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Connors CQ, Mauro MS, Wiles JT, Countryman AD, Martin SL, Lacroix B, Shirasu-Hiza M, Dumont J, Kasza KE, Davies TR, Canman JC. Germ fate determinants protect germ precursor cell division by reducing septin and anillin levels at the cell division plane. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:ar94. [PMID: 38696255 PMCID: PMC11244169 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e24-02-0096-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Animal cell cytokinesis, or the physical division of one cell into two, is thought to be driven by constriction of an actomyosin contractile ring at the division plane. The mechanisms underlying cell type-specific differences in cytokinesis remain unknown. Germ cells are totipotent cells that pass genetic information to the next generation. Previously, using formincyk-1(ts) mutant Caenorhabditis elegans 4-cell embryos, we found that the P2 germ precursor cell is protected from cytokinesis failure and can divide with greatly reduced F-actin levels at the cell division plane. Here, we identified two canonical germ fate determinants required for P2-specific cytokinetic protection: PIE-1 and POS-1. Neither has been implicated previously in cytokinesis. These germ fate determinants protect P2 cytokinesis by reducing the accumulation of septinUNC-59 and anillinANI-1 at the division plane, which here act as negative regulators of cytokinesis. These findings may provide insight into the regulation of cytokinesis in other cell types, especially in stem cells with high potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Q. Connors
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Michael S. Mauro
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - J. Tristian Wiles
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
| | | | - Sophia L. Martin
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Benjamin Lacroix
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75013 Paris, France
- Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Centre de Recherche en Biologie Cellulaire de Montpellier, UMR 5237 Montpellier, France
| | - Mimi Shirasu-Hiza
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
| | - Julien Dumont
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Karen E. Kasza
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
| | - Timothy R. Davies
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Julie C. Canman
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032
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Connors CQ, Mauro MS, Tristian Wiles J, Countryman AD, Martin SL, Lacroix B, Shirasu-Hiza M, Dumont J, Kasza KE, Davies TR, Canman JC. Germ fate determinants protect germ precursor cell division by restricting septin and anillin levels at the division plane. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.17.566773. [PMID: 38014027 PMCID: PMC10680835 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.17.566773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Animal cell cytokinesis, or the physical division of one cell into two, is thought to be driven by constriction of an actomyosin contractile ring at the division plane. The mechanisms underlying cell type-specific differences in cytokinesis remain unknown. Germ cells are totipotent cells that pass genetic information to the next generation. Previously, using formin cyk-1 (ts) mutant C. elegans embryos, we found that the P2 germ precursor cell is protected from cytokinesis failure and can divide without detectable F-actin at the division plane. Here, we identified two canonical germ fate determinants required for P2-specific cytokinetic protection: PIE-1 and POS-1. Neither has been implicated previously in cytokinesis. These germ fate determinants protect P2 cytokinesis by reducing the accumulation of septin UNC-59 and anillin ANI-1 at the division plane, which here act as negative regulators of cytokinesis. These findings may provide insight into cytokinetic regulation in other cell types, especially in stem cells with high potency.
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3
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Fong S, Carollo A, Ashour R, Dimitriou D, Gianluca Esposito. Identifying major research themes in the literature on developmental disabilities in Middle Eastern countries: A scientometric review from 1962 to 2023. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2023; 140:104551. [PMID: 37473627 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2023.104551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Developmental disabilities have been widely studied in higher-income countries. However, most individuals with these conditions live in low- and middle-income countries and they are reportedly under-represented in the scientific literature. To tackle this issue, previous research has provided insight into the thematic developments in the research on developmental disabilities in Africa by means of a scientometric approach to reviews. The current work aims to extend the scientometric approach to investigate the main interests in the literature on developmental disabilities conducted in Middle Eastern countries. A total of 1110 documents were retrieved from Scopus and their patterns of co-citation were analysed with the CiteSpace software. Research in Developmental Disabilities emerged to be the main source in the sample of downloaded documents. Furthermore, a total of six main thematic domains and the four most impactful documents in the literature were identified. Results showed that research on developmental disabilities in the Middle East has been mainly focused on uncovering the genetic basis of this group of conditions. The study of clinical profiles, diagnosis, management, and treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities have been so far under-investigated and represents material for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seraphina Fong
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Alessandro Carollo
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Rola Ashour
- Sleep Education and Research Laboratory, UCL Institute of Education, London WC1H 0AA, England, UK
| | - Dagmara Dimitriou
- Sleep Education and Research Laboratory, UCL Institute of Education, London WC1H 0AA, England, UK
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy.
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Mucke HA. Patent highlights October-November 2022. Pharm Pat Anal 2023; 12:95-102. [PMID: 37477491 DOI: 10.4155/ppa-2023-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
A snapshot of recent noteworthy developments in the patent literature of relevance to pharmaceutical and medical research and development.
