1
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Zhu H, Zhang Z. Emerging Trends and Research Foci in Cataract Genes: A Bibliometric and Visualized Study. Front Genet 2021; 12:610728. [PMID: 34434212 PMCID: PMC8381374 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.610728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Approximately 50% of cataracts are associated with genetic factors. Genetic etiology and molecular mechanisms based on gene research increase the understanding of cataracts and provide direction for diagnosis and intervention. In the present study, SCIE papers related to the modeling of cataract gene research from 2010-2019 were evaluated and qualitative and quantitative analyses with modeling performed. Methods: The SCIE database was searched on July 6, 2021 for cataract gene publications and relevant papers published since 2010 were considered for review. Subsequently, 1,904 SCIE papers associated with cataract genes from 2010-2019 were analyzed using a bibliometric method. The publication, country, institution, journal, references, knowledgebase, keywords, and research hotspots of the papers were analyzed using an online analysis platform of literature metrology, bibliographic item co-occurrence matrix builder (BICOMB), CiteSpace V, and VOS viewer analysis tool. Results: 78 countries published the related articles, and the United States ranks of America had the most publications. Two thousand seven hundred and eighty three institutions contributed to the related publications. Fudan University had the most publications. The reference clusters of SCI papers were clustered into six categories, namely, causing congenital cataract-microcornea syndrome, functional snp, cataractous lenses, a1 mutation, foxe3 mutation, cell adhesion gene pvrl3, nid1 gene. The key words representing the research frontiers were cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (2017-2019), oxidative stress (2017-2019). Conclusion: This study provided a systematic, objective and comprehensive analysis of the literature related to gene research of cataract. Moreover, this study demonstrated the current hotspots and the future trends in the field of gene research of cataract. This review will help ophthalmologist to discern the dynamic evolution of cataract gene research, as well as highlight areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongli Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The 4th People's Hospital of Shenyang, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhichang Zhang
- Department of Computer, School of Intelligent Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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2
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Abstract
Visual impairment leads to a decrease in quality of life. Cataract is the most commonly
observed ocular disease in humans that causes vision disorders. The risk factors
associated with cataract development include aging, infections, eye injuries,
environmental causes, such as radiation and exposure to ultraviolet rays in sunlight, and
genetic mutations. Additionally, several cataract patients display phenotypic
heterogeneity, suggesting the role of genetic modifiers in the modulation of severity and
onset time of cataractogenesis. However, the genetic modifiers associated with cataract
have not been identified in humans yet. In contrast, the identification and mapping of
genetic modifiers have been successfully carried out in mice and rats. In this review, we
focus on the genetic modifiers of cataract in the rodent models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Wada
- Faculty of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 196 Yasaka, Abashiri, Hokkaido 099-2493, Japan.,Mammalian Genetics Project, Department of Genome Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Shumpei P Yasuda
- Mammalian Genetics Project, Department of Genome Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Kikkawa
- Mammalian Genetics Project, Department of Genome Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
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3
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A zebrafish model of foxe3 deficiency demonstrates lens and eye defects with dysregulation of key genes involved in cataract formation in humans. Hum Genet 2018; 137:315-328. [PMID: 29713869 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-018-1884-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The Forkhead box E3 (FOXE3) gene encodes a transcription factor with a forkhead/winged helix domain that is critical for development of the lens and anterior segment of the eye. Monoallelic and biallelic deleterious sequence variants in FOXE3 cause aphakia, cataracts, sclerocornea and microphthalmia in humans. We used clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 injections to target the foxe3 transcript in zebrafish in order to create an experimental model of loss of function for this gene. Larvae that were homozygous for an indel variant, c.296_300delTGCAG, predicting p.(Val99Alafs*2), demonstrated severe eye defects, including small or absent lenses and microphthalmia. The lenses of the homozygous foxe3 indel mutants showed more intense staining with zl-1 antibody compared to control lenses, consistent with increased lens fiber cell differentiation. Whole genome transcriptome analysis (RNA-Seq) on RNA isolated from wildtype larvae and larvae with eye defects that were putative homozygotes for the foxe3 indel variant found significant dysregulation of genes expressed in the lens and eye whose orthologues are associated with cataracts in human patients, including cryba2a, cryba1l1, mipa and hsf4. Comparative analysis of this RNA-seq data with iSyTE data identified several lens-enriched genes to be down-regulated in foxe3 indel mutants. We also noted upregulation of lgsn and crygmxl2 and downregulation of fmodb and cx43.4, genes that are expressed in the zebrafish lens, but that are not yet associated with an eye phenotype in humans. These findings demonstrate that this new zebrafish foxe3 mutant model is highly relevant to the study of the gene regulatory networks conserved in vertebrate lens and eye development.
