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Chapman G, Determan J, Jetter H, Kaushik K, Prakasam R, Kroll KL. Defining cis-regulatory elements and transcription factors that control human cortical interneuron development. iScience 2024; 27:109967. [PMID: 38827400 PMCID: PMC11140214 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109967] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Although human cortical interneurons (cINs) are a minority population in the cerebral cortex, disruption of interneuron development is a frequent contributor to neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we utilized a model for deriving cINs from human embryonic stem cells to profile chromatin state changes and generate an atlas of cis-regulatory elements (CREs) controlling human cIN development. We used these data to define candidate transcription factors (TFs) that may bind these CREs to regulate interneuron progenitor specification. Among these were RFX3 and RFX4, risk genes for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with uncharacterized roles in human neuronal development. Using RFX3 and RFX4 knockdown models, we demonstrated new requirements for both genes in interneuron progenitor specification, with RFX3 deficiency causing precocious neuronal differentiation while RFX4 deficiency instead resulted in cessation of progenitor cell proliferation. Together, this work both defined central features of cis-regulatory control and identified new TF requirements for human interneuron development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Chapman
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Julianna Determan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Haley Jetter
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Komal Kaushik
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Ramachandran Prakasam
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kristen L. Kroll
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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He N, Hong A, Zhao K, Zhang Z, Wang S, Jia Y. Association of SOX6 gene polymorphisms with Kashin-Beck disease risk in the Chinese Han population. Open Med (Wars) 2024; 19:20230883. [PMID: 38205152 PMCID: PMC10775412 DOI: 10.1515/med-2023-0883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is an endemic osteochondropathy. A specific gene called SRY-box transcription factor 6 (SOX6) is important for forming cartilage. This study aims to explore the potential correlation between SOX6 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and KBD risk for the first time. In the case-control study, 735 unrelated Chinese Han individuals were enrolled. The four mutation sites of the SOX6 gene (rs4539287 G/A, rs3203295 C/A, rs7928675 C/A, and rs10832681 A/G) were screened and genotyped on the Agena MassARRAY platform. The correlation between SOX6 SNPs and KBD risk was explored based on logistic regression analysis. The interaction between SNP and SNP was analyzed based on the multi-factor dimensionality reduction (MDR) method. Overall analysis revealed a remarkable correlation between rs7928675 and rs10832681 and the reduction of KBD risk (p < 0.05). Subgroup analyses further indicated that these two SNPs have a significant protective effect on KBD risk among participants aged ≤65 years, males, and non-smokers (p < 0.05). MDR displayed a marked interaction between rs3203295 and rs10832681. Our study revealed that SOX6 rs7928675 and rs10832681 are markedly correlated with a reduced risk of KBD in the Chinese Han population, providing a new direction for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of KBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na He
- People’s Hospital of Changwu County, Zhaoren Street, Xianyang, Shaanxi 713600, China
| | - Aiwen Hong
- People’s Hospital of Changwu County, Zhaoren Street, Xianyang, Shaanxi 713600, China
| | - Kun Zhao
- People’s Hospital of Changwu County, Zhaoren Street, Xianyang, Shaanxi 713600, China
| | - Zhefan Zhang
- People’s Hospital of Changwu County, Zhaoren Street, Xianyang, Shaanxi 713600, China
| | - Shengli Wang
- People’s Hospital of Changwu County, Zhaoren Street, Xianyang, Shaanxi 713600, China
| | - Yaofei Jia
- People’s Hospital of Changwu County, Zhaoren Street, Xianyang, Shaanxi 713600, China
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Ye P, Gu R, Zhu H, Chen J, Han F, Nie X. SOX family transcription factors as therapeutic targets in wound healing: A comprehensive review. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127243. [PMID: 37806414 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The SOX family plays a vital role in determining the fate of cells and has garnered attention in the fields of cancer research and regenerative medicine. It also shows promise in the study of wound healing, as it actively participates in the healing processes of various tissues such as skin, fractures, tendons, and the cornea. However, our understanding of the mechanisms behind the SOX family's involvement in wound healing is limited compared to its role in cancer. Gaining insight into its role, distribution, interaction with other factors, and modifications in traumatized tissues could provide valuable new knowledge about wound healing. Based on current research, SOX2, SOX7, and SOX9 are the most promising members of the SOX family for future interventions in wound healing. SOX2 and SOX9 promote the renewal of cells, while SOX7 enhances the microvascular environment. The SOX family holds significant potential for advancing wound healing research. This article provides a comprehensive review of the latest research advancements and therapeutic tools related to the SOX family in wound healing, as well as the potential benefits and challenges of targeting the SOX family for wound treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghui Ye
- Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education & Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China; College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Rifang Gu
- Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education & Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China; School Medical Office, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Huan Zhu
- Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education & Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China; College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Jitao Chen
- Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education & Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China; College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Felicity Han
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Xuqiang Nie
- Key Lab of the Basic Pharmacology of the Ministry of Education & Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China; College of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China; Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Diawara M, Martin LJ. Regulatory mechanisms of SoxD transcription factors and their influences on male fertility. Reprod Biol 2023; 23:100823. [PMID: 37979495 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2023.100823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Members of the SRY-related box (SOX) subfamily D (SoxD) of transcription factors are well conserved among vertebrate species and play important roles in different stages of male reproductive development. In mammals, the SoxD subfamily contains three members: SOX5, SOX6 and SOX13. Here, we describe their implications in testicular development and spermatogenesis, contributing to fertility. We also cover the mechanisms of action of SoxD transcription factors in gene regulation throughout male development. The specificity of activation of target genes by SoxD members depends, in part, on their post-translational modifications and interactions with other partners. Sperm production in adult males requires the coordination in the regulation of gene expression by different members of the SoxD subfamily of transcription factors in the testis. Specifically, the regulation of genes promoting adequate spermatogenesis by SoxD members is discussed in comparison between species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariama Diawara
- Biology Department, Université de Moncton, Moncton, New Brunswick E1A 3E9, Canada
| | - Luc J Martin
- Biology Department, Université de Moncton, Moncton, New Brunswick E1A 3E9, Canada.
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Tate G. SRY-box Transcription Factor 6 Is Expressed Not Only in the Dorsal but Also in the Ventral Zone of the Neural Tube and Is Highly Expressed in the Notochord and Chordoma. Acta Histochem Cytochem 2023; 56:55-58. [PMID: 37425095 PMCID: PMC10323198 DOI: 10.1267/ahc.23-00012] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In the course of SRY-box transcription factor 6 (SOX6) expression profiling in human embryonic tissue, SOX 6 was found to be highly expressed in the notochord, based on the findings of immunohistochemistry (IHC). Sox6 is also expressed in the neural tube and the distribution of SOX6 is located in the ventral and dorsal zones of the neural tube. In contrast to the findings that SOX6-positive cells were located on the floor plate of the neural tube, OLIG2- and NKX2.2-expressing cells were lacking on the floor plate of the neural tube, and their expression was restricted only to the ventral zone of the neural tube. The expression patterns of SOX9 were similar to those of OLIG2 and NKX2.2 in the neural tube. NKX2.2 and OLIG2 are not expressed in the notochord, but SOX9 and SOX6 are. Because Sox6 is highly expressed in the notochord, the present study investigated whether or not SOX6 is an immunohistochemical marker for the pathologic diagnosis of chordoma, a neoplasm derived from the notochord. IHC revealed that chordoma was strongly positive for SOX6 in two cases of chordoma, one of which occurred in the sacrococcygeal region and another that developed at the base of the skull, suggesting that SOX6 is a useful marker for the histopathologic diagnosis of chordoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genshu Tate
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
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Tooze RS, Calpena E, Weber A, Wilson LC, Twigg SRF, Wilkie AOM. Review of Recurrently Mutated Genes in Craniosynostosis Supports Expansion of Diagnostic Gene Panels. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:615. [PMID: 36980886 PMCID: PMC10048212 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Craniosynostosis, the premature fusion of the cranial sutures, affects ~1 in 2000 children. Although many patients with a genetically determined cause harbor a variant in one of just seven genes or have a chromosomal abnormality, over 60 genes are known to be recurrently mutated, thus comprising a long tail of rarer diagnoses. Genome sequencing for the diagnosis of rare diseases is increasingly used in clinical settings, but analysis of the data is labor intensive and involves a trade-off between achieving high sensitivity or high precision. PanelApp, a crowd-sourced disease-focused set of gene panels, was designed to enable prioritization of variants in known disease genes for a given pathology, allowing enhanced identification of true-positives. For heterogeneous disorders like craniosynostosis, these panels must be regularly updated to ensure that diagnoses are not being missed. We provide a systematic review of genetic literature on craniosynostosis over the last 5 years, including additional results from resequencing a 42-gene panel in 617 affected individuals. We identify 16 genes (representing a 25% uplift) that should be added to the list of bona fide craniosynostosis disease genes and discuss the insights that these new genes provide into pathophysiological mechanisms of craniosynostosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S. Tooze