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Zaqout S, Kaindl AM. Autosomal Recessive Primary Microcephaly: Not Just a Small Brain. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:784700. [PMID: 35111754 PMCID: PMC8802810 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.784700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Microcephaly or reduced head circumference results from a multitude of abnormal developmental processes affecting brain growth and/or leading to brain atrophy. Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) is the prototype of isolated primary (congenital) microcephaly, affecting predominantly the cerebral cortex. For MCPH, an accelerating number of mutated genes emerge annually, and they are involved in crucial steps of neurogenesis. In this review article, we provide a deeper look into the microcephalic MCPH brain. We explore cytoarchitecture focusing on the cerebral cortex and discuss diverse processes occurring at the level of neural progenitors, early generated and mature neurons, and glial cells. We aim to thereby give an overview of current knowledge in MCPH phenotype and normal brain growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Zaqout
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Angela M. Kaindl
- Institute of Cell and Neurobiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Chronically Sick Children (Sozialpädiatrisches Zentrum, SPZ), Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Abstract
In this review, Phan et al. discuss the different models that have been proposed to explain how centrosome dysfunction impairs cortical development, and review the evidence supporting a unified model in which centrosome defects reduce cell proliferation in the developing cortex by prolonging mitosis and activating a mitotic surveillance pathway. Last, they also extend their discussion to centrosome-independent microcephaly mutations, such as those involved in DNA replication and repair Primary microcephaly is a brain growth disorder characterized by a severe reduction of brain size and thinning of the cerebral cortex. Many primary microcephaly mutations occur in genes that encode centrosome proteins, highlighting an important role for centrosomes in cortical development. Centrosomes are microtubule organizing centers that participate in several processes, including controlling polarity, catalyzing spindle assembly in mitosis, and building primary cilia. Understanding which of these processes are altered and how these disruptions contribute to microcephaly pathogenesis is a central unresolved question. In this review, we revisit the different models that have been proposed to explain how centrosome dysfunction impairs cortical development. We review the evidence supporting a unified model in which centrosome defects reduce cell proliferation in the developing cortex by prolonging mitosis and activating a mitotic surveillance pathway. Finally, we also extend our discussion to centrosome-independent microcephaly mutations, such as those involved in DNA replication and repair.
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Koenig M, Dobyns WB, Di Donato N. Lissencephaly: Update on diagnostics and clinical management. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2021; 35:147-152. [PMID: 34731701 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2021.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Lissencephaly represents a spectrum of rare malformations of cortical development including agyria, pachygyria and subcortical band heterotopia. The progress in molecular genetics has led to identification of 31 lissencephaly-associated genes with the overall diagnostic yield over 80%. In this review, we focus on clinical and molecular diagnosis of lissencephaly and summarize the current knowledge on histopathological changes and their correlation with the MRI imaging. Additionally we provide the overview of clinical follow-up recommendations and available data on epilepsy management in patients with lissencephaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matti Koenig
- Institute for Clinical Genetics, University Hospital, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - William B Dobyns
- Department of Pediatrics (Genetics), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Nataliya Di Donato
- Institute for Clinical Genetics, University Hospital, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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Iegiani G, Di Cunto F, Pallavicini G. Inhibiting microcephaly genes as alternative to microtubule targeting agents to treat brain tumors. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:956. [PMID: 34663805 PMCID: PMC8523548 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04259-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) and gliomas are the most frequent high-grade brain tumors (HGBT) in children and adulthood, respectively. The general treatment for these tumors consists in surgery, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite the improvement in patient survival, these therapies are only partially effective, and many patients still die. In the last decades, microtubules have emerged as interesting molecular targets for HGBT, as various microtubule targeting agents (MTAs) have been developed and tested pre-clinically and clinically with encouraging results. Nevertheless, these treatments produce relevant side effects since they target microtubules in normal as well as in cancerous cells. A possible strategy to overcome this toxicity could be to target proteins that control microtubule dynamics but are required by HGBT cells much more than in normal cell types. The genes mutated in primary hereditary microcephaly (MCPH) are ubiquitously expressed in proliferating cells, but under normal conditions are selectively required during brain development, in neural progenitors. There is evidence that MB and glioma cells share molecular profiles with progenitors of cerebellar granules and of cortical radial glia cells, in which MCPH gene functions are fundamental. Moreover, several studies indicate that MCPH genes are required for HGBT expansion. Among the 25 known MCPH genes, we focus this review on KNL1, ASPM, CENPE, CITK and KIF14, which have been found to control microtubule stability during cell division. We summarize the current knowledge about the molecular basis of their interaction with microtubules. Moreover, we will discuss data that suggest these genes are promising candidates as HGBT-specific targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Iegiani
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience 'Rita Levi Montalcini', University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Di Cunto
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience 'Rita Levi Montalcini', University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Pallavicini
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, 10043, Orbassano, Italy.
- Department of Neuroscience 'Rita Levi Montalcini', University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy.
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McNeely KC, Dwyer ND. Cytokinetic Abscission Regulation in Neural Stem Cells and Tissue Development. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2021; 7:161-173. [PMID: 36303610 PMCID: PMC9603694 DOI: 10.1007/s40778-021-00193-7] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review How stem cells balance proliferation with differentiation, giving rise to specific daughter cells during development to build an embryo or tissue, remains an open question. Here, we discuss recent evidence that cytokinetic abscission regulation in stem cells, particularly neural stem cells (NSCs), is part of the answer. Abscission is a multi-step process mediated by the midbody, a microtubule-based structure formed in the intercellular bridge between daughter cells after mitosis. Recent Findings Human mutations and mouse knockouts in abscission genes reveal that subtle disruptions of NSC abscission can cause brain malformations. Experiments in several epithelial systems have shown that midbodies serve as scaffolds for apical junction proteins and are positioned near apical membrane fate determinants. Abscission timing is tightly controlled and developmentally regulated in stem cells, with delayed abscission in early embryos and faster abscission later. Midbody remnants (MBRs) contain over 400 proteins and may influence polarity, fate, and ciliogenesis. Summary As NSCs and other stem cells build tissues, they tightly regulate three aspects of abscission: midbody positioning, duration, and MBR handling. Midbody positioning and remnants establish or maintain cell polarity. MBRs are deposited on the apical membranes of epithelia, can be released or internalized by surrounding cells, and may sequester fate determinants or transfer information between cells. Work in cell lines and simpler systems has shown multiple roles for abscission regulation influencing stem cell polarity, potency, and daughter fates during development. Elucidating how the abscission process influences cell fate and tissue growth is important for our continued understanding of brain development and stem cell biology.