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4
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Anand D, Agrawal SA, Slavotinek A, Lachke SA. Mutation update of transcription factor genes FOXE3, HSF4, MAF, and PITX3 causing cataracts and other developmental ocular defects. Hum Mutat 2018; 39:471-494. [PMID: 29314435 PMCID: PMC5839989 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the transcription factor genes FOXE3, HSF4, MAF, and PITX3 cause congenital lens defects including cataracts that may be accompanied by defects in other components of the eye or in nonocular tissues. We comprehensively describe here all the variants in FOXE3, HSF4, MAF, and PITX3 genes linked to human developmental defects. A total of 52 variants for FOXE3, 18 variants for HSF4, 20 variants for MAF, and 19 variants for PITX3 identified so far in isolated cases or within families are documented. This effort reveals FOXE3, HSF4, MAF, and PITX3 to have 33, 16, 18, and 7 unique causal mutations, respectively. Loss-of-function mutant animals for these genes have served to model the pathobiology of the associated human defects, and we discuss the currently known molecular function of these genes, particularly with emphasis on their role in ocular development. Finally, we make the detailed FOXE3, HSF4, MAF, and PITX3 variant information available in the Leiden Online Variation Database (LOVD) platform at https://www.LOVD.nl/FOXE3, https://www.LOVD.nl/HSF4, https://www.LOVD.nl/MAF, and https://www.LOVD.nl/PITX3. Thus, this article informs on key variants in transcription factor genes linked to cataract, aphakia, corneal opacity, glaucoma, microcornea, microphthalmia, anterior segment mesenchymal dysgenesis, and Ayme-Gripp syndrome, and facilitates their access through Web-based databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Anand
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 USA
| | - Smriti A. Agrawal
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 USA
| | - Anne Slavotinek
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics, University of California, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, San Francisco, CA 19716 USA
| | - Salil A. Lachke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 USA
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19711 USA
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5
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Ohtsuka M, Sato M, Miura H, Takabayashi S, Matsuyama M, Koyano T, Arifin N, Nakamura S, Wada K, Gurumurthy CB. i-GONAD: a robust method for in situ germline genome engineering using CRISPR nucleases. Genome Biol 2018; 19:25. [PMID: 29482575 PMCID: PMC5828090 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-018-1400-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a robust method called improved-Genome editing via Oviductal Nucleic Acids Delivery (i-GONAD) that delivers CRISPR ribonucleoproteins to E0.7 embryos via in situ electroporation. The method generates mouse models containing single-base changes, kilobase-sized deletions, and knock-ins. The efficiency of i-GONAD is comparable to that of traditional microinjection methods, which rely on ex vivo handling of zygotes and require recipient animals for embryo transfer. In contrast, i-GONAD avoids these technically difficult steps, and it can be performed at any laboratory with simple equipment and technical expertise. Further, i-GONAD-treated females retain reproductive function, suggesting future use of the method for germline gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Ohtsuka
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan.
- Center for Matrix Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan.