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Eduardo Calpena
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Astrid Weber
- Liverpool Centre for Genomic Medicine, Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK
| | - Louise C. Wilson
- North East Thames Regional Genetics Service, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Stephen R. F. Twigg
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Andrew O. M. Wilkie
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
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Rojnueangnit K, Anthanont P, Khetkham T, Puttamanee S, Ittiwut C. Genetic diagnosis for adult patients at a genetic clinic. Cold Spring Harb Mol Case Stud 2022; 8:a006235. [PMID: 36265913 PMCID: PMC9808555 DOI: 10.1101/mcs.a006235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical utility of genetic testing has rapidly increased in the past decade to identify the definitive diagnosis, etiology, and specific management. The majority of patients receiving testing are children. There are several barriers for genetic tests in adult patients; barriers may arise from either patients or clinicians. Our study aims to realize the detection rate and the benefits of genetic tests in adults. We conducted a prospective study of 10 adult patients who were referred to a genetic clinic. Exome sequencing (ES) was pursued in all cases, and chromosomal microarray (CMA) was performed for six cases. Our result is impressive; six cases (60%) received likely pathogenic and pathogenic variants. Four definitive diagnosis cases had known pathogenic variants in KCNJ2, TGFBR1, SCN1A, and FBN1, whereas another two cases revealed novel likely pathogenic and pathogenic variants in GNB1 and DNAH9. Our study demonstrates the success in genetic diagnosis in adult patients: four cases with definitive, two cases with possible, and one case with partial diagnosis. The advantage of diagnosis is beyond obtaining the diagnosis itself, but also relieving any doubt for the patient regarding any previous questionable diagnosis, guide for management, and recurrence risk in their children or family members. Therefore, this supports the value of genetic testing in adult patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kitiwan Rojnueangnit
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, 12120 Thailand
| | - Pimjai Anthanont
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, 12120 Thailand
| | - Thanitchet Khetkham
- Division of Forensic Medicine, Thammasat University Hospital, 12120 Thailand
| | - Sukita Puttamanee
- Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, 12120 Thailand
| | - Chupong Ittiwut
- Center of Excellence for Medical Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
- Excellence Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, the Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
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Couto RR, Kubaski F, Siebert M, Félix TM, Brusius-Facchin AC, Leistner-Segal S. Increased Serum Levels of miR-125b and miR-132 in Fragile X Syndrome: A Preliminary Study. Neurol Genet 2022; 8:e200024. [PMID: 36313066 PMCID: PMC9608387 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000200024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, identified as the most common cause of hereditary intellectual disability and monogenic cause of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), caused by the loss of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). FMRP is an RNA-binding protein, a regulator of translation that plays an important role in neurodevelopment, and its loss causes cognitive and behavioral deficits. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small molecules that regulate gene expression in diverse biological processes. Previous studies found that the interaction of FMRP with miR-125b and miR-132 regulates the maturation and synaptic plasticity in animal models and miRNA dysregulation plays a role in the pathophysiology of FXS. The present study aimed to analyze the expression of miR-125b-5p and miR-132-3p in the serum of patients with FXS. Methods The expressions of circulating miRNAs were studied in the serum of 10 patients with FXS and 20 controls using the real-time quantitative retrotranscribed method analyzed by relative quantification. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were generated to assess the diagnostic values of the miRNAs. Results We found that both miR-125b and miR-132 were increased in the serum of patients with FXS compared with controls and likely involved with FMRP loss. The AUC (95% confidence interval) of miR-125b and miR-132 was 0.94 (0.86–1.0) and 0.89 (0.77–1.0), respectively. Databases allowed for the identification of possible target genes for miR-125b and miR-132, whose products play an important role in the homeostasis of the nervous system. Discussion Our results indicate that serum miR-125b and miR-132 may serve as potential biomarkers for FXS. The increased expression of circulating miR-125b and miR-132 seems to be associated with the genotype of FXS. Predicted gene targets of the differentially regulated miRNAs are involved in cognitive performance and ASD phenotype. Classification of Evidence This study provides Class III evidence that miR-125b and miR-132 distinguish men with FXS from normal controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowena Rubim Couto
