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Luo H, Lao L, Au KS, Northrup H, He X, Forget D, Gauthier MS, Coulombe B, Bourdeau I, Shi W, Gagliardi L, Fragoso MCBV, Peng J, Wu J. ARMC5 controls the degradation of most Pol II subunits, and ARMC5 mutation increases neural tube defect risks in mice and humans. Genome Biol 2024; 25:19. [PMID: 38225631 PMCID: PMC10789052 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-03147-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neural tube defects (NTDs) are caused by genetic and environmental factors. ARMC5 is part of a novel ubiquitin ligase specific for POLR2A, the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (Pol II). RESULTS We find that ARMC5 knockout mice have increased incidence of NTDs, such as spina bifida and exencephaly. Surprisingly, the absence of ARMC5 causes the accumulation of not only POLR2A but also most of the other 11 Pol II subunits, indicating that the degradation of the whole Pol II complex is compromised. The enlarged Pol II pool does not lead to generalized Pol II stalling or a generalized decrease in mRNA transcription. In neural progenitor cells, ARMC5 knockout only dysregulates 106 genes, some of which are known to be involved in neural tube development. FOLH1, critical in folate uptake and hence neural tube development, is downregulated in the knockout intestine. We also identify nine deleterious mutations in the ARMC5 gene in 511 patients with myelomeningocele, a severe form of spina bifida. These mutations impair the interaction between ARMC5 and Pol II and reduce Pol II ubiquitination. CONCLUSIONS Mutations in ARMC5 increase the risk of NTDs in mice and humans. ARMC5 is part of an E3 controlling the degradation of all 12 subunits of Pol II under physiological conditions. The Pol II pool size might have effects on NTD pathogenesis, and some of the effects might be via the downregulation of FOLH1. Additional mechanistic work is needed to establish the causal effect of the findings on NTD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Luo
- Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Linjiang Lao
- Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kit Sing Au
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hope Northrup
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiao He
- Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Diane Forget
- Department of Translational Proteomics, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Soleil Gauthier
- Department of Translational Proteomics, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Benoit Coulombe
- Department of Translational Proteomics, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Isabelle Bourdeau
- Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Endocrinology, CHUM, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Wei Shi
- Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lucia Gagliardi
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Pathology, SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
- Endocrine and Diabetes Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Maria Candida Barisson Villares Fragoso
- Unidade de Suprarrenal Disciplina de Endocrinologia E Metabologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Junzheng Peng
- Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jiangping Wu
- Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Division of Nephrology, CHUM, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Tamkeen N, AlOmar SY, Alqahtani SAM, Al-Jurayyan A, Farooqui A, Tazyeen S, Ahmad N, Ishrat R. Identification of the Key Regulators of Spina Bifida Through Graph-Theoretical Approach. Front Genet 2021; 12:597983. [PMID: 33889172 PMCID: PMC8056047 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.597983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Spina Bifida (SB) is a congenital spinal cord malformation. Efforts to discern the key regulators (KRs) of the SB protein-protein interaction (PPI) network are requisite for developing its successful interventions. The architecture of the SB network, constructed from 117 manually curated genes was found to self-organize into a scale-free fractal state having a weak hierarchical organization. We identified three modules/motifs consisting of ten KRs, namely, TNIP1, TNF, TRAF1, TNRC6B, KMT2C, KMT2D, NCOA3, TRDMT1, DICER1, and HDAC1. These KRs serve as the backbone of the network, they propagate signals through the different hierarchical levels of the network to conserve the network’s stability while maintaining low popularity in the network. We also observed that the SB network exhibits a rich-club organization, the formation of which is attributed to our key regulators also except for TNIP1 and TRDMT1. The KRs that were found to ally with each other and emerge in the same motif, open up a new dimension of research of studying these KRs together. Owing to the multiple etiology and mechanisms of SB, a combination of several biomarkers is expected to have higher diagnostic accuracy for SB as compared to using a single biomarker. So, if all the KRs present in a single module/motif are targetted together, they can serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis of SB. Our study puts forward some novel SB-related genes that need further experimental validation to be considered as reliable future biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naaila Tamkeen