- The Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Sato
- Section of Gene Expression Regulation, Frontier Science Research Center, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Hiromi Miura
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
- Center for Matrix Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shuji Takabayashi
- Laboratory Animal Facilities & Services, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education & Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Makoto Matsuyama
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Shigei Medical Research Institute, Minami-ku, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takayuki Koyano
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Shigei Medical Research Institute, Minami-ku, Okayama, Japan
| | - Naomi Arifin
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Division of Basic Medical Science and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, School of Engineering, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shingo Nakamura
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kenta Wada
- Department of Bioproduction, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Abashiri, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Channabasavaiah B Gurumurthy
- Mouse Genome Engineering Core Facility, Vice Chancellor for Research Office, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Developmental Neuroscience, Munroe Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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6
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Wada K, Saito J, Yamaguchi M, Seki Y, Furugori M, Takahashi G, Nishito Y, Matsuda H, Shitara H, Kikkawa Y. Pde6b rd1 mutation modifies cataractogenesis in Foxe3 rct mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 496:231-237. [PMID: 29317205 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The Foxe3rct mutation, which causes early-onset cataracts, is a recessive mutation found in SJL/J mice. A previous study reported that cataract phenotypes are modified by the genetic background of mouse inbred strains and that the Pde6brd1 mutation, which induced degeneration of the photoreceptor cells, is a strong candidate genetic modifier to accelerate the severity of cataractogenesis of Foxe3rct mice. We created congenic mice by transferring a genomic region including the Foxe3rct mutation to the B6 genetic background, which does not carry the Pde6brd1 mutation. In the congenic mice, the cataract phenotypes became remarkably mild, and the development of cataracts was suppressed for a long time. Moreover, we created transgenic mice by injecting BAC clones including the wild-type Pde6b gene into the eggs of SJL-Foxe3rct mice. Although the resistant effect for cataract phenotypes in transgenic mice was less than that in congenic mice, the severity and onset time of cataract phenotypes were clearly improved and delayed, respectively, compared with the phenotypes of the original SJL-Foxe3rct mice. These results clearly show that the development of early-onset cataracts requires at least two mutant alleles of Foxe3rct and Pde6brd1, and another modifier associated with the severity of cataract phenotypes in Foxe3rct mice underlies the genetic backgrounds in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Wada
- Graduate School of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Abashiri, Hokkaido, 099-2493, Japan; Mammalian Genetics Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Junichi Saito
- Mammalian Genetics Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Midori Yamaguchi
- Center for Basic Technology Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Yuta Seki
- Mammalian Genetics Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Masamune Furugori
- Graduate School of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Abashiri, Hokkaido, 099-2493, Japan
| | - Gou Takahashi
- Regenerative Medicine Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Nishito
- Center for Basic Technology Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Matsuda
- Division of Animal Life Science, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, 183-8509, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Shitara
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan; Center for Basic Technology Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Kikkawa
- Mammalian Genetics Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan.
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7
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Takahashi G, Hasegawa S, Fukutomi Y, Harada C, Furugori M, Seki Y, Kikkawa Y, Wada K. A novel missense mutation of Mip causes semi-dominant cataracts in the Nat mouse. Exp Anim 2017; 66:271-282. [PMID: 28442635 PMCID: PMC5543248 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.17-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Major intrinsic protein of lens fiber (MIP) is one of the proteins essential for maintaining lens transparency while also contributing to dominant cataracts in humans. The Nodai cataract (Nat) mice harbor a spontaneous mutation in Mip and develop early-onset nuclear cataracts. The Nat mutation is a c.631G>A mutation (MipNat), resulting in a glycine-to-arginine substitution (p.Gly211Arg) in the sixth transmembrane domain. The MipNat/Nat homozygotes exhibit congenital cataracts caused by the degeneration of lens fiber cells. MIP normally localizes to the lens fiber cell membranes. However, the MipNat/Nat mice were found to lack an organelle-free zone, and the MIP was mislocalized to the nuclear membrane and perinuclear region. Furthermore, the MipNat/+ mice exhibited milder cataracts than MipNat/Nat mice due to the slight degeneration of the lens fiber cells. Although there were no differences in the localization of MIP to the membranes of lens fiber cells in MipNat/+ mice compared to that in wild-type mice, the protein levels of MIP were significantly reduced in the eyes. These findings suggest that cataractogenesis in MipNat mutants are caused by defects in MIP expression. Overall, the MipNat mice offer a novel model to better understand the phenotypes and mechanisms for the development of cataracts in patients that carry missense mutations in MIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gou Takahashi
