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Huang X, Xu C, Dai H, Yang J, Huang T, Chen S, Qi L, Ruan J, Wang J. NCDN is a Potential Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Glioblastoma. J Cancer 2024; 15:1067-1076. [PMID: 38230206 PMCID: PMC10788732 DOI: 10.7150/jca.90535] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a type of central nervous system malignancy. In our study, we determined the effect of NCDN in GBM patients through The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data analysis, and studied the effects of NCDN on GBM cell function to estimate its potential as a therapeutic target. Methods: Gene expression profiles of glioblastoma cohort were acquired from TCGA database and analyzed to look for central genes that may serve as GBM therapeutic targets. Then the cell function of NCDN in glioblastoma cell was explored through in vitro cell experiments. Results: Through gene ontology (GO) analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and survival analysis, we identified three key genes (NCDN, PAK1 and SPRYD3) associated with poor prognosis in glioblastoma. In vitro experiments showed impaired cell migration, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest in NCDN knockdown cells. Conclusion: NCDN affects the progress and prognosis of glioblastoma by promoting cell migration and inhibiting apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokai Huang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
- The Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and oncology Diseases of Wenzhou, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chengwu Xu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haipeng Dai
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianchun Yang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tingting Huang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
- The Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and oncology Diseases of Wenzhou, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuan Chen
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingxin Qi
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jichen Ruan
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
- The Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and oncology Diseases of Wenzhou, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Juxiang Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
- The Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and oncology Diseases of Wenzhou, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
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Sadria M, Layton A, Bader GD. Adversarial training improves model interpretability in single-cell RNA-seq analysis. BIOINFORMATICS ADVANCES 2023; 3:vbad166. [PMID: 38099262 PMCID: PMC10719216 DOI: 10.1093/bioadv/vbad166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Motivation Predictive computational models must be accurate, robust, and interpretable to be considered reliable in important areas such as biology and medicine. A sufficiently robust model should not have its output affected significantly by a slight change in the input. Also, these models should be able to explain how a decision is made to support user trust in the results. Efforts have been made to improve the robustness and interpretability of predictive computational models independently; however, the interaction of robustness and interpretability is poorly understood. Results As an example task, we explore the computational prediction of cell type based on single-cell RNA-seq data and show that it can be made more robust by adversarially training a deep learning model. Surprisingly, we find this also leads to improved model interpretability, as measured by identifying genes important for classification using a range of standard interpretability methods. Our results suggest that adversarial training may be generally useful to improve deep learning robustness and interpretability and that it should be evaluated on a range of tasks. Availability and implementation Our Python implementation of all analysis in this publication can be found at: https://github.com/MehrshadSD/robustness-interpretability. The analysis was conducted using numPy 0.2.5, pandas 2.0.3, scanpy 1.9.3, tensorflow 2.10.0, matplotlib 3.7.1, seaborn 0.12.2, sklearn 1.1.1, shap 0.42.0, lime 0.2.0.1, matplotlib_venn 0.11.9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrshad Sadria
- Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Anita Layton
- Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
- Cheriton School of Computer Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Gary D Bader
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2E4, Canada
- The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2M9, Canada
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Johansen VBI, Hampson E, Tsonou E, Pantarelli C, Chu JY, Crossland L, Okkenhaug H, Massey AJ, Hornigold DC, Welch HCE, Chetwynd SA. The GPCR adaptor protein Norbin regulates S1PR1 trafficking and the morphology, cell cycle and survival of PC12 cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18237. [PMID: 37880240 PMCID: PMC10600135 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45148-6] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Norbin is an adaptor protein that binds numerous G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), is highly expressed in neurons, and is essential for a functioning nervous system in rodent models. Yet, beyond its control of neurite outgrowth and synaptic plasticity, few cellular roles of Norbin have been investigated to date. Furthermore, while Norbin is known to regulate the steady-state cell surface levels of several GPCRs, only in one case has the protein been shown to control the agonist-induced receptor internalisation which serves to attenuate GPCR signalling. Here, we generated a Norbin-deficient PC12 cell line which enabled us to study both the cellular functions of Norbin and its roles in GPCR trafficking and signalling. We show that Norbin limits cell size and spreading, and is required for the growth, viability and cell cycle progression of PC12 cells. We also found that Norbin regulates both the steady-state surface level and agonist-induced internalisation of the GPCR sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) in these cells, suggesting that its role in agonist-dependent GPCR trafficking is more widespread than previously appreciated. Finally, we show that Norbin limits the S1P-stimulated activation of Akt and p38 Mapk, and is required for the activation of Erk in PC12 cells. Together, our findings provide a better understanding of the cellular functions of Norbin and its control of GPCR trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valdemar B I Johansen
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elizabeth Hampson
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd., Cambridge, UK
| | - Elpida Tsonou
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
- Bioscience Metabolism, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Chiara Pantarelli
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Julia Y Chu
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Laraine Crossland
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | | | | | - David C Hornigold
- Bioscience Metabolism, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Heidi C E Welch
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK.