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India.,Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Suliman Yousef AlOmar
- Doping Research Chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Abdullah Al-Jurayyan
- Immunology and HLA Section, Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Medicine, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anam Farooqui
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Safia Tazyeen
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Nadeem Ahmad
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Romana Ishrat
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
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Genetic Polymorphisms in DNA Repair Gene APE1/Ref-1 and the Risk of Neural Tube Defects in a High-Risk Area of China. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:2592-2601. [PMID: 33761125 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00537-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox-factor 1 (APE1/Ref-1) gene encodes a multifunctional protein involved in the DNA base excision repair (BER) pathway, which initiates repair of apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites in DNA by catalyzing hydrolytic incision of the phosphodiester backbone. APE1/Ref-1 polymorphisms are related to the occurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs), but the association between APE1/Ref-1 polymorphisms and NTDs is not reported in Chinese Han population. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of APE1/Ref-1 polymorphism and the risk of NTD occurrence for Han population in a high-risk area of China. APE1/Ref-1 genotypes were determined by iPLEX Gold SNP genotyping. AP sites and folate level of brain tissues were measured. The results showed that three polymorphisms (rs3136817, rs77794916, and rs1760944) of APE1/Ref-1 were statistically associated with NTD subtypes. Allele C of rs3136817, allele T of rs77794916, and allele G of rs1760944 were associated with an increased risk for encephalocele (OR = 2.52, 95% CI [1.25-5.07], P < 0.01; OR = 1.80, 95% CI [1.04-3.12], P = 0.04; and OR = 1.96, 95% CI [1.12-3.45], P = 0.02), compared with those harboring the alleles T, C, and T, respectively. The folate level in NTDs was lower than that in controls. DNA AP sites in the encephalocele were significantly higher than the control (P < 0.01). The three polymorphisms of APE1/Ref-1 were significantly related to NTD occurrence, which indicated that APE1/Ref-1 might be a potential genetic risk factor for encephalocele in a high-risk area of NTDs in China.
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Montes-Grajales D, Morelos-Cortes X, Olivero-Verbel J. Discovery of New Protein Targets of BPA Analogs and Derivatives Associated with Noncommunicable Diseases: A Virtual High-Throughput Screening. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:37009. [PMID: 33769846 PMCID: PMC7997610 DOI: 10.1289/ehp7466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bisphenol A analogs and derivatives (BPs) have emerged as new contaminants with little or no information about their toxicity. These have been found in numerous everyday products, from thermal paper receipts to plastic containers, and measured in human samples. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this research were to identify in silico new protein targets of BPs associated with seven noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and to study their protein-ligand interactions using computer-aided tools. METHODS Fifty BPs were identified by a literature search and submitted to a virtual high-throughput screening (vHTS) with 328 proteins associated with NCDs. Protein-protein interactions between predicted targets were examined using STRING, and the protocol was validated in terms of binding site recognition and correlation between in silico affinities and in vitro data. RESULTS According to the vHTS, several BPs may target proteins associated with NCDs, some of them with stronger affinities than bisphenol A (BPA). The best affinity score (the highest in silico affinity absolute value) was obtained after docking 4,4'-bis(N-carbamoyl-4-methylbenzensulfonamide)diphenylmethane (BTUM) on estradiol 17-beta-dehydrogenase 1 (-13.7 kcal/mol). However, other molecules, such as bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate) (BDP), bisphenol PH (BPPH), and Pergafast 201 also exhibited great affinities (top 10 affinity scores for each disease) with proteins related to NCDs. DISCUSSION Molecules such as BTUM, BDP, BPPH, and Pergafast 201 could be targeting key signaling pathways related to NCDs. These BPs should be prioritized for in vitro and in vivo toxicity testing and to further assess their possible role in the development of these diseases. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7466.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Montes-Grajales
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Xiomara Morelos-Cortes
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Jesus Olivero-Verbel
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
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5
