1
|
Yamada S, Ou T, Nachadalingam S, Yang S, Johnson AN. An in vivo platform to identify pathogenic loci. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.01.565153. [PMID: 37961172 PMCID: PMC10635058 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.01.565153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Rare genetic disease discovery efforts typically lead to the identification of new disease genes. PreMIER ( Pre cision M edicine Integrated E xperimental R esources) is a collaborative platform designed to facilitate functional evaluation of human genetic variants in model systems, and to date the PreMIER Consortium has evaluated over 50 variants in patients with genetic disorders. To understand if Drosophila could be used to identify pathogenic disease loci as part of the PreMIER Consortium, we used tissue-specific gene knockdown in the fly as a proof of principle experiment. Tissue-specific knockdown of seven conserved disease genes caused significant changes in viability, longevity, behavior, motor function, and neuronal survival arguing a set of defined assays can be used to determine if a gene of uncertain significance (GUS) regulates specific physiological processes. This study highlights the utility of a tissue-specific knockdown platform in Drosophila to characterize GUS, which may provide the first genephenotype correlations for patients with idiopathic genetic disorders.
Collapse
|
2
|
Lin H, Chen YH. SCAF4 variants associated with focal epilepsy accompanied by multisystem disorders. Seizure 2024; 116:65-73. [PMID: 37394306 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The SCAF4 gene encodes serine/arginine-related carboxyl-terminal domain-associated factor 4, which is highly expressed in the brain and potentially affects neurodevelopment. However, the functional significance of SCAF4 variants in human diseases remains unknown. METHODS Trio-based whole-exome sequencing was performed in three individuals with focal epilepsy. Bioinformatics tools were used to assess the pathogenicity of SCAF4 variants. Knockout scaf4a/b zebrafish were created using CRISPR-Cas9 used to validate the phenotype. RESULTS SCAF4 variants were identified in three individuals from three unrelated families with focal epilepsy. All patients had focal seizures and focal discharges on EEG recordings, with intellectual disability or motor retardation, skeletal abnormalities, and one had cryptorchidism. However, no recurrence was observed after short-term ASMs treatment. The identified SCAF4 variants included two nonsense variants and one compound heterozygous variant, consisting of a missense and an in-frame variant. A low frequency of SCAF4 variants was observed in gnomAD in this study. Computational modelling has suggested that missense variants lead to functional impairments. In zebrafish, abnormal epileptiform signals, skeletal development, and neurodevelopment have been found in scaf4a/b knockout compared to wild-type zebrafish. CONCLUSION These results indicate that SCAF4 is associated with focal epilepsy accompanied by multisystem disorders. Otherwise, the management of patients with SCAF4 variants requires more attention to multisystem involvement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heng Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yan-Hui Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hu Y, Zhang B, Chen L, He J, Yang L, Chen X. SCAF4 variants are associated with epilepsy with neurodevelopmental disorders. Seizure 2024; 116:113-118. [PMID: 37891035 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The genetic causes of epilepsy with unknown etiology in most patients remain unknown. The aim of this study was to elucidate the phenotype of SCAF4-related epilepsy. METHODS Trio-based whole-exome sequencing was performed in patients with epilepsy. Silico programs and protein modeling were employed to predict the damaging of variants. Previously reported SCAF4 variants were systematically reviewed to analyze the genotype-phenotype correlations. RESULTS Three heterozygous variants in the SCAF4 were detected in three cases, including one missense variant and two frameshift variants. All variants were de novo. None of these variants is present in gnomAD controls. The missense variant was predicted to be damaging in silico tools. Protein modeling showed that two frameshift variants resulted in loss of domains, and the missense variant may disrupt a nearby phosphorylation site and alter the hydrogen bonds around 54C and the stability of the SCAF4 protein. Intellectual development was mildly delayed for all patients except for one with whom contact was lost. All probands experienced epilepsy as infrequent seizures, responded well to antiseizure drugs, and had a median [IQR] seizure onset age of 4 [1.75, 7.5] years. The variants in the domain-encoding exons and upstream exons exhibited a strong association with epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS SCAF4 is a potential causative gene of epilepsy with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Hu
- Epilepsy Center and Neurology Department of Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Bingbing Zhang