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Jean F, Stuart A, Tarailo-Graovac M. Dissecting the Genetic and Etiological Causes of Primary Microcephaly. Front Neurol 2020; 11:570830. [PMID: 33178111 PMCID: PMC7593518 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.570830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH; “small head syndrome”) is a rare, heterogeneous disease arising from the decreased production of neurons during brain development. As of August 2020, the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database lists 25 genes (involved in molecular processes such as centriole biogenesis, microtubule dynamics, spindle positioning, DNA repair, transcriptional regulation, Wnt signaling, and cell cycle checkpoints) that are implicated in causing MCPH. Many of these 25 genes were only discovered in the last 10 years following advances in exome and genome sequencing that have improved our ability to identify disease-causing variants. Despite these advances, many patients still lack a genetic diagnosis. This demonstrates a need to understand in greater detail the molecular mechanisms and genetics underlying MCPH. Here, we briefly review the molecular functions of each MCPH gene and how their loss disrupts the neurogenesis program, ultimately demonstrating that microcephaly arises from cell cycle dysregulation. We also explore the current issues in the genetic basis and clinical presentation of MCPH as additional avenues of improving gene/variant prioritization. Ultimately, we illustrate that the detailed exploration of the etiology and inheritance of MCPH improves the predictive power in identifying previously unknown MCPH candidates and diagnosing microcephalic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Jean
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Amanda Stuart
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Maja Tarailo-Graovac
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Szpirer C. Rat models of human diseases and related phenotypes: a systematic inventory of the causative genes. J Biomed Sci 2020; 27:84. [PMID: 32741357 PMCID: PMC7395987 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-020-00673-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The laboratory rat has been used for a long time as the model of choice in several biomedical disciplines. Numerous inbred strains have been isolated, displaying a wide range of phenotypes and providing many models of human traits and diseases. Rat genome mapping and genomics was considerably developed in the last decades. The availability of these resources has stimulated numerous studies aimed at discovering causal disease genes by positional identification. Numerous rat genes have now been identified that underlie monogenic or complex diseases and remarkably, these results have been translated to the human in a significant proportion of cases, leading to the identification of novel human disease susceptibility genes, helping in studying the mechanisms underlying the pathological abnormalities and also suggesting new therapeutic approaches. In addition, reverse genetic tools have been developed. Several genome-editing methods were introduced to generate targeted mutations in genes the function of which could be clarified in this manner [generally these are knockout mutations]. Furthermore, even when the human gene causing a disease had been identified without resorting to a rat model, mutated rat strains (in particular KO strains) were created to analyze the gene function and the disease pathogenesis. Today, over 350 rat genes have been identified as underlying diseases or playing a key role in critical biological processes that are altered in diseases, thereby providing a rich resource of disease models. This article is an update of the progress made in this research and provides the reader with an inventory of these disease genes, a significant number of which have similar effects in rat and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claude Szpirer
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, B-6041, Gosselies, Belgium.
- , Waterloo, Belgium.
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Gabriel E, Ramani A, Altinisik N, Gopalakrishnan J. Human Brain Organoids to Decode Mechanisms of Microcephaly. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:115. [PMID: 32457578 PMCID: PMC7225330 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain organoids are stem cell-based self-assembling 3D structures that recapitulate early events of human brain development. Recent improvements with patient-specific 3D brain organoids have begun to elucidate unprecedented details of the defective mechanisms that cause neurodevelopmental disorders of congenital and acquired microcephaly. In particular, brain organoids derived from primary microcephaly patients have uncovered mechanisms that deregulate neural stem cell proliferation, maintenance, and differentiation. Not only did brain organoids reveal unknown aspects of neurogenesis but also have illuminated surprising roles of cellular structures of centrosomes and primary cilia in regulating neurogenesis during brain development. Here, we discuss how brain organoids have started contributing to decoding the complexities of microcephaly, which are unlikely to be identified in the existing non-human models. Finally, we discuss the yet unresolved questions and challenges that can be addressed with the use of brain organoids as in vitro models of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Gabriel
- Laboratory for Centrosome and Cytoskeleton Biology, Institute für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anand Ramani
- Laboratory for Centrosome and Cytoskeleton Biology, Institute für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nazlican Altinisik
- Laboratory for Centrosome and Cytoskeleton Biology, Institute für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jay Gopalakrishnan