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Yadav U, Kumar P, Rai V. Maternal biomarkers for early prediction of the neural tube defects pregnancies. Birth Defects Res 2020; 113:589-600. [PMID: 33188559 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neural tube defects (NTD) are one of the most common congenital birth defects. The reason for the NTD cause is still not completely known, but it is believed that some genetic and environmental factors might play a role in its etiology. Among the genetic factors the polymorphism in the folate gene pathway is crucial. Numerous studies have suggested the possible role of maternal higher plasma concentration of homocysteine and low concentration of folate and cobalamin in the development of NTD but some negative studies are also published. AIM Aim of the present was to find out the exact relation between NTD and maternal biomarkers like folate, cobalamin and homocysteine by conducting a meta-analysis. METHOD Different electronic databases were searched for the eligible studies. Standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to determine association between maternal markers as risk for NTD pregnancy. The p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant in all tests. All the statistical analyses were done in the Open Meta-Analyst program. RESULTS The homocysteine is significantly associated with the increased risk of NTD (SMD = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.35-0.80, p = <0.001; I2 = 93.01%), s-folate showed protective role in NTD (SMD = -0.48; 95% CI: -0.77 to -0.19, p = 0.001; I2 = 95.73%), similarly cobalamin is also having protective role (SMD = -0.28; 95% CI: -0.43 to -0.13, p = <0.001; I2 = 80.40%). CONCLUSION In conclusion this study suggest that different maternal biomarkers may be used for the early prediction of the NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upendra Yadav
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, VBS Purvanchal University, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, VBS Purvanchal University, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vandana Rai
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, VBS Purvanchal University, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Childebayeva A, Jones TR, Goodrich JM, Leon-Velarde F, Rivera-Chira M, Kiyamu M, Brutsaert TD, Dolinoy DC, Bigham AW. LINE-1 and EPAS1 DNA methylation associations with high-altitude exposure. Epigenetics 2019; 14:1-15. [PMID: 30574831 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2018.1561117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent discoveries indicate a genetic basis for high-altitude adaptation among human groups who have resided at high altitude for millennia, including Andeans, Tibetans, and Ethiopians. Yet, genetics alone does not explain the extent of variation in altitude-adaptive phenotypes. Current and past environments may also play a role, and one way to determine the effect of the environment is through the epigenome. To characterize if Andean adaptive responses to high altitude have an epigenetic component, we analyzed DNA methylation of the promoter region of EPAS1 and LINE-1 repetitive element among 572 Quechua individuals from high- (4,388 m) and low-altitude (0 m) in Peru. Participants recruited at high altitude had lower EPAS1 DNA methylation and higher LINE-1 methylation. Altitude of birth was associated with higher LINE-1 methylation, not with EPAS1 methylation. The number of years lived at high altitude was negatively associated with EPAS1 methylation and positively associated with LINE-1 methylation. We found four one-carbon metabolism SNPs (MTHFD1 rs2236225, TYMS rs502396, FOLH1 rs202676, GLDC rs10975681) that cumulatively explained 11.29% of the variation in average LINE-1 methylation. And identified an association between LINE-1 methylation and genome-wide SNP principal component 1 that distinguishes European from Indigenous American ancestry suggesting that European admixture decreases LINE-1 methylation. Our results indicate that both current and lifetime exposure to high-altitude hypoxia have an effect on EPAS1 and LINE-1 methylation among Andean Quechua, suggesting that epigenetic modifications may play a role in high-altitude adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainash Childebayeva
- a Department of Anthropology , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA.,b Department of Environmental Health Sciences , School of Public Health, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Tamara R Jones
- b Department of Environmental Health Sciences , School of Public Health, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Jaclyn M Goodrich
- b Department of Environmental Health Sciences , School of Public Health, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Fabiola Leon-Velarde
- c Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas , Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia , Lima , Peru
| | - Maria Rivera-Chira
- c Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas , Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia , Lima , Peru
| | - Melisa Kiyamu
- c Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas , Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia , Lima , Peru
| | - Tom D Brutsaert
- d Department of Exercise Science , Syracuse University , Syracuse , NY , USA