- Medical Genetics Service (R.R.C., F.K., M.S., T.M.F., A.C.B.-F., S.L.-S.), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre-HCPA; Postgraduate Program in Medicine: Child and Adolescent Health (R.R.C., T.M.F., S.L.-S.), UFRGS; and Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology (F.K.), PPGMB, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Francyne Kubaski
- Medical Genetics Service (R.R.C., F.K., M.S., T.M.F., A.C.B.-F., S.L.-S.), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre-HCPA; Postgraduate Program in Medicine: Child and Adolescent Health (R.R.C., T.M.F., S.L.-S.), UFRGS; and Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology (F.K.), PPGMB, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Marina Siebert
- Medical Genetics Service (R.R.C., F.K., M.S., T.M.F., A.C.B.-F., S.L.-S.), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre-HCPA; Postgraduate Program in Medicine: Child and Adolescent Health (R.R.C., T.M.F., S.L.-S.), UFRGS; and Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology (F.K.), PPGMB, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Têmis Maria Félix
- Medical Genetics Service (R.R.C., F.K., M.S., T.M.F., A.C.B.-F., S.L.-S.), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre-HCPA; Postgraduate Program in Medicine: Child and Adolescent Health (R.R.C., T.M.F., S.L.-S.), UFRGS; and Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology (F.K.), PPGMB, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Brusius-Facchin
- Medical Genetics Service (R.R.C., F.K., M.S., T.M.F., A.C.B.-F., S.L.-S.), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre-HCPA; Postgraduate Program in Medicine: Child and Adolescent Health (R.R.C., T.M.F., S.L.-S.), UFRGS; and Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology (F.K.), PPGMB, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Sandra Leistner-Segal
- Medical Genetics Service (R.R.C., F.K., M.S., T.M.F., A.C.B.-F., S.L.-S.), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre-HCPA; Postgraduate Program in Medicine: Child and Adolescent Health (R.R.C., T.M.F., S.L.-S.), UFRGS; and Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology (F.K.), PPGMB, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Schneider SA, Mueller C, Biskup S, Fietzek UM, Schroeder AS. Neurodevelopmental disorder with dystonia due to SOX6 mutations. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2022; 10:e2051. [PMID: 36069193 PMCID: PMC9747553 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2051] [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: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in SOX6 have recently been recognized as a new molecular cause of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by intellectual disability, behavioral changes, and nonspecific facial and digital skeletal abnormalities. To date, <25 cases have been reported in the literature. METHODS AND FINDINGS Here we report a new case of SOX6-associated neurodegeneration and expand the phenotype to include ceratoconus. The clinical picture consisted of early onset mildly reduced intellectual function, facial asymmetry, and dystonic tremor of hands and neck, substantially improved by levodopa. Skeletal abnormalities included scoliosis and hypertrophy of the mandibular coronoid process. A heterozygous de novo loss-of-function variant in SOX6 (c.277 C>T. p.Arg93*) was molecularly confirmed which leads to truncation of the SOX6 protein in its N-terminus, upstream of any known functional domain. CONCLUSION SOX6-associated neurodevelopmental delayis ultrarare with less than 25 cases described in the literature. We report a new case who presented with early-onset mildly reduced intellectual function, facial asymmetry, skeletal abnormalities and dystonic tremor of hands and neck, substantially improved by levodopa. Given the therapeutic implications, SOX6 mutations should be considered in patients with complex dystonia parkinsonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne A. Schneider
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians UniversitätMunichGermany
| | - Christine Mueller
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Medicine, Social Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's HospitalLMU ‐ University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians UniversitätMunichGermany
| | - Saskia Biskup
- Center for Genomics and Transcriptomics CeGaT GmbH and Praxis für Humangenetik TübingenTübingenGermany
| | - Urban M. Fietzek
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians UniversitätMunichGermany,Department of Neurology and Clinical NeurophysiologySchön Klinik München SchwabingMunichGermany
| | - Andreas Sebastian Schroeder
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Medicine, Social Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's HospitalLMU ‐ University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians UniversitätMunichGermany