- Laboratory for Centrosome and Cytoskeleton Biology, Institute für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Shou J, Yu C, Zhang D, Zhang Q. Overexpression of Citron Rho-Interacting Serine/Threonine Kinase Associated with Poor Outcome in Bladder Cancer. J Cancer 2020; 11:4173-4180. [PMID: 32368300 PMCID: PMC7196275 DOI: 10.7150/jca.43435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Citron Rho-Interacting Serine/Threonine Kinase (CIT) was originally identified as a binding partner of active forms of the small GTPases Rho and Rac. This kinase participated in the regulation of cytokinesis and loss of CIT was associated with chromosomal instability. Here, we assume that CIT might be a potential prognostic biomarker for bladder cancer. Materials and Methods: The expression and prognostic significance of CIT mRNA were validated on 5 published microarray data sets, including 948 bladder cancer cases. To further confirm the results, we collected 54 non-carcinomatous human bladder tissue samples and 315 bladder cancer tissues from Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital to detect the protein level of CIT based on the immunohistochemistry analysis. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression model were used in survival analysis. Results: Analysis results showed that high CIT expression was associated with tumor size (p=0.0001), tumor grade (p<0.0001), smoking status (p=0.0143), TNM stage (p=0.0024), pathological tumor stage (p<0.0001) and aggressive phenotypes of bladder cancer. Independent and pooled survival analyses both indicated that overexpression of CIT was significantly associated with poor survival of bladder cancers. Conclusions: In conclusion, these findings indicated that overexpression of CIT was significantly associated with poor survival outcome in bladder cancers. CIT might serve as a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for bladder cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Urology, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, 158 Shangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310014, People's Republic of China
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Citron Rho-Interacting Serine/Threonine Kinase Promotes HIF1a-CypA Signaling and Growth of Human Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:9210891. [PMID: 32185224 PMCID: PMC7060418 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9210891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the cyclophilin A (CypA) is overexpressed and promotes the development of PDAC. However, the mechanism underlying cyclophilin A expression remains elusive. Here, we reported that the citron Rho-interacting serine/threonine kinase (CIT) promotes the HIF1a-CypA signaling and growth of PDAC cells. CIT expression was higher in PDAC cells compared with the normal epithelial cells, and clinical data showed that CIT was overexpressed in PDAC tissues and high expression of CIT predicted poor overall and disease-free survival. In PDAC cells, knockdown of CIT expression repressed the rate of proliferation and capacity of colony formation, which were accomplished with an increased percentage of apoptotic cells and cell cycle arrest. The knockdown of CIT in PDAC cells reduced the expression of CypA while overexpression of CIT promoted the expression of CypA. We observed that the effects of CIT on the expression of CypA relied on the transcriptional factor HIF1a, which was previously reported to transcriptionally activate the expression of CypA in PDAC cells. Furthermore, the effects of CIT on apoptosis, cell cycle, proliferation, and colony formation of PDAC cells relied on its role in the regulation of CypA expression. Collectively, our data showed that CIT promoted the activation of HIF1-CypA signaling and enhanced the growth of PDAC cells.
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The Mitotic Apparatus and Kinetochores in Microcephaly and Neurodevelopmental Diseases. Cells 2019; 9:cells9010049. [PMID: 31878213 PMCID: PMC7016623 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulators of mitotic division, when dysfunctional or expressed in a deregulated manner (over- or underexpressed) in somatic cells, cause chromosome instability, which is a predisposing condition to cancer that is associated with unrestricted proliferation. Genes encoding mitotic regulators are growingly implicated in neurodevelopmental diseases. Here, we briefly summarize existing knowledge on how microcephaly-related mitotic genes operate in the control of chromosome segregation during mitosis in somatic cells, with a special focus on the role of kinetochore factors. Then, we review evidence implicating mitotic apparatus- and kinetochore-resident factors in the origin of congenital microcephaly. We discuss data emerging from these works, which suggest a critical role of correct mitotic division in controlling neuronal cell proliferation and shaping the architecture of the central nervous system.
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Pallavicini G, Berto GE, Di Cunto F. Precision Revisited: Targeting Microcephaly Kinases in Brain Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092098. [PMID: 31035417 PMCID: PMC6539168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme and medulloblastoma are the most frequent high-grade brain tumors in adults and children, respectively. Standard therapies for these cancers are mainly based on surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, intrinsic or acquired resistance to treatment occurs almost invariably in the first case, and side effects are unacceptable in the second. Therefore, the development of new, effective drugs is a very important unmet medical need. A critical requirement for developing such agents is to identify druggable targets required for the proliferation or survival of tumor cells, but not of other cell types. Under this perspective, genes mutated in congenital microcephaly represent interesting candidates. Congenital microcephaly comprises a heterogeneous group of disorders in which brain volume is reduced, in the absence or presence of variable syndromic features. Genetic studies have clarified that most microcephaly genes encode ubiquitous proteins involved in mitosis and in maintenance of genomic stability, but the effects of their inactivation are particularly strong in neural progenitors. It is therefore conceivable that the inhibition of the function of these genes may specifically affect the proliferation and survival of brain tumor cells. Microcephaly genes encode for a few kinases, including CITK, PLK4, AKT3, DYRK1A, and TRIO. In this review, we summarize the evidence indicating that the inhibition of these molecules could exert beneficial effects on different aspects of brain cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianmarco Pallavicini
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, 10126 Turin, Italy.
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.
| | - Gaia E Berto
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, 10126 Turin, Italy.
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.
| | - Ferdinando Di Cunto
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, 10126 Turin, Italy.
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.
- Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), 10126 Turin, Italy.