| | - Dana C Dolinoy
- b Department of Environmental Health Sciences , School of Public Health, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA.,e Department of Nutritional Sciences , School of Public Health, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Abigail W Bigham
- a Department of Anthropology , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
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Paul S, Sadhukhan S, Munian D, Bankura B, Das M. Association of FOLH1, DHFR, and MTHFR gene polymorphisms with susceptibility of Neural Tube Defects: A case control study from Eastern India. Birth Defects Res 2018; 110:1129-1138. [PMID: 30120883 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Silpita Paul
- Department of Zoology; University of Calcutta, Kolkata; West Bengal India
| | - Susanta Sadhukhan
- Department of Zoology; University of Calcutta, Kolkata; West Bengal India
| | - Dinesh Munian
- Department of Neonatology; Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research, Kolkata; West Bengal India
| | | | - Madhusudan Das
- Department of Zoology; University of Calcutta, Kolkata; West Bengal India
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8
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Au KS, Findley TO, Northrup H. Finding the genetic mechanisms of folate deficiency and neural tube defects-Leaving no stone unturned. Am J Med Genet A 2017; 173:3042-3057. [PMID: 28944587 PMCID: PMC5650505 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.38478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) occur secondary to failed closure of the neural tube between the third and fourth weeks of gestation. The worldwide incidence ranges from 0.3 to 200 per 10,000 births with the United States of American NTD incidence at around 3-6.3 per 10,000 dependent on race and socioeconomic background. Human NTD incidence has fallen by 35-50% in North America due to mandatory folic acid fortification of enriched cereal grain products since 1998. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the folic acid fortification of corn masa flour with the goal to further reduce the incidence of NTDs, especially among individuals who are Hispanic. However, the genetic mechanisms determining who will benefit most from folate enrichment of the diet remains unclear despite volumes of literature published on studies of association of genes with functions related to folate metabolism and risk of human NTDs. The advances in omics technologies provides hypothesis-free tools to interrogate every single gene within the genome of NTD affected individuals to discover pathogenic variants and methylation targets throughout the affected genome. By identifying genes with expression regulated by presence of folate through transcriptome profiling studies, the genetic mechanisms leading to human NTDs due to folate deficiency may begin to be more efficiently revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- KS Au
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Houston – McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX
| | - TO Findley
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Houston – McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX
| | - H Northrup
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Houston – McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX
- Shriners Hospitals for Children - Houston, Houston, TX
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Findley TO, Tenpenny JC, O'Byrne MR, Morrison AC, Hixson JE, Northrup H, Au KS. Mutations in folate transporter genes and risk for human myelomeningocele. Am J Med Genet A 2017; 173:2973-2984. [PMID: 28948692 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.38472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms linking folate deficiency and neural tube defect (NTD) risk in offspring remain unclear. Folate transporters (SLC19A1, SLC46A1, SLC25A32, and FOLH1) and folate receptors (FOLR1, FOLR2, and FOLR3) are suggested to play essential roles in transporting folate from maternal intestinal lumen to the developing embryo. Loss of function variants in these genes may affect folate availability and contribute to NTD risk. This study examines whether variants within the folate transporter and receptor genes are associated with an increased risk for myelomeningocele (MM). Exons and their flanking intron sequences of 348 MM subjects were sequenced using the Sanger sequencing method and/or next generation sequencing to identify variants. Frequencies of alleles of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MM subjects were compared to those from ethnically matched reference populations to evaluate alleles' associated risk for MM. We identified eight novel variants in SLC19A1 and twelve novel variants in FOLR1, FOLR2, and FOLR3. Pathogenic variants include c.1265delG in SLC19A1 resulting in an early stop codon, four large insertion deletion variants in FOLR3, and a stop_gain variant in FOLR3. No new variants were identified in SLC46A1, SLC25A32, or FOLH1. In SLC19A1, c.80A>G (rs1051266) was not associated with our MM cohort; we did observe a variant allele G frequency of 61.7%, higher than previously reported in other NTD populations. In conclusion, we discovered novel loss of function variants in genes involved in folate transport in MM subjects. Our results support the growing evidence of associations between genes involved in folate transport and susceptibility to NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina O Findley