- Graduate School of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 196 Yasaka, Abashiri, Hokkaido 099-2493, Japan
| | - Sayaka Hasegawa
- Graduate School of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 196 Yasaka, Abashiri, Hokkaido 099-2493, Japan
| | - Yukiko Fukutomi
- Department of Bioproduction, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 196 Yasaka, Abashiri, Hokkaido 099-2493, Japan
| | - Chihiro Harada
- Department of Bioproduction, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 196 Yasaka, Abashiri, Hokkaido 099-2493, Japan
| | - Masamune Furugori
- Graduate School of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 196 Yasaka, Abashiri, Hokkaido 099-2493, Japan
| | - Yuta Seki
- Mammalian Genetics Project, Department of Genome Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Kikkawa
- Mammalian Genetics Project, Department of Genome Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Kenta Wada
- Graduate School of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 196 Yasaka, Abashiri, Hokkaido 099-2493, Japan.,Department of Bioproduction, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 196 Yasaka, Abashiri, Hokkaido 099-2493, Japan.,Mammalian Genetics Project, Department of Genome Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
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8
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Kuang SQ, Medina-Martinez O, Guo DC, Gong L, Regalado ES, Reynolds CL, Boileau C, Jondeau G, Prakash SK, Kwartler CS, Zhu LY, Peters AM, Duan XY, Bamshad MJ, Shendure J, Nickerson DA, Santos-Cortez RL, Dong X, Leal SM, Majesky MW, Swindell EC, Jamrich M, Milewicz DM. FOXE3 mutations predispose to thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. J Clin Invest 2016; 126:948-61. [PMID: 26854927 PMCID: PMC4767350 DOI: 10.1172/jci83778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The ascending thoracic aorta is designed to withstand biomechanical forces from pulsatile blood. Thoracic aortic aneurysms and acute aortic dissections (TAADs) occur as a result of genetically triggered defects in aortic structure and a dysfunctional response to these forces. Here, we describe mutations in the forkhead transcription factor FOXE3 that predispose mutation-bearing individuals to TAAD. We performed exome sequencing of a large family with multiple members with TAADs and identified a rare variant in FOXE3 with an altered amino acid in the DNA-binding domain (p.Asp153His) that segregated with disease in this family. Additional pathogenic FOXE3 variants were identified in unrelated TAAD families. In mice, Foxe3 deficiency reduced smooth muscle cell (SMC) density and impaired SMC differentiation in the ascending aorta. Foxe3 expression was induced in aortic SMCs after transverse aortic constriction, and Foxe3 deficiency increased SMC apoptosis and ascending aortic rupture with increased aortic pressure. These phenotypes were rescued by inhibiting p53 activity, either by administration of a p53 inhibitor (pifithrin-α), or by crossing Foxe3-/- mice with p53-/- mice. Our data demonstrate that FOXE3 mutations lead to a reduced number of aortic SMCs during development and increased SMC apoptosis in the ascending aorta in response to increased biomechanical forces, thus defining an additional molecular pathway that leads to familial thoracic aortic disease.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aortic Dissection/genetics
- Aortic Dissection/metabolism
- Aortic Dissection/pathology
- Animals
- Aorta/metabolism
- Aorta/pathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/genetics
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/metabolism
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/pathology
- Apoptosis
- Cells, Cultured
- Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21/metabolism
- Female
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/genetics
- Gene Expression
- Genetic Association Studies
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- Humans
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Middle Aged
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Mutation, Missense
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/physiology
- Pedigree
- Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics
- Vascular Remodeling
- Zebrafish
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Qing Kuang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Dong-chuan Guo
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Limin Gong
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ellen S. Regalado
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Corey L. Reynolds
- Mouse Phenotyping Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Catherine Boileau
- AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat, Centre National de Référence pour le syndrome de Marfan et apparentés, Paris, France; Université Paris 7, Paris, France; INSERM, U1148, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Jondeau
- AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat, Centre National de Référence pour le Syndrome de Marfan et apparentés, Paris, France; Université Paris 7, Paris, France; AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat, Service de Cardiologie, Paris, France
| | - Siddharth K. Prakash
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Callie S. Kwartler
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lawrence Yang Zhu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Andrew M. Peters
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xue-Yan Duan
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Michael J. Bamshad
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jay Shendure
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Debbie A. Nickerson
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Regie L. Santos-Cortez
- Center for Statistical Genetics, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xiurong Dong
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Suzanne M. Leal
- Center for Statistical Genetics, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mark W. Majesky
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Eric C. Swindell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Dianna M. Milewicz
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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9
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Reis LM, Semina EV. Conserved genetic pathways associated with microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and coloboma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 105:96-113. [PMID: 26046913 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.21097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The human eye is a complex organ whose development requires extraordinary coordination of developmental processes. The conservation of ocular developmental steps in vertebrates suggests possible common genetic mechanisms. Genetic diseases involving the eye represent a leading cause of blindness in children and adults. During the last decades, there has been an exponential increase in genetic studies of ocular disorders. In this review, we summarize current success in identification of genes responsible for microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and coloboma (MAC) phenotypes, which are associated with early defects in embryonic eye development. Studies in animal models for the orthologous genes identified overlapping phenotypes for most factors, confirming the conservation of their function in vertebrate development. These animal models allow for further investigation of the mechanisms of MAC, integration of various identified genes into common developmental pathways and finally, provide an avenue for the development and testing of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda M Reis
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Elena V Semina
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.,Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.,Department of Cell Biology Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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10
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Wada K, Matsushima Y, Tada T, Hasegawa S, Obara Y, Yoshizawa Y, Takahashi G, Hiai H, Shimanuki M, Suzuki S, Saitou J, Yamamoto N, Ichikawa M, Watanabe K, Kikkawa Y. Expression of truncated PITX3 in the developing lens leads to microphthalmia and aphakia in mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111432. [PMID: 25347445 PMCID: PMC4210183 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Microphthalmia is a severe ocular disorder, and this condition is typically caused by mutations in transcription factors that are involved in eye development. Mice carrying mutations in these transcription factors would be useful tools for defining the mechanisms underlying developmental eye disorders. We discovered a new spontaneous recessive microphthalmos mouse mutant in the Japanese wild-derived inbred strain KOR1/Stm. The homozygous mutant mice were histologically characterized as microphthalmic by the absence of crystallin in the lens, a condition referred to as aphakia. By positional cloning, we identified the nonsense mutation c.444C>A outside the genomic region that encodes the homeodomain of the paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 3 gene (Pitx3) as the mutation responsible for the microphthalmia and aphakia. We examined Pitx3 mRNA expression of mutant mice during embryonic stages using RT-PCR and found that the expression levels are higher than in wild-type mice. Pitx3 over-expression in the lens during developmental stages was also confirmed at the protein level in the microphthalmos mutants via immunohistochemical analyses. Although lens fiber differentiation was not observed in the mutants, strong PITX3 protein signals were observed in the lens vesicles of the mutant lens. Thus, we speculated that abnormal PITX3, which lacks the C-terminus (including the OAR domain) as a result of the nonsense mutation, is expressed in mutant lenses. We showed that the expression of the downstream genes Foxe3, Prox1, and Mip was altered because of the Pitx3 mutation, with large reductions in the lens vesicles in the mutants. Similar profiles were observed by immunohistochemical analysis of these proteins. The expression profiles of crystallins were also altered in the mutants. Therefore, we speculated that the microphthalmos/aphakia in this mutant is caused by the expression of truncated PITX3, resulting in the abnormal expression of downstream targets and lens fiber proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Wada