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17
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Reilly ML, Stokman MF, Magry V, Jeanpierre C, Alves M, Paydar M, Hellinga J, Delous M, Pouly D, Failler M, Martinovic J, Loeuillet L, Leroy B, Tantau J, Roume J, Gregory-Evans CY, Shan X, Filges I, Allingham JS, Kwok BH, Saunier S, Giles RH, Benmerah A. Loss-of-function mutations in KIF14 cause severe microcephaly and kidney development defects in humans and zebrafish. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:778-795. [PMID: 30388224 PMCID: PMC6381319 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in KIF14 have previously been associated with either severe, isolated or syndromic microcephaly with renal hypodysplasia (RHD). Syndromic microcephaly-RHD was strongly reminiscent of clinical ciliopathies, relating to defects of the primary cilium, a signalling organelle present on the surface of many quiescent cells. KIF14 encodes a mitotic kinesin, which plays a key role at the midbody during cytokinesis and has not previously been shown to be involved in cilia-related functions. Here, we analysed four families with fetuses presenting with the syndromic form and harbouring biallelic variants in KIF14. Our functional analyses showed that the identified variants severely impact the activity of KIF14 and likely correspond to loss-of-function mutations. Analysis in human fetal tissues further revealed the accumulation of KIF14-positive midbody remnants in the lumen of ureteric bud tips indicating a shared function of KIF14 during brain and kidney development. Subsequently, analysis of a kif14 mutant zebrafish line showed a conserved role for this mitotic kinesin. Interestingly, ciliopathy-associated phenotypes were also present in mutant embryos, supporting a potential direct or indirect role for KIF14 at cilia. However, our in vitro and in vivo analyses did not provide evidence of a direct role for KIF14 in ciliogenesis and suggested that loss of kif14 causes ciliopathy-like phenotypes through an accumulation of mitotic cells in ciliated tissues. Altogether, our results demonstrate that KIF14 mutations result in a severe syndrome associating microcephaly and RHD through its conserved function in cytokinesis during kidney and brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Louise Reilly
- Laboratory of Hereditary Kidney Diseases, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Paris, France
- Paris Diderot University, Department of Life Sciences, Paris, France
| | - Marijn F Stokman
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, JE Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Virginie Magry
- Laboratory of Hereditary Kidney Diseases, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Paris, France
| | - Cecile Jeanpierre
- Laboratory of Hereditary Kidney Diseases, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Paris, France
| | - Marine Alves
- Laboratory of Hereditary Kidney Diseases, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Paris, France
| | - Mohammadjavad Paydar
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Département de médecine, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Hellinga
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Marion Delous
- Laboratory of Hereditary Kidney Diseases, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Paris, France
| | - Daniel Pouly
- Laboratory of Hereditary Kidney Diseases, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Paris, France
| | - Marion Failler
- Laboratory of Hereditary Kidney Diseases, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Paris, France
| | - Jelena Martinovic
- Unit of Fetal Pathology, Antoine Béclère Hospital, AP-HP, Clamart, France
- INSERM U-788, Génétique/Neurogénétique, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Laurence Loeuillet
- Service d'Histologie-Embryologie-Cytogénétique, Hôpital Necker–Enfants Malades, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Brigitte Leroy
- Service d'Anatomie et de Cytologie Pathologiques, Centre hospitalier intercommunal de Poissy, Saint Germain en Laye, France
| | - Julia Tantau
- Service d'Anatomie et de Cytologie Pathologiques, Centre hospitalier intercommunal de Poissy, Saint Germain en Laye, France
| | - Joelle Roume
- Service de Génétique, Centre hospitalier intercommunal de Poissy, 78100 Saint Germain en Laye, France
| | - Cheryl Y Gregory-Evans
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Xianghong Shan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Isabel Filges
- Medical Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital of Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital of Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - John S Allingham
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Benjamin H Kwok
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Département de médecine, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sophie Saunier
- Laboratory of Hereditary Kidney Diseases, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Paris, France
| | - Rachel H Giles
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3512 JE Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Alexandre Benmerah
- Laboratory of Hereditary Kidney Diseases, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Paris, France
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18
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Comprehensive review on the molecular genetics of autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH). Genet Res (Camb) 2018; 100:e7. [PMID: 30086807 DOI: 10.1017/s0016672318000046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary microcephaly (MCPH) is an autosomal recessive sporadic neurodevelopmental ailment with a trivial head size characteristic that is below 3-4 standard deviations. MCPH is the smaller upshot of an architecturally normal brain; a significant decrease in size is seen in the cerebral cortex. At birth MCPH presents with non-progressive mental retardation, while secondary microcephaly (onset after birth) presents with and without other syndromic features. MCPH is a neurogenic mitotic syndrome nevertheless pretentious patients demonstrate normal neuronal migration, neuronal apoptosis and neural function. Eighteen MCPH loci (MCPH1-MCPH18) have been mapped to date from various populations around the world and contain the following genes: Microcephalin, WDR62, CDK5RAP2, CASC5, ASPM, CENPJ, STIL, CEP135, CEP152, ZNF335, PHC1, CDK6, CENPE, SASS6, MFSD2A, ANKLE2, CIT and WDFY3, clarifying our understanding about the molecular basis of microcephaly genetic disorder. It has previously been reported that phenotype disease is caused by MCB gene mutations and the causes of this phenotype are disarrangement of positions and organization of chromosomes during the cell cycle as a result of mutated DNA, centriole duplication, neurogenesis, neuronal migration, microtubule dynamics, transcriptional control and the cell cycle checkpoint having some invisible centrosomal process that can manage the number of neurons that are produced by neuronal precursor cells. Furthermore, researchers inform us about the clinical management of families that are suffering from MCPH. Establishment of both molecular understanding and genetic advocating may help to decrease the rate of this ailment. This current review study examines newly identified genes along with previously identified genes involved in autosomal recessive MCPH.