- Epilepsy Center and Neurology Department of Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Li Chen
- Neurogenetic Group, Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Jing He
- Department of Neurology, Yuquan Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100000, China
| | - Letian Yang
- Epilepsy Center and Neurology Department of Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Xuqin Chen
- Epilepsy Center and Neurology Department of Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hosseiniyan Khatibi SM, Rahbar Saadat Y, Hejazian SM, Sharifi S, Ardalan M, Teshnehlab M, Zununi Vahed S, Pirmoradi S. Decoding the Possible Molecular Mechanisms in Pediatric Wilms Tumor and Rhabdoid Tumor of the Kidney through Machine Learning Approaches. Fetal Pediatr Pathol 2023; 42:825-844. [PMID: 37548233 DOI: 10.1080/15513815.2023.2242979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Wilms tumor (WT) and Rhabdoid tumor (RT) are pediatric renal tumors and their differentiation is based on histopathological and molecular analysis. The present study aimed to introduce the panels of mRNAs and microRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of these cancers using deep learning algorithms. Methods: Filter, graph, and association rule mining algorithms were applied to the mRNAs/microRNAs data. Results: Candidate miRNAs and mRNAs with high accuracy (AUC: 97%/93% and 94%/97%, respectively) could differentiate the WT and RT classes in training and test data. Let-7a-2 and C19orf24 were identified in the WT, while miR-199b and RP1-3E10.2 were detected in the RT by analysis of Association Rule Mining. Conclusion: The application of the machine learning methods could identify mRNA/miRNA patterns to discriminate WT from RT. The identified miRNAs/mRNAs panels could offer novel insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms that are responsible for the initiation and development of these cancers. They may provide further insight into the pathogenesis, prognosis, diagnosis, and molecular-targeted therapy in pediatric renal tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mahdi Hosseiniyan Khatibi
- Kidney Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Tabriz Valiasr Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | | | - Simin Sharifi
- Dental and Periodontal Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Teshnehlab
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, K.N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Saeed Pirmoradi
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Tabriz Valiasr Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
LaForce GR, Philippidou P, Schaffer AE. mRNA isoform balance in neuronal development and disease. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1762. [PMID: 36123820 PMCID: PMC10024649 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Balanced mRNA isoform diversity and abundance are spatially and temporally regulated throughout cellular differentiation. The proportion of expressed isoforms contributes to cell type specification and determines key properties of the differentiated cells. Neurons are unique cell types with intricate developmental programs, characteristic cellular morphologies, and electrophysiological potential. Neuron-specific gene expression programs establish these distinctive cellular characteristics and drive diversity among neuronal subtypes. Genes with neuron-specific alternative processing are enriched in key neuronal functions, including synaptic proteins, adhesion molecules, and scaffold proteins. Despite the similarity of neuronal gene expression programs, each neuronal subclass can be distinguished by unique alternative mRNA processing events. Alternative processing of developmentally important transcripts alters coding and regulatory information, including interaction domains, transcript stability, subcellular localization, and targeting by RNA binding proteins. Fine-tuning of mRNA processing is essential for neuronal activity and maintenance. Thus, the focus of neuronal RNA biology research is to dissect the transcriptomic mechanisms that underlie neuronal homeostasis, and consequently, predispose neuronal subtypes to disease. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geneva R LaForce
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Polyxeni Philippidou
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ashleigh E Schaffer
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tong SY, Fan K, Zhou ZW, Liu LY, Zhang SQ, Fu Y, Wang GZ, Zhu Y, Yu YC. mvPPT: A Highly Efficient and Sensitive Pathogenicity Prediction Tool for Missense Variants. GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2023; 21:414-426. [PMID: 35940520 PMCID: PMC10626173 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing technologies both boost the discovery of variants in the human genome and exacerbate the challenges of pathogenic variant identification. In this study, we developed Pathogenicity Prediction Tool for missense variants (mvPPT), a highly sensitive and accurate missense variant classifier based on gradient boosting. mvPPT adopts high-confidence training sets with a wide spectrum of variant profiles, and extracts three categories of features, including scores from existing prediction tools, frequencies (allele frequencies, amino acid frequencies, and genotype frequencies), and genomic context. Compared with established predictors, mvPPT achieves superior performance in all test sets, regardless of data source. In addition, our study also provides guidance for training set and feature selection strategies, as well as reveals highly relevant features, which may further provide biological insights into variant pathogenicity. mvPPT is freely available at http://www.mvppt.club/.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Yuan Tong
