1
|
Li J, Wang Q, Yang A, Zhang J. Monoallelic missense variants in MAB21L1 cause a novel autosomal dominant microphthalmia. Ophthalmic Genet 2024:1-7. [PMID: 39016008 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2024.2378029] [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: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The biallelic variant of MAB21L1 has previously been documented in conjunction with the autosomal recessive cerebellar, ocular, craniofacial, and genital syndrome (COFG). The purpose of this study was to investigate the gene-disease association of MAB21L1 and the newly discovered autosomal dominant (AD) microphthalmia. METHODS We report the presence of an exceptionally rare missense variant in a single allele of the Arg51 codon of MAB21L1 among four individuals from a single family diagnosed with microphthalmia, which suggesting an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Subsequently, based on comprehensive literature review, we identified another 13 families that have reported cases of autosomal dominant microphthalmos. RESULTS Genotype-phenotype analysis revealed that patients with a single allele missense variant in MAB21L1 exhibited solely eye abnormalities. This starkly diverged from the clinical presentation of COFG, typified by the concurrent occurrence of ocular and extraocular symptoms stemming from the biallelic variant in MAB21L1. Our findings revealed that the heterozygous pathogenic variant in MAB21L1 resulted in the emergence of autosomal dominant microphthalmia. By combining these genetic and experimental evidence, the clinical validity of MAB21L1 and the emerging autosomal dominant microphthalmia can be regarded as moderate. CONCLUSION In summary, there is sufficient convincing evidence to prove that MAB21L1 is a novel pathogenic gene responsible for autosomal dominant microphthalmia, thus offering valuable insights for precise diagnosis and targeted therapeutic interventions in cases of microphthalmia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinli Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining City, Shandong, China
| | - Aijun Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining City, Shandong, China
| | - Junyu Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Eintracht J, Owen N, Harding P, Moosajee M. Disruption of common ocular developmental pathways in patient-derived optic vesicle models of microphthalmia. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:839-858. [PMID: 38821055 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.05.001] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic perturbations influencing early eye development can result in microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and coloboma (MAC). Over 100 genes are associated with MAC, but little is known about common disease mechanisms. In this study, we generated induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived optic vesicles (OVs) from two unrelated microphthalmia patients and healthy controls. At day 20, 35, and 50, microphthalmia patient OV diameters were significantly smaller, recapitulating the "small eye" phenotype. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis revealed upregulation of apoptosis-initiating and extracellular matrix (ECM) genes at day 20 and 35. Western blot and immunohistochemistry revealed increased expression of lumican, nidogen, and collagen type IV, suggesting ECM overproduction. Increased apoptosis was observed in microphthalmia OVs with reduced phospho-histone 3 (pH3+) cells confirming decreased cell proliferation at day 35. Pharmacological inhibition of caspase-8 activity with Z-IETD-FMK decreased apoptosis in one patient model, highlighting a potential therapeutic approach. These data reveal shared pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to a microphthalmia phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mariya Moosajee
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 9EL, UK; Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kagan KO, Tost F, Heling KS, Hoopmann M, Sonek J, Chaoui R. Fetal eye ultrasound: Normal anatomy, abnormal findings, and clinical impact. ULTRASCHALL IN DER MEDIZIN (STUTTGART, GERMANY : 1980) 2024. [PMID: 38848751 DOI: 10.1055/a-2318-5464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Until now, ultrasound examination of the fetal eyes has not played an important role in prenatal diagnosis. National and international guidelines are generally confined to documentation of the presence of the orbits and the lenses. However, in recent years, with the advent of high-resolution ultrasound technology and increasing knowledge of prenatal medicine and genetics, careful examination of the fetal eye has enabled the detection of many ocular malformations before birth. This article provides an overview of the anatomy related to the development of the fetal eye and covers the following conditions: hypertelorism, hypotelorism, exophthalmos, microphthalmos, coloboma, cataract, persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous, retinal detachment, dacryocystocele, and septooptic dysplasia, etc. It is designed to illustrate the spectrum of ocular malformations and their appearance on prenatal ultrasound and to discuss their clinical impact and association with various syndromes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karl-Oliver Kagan
- Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Department of Women's Health, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Frank Tost
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany
| | - Kai-Sven Heling
- Medical practice, Center for Prenatal Diagnosis and Human Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Hoopmann
- Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Department of Women's Health, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jiri Sonek
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Wright State University, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, United States
- Fetal Medicine Foundation USA, Dayton, United States
| | - Rabih Chaoui