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Chen J, Zhang P, Peng M, Liu B, Wang X, Du S, Lu Y, Mu X, Lu Y, Wang S, Wu Y. An additional whole-exome sequencing study in 102 panel-undiagnosed patients: A retrospective study in a Chinese craniosynostosis cohort. Front Genet 2022; 13:967688. [PMID: 36118902 PMCID: PMC9481236 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.967688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Craniosynostosis (CRS) is a disease with prematurely fused cranial sutures. In the last decade, the whole-exome sequencing (WES) was widely used in Caucasian populations. The WES largely contributed in genetic diagnosis and exploration on new genetic mechanisms of CRS. In this study, we enrolled 264 CRS patients in China. After a 17-gene-panel sequencing designed in the previous study, 139 patients were identified with pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants according to the ACMG guideline as positive genetic diagnosis. WES was then performed on 102 patients with negative genetic diagnosis by panel. Ten P/LP variants were additionally identified in ten patients, increasing the genetic diagnostic yield by 3.8% (10/264). The novel variants in ANKH, H1-4, EIF5A, SOX6, and ARID1B expanded the mutation spectra of CRS. Then we designed a compatible research pipeline (RP) for further exploration. The RP could detect all seven P/LP SNVs and InDels identified above, in addition to 15 candidate variants found in 13 patients with worthy of further study. In sum, the 17-gene panel and WES identified positive genetic diagnosis for 56.4% patients (149/264) in 16 genes. At last, in our estimation, the genetic testing strategy of “Panel-first” saves 24.3% of the cost compared with “WES only”, suggesting the “Panel-first” is an economical strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieyi Chen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Pediatrics Research Institute, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meifang Peng
- The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Pediatrics Research Institute, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Pediatrics Research Institute, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Siyuan Du
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Lu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiongzheng Mu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yulan Lu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Pediatrics Research Institute, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yingzhi Wu, ; Sijia Wang, ; Yulan Lu,
| | - Sijia Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yingzhi Wu, ; Sijia Wang, ; Yulan Lu,
| | - Yingzhi Wu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yingzhi Wu, ; Sijia Wang, ; Yulan Lu,
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Angelozzi M, Karvande A, Molin AN, Ritter AL, Leonard JMM, Savatt JM, Douglass K, Myers SM, Grippa M, Tolchin D, Zackai E, Donoghue S, Hurst ACE, Descartes M, Smith K, Velasco D, Schmanski A, Crunk A, Tokita MJ, de Lange IM, van Gassen K, Robinson H, Guegan K, Suri M, Patel C, Bournez M, Faivre L, Tran-Mau-Them F, Baker J, Fabie N, Weaver K, Shillington A, Hopkin RJ, Barge-Schaapveld DQCM, Ruivenkamp CA, Bökenkamp R, Vergano S, Seco Moro MN, Díaz de Bustamante A, Misra VK, Kennelly K, Rogers C, Friedman J, Wigby KM, Lenberg J, Graziano C, Ahrens-Nicklas RC, Lefebvre V. Consolidation of the clinical and genetic definition of a SOX4-related neurodevelopmental syndrome. J Med Genet 2022; 59:1058-1068. [PMID: 35232796 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2021-108375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A neurodevelopmental syndrome was recently reported in four patients with SOX4 heterozygous missense variants in the high-mobility-group (HMG) DNA-binding domain. The present study aimed to consolidate clinical and genetic knowledge of this syndrome. METHODS We newly identified 17 patients with SOX4 variants, predicted variant pathogenicity using in silico tests and in vitro functional assays and analysed the patients' phenotypes. RESULTS All variants were novel, distinct and heterozygous. Seven HMG-domain missense and five stop-gain variants were classified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant (L/PV) as they precluded SOX4 transcriptional activity in vitro. Five HMG-domain and non-HMG-domain missense variants were classified as of uncertain significance (VUS) due to negative results from functional tests. When known, inheritance was de novo or from a mosaic unaffected or non-mosaic affected parent for patients with L/PV, and from a non-mosaic asymptomatic or affected parent for patients with VUS. All patients had neurodevelopmental, neurological and dysmorphic features, and at least one cardiovascular, ophthalmological, musculoskeletal or other somatic anomaly. Patients with L/PV were overall more affected than patients with VUS. They resembled patients with other neurodevelopmental diseases, including the SOX11-related and Coffin-Siris (CSS) syndromes, but lacked the most specific features of CSS. CONCLUSION These findings consolidate evidence of a fairly non-specific neurodevelopmental syndrome due to SOX4 haploinsufficiency in neurogenesis and multiple other developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Angelozzi
- Surgery/Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anirudha Karvande
- Surgery/Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Arnaud N Molin
- Surgery/Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alyssa L Ritter
