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Rodrigues B, Sousa V, Yrigollen CM, Tassone F, Villate O, Allen EG, Glicksman A, Tortora N, Nolin SL, Nogueira AJA, Jorge P. FMR1 allelic complexity in premutation carriers provides no evidence for a correlation with age at amenorrhea. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:71. [PMID: 38907244 PMCID: PMC11191145 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01227-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Premutations in the Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene, defined as between 55 and 200 CGGs, have been implicated in fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI). Only 20% of female premutation carriers develop early ovulatory dysfunction, the reason for this incomplete penetrance is unknown. This study validated the mathematical model in premutation alleles, after assigning each allele a score representing allelic complexity. Subsequently, allelic scores were used to investigate the impact of allele complexity on age at amenorrhea for 58 premutation cases (116 alleles) previously published. METHODS The allelic score was determined using a formula previously described by our group. The impact of each allelic score on age at amenorrhea was analyzed using Pearson's test and a contour plot generated to visualize the effect. RESULTS Correlation of allelic score revealed two distinct complexity behaviors in premutation alleles. No significant correlation was observed between the allelic score of premutation alleles and age at amenorrhea. The same lack of significant correlation was observed regarding normal-sized alleles, despite a nearly significant trend. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the use of allelic scores combination have the potential to explain female infertility, namely the development of FXPOI, or ovarian dysfunction, despite the lack of correlation with age at amenorrhea. Such a finding is of great clinical significance for early identification of females at risk of ovulatory dysfunction, enhancement of fertility preservation techniques, and increasing the probability for a successful pregnancy in females with premutations. Additional investigation is necessary to validate this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Rodrigues
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Laboratory Genetics Service, Genetics and Pathology Clinic, Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António (ULSSA), Porto, Portugal
- UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, UPorto - University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vanessa Sousa
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Laboratory Genetics Service, Genetics and Pathology Clinic, Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António (ULSSA), Porto, Portugal
- UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, UPorto - University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, UPorto - University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carolyn M Yrigollen
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Flora Tassone
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Stockton Blvd, USA
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Olatz Villate
- Pediatric Oncology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Biscay, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Emily G Allen
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anne Glicksman
- New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicole Tortora
- New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah L Nolin
- New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, New York, NY, USA
| | - António J A Nogueira
- CESAM - Center for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Paula Jorge
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Laboratory Genetics Service, Genetics and Pathology Clinic, Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António (ULSSA), Porto, Portugal.
- UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, UPorto - University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal.
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, UPorto - University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Guo Q, Chang YY, Huang CH, Hsiao YS, Hsiao YC, Chiu IF, Zhou Y, Zhang H, Ko TM. Population-based carrier screening and prenatal diagnosis of fragile X syndrome in East Asian populations. J Genet Genomics 2021; 48:1104-1110. [PMID: 34412977 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2021.04.012] [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: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Identification of carriers of fragile X syndrome (FXS) with the subsequent prenatal diagnosis and knowledge of FXS-associated genetic profiles are essential for intervention in specific populations. We report the results of carrier screening of 39,458 East Asian adult women and prenatal diagnosis from 87 FXS carriers. The prevalence of FXS carriers and full mutation fetuses was estimated to be 1/581 and 1/3124 in East Asian populations, respectively. We confirmed the validity of the current threshold of CGG trinucleotide repeats for FMR1 categorization; the integral risks of full mutation expansion were approximately 6.0%, 43.8%, and 100% for premutation alleles with 55-74, 75-89, and ≥90 CGG repeats, respectively. The protective effect of AGG (adenine-guanine-guanine nucleotides) interruption in East Asian populations was validated, which is important in protecting premutation alleles with 75-89 CGG repeats from full mutation expansion. Finally, family history was shown not an effective indicator for FXS carrier screening in East Asian populations, and population-based screening was more cost-effective. This study provides an insight into the largest carrier screening and prenatal diagnosis for FXS in East Asian populations to date. The FXS-associated genetic profiles of East Asian populations are delineated, and population-based carrier screening is shown to be promising for FXS intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Guo
- United Diagnostic and Research Center for Clinical Genetics, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine & School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China.
| | - Yih-Yuan Chang
- Genephile Bioscience Laboratory, Ko's Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei 100, Taiwan, China
| | - Chien-Hao Huang
- Genephile Bioscience Laboratory, Ko's Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei 100, Taiwan, China
| | - Yu-Shan Hsiao
- Genephile Bioscience Laboratory, Ko's Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei 100, Taiwan, China
| | - Yu-Chiao Hsiao
- Biofast Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - I-Fan Chiu
- Biofast Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Yulin Zhou
- United Diagnostic and Research Center for Clinical Genetics, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine & School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- United Diagnostic and Research Center for Clinical Genetics, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine & School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Tsang-Ming Ko
- Genephile Bioscience Laboratory, Ko's Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei 100, Taiwan, China.