- Medical Practice, Center for Prenatal Diagnosis and Human Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lei Z, He‐Lin Z, Hai‐Yan W, Wei J, Ru W, Zhi‐Li C, Qian‐Feng W. Retinitis pigmentosa with iris coloboma due to miR-204 gene variant in a Chinese family. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2024; 12:e2481. [PMID: 38867642 PMCID: PMC11169764 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2481] [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: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To characterize the phenotype and genotype of a Chinese family with autosomal-dominant retinitis pigmentosa (RP) accompanied by iris coloboma. METHODS The proband, a 34-year-old male, was examined with his family by using fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), autofluorescence, and full-field electroretinography (ffERG). Genetic analyses were conducted through whole-exome sequencing (WES) to screen for variations. RESULTS Three members of this Chinese family were shown to be bilateral iris coloboma. The male proband and his mother exhibited typical RP feature. The proband's late grandfather had been documented manifestation of iris coloboma. The mode of inheritance was confirmed to be autosomal dominance. Through linkage analysis and WES, a heterozygous variation in the miR-204 gene (n.37C>T), a noncoding RNA gene, was identified in these three members. CONCLUSIONS In this third independent and the first Asian family, the existence of a miR-204 variant associated with RP accompanied by iris coloboma was confirmed. Our findings reinforce the significance of miR-204 as an important factor influencing visual function in the retina. When phenotypes like RP accompanied by iris coloboma in an autosomal-dominant pattern, including in Chinese patients, miR-204 aberrations should be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Lei
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Technology of Ophthalmologic ImagingShaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital)Xi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Zhu He‐Lin
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Technology of Ophthalmologic ImagingShaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital)Xi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Wang Hai‐Yan
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Technology of Ophthalmologic ImagingShaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital)Xi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Jia Wei
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Technology of Ophthalmologic ImagingShaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital)Xi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Wang Ru
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Technology of Ophthalmologic ImagingShaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital)Xi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Cui Zhi‐Li
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Technology of Ophthalmologic ImagingShaanxi Eye Hospital, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital)Xi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Wang Qian‐Feng
- Medical College of Optometry and OphthalmologyShandong University of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinanShandongChina
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Camerino M, Chang W, Cvekl A. Analysis of long-range chromatin contacts, compartments and looping between mouse embryonic stem cells, lens epithelium and lens fibers. Epigenetics Chromatin 2024; 17:10. [PMID: 38643244 PMCID: PMC11031936 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-024-00533-x] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nuclear organization of interphase chromosomes involves individual chromosome territories, "open" and "closed" chromatin compartments, topologically associated domains (TADs) and chromatin loops. The DNA- and RNA-binding transcription factor CTCF together with the cohesin complex serve as major organizers of chromatin architecture. Cellular differentiation is driven by temporally and spatially coordinated gene expression that requires chromatin changes of individual loci of various complexities. Lens differentiation represents an advantageous system to probe transcriptional mechanisms underlying tissue-specific gene expression including high transcriptional outputs of individual crystallin genes until the mature lens fiber cells degrade their nuclei. RESULTS Chromatin organization between mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells, newborn (P0.5) lens epithelium and fiber cells were analyzed using Hi-C. Localization of CTCF in both lens chromatins was determined by ChIP-seq and compared with ES cells. Quantitative analyses show major differences between number and size of TADs and chromatin loop size between these three cell types. In depth analyses show similarities between lens samples exemplified by overlaps between compartments A and B. Lens epithelium-specific CTCF peaks are found in mostly methylated genomic regions while lens fiber-specific and shared peaks occur mostly within unmethylated DNA regions. Major differences in TADs and loops are illustrated at the ~ 500 kb Pax6 locus, encoding the critical lens regulatory transcription factor and within a larger ~ 15 Mb WAGR locus, containing Pax6 and other loci linked to human congenital diseases. Lens and ES cell Hi-C data (TADs and loops) together with ATAC-seq, CTCF, H3K27ac, H3K27me3 and ENCODE cis-regulatory sites are shown in detail for the Pax6, Sox1 and Hif1a loci, multiple crystallin genes and other important loci required for lens morphogenesis. The majority of crystallin loci are marked by unexpectedly high CTCF-binding across their transcribed regions. CONCLUSIONS Our study has generated the first data on 3-dimensional (3D) nuclear organization in lens epithelium and lens fibers and directly compared these data with ES cells. These findings generate novel insights into lens-specific transcriptional gene control, open new research avenues to study transcriptional condensates in lens fiber cells, and enable studies of non-coding genetic variants linked to cataract and other lens and ocular abnormalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Camerino
- The Departments Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY10461, Bronx, USA
| | - William Chang
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY10461, Bronx, USA
| | - Ales Cvekl
- The Departments Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY10461, Bronx, USA.