- Division of Human Genetics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jacqueline M M Leonard
- Division of Human Genetics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Juliann M Savatt
- Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kristen Douglass
- Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Scott M Myers
- Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mina Grippa
- U.O. Genetica Medica, Universita di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Dara Tolchin
- Surgery/Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elaine Zackai
- Division of Human Genetics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sarah Donoghue
- Division of Human Genetics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anna C E Hurst
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Maria Descartes
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Kirstin Smith
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Danita Velasco
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Andrew Schmanski
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Amy Crunk
- GeneDx Inc, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Iris M de Lange
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Utrecht Brain Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Koen van Gassen
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Utrecht Brain Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hannah Robinson
- Exeter Genomics Laboratory, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | - Katie Guegan
- Exeter Genomics Laboratory, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | - Mohnish Suri
- Clinical Genetics, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Chirag Patel
- Genetic Health Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Marie Bournez
- Centres de référence Anomalies du Développement et Syndrome Malformatifs, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Laurence Faivre
- Centre de Génétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Dijon Hôpital d'Enfants, Dijon, France
| | - Frédéric Tran-Mau-Them
- Genetics of Developmental Disorders, INSERM - Bourgogne Franche-Comté University, UMR 1231 GAD Team, Dijon, France.,Functional Unit 6254 Innovation in Genomic Diagnosis of Rare Diseases, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Janice Baker
- Genomics and Genetic Medicine, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Noelle Fabie
- Genomics and Genetic Medicine, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - K Weaver
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Amelle Shillington
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Robert J Hopkin
- Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Claudia Al Ruivenkamp
- Laboratory for Diagnostic Genome Analyses, Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Regina Bökenkamp
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Samantha Vergano
- Division of Medical Genetics and Metabolism, Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | | | | | - Vinod K Misra
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetic, Genomic, and Metabolic Disorders, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Discipline of Pediatrics, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, USA
| | - Kelly Kennelly
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Caleb Rogers
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jennifer Friedman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.,Division of Genetics/Dysmorphology and Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.,Division of Neurology, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Kristen M Wigby
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.,Division of Genetics/Dysmorphology and Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jerica Lenberg
- Division of Genetics/Dysmorphology and Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Claudio Graziano
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA .,Division of Genetics/Dysmorphology and Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.,Division of Neurology, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA.,U.O. Genetica Medica, AUSL della Romagna Rimini, Cesena, Italy
| | - Rebecca C Ahrens-Nicklas
- Division of Human Genetics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Veronique Lefebvre
- Surgery/Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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12
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Abstract
Brain asymmetry is a hallmark of the human brain. Recent studies report a certain degree of abnormal asymmetry of brain lateralization between left and right brain hemispheres can be associated with many neuropsychiatric conditions. In this regard, some questions need answers. First, the accelerated brain asymmetry is programmed during the pre-natal period that can be called “accelerated brain decline clock”. Second, can we find the right biomarkers to predict these changes? Moreover, can we establish the dynamics of these changes in order to identify the right time window for proper interventions that can reverse or limit the neurological decline? To find answers to these questions, we performed a systematic online search for the last 10 years in databases using keywords. Conclusion: we need to establish the right in vitro model that meets human conditions as much as possible. New biomarkers are necessary to establish the “good” or the “bad” borders of brain asymmetry at the epigenetic and functional level as early as possible.