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19
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Davies T, Kim HX, Romano Spica N, Lesea-Pringle BJ, Dumont J, Shirasu-Hiza M, Canman JC. Cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic mechanisms promote cell-type-specific cytokinetic diversity. eLife 2018; 7:36204. [PMID: 30028292 PMCID: PMC6054530 DOI: 10.7554/elife.36204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokinesis, the physical division of one cell into two, is powered by constriction of an actomyosin contractile ring. It has long been assumed that all animal cells divide by a similar molecular mechanism, but growing evidence suggests that cytokinetic regulation in individual cell types has more variation than previously realized. In the four-cell Caenorhabditis elegans embryo, each blastomere has a distinct cell fate, specified by conserved pathways. Using fast-acting temperature-sensitive mutants and acute drug treatment, we identified cell-type-specific variation in the cytokinetic requirement for a robust forminCYK-1-dependent filamentous-actin (F-actin) cytoskeleton. In one cell (P2), this cytokinetic variation is cell-intrinsically regulated, whereas in another cell (EMS) this variation is cell-extrinsically regulated, dependent on both SrcSRC-1 signaling and direct contact with its neighbor cell, P2. Thus, both cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic mechanisms control cytokinetic variation in individual cell types and can protect against division failure when the contractile ring is weakened. The successful division of one cell into two is essential for all organisms to live, grow and reproduce. For an animal cell, the nucleus – the compartment containing the genetic material – must divide before the surrounding material. The rest of the cell, called the cytoplasm, physically separates later in a process known as cytokinesis. Cytokinesis in animal cells is driven by the formation of a ring in the middle of the dividing cell. The ring is composed of myosin motor proteins and filaments made of a protein called actin. The movements of the motor proteins along the filaments cause the ring to contract and tighten. This pulls the cell membrane inward and physically pinches the cell into two. For a long time, the mechanism of cytokinesis was assumed to be same across different types of animal cell, but later evidence suggested otherwise. For example, in liver, heat and bone cells, cytokinesis naturally fails during development to create cells with two or more nuclei. If a similar ‘failure’ happened in other cell types, it could lead to diseases such as cancers or blood disorders. This raised the question: what are the molecular mechanisms that allow cytokinesis to happen differently in different cell types? Davies et al. investigated this question using embryos of the worm Caenorhabditis elegans at a stage in their development when they consist of just four cells. The proteins forming the contractile ring in this worm are the same as those in humans. However, in the worm, the contractile ring can easily be damaged using chemical inhibitors or by mutating the genes that encode its proteins. Davies et al. show that when the contractile ring was damaged, two of the four cells in the worm embryo still divided successfully. This result indicates the existence of new mechanisms to divide the cytoplasm that allow division even with a weak contractile ring. In a further experiment, the embryos were dissected to isolate each of the four cells. Davies et al. saw that one of the two dividing cells could still divide on its own, while the other cell could not. This shows that this new method of cytokinesis is regulated both by factors inherent to the dividing cell and by external signals from other cells. Moreover, one of these extrinsic signals was found to be a signaling protein that had previously been implicated in human cancers. Future work will determine if these variations in cytokinesis between the different cell types found in the worm apply to humans too; and, more importantly from a therapeutic standpoint, if these new mechanisms exist in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Davies
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, United States
| | - Han X Kim
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, United States.,Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, United States
| | - Natalia Romano Spica
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, United States
| | - Benjamin J Lesea-Pringle
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, United States
| | - Julien Dumont
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS UMR 7592, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Mimi Shirasu-Hiza
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, United States
| | - Julie C Canman
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, United States
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20
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Pallavicini G, Sgrò F, Garello F, Falcone M, Bitonto V, Berto GE, Bianchi FT, Gai M, Chiotto AM, Filippi M, Cutrin JC, Ala U, Terreno E, Turco E, Cunto FD. Inactivation of Citron Kinase Inhibits Medulloblastoma Progression by Inducing Apoptosis and Cell Senescence. Cancer Res 2018; 78:4599-4612. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-4060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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21
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A novel homozygous frameshift variant in the MCPH1 gene causes primary microcephaly in a consanguineous Saudi family. Genes Genomics 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s13258-017-0596-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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22
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Bianchi FT, Gai M, Berto GE, Di Cunto F. Of rings and spines: The multiple facets of Citron proteins in neural development. Small GTPases 2017; 11:122-130. [PMID: 29185861 PMCID: PMC7053930 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2017.1374325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The Citron protein was originally identified for its capability to specifically bind the active form of RhoA small GTPase, leading to the simplistic hypothesis that it may work as a RhoA downstream effector in actin remodeling. More than two decades later, a much more complex picture has emerged. In particular, it has become clear that in animals, and especially in mammals, the functions of the Citron gene (CIT) are intimately linked to many aspects of central nervous system (CNS) development and function, although the gene is broadly expressed. More specifically, CIT encodes two main isoforms, Citron-kinase (CIT-K) and Citron-N (CIT-N), characterized by complementary expression pattern and different functions. Moreover, in many of their activities, CIT proteins act more as upstream regulators than as downstream effectors of RhoA. Finally it has been found that, besides working through actin, CIT proteins have many crucial functional interactions with the microtubule cytoskeleton and may directly affect genome stability. In this review, we will summarize these advances and illustrate their actual or potential relevance for CNS diseases, including microcephaly and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico T Bianchi
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Regione Golzole 10, Orbassano, TO, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Marta Gai
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Gaia E Berto
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Regione Golzole 10, Orbassano, TO, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Di Cunto
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Regione Golzole 10, Orbassano, TO, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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23
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Bianchi FT, Tocco C, Pallavicini G, Liu Y, Vernì F, Merigliano C, Bonaccorsi S, El-Assawy N, Priano L, Gai M, Berto GE, Chiotto AMA, Sgrò F, Caramello A, Tasca L, Ala U, Neri F, Oliviero S, Mauro A, Geley S, Gatti M, Di Cunto F. Citron Kinase Deficiency Leads to Chromosomal Instability and TP53-Sensitive Microcephaly. Cell Rep 2017; 18:1674-1686. [PMID: 28199840 PMCID: PMC5318669 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.01.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in citron (CIT), leading to loss or inactivation of the citron kinase protein (CITK), cause primary microcephaly in humans and rodents, associated with cytokinesis failure and apoptosis in neural progenitors. We show that CITK loss induces DNA damage accumulation and chromosomal instability in both mammals and Drosophila. CITK-deficient cells display "spontaneous" DNA damage, increased sensitivity to ionizing radiation, and defective recovery from radiation-induced DNA lesions. In CITK-deficient cells, DNA double-strand breaks increase independently of cytokinesis failure. Recruitment of RAD51 to DNA damage foci is compromised by CITK loss, and CITK physically interacts with RAD51, suggesting an involvement of CITK in homologous recombination. Consistent with this scenario, in doubly CitK and Trp53 mutant mice, neural progenitor cell death is dramatically reduced; moreover, clinical and neuroanatomical phenotypes are remarkably improved. Our results underscore a crucial role of CIT in the maintenance of genomic integrity during brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Tommaso Bianchi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano (TO), Italy.