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY10461, Bronx, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Akbar W, Ullah A, Haider N, Suleman S, Khan FU, Shah AA, Sikandar MA, Basit S, Ahmad W. Identification of novel homozygous variants in FOXE3 and AP4M1 underlying congenital syndromic anophthalmia and microphthalmia. J Gene Med 2024; 26:e3601. [PMID: 37758467 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3601] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anophthalmia and microphthalmia are severe developmental ocular disorders that affect the size of the ocular globe and can be unilateral or bilateral. The disease is found in syndromic as well as non-syndromic forms. It is genetically caused by chromosomal aberrations, copy number variations and single gene mutations, along with non-genetic factors such as viral infections, deficiency of vitamin A and an exposure to alcohol or drugs during pregnancy. To date, more than 30 genes having different modes of inheritance patterns are identified as causing anophthalmia and microphthalmia. METHODS In the present study, a clinical and genetic analysis was performed of six patients with anophthalmia and microphthalmia and/or additional phenotypes of intellectual disability, developmental delay and cerebral palsy from a large consanguineous Pakistani family. Whole exome sequencing followed by data analysis for variants prioritization and validation through Sanger sequencing was performed to identify the disease causing variant(s). American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines were applied to classify clinical interpretation of the prioritized variants. RESULTS Clinical investigations revealed that the affected individuals are afflicted with anophthalmia. Three of the patients showed additional phenotype of intellectual disability, developmental delays and other neurological symptoms. Whole exome sequencing of the DNA samples of the affected members in the family identified a novel homozygous stop gain mutation (NM_012186: c.106G>T: p.Glu36*) in Forkhead Box E3 (FOXE3) gene shared by all affected individuals. Moreover, patients segregating additional phenotypes of spastic paraplegia, intellectual disability, hearing loss and microcephaly showed an additional homozygous sequence variant (NM_004722: c.953G>A: p.Arg318Gln) in AP4M1. Sanger sequencing validated the correct segregation of the identified variants in the affected family. ACMG guidelines predicted the variants to be pathogenic. CONCLUSIONS We have investigated first case of syndromic anophthalmia caused by variants in the FOXE3 and AP4M1. The present findings are helpful for understanding pathological role of the mutations of the genes in syndromic forms of anophthalmia. Furthermore, the study signifies searching for the identification of second variant in families with patients exhibiting variable phenotypes. In addition, the findings will help clinical geneticists, genetic counselors and the affected family with respect to prenatal testing, family planning and genetic counseling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Warda Akbar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Asmat Ullah
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nighat Haider
- Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Department of Pediatrics, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sufyan Suleman
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Fati Ullah Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Abid Ali Shah
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Sulman Basit
- College of Medicine, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
- Center for Genetics and Inherited Diseases, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wasim Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Harding P, Gore S, Malka S, Rajkumar J, Oluonye N, Moosajee M. Real-world clinical and molecular management of 50 prospective patients with microphthalmia, anophthalmia and/or ocular coloboma. Br J Ophthalmol 2023; 107:1925-1935. [PMID: 36192130 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2022-321991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Microphthalmia, anophthalmia and coloboma (MAC) are clinically and genetically heterogenous rare developmental eye conditions, which contribute to a significant proportion of childhood blindness worldwide. Clear understanding of MAC aetiology and comorbidities is essential to providing patients with appropriate care. However, current management is unstandardised and molecular diagnostic rates remain low, particularly in those with unilateral presentation. To further understanding of clinical and genetic management of patients with MAC, we charted their real-world experience to ascertain optimal management pathways and yield from molecular analysis. METHODS