- Jing'an District Central Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ke Fan
- Jing'an District Central Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zai-Wei Zhou
- Shanghai Xunyin Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shanghai 201802, China
| | - Lin-Yun Liu
- Jing'an District Central Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shu-Qing Zhang
- Jing'an District Central Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yinghui Fu
- Jing'an District Central Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guang-Zhong Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Yong-Chun Yu
- Jing'an District Central Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Carvalho LML, Pinto CF, de Oliveira Scliar M, Otto PA, Krepischi ACV, Rosenberg C. SCAF4-related syndromic intellectual disability. Am J Med Genet A 2023; 191:570-574. [PMID: 36333968 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63032] [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: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The causal link between variants in the SCAF4 gene and a syndromic form of intellectual disability (ID) was established in 2020 by Fliedner et al. Since then, no additional cases have been reported. We performed exome sequencing in a 16-year-old Brazilian male presenting with ID, epilepsy, behavioral problems, speech impairment, facial dysmorphisms, heart malformations, and obesity. A de novo pathogenic variant [SCAF4(NM_020706.2):c.374_375dup(p.Glu126LeufsTer20)] was identified. This is the second study reporting the involvement of SCAF4 in syndromic ID, and the description of the patient's clinical features contributes to defining the phenotypic spectrum of this recently described Mendelian disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Machado Lara Carvalho
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carla Franchi Pinto
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences of Santa Casa de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marília de Oliveira Scliar
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo A Otto
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Cristina Victorino Krepischi
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carla Rosenberg
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shi L, Li H, Wang L. Genetic parameters estimation and genome molecular marker identification for gestation length in pigs. Front Genet 2023; 13:1046423. [PMID: 36685960 PMCID: PMC9849246 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1046423] [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: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gestation length (GL) plays an important role in piglet maturation of major organs and development of body, while the genetic molecular markers of GL have not been extensively identified. In this study, according to the 5,662 effective records of 3,072 sows, the heritability and repeatability of GL were estimated through the dmuai of DMU Version 6.5.1 with a repeatability model, namely, h 2 = 0.1594 and r e 2 = 0.2437. Among these sows, 906 individuals were genotyped with the GeneSeek Genomic Profiler (GGP) Porcine 50K Chip and imputed to the genome-wide level (9,212,179 SNPs) by the online software PHARP v1 for subsequent quality control and GWAS analyses. Further, the Fst was also performed to measure whether the actual frequency of genotypes in different GL phenotypes deviated from the theoretical proportion of genetic balance. We observed the highest degree of differentiation (average Fst value = 0.0376) in the group of 114 and 118 days, and identified a total of 1,002 SNPs strongly associated with GL. Through screening the genes located within a 500 kb distance on either side of the significant SNPs, we proposed 4,588 candidate genes. By the functional annotation, these candidates were found to be mainly involved in multicellular organism metabolism, early endosome, embryo implantation and development, and body and organ signaling pathway. Because of the simultaneous confirmation by GWAS and Fst analyses, there were 20 genes replied to be the most promising candidates including HUNK, ARHGDIB, ERP27, RERG, NEDD9, TMEM170B, SCAF4, SOD1, TIAM1, ENSSSCG00000048838, ENSSSCG00000047227, EDN1, HIVEP1, ENSSSCG00000043944, LRATD1, ENSSSCG00000048577, ENSSSCG00000042932, ENSSSCG00000041405, ENSSSCG00000045589, and ADTRP. This study provided effective molecular information for the genetic improvement of GL in pigs.