| | - Stephen A Chetwynd
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK.
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Chetwynd SA, Andrews S, Inglesfield S, Delon C, Ktistakis NT, Welch HCE. Functions and mechanisms of the GPCR adaptor protein Norbin. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:1545-1558. [PMID: 37503670 PMCID: PMC10586782 DOI: 10.1042/bst20221349] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Norbin (Neurochondrin, NCDN) is a highly conserved 79 kDa adaptor protein that was first identified more than a quarter of a century ago as a gene up-regulated in rat hippocampus upon induction of long-term potentiation. Most research has focussed on the role of Norbin in the nervous system, where the protein is highly expressed. Norbin regulates neuronal morphology and synaptic plasticity, and is essential for normal brain development and homeostasis. Dysregulation of Norbin is linked to a variety of neurological conditions. Recently, Norbin was shown to be expressed in myeloid cells as well as neurons. Myeloid-cell specific deletion revealed an important role of Norbin as a suppressor of neutrophil-derived innate immunity. Norbin limits the ability of neutrophils to clear bacterial infections by curbing the responsiveness of these cells to inflammatory and infectious stimuli. Mechanistically, Norbin regulates cell responses through binding to its interactors, in particular to a wide range of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Norbin association with GPCRs controls GPCR trafficking and signalling. Other important Norbin interactors are the Rac guanine-nucleotide exchange factor P-Rex1 and protein kinase A. Downstream signalling pathways regulated by Norbin include ERK, Ca2+ and the small GTPase Rac. Here, we review the current understanding of Norbin structure, expression and its roles in health and disease. We also explore Norbin signalling through its interactors, with a particular focus on GPCR trafficking and signalling. Finally, we discuss avenues that could be pursued in the future to increase our understanding of Norbin biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Andrews
- Bioinformatics Facility, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, U.K
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Galesi O, Di Blasi FD, Grillo L, Elia F, Giambirtone MC, Figura MG, Rizzo B, Buono S, Romano C. Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Associated to a De Novo 1p34.3 Microdeletion. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13111926. [PMID: 36360163 PMCID: PMC9689888 DOI: 10.3390/genes13111926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The authors report on a boy with dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A protocol of standardized tests assessed the neuroadaptive profile, allowing deep neuropsychiatric phenotyping. In addition to the diagnosis of dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, such methodology led to endeavor cognitive, adaptive, and academic skills. Chromosomal microarray analysis detected a 452.4 Kb de novo heterozygous microdeletion in chromosomal region 1p34.3, including seven OMIM genes. The authors took a thorough evaluation of the association to the phenotype of the deleted genes. Further reports could strengthen such association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Galesi
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Grillo
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Flaviana Elia
- Unit of Psychology, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | | | - Maria Grazia Figura
- Unit of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiopathology, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Biagio Rizzo
- Unit of Otorhinolaryngology, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Serafino Buono
- Unit of Psychology, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Corrado Romano
- Research Unit of Rare Diseases and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Medical Genetics, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-4781189