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Laboratory testing for fragile X, 2021 revision: a technical standard of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). Genet Med 2021; 23:799-812. [PMID: 33795824 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-021-01115-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular genetic testing of the FMR1 gene is commonly performed in clinical laboratories. Pathogenic variants in the FMR1 gene are associated with fragile X syndrome, fragile X-associated tremor ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), and fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI). This document provides updated information regarding FMR1 pathogenic variants, including prevalence, genotype-phenotype correlations, and variant nomenclature. Methodological considerations are provided for Southern blot analysis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of FMR1, including triplet repeat-primed and methylation-specific PCR.The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) Laboratory Quality Assurance Committee has the mission of maintaining high technical standards for the performance and interpretation of genetic tests. In part, this is accomplished by the publication of the document ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories, which is now maintained online ( http://www.acmg.net ). This subcommittee also reviews the outcome of national proficiency testing in the genetics area and may choose to focus on specific diseases or methodologies in response to those results. Accordingly, the subcommittee selected fragile X syndrome to be the first topic in a series of supplemental sections, recognizing that it is one of the most frequently ordered genetic tests and that it has many alternative methods with different strengths and weaknesses. This document is the fourth update to the original standards and guidelines for fragile X testing that were published in 2001, with revisions in 2005 and 2013, respectively.This versionClarifies the clinical features associated with different FMRI variants (Section 2.3)Discusses important reporting considerations (Section 3.3.1.3)Provides updates on technology (Section 4.1).
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Berry-Kravis E, Zhou L, Jackson J, Tassone F. Diagnostic profile of the AmplideX Fragile X Dx and Carrier Screen Kit for diagnosis and screening of fragile X syndrome and other FMR1-related disorders. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2021; 21:255-267. [PMID: 33666525 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2021.1899812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: In 2009, a novel, CGG repeat primed FMR1 PCR assay was designed with primers flanking the triplet repeat region, as well as a third chimeric primer complementary to the (CGG)n repeat, that was capable of amplifying alleles throughout the repeat range. This assay for the first time allowed consistent detection of large full mutation alleles with PCR, resolution of heterozygosity in females and mapping of AGG interspersions.Areas Covered: The AmplideX Fragile X Dx and Carrier Screen Kit (Asuragen, Inc.) represents a refined assay that underwent validation with sensitivity analyses for FDA approval. Single-site precision, analytical sensitivity and specificity, limit of detection and diagnostic performance were assessed in comparison to reference methods at three independent sites. Single-site precision across all genotype categories showed 100% agreement at 20 ng input across multiple operators, days, instruments and kit lots. Compared to Southern Blot analysis, the overall percent agreement was over 98% for all expanded alleles.Expert Opinion: Limitations include no methylation assessment and hard to see full mutation peaks in some mosaic samples, but overall the assay is considered a highly accurate and time-efficient assay for FMR1 allele size determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lili Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Pathology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jonathan Jackson
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Flora Tassone
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA.,MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
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Rodrigues B, Vale-Fernandes E, Maia N, Santos F, Marques I, Santos R, Nogueira AJA, Jorge P. Development and Validation of a Mathematical Model to Predict the Complexity of FMR1 Allele Combinations. Front Genet 2020; 11:557147. [PMID: 33281866 PMCID: PMC7691586 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.557147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The polymorphic trinucleotide repetitive region in the FMR1 gene 5'UTR contains AGG interspersions, particularly in normal-sized alleles (CGG < 45). In this range repetitive stretches are typically interrupted once or twice, although alleles without or with three or more AGG interspersions can also be observed. AGG interspersions together with the total length of the repetitive region confer stability and hinder expansion to pathogenic ranges: either premutation (55 < CGG < 200) or full mutation (CGG > 200). The AGG interspersions have long been identified as one of the most important features of FMR1 repeat stability, being particularly important to determine expansion risk estimates in female premutation carriers. We sought to compute the combined AGG interspersion numbers and patterns, aiming to define FMR1 repetitive tract complexity combinations. A mathematical model, the first to compute this cumulative effect, was developed and validated using data from 131 young and healthy females. Plotting of their allelic complexity enabled the identification of two statistically distinct groups - equivalent and dissimilar allelic combinations. The outcome, a numerical parameter designated allelic score, depicts the repeat substructure of each allele, measuring the allelic complexity of the FMR1 gene including the AGGs burden, thus allowing new behavioral scrutiny of normal-sized alleles in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Rodrigues