Collapse
|
9
|
Cabana-Domínguez J, Soler Artigas M, Arribas L, Alemany S, Vilar-Ribó L, Llonga N, Fadeuilhe C, Corrales M, Richarte V, Ramos-Quiroga JA, Ribasés M. Comprehensive analysis of omics data identifies relevant gene networks for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:409. [PMID: 36153331 PMCID: PMC9509350 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02182-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder that results from the interaction of both genetic and environmental risk factors. Genome-wide association studies have started to identify multiple genetic risk loci associated with ADHD, however, the exact causal genes and biological mechanisms remain largely unknown. We performed a multi-step analysis to identify and characterize modules of co-expressed genes associated with ADHD using data from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 270 ADHD cases and 279 controls. We identified seven ADHD-associated modules of co-expressed genes, some of them enriched in both genetic and epigenetic signatures for ADHD and in biological pathways relevant for psychiatric disorders, such as the regulation of gene expression, epigenetics and immune system. In addition, for some of the modules, we found evidence of potential regulatory mechanisms, including microRNAs and common genetic variants. In conclusion, our results point to promising genes and pathways for ADHD, supporting the use of peripheral blood to assess gene expression signatures in psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, they highlight that the combination of multi-omics signals provides deeper and broader insights into the biological mechanisms underlying ADHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judit Cabana-Domínguez
- Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. .,Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain. .,Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain. .,Department of Genetics, Microbiology, and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - María Soler Artigas
- grid.7080.f0000 0001 2296 0625Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain ,grid.411083.f0000 0001 0675 8654Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain ,grid.469673.90000 0004 5901 7501Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain ,grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Department of Genetics, Microbiology, and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lorena Arribas
- grid.7080.f0000 0001 2296 0625Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain ,grid.411083.f0000 0001 0675 8654Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Alemany
- grid.7080.f0000 0001 2296 0625Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain ,grid.411083.f0000 0001 0675 8654Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Vilar-Ribó
- grid.7080.f0000 0001 2296 0625Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain ,grid.411083.f0000 0001 0675 8654Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain ,grid.469673.90000 0004 5901 7501Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalia Llonga
- grid.7080.f0000 0001 2296 0625Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain ,grid.411083.f0000 0001 0675 8654Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christian Fadeuilhe
- grid.7080.f0000 0001 2296 0625Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain ,grid.411083.f0000 0001 0675 8654Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain ,grid.469673.90000 0004 5901 7501Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain ,grid.7080.f0000 0001 2296 0625Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montse Corrales
- grid.7080.f0000 0001 2296 0625Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain ,grid.411083.f0000 0001 0675 8654Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain ,grid.469673.90000 0004 5901 7501Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain ,grid.7080.f0000 0001 2296 0625Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vanesa Richarte
- grid.7080.f0000 0001 2296 0625Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain ,grid.411083.f0000 0001 0675 8654Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain ,grid.469673.90000 0004 5901 7501Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain ,grid.7080.f0000 0001 2296 0625Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga
- grid.7080.f0000 0001 2296 0625Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain ,grid.411083.f0000 0001 0675 8654Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain ,grid.469673.90000 0004 5901 7501Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain ,grid.7080.f0000 0001 2296 0625Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Ribasés
- Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. .,Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain. .,Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain. .,Department of Genetics, Microbiology, and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Theunissen F, Flynn LL, Anderton RS, Akkari PA. Short structural variants as informative genetic markers for ALS disease risk and progression. BMC Med 2022; 20:11. [PMID: 35034660 PMCID: PMC8762977 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-02206-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is considerable variability in disease progression for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) including the age of disease onset, site of disease onset, and survival time. There is growing evidence that short structural variations (SSVs) residing in frequently overlooked genomic regions can contribute to complex disease mechanisms and can explain, in part, the phenotypic variability in ALS patients. Here, we discuss SSVs recently characterized by our laboratory and how these discoveries integrate into the current literature on ALS, particularly in the context of application to future clinical trials. These markers may help to identify and differentiate patients for clinical trials that have a similar ALS disease mechanism(s), thereby reducing the impact of participant heterogeneity. As evidence accumulates for the genetic markers discovered in SQSTM1, SCAF4, and STMN2, we hope to improve the outcomes of future ALS clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frances Theunissen
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, First floor, RR block, QEII Medical Centre, 8 Verdun St, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.