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Haas-Neill S, Iwashita E, Dvorkin-Gheva A, Forsythe P. Effects of Two Distinct Psychoactive Microbes, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus JB-1 and Limosilactobacillus reuteri 6475, on Circulating and Hippocampal mRNA in Male Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179653. [PMID: 36077051 PMCID: PMC9456087 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Discovery of the microbiota-gut–brain axis has led to proposed microbe-based therapeutic strategies in mental health, including the use of mood-altering bacterial species, termed psychobiotics. However, we still have limited understanding of the key signaling pathways engaged by specific organisms in modulating brain function, and evidence suggests that bacteria with broadly similar neuroactive and immunomodulatory actions can drive different behavioral outcomes. We sought to identify pathways distinguishing two psychoactive bacterial strains that seemingly engage similar gut–brain signaling pathways but have distinct effects on behaviour. We used RNAseq to identify mRNAs differentially expressed in the blood and hippocampus of mice following Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus JB-1, and Limosilactobacillus reuteri 6475 treatment and performed Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to identify enrichment in pathway activity. L. rhamnosus, but not L. reuteri treatment altered several pathways in the blood and hippocampus, and the rhamnosus could be clearly distinguished based on mRNA profile. In particular, L. rhamnosus treatment modulated the activity of interferon signaling, JAK/STAT, and TNF-alpha via NF-KB pathways. Our results highlight that psychobiotics can induce complex changes in host gene expression, andin understanding these changes, we may help fine-tune selection of psychobiotics for treating mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandor Haas-Neill
- The Brain Body Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Eiko Iwashita
- The Brain Body Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Anna Dvorkin-Gheva
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Paul Forsythe
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 569 Heritage Medical Research Center, Edmonton, AB T6G 2S2, Canada
- Alberta Respiratory Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Differential Methylation Profile in Fragile X Syndrome-Prone Offspring Mice after in Utero Exposure to Lactobacillus Reuteri. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13081300. [PMID: 35893036 PMCID: PMC9331364 DOI: 10.3390/genes13081300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors such as diet, gut microbiota, and infections have proven to have a significant role in epigenetic modifications. It is known that epigenetic modifications may cause behavioral and neuronal changes observed in neurodevelopmental disabilities, including fragile X syndrome (FXS) and autism (ASD). Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed, and in some cases are shown to decrease the chance of developing neurological disorders. Here, we examined the epigenetic outcomes in offspring mice after feeding of a probiotic organism, Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri), to pregnant mother animals. In this study, we tested a cohort of Western diet-fed descendant mice exhibiting a high frequency of behavioral features and lower FMRP protein expression similar to what is observed in FXS in humans (described in a companion manuscript in this same GENES special topic issue). By investigating 17,735 CpG sites spanning the whole mouse genome, we characterized the epigenetic profile in two cohorts of mice descended from mothers treated and non-treated with L. reuteri to determine the effect of prenatal probiotic exposure on the prevention of FXS-like symptoms. We found several genes involved in different neurological pathways being differentially methylated (p ≤ 0.05) between the cohorts. Among the key functions, synaptogenesis, neurogenesis, synaptic modulation, synaptic transmission, reelin signaling pathway, promotion of specification and maturation of neurons, and long-term potentiation were observed. The results of this study are relevant as they could lead to a better understanding of the pathways involved in these disorders, to novel therapeutics approaches, and to the identification of potential biomarkers for early detection of these conditions.