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13
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Niego A, Benítez-Burraco A. Are feralization and domestication truly mirror processes? ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2021.1975314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Niego
- PhD Program, Faculty of Philology, University of Seville, C/Palos de la Frontera s/n, 41004 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Antonio Benítez-Burraco
- Department of Spanish, Linguistics, and Theory of Literature (Linguistics), Faculty of Philology, University of Seville, C/Palos de la Frontera s/n, 41004 Sevilla, Spain (E-mail: )
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14
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Hyder Z, Calpena E, Pei Y, Tooze RS, Brittain H, Twigg SRF, Cilliers D, Morton JEV, McCann E, Weber A, Wilson LC, Douglas AGL, McGowan R, Need A, Bond A, Tavares ALT, Thomas ERA, Hill SL, Deans ZC, Boardman-Pretty F, Caulfield M, Scott RH, Wilkie AOM. Evaluating the performance of a clinical genome sequencing program for diagnosis of rare genetic disease, seen through the lens of craniosynostosis. Genet Med 2021; 23:2360-2368. [PMID: 34429528 PMCID: PMC8629760 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-021-01297-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Genome sequencing (GS) for diagnosis of rare genetic disease is being introduced into the clinic, but the complexity of the data poses challenges for developing pipelines with high diagnostic sensitivity. We evaluated the performance of the Genomics England 100,000 Genomes Project (100kGP) panel-based pipelines, using craniosynostosis as a test disease. METHODS GS data from 114 probands with craniosynostosis and their relatives (314 samples), negative on routine genetic testing, were scrutinized by a specialized research team, and diagnoses compared with those made by 100kGP. RESULTS Sixteen likely pathogenic/pathogenic variants were identified by 100kGP. Eighteen additional likely pathogenic/pathogenic variants were identified by the research team, indicating that for craniosynostosis, 100kGP panels had a diagnostic sensitivity of only 47%. Measures that could have augmented diagnoses were improved calling of existing panel genes (+18% sensitivity), review of updated panels (+12%), comprehensive analysis of de novo small variants (+29%), and copy-number/structural variants (+9%). Recent NHS England recommendations that partially incorporate these measures should achieve 85% overall sensitivity (+38%). CONCLUSION GS identified likely pathogenic/pathogenic variants in 29.8% of previously undiagnosed patients with craniosynostosis. This demonstrates the value of research analysis and the importance of continually improving algorithms to maximize the potential of clinical GS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zerin Hyder
- Genomics England, London, UK.,Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
| | - Eduardo Calpena
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Yang Pei
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rebecca S Tooze
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Helen Brittain
- Genomics England, London, UK.,West Midlands Regional Clinical Genetics Service and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Stephen R F Twigg
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Deirdre Cilliers
- Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Jenny E V Morton
- West Midlands Regional Clinical Genetics Service and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Emma McCann
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Astrid Weber
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Louise C Wilson
- Clinical Genetics Service, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Andrew G L Douglas
- Wessex Clinical Genetics Service, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.,Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ruth McGowan
- West of Scotland Centre for Genomic Medicine, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | - Ellen R A Thomas
- Genomics England, London, UK.,South East Regional Genetics Service, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Susan L Hill
- Genomics Unit, NHS England & NHS Improvement, London, UK
| | - Zandra C Deans
- Genomics Unit, NHS England & NHS Improvement, London, UK
| | | | - Mark Caulfield
- Genomics England, London, UK.,William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Richard H Scott
- Genomics England, London, UK. .,Clinical Genetics Service, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK.