| | - Loren L Flynn
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, First floor, RR block, QEII Medical Centre, 8 Verdun St, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Black Swan Pharmaceuticals, Wake Forrest, NC, USA
| | - Ryan S Anderton
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery and Health Sciences, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, 6160, Australia
| | - P Anthony Akkari
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, First floor, RR block, QEII Medical Centre, 8 Verdun St, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Black Swan Pharmaceuticals, Wake Forrest, NC, USA
- Division of Neurology, Duke University Medical Centre, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhou M, Ehsan F, Gan L, Dong A, Li Y, Liu K, Min J. Structural basis for the recognition of the S2, S5-phosphorylated RNA polymerase II CTD by the mRNA anti-terminator protein hSCAF4. FEBS Lett 2022; 596:249-259. [PMID: 34897689 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14256] [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: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II serves as a binding platform for numerous enzymes and transcription factors involved in nascent RNA processing and the transcription cycle. The S2, S5-phosphorylated CTD is recognized by the transcription factor SCAF4, which functions as a transcription anti-terminator by preventing early mRNA transcript cleavage and polyadenylation. Here, we measured the binding affinities of differently modified CTD peptides by hSCAF4 and solved the complex structure of the hSCAF4-CTD-interaction domain (CID) bound to a S2, S5-quadra-phosphorylated CTD peptide. Our results revealed that the S2, S5-quadra-phosphorylated CTD peptide adopts a trans conformation and is located in a positively charged binding groove of hSCAF4-CID. Although hSCAF4-CID has almost the same binding pattern to the CTD as other CID-containing proteins, it preferentially binds to the S2, S5-phosphorylated CTD. Our findings provide insight into the regulatory mechanism of hSCAF4 in transcription termination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Fahad Ehsan
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Linyao Gan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Aiping Dong
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Yanjun Li
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Ke Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinrong Min
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Liu W, Xie L, He YH, Wu ZY, Liu LX, Bai XF, Deng DX, Xu XE, Liao LD, Lin W, Heng JH, Xu X, Peng L, Huang QF, Li CY, Zhang ZD, Wang W, Zhang GR, Gao X, Wang SH, Li CQ, Xu LY, Liu W, Li EM. Large-scale and high-resolution mass spectrometry-based proteomics profiling defines molecular subtypes of esophageal cancer for therapeutic targeting. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4961. [PMID: 34400640 PMCID: PMC8368010 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25202-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a type of aggressive cancer without clinically relevant molecular subtypes, hindering the development of effective strategies for treatment. To define molecular subtypes of EC, we perform mass spectrometry-based proteomic and phosphoproteomics profiling of EC tumors and adjacent non-tumor tissues, revealing a catalog of proteins and phosphosites that are dysregulated in ECs. The EC cohort is stratified into two molecular subtypes-S1 and S2-based on proteomic analysis, with the S2 subtype characterized by the upregulation of spliceosomal and ribosomal proteins, and being more aggressive. Moreover, we identify a subtype signature composed of ELOA and SCAF4, and construct a subtype diagnostic and prognostic model. Potential drugs are predicted for treating patients of S2 subtype, and three candidate drugs are validated to inhibit EC. Taken together, our proteomic analysis define molecular subtypes of EC, thus providing a potential therapeutic outlook for improving disease outcomes in patients with EC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- College of Science, Heilongjiang Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Lei Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yao-Hui He
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zhi-Yong Wu
- Shantou Central Hospital, Affiliated Shantou Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lu-Xin Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xue-Feng Bai
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Dan-Xia Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiu-E Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lian-Di Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wan Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing-Hua Heng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liu Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qing-Feng Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Cheng-Yu Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhi-Da Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Science, Heilongjiang Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Guo-Rui Zhang
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Shao-Hong Wang
- Shantou Central Hospital, Affiliated Shantou Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chun-Quan Li
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Li-Yan Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Wen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| | - En-Min Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|