- Department of Bioproduction, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Abashiri, Japan
- Mammalian Genetics Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshibumi Matsushima
- Mammalian Genetics Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
- Research Institute for Clinical Oncology, Saitama Cancer Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Tomoki Tada
- Department of Bioproduction, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Abashiri, Japan
| | - Sayaka Hasegawa
- Department of Bioproduction, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Abashiri, Japan
| | - Yo Obara
- Mammalian Genetics Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Yoshizawa
- Department of Bioproduction, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Abashiri, Japan
| | - Gou Takahashi
- Department of Bioproduction, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Abashiri, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hiai
- Medical Innovation Center, Graduate School of Medicine Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Midori Shimanuki
- Basic Research Center, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sari Suzuki
- Department of Bioproduction, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Abashiri, Japan
- Mammalian Genetics Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junichi Saitou
- Mammalian Genetics Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Naoki Yamamoto
- Institute of Joint Research, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Masumi Ichikawa
- Basic Research Center, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kei Watanabe
- Mammalian Genetics Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Kikkawa
- Mammalian Genetics Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
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11
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Watanabe K, Wada K, Ohashi T, Okubo S, Takekuma K, Hashizume R, Hayashi JI, Serikawa T, Kuramoto T, Kikkawa Y. A 5-bp insertion in Mip causes recessive congenital cataract in KFRS4/Kyo rats. PLoS One 2012; 7:e50737. [PMID: 23226368 PMCID: PMC3511373 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 10/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We discovered a new cataract mutation, kfrs4, in the Kyoto Fancy Rat Stock (KFRS) background. Within 1 month of birth, all kfrs4/kfrs4 homozygotes developed cataracts, with severe opacity in the nuclei of the lens. In contrast, no opacity was observed in the kfrs4/+ heterozygotes. We continued to observe these rats until they reached 1 year of age and found that cataractogenesis did not occur in kfrs4/+ rats. To define the histological defects in the lenses of kfrs4 rats, sections of the eyes of these rats were prepared. Although the lenses of kfrs4/kfrs4 homozygotes showed severely disorganised fibres and vacuolation, the lenses of kfrs4/+ heterozygotes appeared normal and similar to those of wild-type rats. We used positional cloning to identify the kfrs4 mutation. The mutation was mapped to an approximately 9.7-Mb region on chromosome 7, which contains the Mip gene. This gene is responsible for a dominant form of cataract in humans and mice. Sequence analysis of the mutant-derived Mip gene identified a 5-bp insertion. This insertion is predicted to inactivate the MIP protein, as it produces a frameshift that results in the synthesis of 6 novel amino acid residues and a truncated protein that lacks 136 amino acids in the C-terminal region, and no MIP immunoreactivity was observed in the lens fibre cells of kfrs4/kfrs4 homozygous rats using an antibody that recognises the C- and N-terminus of MIP. In addition, the kfrs4/+ heterozygotes showed reduced expression of Mip mRNA and MIP protein and the kfrs4/kfrs4 homozygotes showed no expression in the lens. These results indicate that the kfrs4 mutation conveys a loss-of-function, which leads to functional inactivation though the degradation of Mip mRNA by an mRNA decay mechanism. Therefore, the kfrs4 rat represents the first characterised rat model with a recessive mutation in the Mip gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Watanabe
- Mammalian Genetics Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kenta Wada
- Mammalian Genetics Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Bioproduction, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Abashiri, Japan
| | - Tomoko Ohashi
- Department of Bioproduction, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Abashiri, Japan
| | - Saki Okubo
- Department of Bioproduction, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Abashiri, Japan
| | - Kensuke Takekuma
- Department of Bioproduction, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Abashiri, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Hashizume
- Department of Bioproduction, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Abashiri, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Hayashi
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Tadao Serikawa
- Institute of Laboratory Animals, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takashi Kuramoto
- Institute of Laboratory Animals, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Kikkawa
- Mammalian Genetics Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
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