| | - Andrew O M Wilkie
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.
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15
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Vinkšel M, Writzl K, Maver A, Peterlin B. Improving diagnostics of rare genetic diseases with NGS approaches. J Community Genet 2021; 12:247-256. [PMID: 33452619 PMCID: PMC8141085 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-020-00500-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
According to a rough estimate, one in fifteen people worldwide is affected by a rare disease. Rare diseases are therefore common in clinical practice; however, timely diagnosis of rare diseases is still challenging. Introduction of novel methods based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology offers a successful diagnosis of genetically heterogeneous disorders, even in case of unclear clinical diagnostic hypothesis. However, the application of novel technology differs among the centres and health systems significantly. Our goal is to discuss the impact of the implementation of NGS in the diagnosis of rare diseases and present advantages along with challenges of diagnostic approach. Systematic implementation of NGS in health systems can significantly improve the access of patients with rare diseases to diagnosis and reduce the dependence of national health systems for cross-border collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateja Vinkšel
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine, University medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 7, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Karin Writzl
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine, University medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 7, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aleš Maver
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine, University medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 7, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Borut Peterlin
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine, University medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 7, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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16
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Stevanovic M, Drakulic D, Lazic A, Ninkovic DS, Schwirtlich M, Mojsin M. SOX Transcription Factors as Important Regulators of Neuronal and Glial Differentiation During Nervous System Development and Adult Neurogenesis. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:654031. [PMID: 33867936 PMCID: PMC8044450 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.654031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The SOX proteins belong to the superfamily of transcription factors (TFs) that display properties of both classical TFs and architectural components of chromatin. Since the cloning of the Sox/SOX genes, remarkable progress has been made in illuminating their roles as key players in the regulation of multiple developmental and physiological processes. SOX TFs govern diverse cellular processes during development, such as maintaining the pluripotency of stem cells, cell proliferation, cell fate decisions/germ layer formation as well as terminal cell differentiation into tissues and organs. However, their roles are not limited to development since SOX proteins influence survival, regeneration, cell death and control homeostasis in adult tissues. This review summarized current knowledge of the roles of SOX proteins in control of central nervous system development. Some SOX TFs suspend neural progenitors in proliferative, stem-like state and prevent their differentiation. SOX proteins function as pioneer factors that occupy silenced target genes and keep them in a poised state for activation at subsequent stages of differentiation. At appropriate stage of development, SOX members that maintain stemness are down-regulated in cells that are competent to differentiate, while other SOX members take over their functions and govern the process of differentiation. Distinct SOX members determine down-stream processes of neuronal and glial differentiation. Thus, sequentially acting SOX TFs orchestrate neural lineage development defining neuronal and glial phenotypes. In line with their crucial roles in the nervous system development, deregulation of specific SOX proteins activities is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). The overview of the current knowledge about the link between SOX gene variants and NDDs is presented. We outline the roles of SOX TFs in adult neurogenesis and brain homeostasis and discuss whether impaired adult neurogenesis, detected in neurodegenerative diseases, could be associated with deregulation of SOX proteins activities. We present the current data regarding the interaction between SOX proteins and signaling pathways and microRNAs that play roles in nervous system development. Finally, future research directions that will improve the knowledge about distinct and various roles of SOX TFs in health and diseases are presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Stevanovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.,Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.,Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Drakulic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Andrijana Lazic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Stanisavljevic Ninkovic
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Schwirtlich
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Mojsin
- Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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