- Division of Neonatology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Joy C Tenpenny
- Division of Neonatology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Michelle R O'Byrne
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Alanna C Morrison
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - James E Hixson
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Hope Northrup
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas.,Shriners Hospital for Children, Houston, Texas
| | - Kit Sing Au
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
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Cummings D, Dowling KF, Silverstein NJ, Tanner AS, Eryilmaz H, Smoller JW, Roffman JL. A Cross-Sectional Study of Dietary and Genetic Predictors of Blood Folate Levels in Healthy Young Adults. Nutrients 2017; 9:nu9090994. [PMID: 28885600 PMCID: PMC5622754 DOI: 10.3390/nu9090994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 1998, the U.S. has mandated folic acid (FA) fortification of certain grain products to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Folate intake and red blood cell (RBC) folate concentrations increased substantially post-intervention, although recent studies raise concerns about the level of ongoing benefit. This study investigated blood folate level determinants in healthy young adults, including intake of naturally occurring food folate, synthetic FA, and the interaction of naturally occurring food folate with a common missense variant in the FOLH1 gene thought to affect absorption. Participants (n = 265) completed the Diet History Questionnaire II, RBC folate testing, and were genotyped for the 484T>C FOLH1 variant. Men reported significantly greater intake of all folate sources except for supplemental FA, but RBC folate levels did not significantly differ by sex. Synthetic FA was a stronger predictor of RBC folate than naturally occurring food folate. In the largest racial group, synthetic FA and the interaction of FOLH1 genotype with naturally occurring food folate significantly predicted RBC folate, with the overall model accounting for 13.8% of the variance in RBC folate levels. Blood folate levels rely on a complex interaction of natural and synthetic folate intake as well as FOLH1 genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Cummings
- Department of Biopsychology, Tufts University, 419 Boston Ave, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
| | - Kevin F Dowling
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
| | - Noah J Silverstein
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
| | - Alexandra S Tanner
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
| | - Hamdi Eryilmaz
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
| | - Jordan W Smoller
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
| | - Joshua L Roffman
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
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Li K, Wahlqvist ML, Li D. Nutrition, One-Carbon Metabolism and Neural Tube Defects: A Review. Nutrients 2016; 8:nu8110741. [PMID: 27886045 PMCID: PMC5133124 DOI: 10.3390/nu8110741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 11/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a group of severe congenital malformations, induced by the combined effects of genes and the environment. The most valuable finding so far has been the protective effect of folic acid supplementation against NTDs. However, many women do not take folic acid supplements until they are pregnant, which is too late to prevent NTDs effectively. Long-term intake of folic acid–fortified food is a good choice to solve this problem, and mandatory folic acid fortification should be further promoted, especially in Europe, Asia and Africa. Vitamin B2, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, choline, betaine and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can also reduce the NTD risk by interacting with the one-carbon metabolism pathway. This suggest that multivitamin B combined with choline, betaine and n-3 PUFAs supplementation may have a better protective effect against NTDs than folic acid alone. Genetic polymorphisms involved in one-carbon metabolism are associated with NTD risk, and gene screening for women of childbearing age prior to pregnancy may help prevent NTDs induced by the risk allele. In addition, the consumption of alcohol, tea and coffee, and low intakes of fruit and vegetable are also associated with the increased risk of NTDs, and should be avoided by women of childbearing age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelei Li
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Mark L Wahlqvist
- Fuli Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
- Monash Asia Institute and Departments of Medicine and of Nutrition and Dietetics, Monash University, Melbourne 3006, Australia.
| | - Duo Li
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
- Monash Asia Institute and Departments of Medicine and of Nutrition and Dietetics, Monash University, Melbourne 3006, Australia.