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Centro de Genética Médica Dr. Jacinto Magalhães (CGMJM), Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUP), Porto, Portugal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Emídio Vale-Fernandes
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Centre for Medically Assisted Procreation/Public Gamete Bank, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte Dr. Albino Aroso (CMIN), Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Maia
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Centro de Genética Médica Dr. Jacinto Magalhães (CGMJM), Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUP), Porto, Portugal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Flávia Santos
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Centro de Genética Médica Dr. Jacinto Magalhães (CGMJM), Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUP), Porto, Portugal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Marques
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Centro de Genética Médica Dr. Jacinto Magalhães (CGMJM), Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUP), Porto, Portugal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rosário Santos
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Centro de Genética Médica Dr. Jacinto Magalhães (CGMJM), Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUP), Porto, Portugal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - António J. A. Nogueira
- Center for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Paula Jorge
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Centro de Genética Médica Dr. Jacinto Magalhães (CGMJM), Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUP), Porto, Portugal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Small Interfering RNAs and RNA Therapeutics in Cardiovascular Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1229:369-381. [PMID: 32285425 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-1671-9_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is being exploited and understood in its many aspects of function and structure for development of valuable tools in the therapeutics of various diseases such as cardiovascular etc. The expanded knowledge regarding function of RNA in the genomics and inside the cell has dramatically changed the therapeutic strategies in the past few years. RNA has become a spotlight of attention for developing novel therapeutic schemes and hence variety of therapeutic strategies is being coming into the picture that includes RNA interference, use of aptamers, role of microRNA (miRNA) that can alter the complex gene expression patterns. It is due to the fact that RNA offers various advantages in disease management as it can be edited and modified in its various forms such as secondary and tertiary structures. Although scientists are in process of manufacturing RNA-targeting therapies using variety of endogenous gene silencing regulators, Small interfering RNAs (Si RNAs), aptamers and microRNA for cardiovascular diseases yet the development of a novel, risk free therapeutic strategy is a major challenge and need of the hour in cardiovascular medicine. In this regard these agents are required to overcome pleothra of barriers such as stability of drug targets, immunogenicity, adequate binding, targeted delivery etc. to become effective drugs. Recent years have witnessed the progress of RNA therapeutic strategies in cardiovascular diseases that are likely to significantly expand the cardiovascular therapeutic repertoire within the next decade. The present manuscript has been compiled to summarize various approaches of siRNA based therapies in cardiovascular diseases along with the advantages, outcomes and limitations if any in this regard. In addition, the future prospects of RNA therapeutic modalities in cardiovascular diseases are summarized.
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Manor E, Gonen R, Sarussi B, Keidar-Friedman D, Kumar J, Tang HT, Tassone F. The role of AGG interruptions in the FMR1 gene stability: A survey in ethnic groups with low and high rate of consanguinity. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2019; 7:e00946. [PMID: 31453660 PMCID: PMC6785435 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence and the role of AGG interruptions within the FMR1 gene in the normal population is unknown. In this study, we investigated the frequent of AGG loss, in one or two alleles within the normal population. The role of AGG in the FMR1 stability has been assessed by correlating AGG loss to the prevalence of premutation/full mutation in two ethnic groups differing in their consanguinity rate: high versus low consanguinity rate (HCR vs. LCR). Methods The CGG repeat allele size and AGG presence were measured in 6,865 and 6,204 females belonging to the LCR (5%) and HCR (>45%) groups, respectively, by Tripled‐Primed‐PCR technique. Results A lower prevalence of the premutation was observed in the HCR (1:158) as compared to the LCR group (1:128). No full mutation was found in the HCR females while in the LCR group the prevalence found was 1:1,149. Homozygosity rate was higher in the HCR population compared to the LCR group.The overall AGG loss was higher in the HCR population than in the LCR and increased with increased CGG repeat number in both ethnic groups. Conclusions Although we observed a significantly higher rate of homozygosity and AGG loss in the HCR group, this did not affect the prevalence of the premutation and full mutation in this population. Their prevalence was significantly lower than in the LCR population. Finally, we discuss whether the loss of AGG could be also a polymorphic event but not only a stabilizing factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Manor
- Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Genetic Institute, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | | | | | | | - Jay Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, USA
| | - Hiu-Tung Tang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, USA
| | - Flora Tassone
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, USA.,MIND Institute, Medical Center, University of California Davis, Sacramento, USA
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