A prospective cohort study of consecutive patients with MAC referred to the ocular genetics service at Moorfields Eye Hospital between 2017-2020. RESULTS Clinical analysis of 50 MAC patients (15 microphthalmia; 2 anophthalmia; 11 coloboma; and 22 mixed) from 44 unrelated families found 44% had additional ocular features (complex) and 34% had systemic involvement, most frequently intellectual/developmental delay (8/17). Molecular analysis of 39 families using targeted gene panels, whole genome sequencing and microarray comparative genomic hybridisation identified genetic causes in, 28% including novel variants in six known MAC genes (SOX2, KMT2D, MAB21L2, ALDH1A3, BCOR and FOXE3), and a molecular diagnostic rate of 33% for both bilateral and unilateral cohorts. New phenotypic associations were found for FOXE3 (bilateral sensorineural hearing loss) and MAB21L2 (unilateral microphthalmia). CONCLUSION This study highlights the importance of thorough clinical and molecular phenotyping of MAC patients to provide appropriate multidisciplinary care. Routine genetic testing for both unilateral and bilateral cases in the clinic may increase diagnostic rates in the future, helping elucidate genotype-phenotype correlations and informing genetic counselling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philippa Harding
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sri Gore
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Samantha Malka
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Ngozi Oluonye
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Parizotto Paula I, Gonçalves Paula R, Kokitsu NM, Alonso N, Tonello C. Clinical Characterization of Congenital Anophthalmic and Microphthalmic Cavities in Inidviduals With Craniofacial Anomalies. J Craniofac Surg 2023; 34:e542-e546. [PMID: 37539939 DOI: 10.1097/scs.0000000000009557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Measure the frequency of anophthalmic and microphthalmic patients with craniofacial anomalies (FCAs). DESIGN Descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study. SETTING Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies of the University of São Paulo (HRAC-USP). The medical records of patients treated at HRAC from 2000 to 2012 with a diagnosis of congenital anophthalmia or microphthalmia were examined. Patients were excluded for secondary anophthalmia, incomplete medical records, or information that could not be accessed. OUTCOME MEASURES Frequency of anophthalmia and microphthalmia; the proportions and diagnoses of associated FCAs; impairment of ocular appendages; extracranial or facial anomalies; genetic alterations; and surgical approach. RESULTS A total of 56 patients had anophthalmia (52.3%), 35 had microphthalmia (32.7%), and 16 patients had both (15%). Individuals with FCAs associated with microphthalmia, anophthalmia, or both totaled 74, corresponding to 69.2%. Anophthalmia was more likely than microphthalmia to be accompanied by FCAs, at 76.4% of patients ( P < 0.05). Cleft lip and palate were the main malformations associated with anophthalmia (23.64%), with microphthalmia (45%), and with both (44.44%). Reconstructive surgery was done in 63.6% of cases. The ocular attachments were compromised in 71% of cases. Extracraniofacial malformations were found in 9.3% of patients. Only 7 records contained karyotypes, and no changes directly related to anophthalmia or microphthalmia were found. CONCLUSION Anophthalmia is more frequent than microphthalmia and is more often accompanied by FCA. Cleft lip and cleft palate are the most frequent concomitant malformations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nancy Mizue Kokitsu
- Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of São Paulo
| | - Nivaldo Alonso
- Craniofacial Surgeon of Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies and Hospital of Clinics of Medicine Faculty. Professor of Medicine, University of São Paulo
| | - Cristiano Tonello
- Craniofacial Surgeon of the Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies and Professor of Medicine. University of São Paulo, Bauru, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jackson D, Moosajee M. The Genetic Determinants of Axial Length: From Microphthalmia to High Myopia in Childhood. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2023; 24:177-202. [PMID: 37624667 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-102722-090617] [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] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