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Rais R, Jiang W, Zhai H, Wozniak KM, Stathis M, Hollinger KR, Thomas AG, Rojas C, Vornov JJ, Marohn M, Li X, Slusher BS. FOLH1/GCPII is elevated in IBD patients, and its inhibition ameliorates murine IBD abnormalities. JCI Insight 2016; 1. [PMID: 27536732 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.88634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent gene-profiling analyses showed significant upregulation of the folate hydrolase (FOLH1) gene in the affected intestinal mucosa of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The FOLH1 gene encodes a type II transmembrane glycoprotein termed glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII). To establish that the previously reported increased gene expression was functional, we quantified the glutamate carboxypeptidase enzymatic activity in 31 surgical specimens and report a robust 2.8- to 41-fold increase in enzymatic activity in the affected intestinal mucosa of IBD patients compared with an uninvolved area in the same patients or intestinal mucosa from healthy controls. Using a human-to-mouse approach, we next showed a similar enzymatic increase in two well-validated IBD murine models and evaluated the therapeutic effect of the potent FOLH1/ GCPII inhibitor 2-phosphonomethyl pentanedioic acid (2-PMPA) (IC50 = 300 pM). In the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) colitis model, 2-PMPA inhibited the GCPII activity in the colonic mucosa by over 90% and substantially reduced the disease activity. The significance of the target was confirmed in FOLH1-/- mice who exhibited resistance to DSS treatment. In the murine IL-10-/- model of spontaneous colitis, daily 2-PMPA treatment also significantly reduced both macroscopic and microscopic disease severity. These results provide the first evidence of FOLH1/GCPII enzymatic inhibition as a therapeutic option for IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Rais
- Department of Neurology, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Weiwei Jiang
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huihong Zhai
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Kristen R Hollinger
- Department of Neurology, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ajit G Thomas
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Camilo Rojas
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Michael Marohn
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Xuhang Li
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Barbara S Slusher
- Department of Neurology, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Quantitative assessment of maternal biomarkers related to one-carbon metabolism and neural tube defects. Sci Rep 2015; 5:8510. [PMID: 25728980 PMCID: PMC4345334 DOI: 10.1038/srep08510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Periconceptional supplementation with folic acid reduces the occurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs). The association between maternal abnormalities in homocysteine metabolism (e.g., hyperhomocysteinaemia, folate deficiency and low vitamin B12) and the risk of NTDs-affected pregnancies has been widely evaluated in recent years, although the results are conflicting. To investigate this inconsistency, we performed a meta-analysis of 32 studies, involving 1,890 NTD-affected mothers and 3,995 control mothers, to develop an understanding of the relationship between maternal biomarkers related to one-carbon metabolism and NTD. A random-effects model was used to calculate the ratio of means (RoM) between the cases and controls, along with the 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A significant increase in homocysteine levels was observed in NTD-affected mothers compared with controls (RoM: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.09-1.23, P = 1.8 × 10(-6)). The pooled analysis also revealed that NTD-affected mothers had significantly lower levels of folate (RoM: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88-0.97, P = 0.002), vitamin B12 (RoM: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.87-0.95, P = 3.6 × 10(-5)) and red blood cell folate (RoM: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86-0.98, P = 0.01). Therefore, altered plasma levels of biomarkers related to one-carbon metabolism are associated with NTD-affected pregnancies.