| | - Chiara Tocco
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Pallavicini
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano (TO), Italy
| | - Yifan Liu
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Vernì
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin," Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Merigliano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin," Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Bonaccorsi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin," Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Nadia El-Assawy
- Department of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, San Giuseppe Hospital, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, 28824 Piancavallo (VB), Italy
| | - Lorenzo Priano
- Department of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, San Giuseppe Hospital, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, 28824 Piancavallo (VB), Italy; Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Marta Gai
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Gaia Elena Berto
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano (TO), Italy
| | - Alessandra Maria Adelaide Chiotto
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano (TO), Italy
| | - Francesco Sgrò
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Alessia Caramello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Tasca
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano (TO), Italy
| | - Ugo Ala
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Neri
- Human Genetics Foundation (HuGeF), via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Mauro
- Department of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, San Giuseppe Hospital, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, 28824 Piancavallo (VB), Italy; Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Stephan Geley
- Division of Molecular Pathophysiology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Maurizio Gatti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin," Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), CNR, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Di Cunto
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043 Orbassano (TO), Italy.
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24
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Moawia A, Shaheen R, Rasool S, Waseem SS, Ewida N, Budde B, Kawalia A, Motameny S, Khan K, Fatima A, Jameel M, Ullah F, Akram T, Ali Z, Abdullah U, Irshad S, Höhne W, Noegel AA, Al-Owain M, Hörtnagel K, Stöbe P, Baig SM, Nürnberg P, Alkuraya FS, Hahn A, Hussain MS. Mutations of KIF14 cause primary microcephaly by impairing cytokinesis. Ann Neurol 2017; 82:562-577. [PMID: 28892560 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a rare condition characterized by a reduced cerebral cortex accompanied with intellectual disability. Mutations in 17 genes have been shown to cause this phenotype. Recently, mutations in CIT, encoding CRIK (citron rho-interacting kinase)-a component of the central spindle matrix-were added. We aimed at identifying novel MCPH-associated genes and exploring their functional role in pathogenesis. METHODS Linkage analysis and whole exome sequencing were performed in consanguineous and nonconsanguineous MCPH families to identify disease-causing variants. Functional consequences were investigated by RNA studies and on the cellular level using immunofluorescence and microscopy. RESULTS We identified homozygous mutations in KIF14 (NM_014875.2;c.263T>A;pLeu88*, c.2480_2482delTTG; p.Val827del, and c.4071G>A;p.Gln1357=) as the likely cause in 3 MCPH families. Furthermore, in a patient presenting with a severe form of primary microcephaly and short stature, we identified compound heterozygous missense mutations in KIF14 (NM_014875.2;c.2545C>G;p.His849Asp and c.3662G>T;p.Gly1221Val). Three of the 5 identified mutations impaired splicing, and 2 resulted in a truncated protein. Intriguingly, Kif14 knockout mice also showed primary microcephaly. Human kinesin-like protein KIF14, a microtubule motor protein, localizes at the midbody to finalize cytokinesis by interacting with CRIK. We found impaired localization of both KIF14 and CRIK at the midbody in patient-derived fibroblasts. Furthermore, we observed a large number of binucleated and apoptotic cells-signs of failed cytokinesis that we also observed in experimentally KIF14-depleted cells. INTERPRETATION Our data corroborate the role of an impaired cytokinesis in the etiology of primary and syndromic microcephaly, as has been proposed by recent findings on CIT mutations. Ann Neurol 2017;82:562-577.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abubakar Moawia
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Biochemistry I, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ranad Shaheen
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sajida Rasool
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Syeda Seema Waseem
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Biochemistry I, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Nour Ewida
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Birgit Budde
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Amit Kawalia
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Susanne Motameny
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kamal Khan
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ambrin Fatima
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Jameel
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Farid Ullah
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Talia Akram
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Zafar Ali
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Uzma Abdullah
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Saba Irshad
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Wolfgang Höhne
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Angelika Anna Noegel
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Biochemistry I, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mohammed Al-Owain
- Department of Medical Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Petra Stöbe
- Center for Genomics and Transcriptomics, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Shahid Mahmood Baig
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Peter Nürnberg
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Fowzan Sami Alkuraya
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Saudi Human Genome Program, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Andreas Hahn
- Department of Child Neurology, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Muhammad Sajid Hussain
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Biochemistry I, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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25
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Johnson CA, Wright CE, Ghashghaei HT. Regulation of cytokinesis during corticogenesis: focus on the midbody. FEBS Lett 2017; 591:4009-4026. [PMID: 28493553 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Development of the cerebral cortices depends on tight regulation of cell divisions. In this system, stem and progenitor cells undergo symmetric and asymmetric divisions to ultimately produce neurons that establish the layers of the cortex. Cell division culminates with the formation of the midbody, a transient organelle that establishes the site of abscission between nascent daughter cells. During cytokinetic abscission, the final stage of cell division, one daughter cell will inherit the midbody remnant, which can then maintain or expel the remnant, but mechanisms and circumstances influencing this decision are unclear. This review describes the midbody and its constituent proteins, as well as the known consequences of their manipulation during cortical development. The potential functional relevance of midbody mechanisms is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A Johnson
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Comparative Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Neurosciences Concentration Area, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Catherine E Wright