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Duan R, Li HM, Hu WB, Hong CG, Chen ML, Cao J, Wang ZX, Chen CY, Yin F, Hu ZH, Li JD, Xie H, Liu ZZ. Recurrent de novo single point variant on the gene encoding Na +/K + pump results in epilepsy. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 216:102310. [PMID: 35724808 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102310] [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: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The etiology of epilepsy remains undefined in two-thirds of patients. Here, we identified a de novo variant of ATP1A2 (c.2426 T > G, p.Leu809Arg), which encodes the α2 subunit of Na+/K+-ATPase, from a family with idiopathic epilepsy. This variant caused epilepsy with hemiplegic migraine in the study patients. We generated the point variant mouse model Atp1a2L809R, which recapitulated the epilepsy observed in the study patients. In Atp1a2L809R/WT mice, convulsions were observed and cognitive and memory function was impaired. This variant affected the potassium binding function of the protein, disabling its ion transport ability, thereby increasing the frequency of nerve impulses. Valproate (VPA) and Carbamazepine (CBZ) have limited therapeutic efficacy in ameliorating the epileptic syndromes of Atp1a2L809R/WT mice. Our work revealed that ATP1A2L809R variants cause a predisposition to epilepsy. Moreover, we provide a point variant mouse model for epilepsy research and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Duan
- Department of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Hong-Ming Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Wen-Bao Hu
- Institute of Molecular Precision Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Chun-Gu Hong
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Meng-Lu Chen
- Department of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Jia Cao
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Zhen-Xing Wang
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Chun-Yuan Chen
- Department of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Zhong-Hua Hu
- Institute of Molecular Precision Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Jia-Da Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Hui Xie
- Department of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Bone Joint Degeneration and Injury, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.
| | - Zheng-Zhao Liu
- Department of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.
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Nicolas G, Sévigny M, Lecoquierre F, Marguet F, Deschênes A, del Pelaez MC, Feuillette S, Audebrand A, Lecourtois M, Rousseau S, Richard AC, Cassinari K, Deramecourt V, Duyckaerts C, Boland A, Deleuze JF, Meyer V, Clarimon Echavarria J, Gelpi E, Akiyama H, Hasegawa M, Kawakami I, Wong TH, Van Rooij JGJ, Van Swieten JC, Campion D, Dutchak PA, Wallon D, Lavoie-Cardinal F, Laquerrière A, Rovelet-Lecrux A, Sephton CF. A postzygotic de novo NCDN mutation identified in a sporadic FTLD patient results in neurochondrin haploinsufficiency and altered FUS granule dynamics. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:20. [PMID: 35151370 PMCID: PMC8841087 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01314-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a heterogeneous clinical disorder characterized by progressive abnormalities in behavior, executive functions, personality, language and/or motricity. A neuropathological subtype of FTD, frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD)-FET, is characterized by protein aggregates consisting of the RNA-binding protein fused in sarcoma (FUS). The cause of FTLD-FET is not well understood and there is a lack of genetic evidence to aid in the investigation of mechanisms of the disease. The goal of this study was to identify genetic variants contributing to FTLD-FET and to investigate their effects on FUS pathology. We performed whole-exome sequencing on a 50-year-old FTLD patient with ubiquitin and FUS-positive neuronal inclusions and unaffected parents, and identified a de novo postzygotic nonsense variant in the NCDN gene encoding Neurochondrin (NCDN), NM_014284.3:c.1206G > A, p.(Trp402*). The variant was associated with a ~ 31% reduction in full-length protein levels in the patient’s brain, suggesting that this mutation leads to NCDN haploinsufficiency. We examined the effects of NCDN haploinsufficiency on FUS and found that depleting primary cortical neurons of NCDN causes a reduction in the total number of FUS-positive cytoplasmic granules. Moreover, we found that these granules were significantly larger and more highly enriched with FUS. We then examined the effects of a loss of FUS function on NCDN in neurons and found that depleting cells of FUS leads to a decrease in NCDN protein and mRNA levels. Our study identifies the NCDN protein as a likely contributor of FTLD-FET pathophysiology. Moreover, we provide evidence for a negative feedback loop of toxicity between NCDN and FUS, where loss of NCDN alters FUS cytoplasmic dynamics, which in turn has an impact on NCDN expression.
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