for defining renal fibrosis which causes calcium deposits in the kidneys. Persistent calcium deposition leads to kidney inflammation, cell necrosis, and is related to serious kidney diseases. However, it is invasive and involves the risk of complications such as bleeding, especially in patients with end-stage renal diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to identify specific diagnostic biomarkers for renal fibrosis. This study aimed to develop a predictive drug target signature to diagnose renal fibrosis based on m6A subtypes. We then performed an unsupervised consensus clustering analysis to identify three different m6A subtypes of renal fibrosis based on the expressions of 21 m6A regulators. We evaluated the immune infiltration characteristics and expression of canonical immune checkpoints and immune-related genes with distinct m6A modification patterns. Subsequently, we performed the WGCNA analysis using the expression data of 1,611 drug targets to identify 474 genes associated with the m6A modification. 92 overlapping drug targets between WGCNA and DEGs (renal fibrosis vs. normal samples) were defined as key drug targets. A five target gene predictive model was developed through the combination of LASSO regression and stepwise logistic regression (LASSO-SLR) to diagnose renal fibrosis. We further performed drug sensitivity analysis and extracellular matrix analysis on model genes. The ROC curve showed that the risk score (AUC = 0.863) performed well in diagnosing renal fibrosis in the training dataset. In addition, the external validation dataset further confirmed the outstanding predictive performance of the risk score (AUC = 0.755). These results indicate that the risk model has an excellent predictive performance for diagnosing the disease. Furthermore, our results show that this 5-target gene model is significantly associated with many drugs and extracellular matrix activities. Finally, the expression levels of both predictive signature genes EGR1 and PLA2G4A were validated in renal fibrosis and adjacent normal tissues by using qRT-PCR and Western blot method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiang Feng
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Guangzhou, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhixian Wang
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Urology, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiliang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zeng
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Guangzhou, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianming Peng
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Guangzhou, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyong Pu
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Guangzhou, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoyong Pu, ; Jiumin Liu,
| | - Jiumin Liu
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Guangzhou, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoyong Pu, ; Jiumin Liu,
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11
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Xin Q, Liu Q, Liu Z, Shi X, Liu X, Zhang R, Hong Y, Zhao X, Shao L. Twelve exonic variants in the SLC12A1 and CLCNKB genes alter RNA splicing in a minigene assay. Front Genet 2022; 13:961384. [PMID: 36092934 PMCID: PMC9452827 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.961384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Bartter syndrome (BS) is a rare renal tubular disease caused by gene variants in SLC12A1, KCNJ1, CLCNKA, CLCNKB, BSND or MAGED2 genes. There is growing evidence that many exonic mutations can affect the pre-mRNA normal splicing and induce exon skipping by altering various splicing regulatory signals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to gain new insights into the consequences of exonic mutations associated with BS on pre-mRNA splicing.Methods: We analyzed all the missense, nonsense and synonymous variants described in six pathogenic genes by bioinformatics programs and identified candidate mutations that may promote exon skipping through a minigene system.Results: Results of the study showed that 12 of 14 candidate variants distributed in SLC12A1 (c.728G>A, C.735C>G, c.904C>T, c.905G>A, c.1304C>T, c.1493C>T, c.2221A>T) and CLCNKB (c.226C>T, c.228A>C, c.229G>A, c.229G>C, c.1979C>A) were identified to induce splicing alterations. These variants may not only disrupt exonic splicing enhancers (ESEs) but also generate new exonic splicing silencers (ESSs), or disturb the classic splicing sites.Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is a comprehensive study regarding alterations in pre-mRNA of exonic variants in BS pathogenic genes. Our results reinforce the necessity of assessing the consequences of exonic variants at the mRNA level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Xin
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qihua Liu
- Department of Material Supply Management, the Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhiying Liu
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaomeng Shi
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuyan Liu
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ruixiao Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yefeng Hong
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiangzhong Zhao
- Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangzhong Zhao, ; Leping Shao,
| | - Leping Shao
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangzhong Zhao, ; Leping Shao,
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12
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Liu Z, Sui A, Wang S, Cui L, Xin Q, Zhang R, Han Y, Shao L, Zhao X. Double synonymous mutations in exon 9 of the Cullin3 gene restore exon inclusion by abolishing hnRNPs inhibition. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:4006-4018. [PMID: 35796549 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
All mutations in exon 9 of the Cullin3 gene associated with pseudohypoaldosteronism type II (PHA II) contribute to exon skipping to different degrees, but the specific molecular mechanism of this aberrant splicing is still unclear. The aims of this study were to investigate the regulatory mechanism underlying two synonymous splicing events, c.1221A > G (p. Glu407Glu) and c.1236G > A (p. Leu412Leu), and to discover a therapeutic strategy for correcting this aberrant splicing by targeting potential regulatory sites. Through a series of RNA pulldown, silver staining, western blotting, siRNA knockdown, in vitro overexpression and single or double site-directed mutagenesis experiments, we first explored the pathogenesis of exon 9 skipping caused by mutations in the CUL3 gene and verified that the main splicing regulators associated with the synonymous c.1221A > G and c.1236G > A mutations were heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs). In addition, we verified that introducing another synonymous mutation, c.1224A > G (A18G), significantly rescued the abnormal splicing caused by c.1221A > G and c.1236G > A, highlighting the therapeutic potential for the treatment of PHA II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiying Liu
- Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266555, China.,Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Aihua Sui
- Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266555, China
| | - Sai Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.,Department of Dermatology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Li Cui
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266555, China
| | - Qing Xin
- Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266555, China.,Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Ruixiao Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yue Han
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Leping Shao
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Qingdao Municipal Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Xiangzhong Zhao
- Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266555, China
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