The axial length of the eye is critical for normal visual function by enabling light to precisely focus on the retina. The mean axial length of the adult human eye is 23.5 mm, but the molecular mechanisms regulating ocular axial length remain poorly understood. Underdevelopment can lead to microphthalmia (defined as a small eye with an axial length of less than 19 mm at 1 year of age or less than 21 mm in adulthood) within the first trimester of pregnancy. However, continued overgrowth can lead to axial high myopia (an enlarged eye with an axial length of 26.5 mm or more) at any age. Both conditions show high genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity associated with significant visual morbidity worldwide. More than 90 genes can contribute to microphthalmia, and several hundred genes are associated with myopia, yet diagnostic yields are low. Crucially, the genetic pathways underpinning the specification of eye size are only now being discovered, with evidence suggesting that shared molecular pathways regulate under- or overgrowth of the eye. Improving our mechanistic understanding of axial length determination will help better inform us of genotype-phenotype correlations in both microphthalmia and myopia, dissect gene-environment interactions in myopia, and develop postnatal therapies that may influence overall eye growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Jackson
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom;
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom;
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wormser O, Perez Y, Dolgin V, Kamali B, Tangeman JA, Gradstein L, Yogev Y, Hadar N, Freund O, Drabkin M, Halperin D, Irron I, Grajales-Esquivel E, Del Rio-Tsonis K, Birnbaum RY, Akler G, Birk OS. IHH enhancer variant within neighboring NHEJ1 intron causes microphthalmia anophthalmia and coloboma. NPJ Genom Med 2023; 8:22. [PMID: 37580330 PMCID: PMC10425348 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-023-00364-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic sequences residing within introns of few genes have been shown to act as enhancers affecting expression of neighboring genes. We studied an autosomal recessive phenotypic continuum of microphthalmia, anophthalmia and ocular coloboma, with no apparent coding-region disease-causing mutation. Homozygosity mapping of several affected Jewish Iranian families, combined with whole genome sequence analysis, identified a 0.5 Mb disease-associated chromosome 2q35 locus (maximal LOD score 6.8) harboring an intronic founder variant in NHEJ1, not predicted to affect NHEJ1. The human NHEJ1 intronic variant lies within a known specifically limb-development enhancer of a neighboring gene, Indian hedgehog (Ihh), known to be involved in eye development in mice and chickens. Through mouse and chicken molecular development studies, we demonstrated that this variant is within an Ihh enhancer that drives gene expression in the developing eye and that the identified variant affects this eye-specific enhancer activity. We thus delineate an Ihh enhancer active in mammalian eye development whose variant causes human microphthalmia, anophthalmia and ocular coloboma. The findings highlight disease causation by an intronic variant affecting the expression of a neighboring gene, delineating molecular pathways of eye development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ohad Wormser
- The Morris Kahn Laboratory of Human Genetics, National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Yonatan Perez
- The Morris Kahn Laboratory of Human Genetics, National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Vadim Dolgin
- The Morris Kahn Laboratory of Human Genetics, National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Bahman Kamali
- Medical Advisory Committee, United Mashhadi Jewish Community of America, 54 Steamboat Rd., Great Neck, NY, 11024, USA
| | - Jared A Tangeman
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - Libe Gradstein
- Department of Ophthalmology, Soroka Medical Center and Clalit Health Services, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Yuval Yogev
- The Morris Kahn Laboratory of Human Genetics, National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Noam Hadar
- The Morris Kahn Laboratory of Human Genetics, National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ofek Freund
- The Morris Kahn Laboratory of Human Genetics, National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Max Drabkin
- The Morris Kahn Laboratory of Human Genetics, National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Daniel Halperin
- The Morris Kahn Laboratory of Human Genetics, National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Inbar Irron
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Erika Grajales-Esquivel
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - Katia Del Rio-Tsonis
- Department of Biology and Center for Visual Sciences, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 45056, USA
| | - Ramon Y Birnbaum
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Gidon Akler
- TOVANA Health, Houston, TX, USA.