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Binia A, Contreras AV, Canizales-Quinteros S, Alonzo VA, Tejero ME, Silva-Zolezzi I. Geographical and ethnic distribution of single nucleotide polymorphisms within genes of the folate/homocysteine pathway metabolism. GENES & NUTRITION 2014; 9:421. [PMID: 25106483 PMCID: PMC4172644 DOI: 10.1007/s12263-014-0421-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
High levels of plasma homocysteine are associated with an increased risk of many health conditions influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. The objective of this study was to provide the geographical distribution of folate pathway genetic polymorphisms in Mexico and the comparison with the reported frequencies in different continental populations. This study included the analysis of the genotypic frequencies of eight polymorphisms in genes of the folate/homocysteine metabolic pathway in 1,350 Mestizo and Amerindian subjects from different regions in Mexico and 836 individuals from European, African and Asian populations of the 1,000 Genomes Project. In Mexican Mestizo and Amerindian populations, the MTHFR C677T risk genotype (TT) was highly prevalent (frequency: 25 and 57 %, respectively). In Mestizos, the frequency showed clear regional variation related to ancestry; the Guerrero subpopulation with the highest Amerindian contribution had the highest TT frequency (33 %). The MTHFD1 G1958A AA risk genotype was also enriched in Mexican Mestizos and Amerindians (frequency: 34 and 58 %, respectively), whereas in African and Asian ancestry populations the frequency for AA was low (~4 %). All together risk genotypes showed regional differences, and Sonora had significantly different genetic frequencies compared with the other regions (P value <0.05). Our study illustrates differential geographical distribution of the risk variants in the folate/homocysteine metabolic pathway relative to ethnic background. This work supports that certain areas of the world have increased needs for folic acid and vitamin B supplementation, and this information needs to be considered in public health guidelines and eventually policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristea Binia
- Nutrition and Health Research, Nestlé Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland,
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Chen X, Shen Y, Gao Y, Zhao H, Sheng X, Zou J, Lip V, Xie H, Guo J, Shao H, Bao Y, Shen J, Niu B, Gusella JF, Wu BL, Zhang T. Detection of copy number variants reveals association of cilia genes with neural tube defects. PLoS One 2013; 8:e54492. [PMID: 23349908 PMCID: PMC3547935 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neural tube defects (NTDs) are one of the most common birth defects caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Currently, little is known about the genetic basis of NTDs although up to 70% of human NTDs were reported to be attributed to genetic factors. Here we performed genome-wide copy number variants (CNVs) detection in a cohort of Chinese NTD patients in order to exam the potential role of CNVs in the pathogenesis of NTDs. Methods The genomic DNA from eighty-five NTD cases and seventy-five matched normal controls were subjected for whole genome CNVs analysis. Non-DGV (the Database of Genomic Variants) CNVs from each group were further analyzed for their associations with NTDs. Gene content in non-DGV CNVs as well as participating pathways were examined. Results Fifty-five and twenty-six non-DGV CNVs were detected in cases and controls respectively. Among them, forty and nineteen CNVs involve genes (genic CNV). Significantly more non-DGV CNVs and non-DGV genic CNVs were detected in NTD patients than in control (41.2% vs. 25.3%, p<0.05 and 37.6% vs. 20%, p<0.05). Non-DGV genic CNVs are associated with a 2.65-fold increased risk for NTDs (95% CI: 1.24–5.87). Interestingly, there are 41 cilia genes involved in non-DGV CNVs from NTD patients which is significantly enriched in cases compared with that in controls (24.7% vs. 9.3%, p<0.05), corresponding with a 3.19-fold increased risk for NTDs (95% CI: 1.27–8.01). Pathway analyses further suggested that two ciliogenesis pathways, tight junction and protein kinase A signaling, are top canonical pathways implicated in NTD-specific CNVs, and these two novel pathways interact with known NTD pathways. Conclusions Evidence from the genome-wide CNV study suggests that genic CNVs, particularly ciliogenic CNVs are associated with NTDs and two ciliogenesis pathways, tight junction and protein kinase A signaling, are potential pathways involved in NTD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Chen
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Yiping Shen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Yonghui Gao
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
- Institute of Acu-moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huizhi Zhao
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoming Sheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jizhen Zou
- Department of Pathology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Va Lip
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Hua Xie
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Guo
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Shao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Yihua Bao
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Jianliang Shen
- Department of Hematology, Navy General Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Niu
- Department of Biotechnology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - James F. Gusella
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Bai-Lin Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Children's Hospital and Institutes of Biomedical Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (BLW); (TZ)
| | - Ting Zhang
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (BLW); (TZ)
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