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - H Troy Ghashghaei
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Comparative Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Neurosciences Concentration Area, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Program in Genetics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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26
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Naseer MI, Rasool M, Sogaty S, Chaudhary RA, Mansour HM, Chaudhary AG, Abuzenadah AM, Al-Qahtani MH. A novel WDR62 mutation causes primary microcephaly in a large consanguineous Saudi family. Ann Saudi Med 2017; 37:148-153. [PMID: 28377545 PMCID: PMC6150548 DOI: 10.5144/0256-4947.2017.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a rare developmental defect characterized by impaired cognitive functions, retarded neurodevelopment and reduced brain size. It is genetically heterogeneous and more than 17 genes so far have been identified that are associated with this disease. OBJECTIVE To study the genetic defect in a consanguineous Saudi family with primary microcephaly. DESIGN Cross-sectional clinical genetics study of a Saudi family. SETTING Medical genomics research center. PATIENTS AND METHODS Blood samples collected from six members of a family of healthy consanguineous parents were analyzed by whole exome sequencing to identify the underlying pathogenic mutations in two members of the family (23-year-old female and 7-year-old male) who presented with primary microcephaly, intellectual disability, delayed psychomotor development and walking difficulty, speech impedi-ments and seizures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Detection of mutation in the WD repeat domain 62 (WDR62) gene in a family segregating autosomal recessive primary microcephaly. RESULTS The exome variant analysis identified a novel missense mutation (c.3878C > A) in WDR62 gene in exon 30 resulting in amino acid change from alanine to aspartate (p.Ala1293Asp). Further validation in the affected patients and healthy members of family and 100 unrelated healthy persons as controls confirmed it to be pathogenic. CONCLUSIONS Functional impairment of the WDR62 gene can lead to severe neurodevelopmental de-fects, brain malformations and reduced head size. A missense mutation of exon 30 changed alanine to aspartate in the WDR62 protein leading to the typical MCPH phenotype. LIMITATIONS Mutation was identified in a single family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Imran Naseer
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmood Rasool
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sameera Sogaty
- Department of Medical Genetics, King Fahad General Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rukhaa Adeel Chaudhary
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Medical Laboratory Technology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haifa Mansour Mansour
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Medical Laboratory Technology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adeel G. Chaudhary
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel M. Abuzenadah
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad H. Al-Qahtani
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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27
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Ahmad I, Baig SM, Abdulkareem AR, Hussain MS, Sur I, Toliat MR, Nürnberg G, Dalibor N, Moawia A, Waseem SS, Asif M, Nagra H, Sher M, Khan MMA, Hassan I, Rehman SU, Thiele H, Altmüller J, Noegel AA, Nürnberg P. Genetic heterogeneity in Pakistani microcephaly families revisited. Clin Genet 2017; 92:62-68. [PMID: 28004384 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a rare and heterogeneous genetic disorder characterized by reduced head circumference, low cognitive prowess and, in general, architecturally normal brains. As many as 14 different loci have already been mapped. We recruited 35 MCPH families in Pakistan and could identify the genetic cause of the disease in 31 of them. Using homozygosity mapping complemented with whole-exome, gene panel or Sanger sequencing, we identified 12 novel mutations in 3 known MCPH-associated genes - 9 in ASPM, 2 in MCPH1 and 1 in CDK5RAP2. The 2 MCPH1 mutations were homozygous microdeletions of 164,250 and 577,594 bp, respectively, for which we were able to map the exact breakpoints. We also identified four known mutations - three in ASPM and one in WDR62. The latter was initially deemed to be a missense mutation but we demonstrate here that it affects splicing. As to ASPM, as many as 17 out of 27 MCPH5 families that we ascertained in our sample were found to carry the previously reported founder mutation p.Trp1326*. This study adds to the mutational spectra of four known MCPH-associated genes and updates our knowledge about the genetic heterogeneity of MCPH in the Pakistani population considering its ethnic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Ahmad
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Biochemistry I, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - S M Baig
- Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - A R Abdulkareem
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Genetic Engieneering and Biotechnology Institute, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - M S Hussain
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Biochemistry I, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - I Sur
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - M R Toliat
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - G Nürnberg
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - N Dalibor
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - A Moawia
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - S S Waseem
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - M Asif
- Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - H Nagra
- Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - M Sher
- Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - M M A Khan
- Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - I Hassan
- Plant Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - S Ur Rehman
- Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - H Thiele
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - J Altmüller
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - A A Noegel
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - P Nürnberg
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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28
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
Cell division controls the faithful segregation of genomic and cytoplasmic materials between the two nascent daughter cells. Members of the Aurora, Polo and cyclin-dependent (Cdk) kinase families are known to regulate multiple events throughout cell division, whereas another kinase, citron kinase (CIT-K), for a long time has been considered to function solely during cytokinesis, the last phase of cell division. CIT-K was originally proposed to regulate the ingression of the cleavage furrow that forms at the equatorial cortex of the dividing cell after chromosome segregation. However, studies in the last decade have clarified that this kinase is, instead, required for the organization of the midbody in late cytokinesis, and also revealed novel functions of CIT-K earlier in mitosis and in DNA damage control. Moreover, CIT-K mutations have recently been linked to the development of human microcephaly, and CIT-K has been identified as a potential target in cancer therapy. In this Commentary, I describe and re-evaluate the functions and regulation of CIT-K during cell division and its involvement in human disease. Finally, I offer my perspectives on the open questions and future challenges that are necessary to address, in order to fully understand this important and yet unjustly neglected mitotic kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pier Paolo D'Avino
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QP, UK
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