- Precision Medicine Insights, P.C., Great Neck, NY, USA.
| | - Ohad S Birk
- The Morris Kahn Laboratory of Human Genetics, National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
- Genetics Institute, Soroka Medical Center affiliated to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Grainger RM, Lauderdale JD, Collins JL, Trout KL, McCullen Krantz S, Wolfe SS, Netland PA. Report on the 2021 Aniridia North America symposium on PAX6, aniridia, and beyond. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:423-431. [PMID: 37247841 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.05.010] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The inaugural Aniridia North America (ANA) Symposium was held on the first weekend in November 2021 in Charlottesville, VA, at the University of Virginia. The purpose of this meeting was to bring together an international group of scientists, physicians, patient advocacy groups, and individuals with aniridia to discuss recent advances in knowledge about aniridia and other congenital eye diseases and the development of potential treatments for congenital eye disorders using personalized medicine. Leaders in several areas of eye research and clinical treatment provided a broad perspective on new research advances that impact an understanding of the causes of the damage to the eye associated with aniridia and the development of novel treatments for this and related disorders. Here we summarize the research discussed at the symposium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Grainger
- Aniridia North America, LaGrange, IL, 60525, USA; Department of Biology, 326 Gilmer Hall University of Virginia 485 McCormick Road P.O. Box 400328 Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA.
| | - James D Lauderdale
- Aniridia North America, LaGrange, IL, 60525, USA; Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | - Peter A Netland
- Aniridia North America, LaGrange, IL, 60525, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yang S, Huang L, Liang H, Guo J, Liu L, Chen S, Cao M. Loss of flrt2 gene leads to microphthalmia in zebrafish. Biol Open 2023; 12:bio059784. [PMID: 37259881 PMCID: PMC10281255 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059784] [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: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
As a member of the fibronectin leucine-rich transmembrane (flrt) gene family, fibronectin leucine-rich transmembrane 2 (flrt2) is strongly expressed in a subset of sclerotome cells, and the resultant protein interacts with FGFR1 in the FGF signaling pathway during development. Studies on flrt2 have focused mainly on its roles in the brain, heart and chondrogenesis. However, reports on its expression and function in the zebrafish retina are lacking. Here, we detected the high expression of flrt2 in zebrafish retina using in situ hybridization technique and developed an flrt2-knockout (KO) zebrafish line using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the expression levels of flrt2, which results in an approximately 60% mRNA reduction. The flrt2-KO zebrafish eyes' altered morphological, cellular, and molecular events were identified using BrdU labeling, TUNEL assay, immunofluorescent staining, fluorescent dye injection and RNA sequencing. Abnormal eye development, known as microphthalmia, was found in flrt2-KO larvae, and the retinal progenitor cells exhibited increased apoptosis, perhaps owing to the combined effects of crx, neurod4, atoh7, and pcdh8 downregulation and Casp3a and Caspbl upregulation. In contrast, the retinal neural development, as well as retinal progenitor cell differentiation and proliferation, were not affected by the flrt2 deletion. Thus, flrt2 appears to play important roles in retinal development and function, which may provide the basis for further investigations into the molecular mechanisms of retinal development and evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Lianggui Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Huiling Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jingyi Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Liyue Liu
- China Zebrafish Resource Center, National Aquatic Biological Resource Center, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Shuyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Mingzhe Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mercurio S. SOX2-Sensing: Insights into the Role of SOX2 in the Generation of Sensory Cell Types in Vertebrates. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087637. [PMID: 37108798 PMCID: PMC10141063 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087637] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The SOX2 transcription factor is a key regulator of nervous system development, and its mutation in humans leads to a rare disease characterized by severe eye defects, cognitive defects, hearing defects, abnormalities of the CNS and motor control problems. SOX2 has an essential role in neural stem cell maintenance in specific regions of the brain, and it is one of the master genes required for the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells. Sox2 is expressed in sensory organs, and this review will illustrate how it regulates the differentiation of sensory cell types required for hearing, touching, tasting and smelling in vertebrates and, in particular, in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Mercurio
- Department of Biotechnologies and Biosciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bouasker S, Patel N, Greenlees R, Wellesley D, Fares Taie L, Almontashiri NA, Baptista J, Alghamdi MA, Boissel S, Martinovic J, Prokudin I, Holden S, Mudhar HS, Riley LG, Nassif C, Attie-Bitach T, Miguet M, Delous M, Ernest S, Plaisancié J, Calvas P, Rozet JM, Khan AO, Hamdan FF, Jamieson RV, Alkuraya FS, Michaud JL, Chassaing N. Bi-allelic variants in WNT7B disrupt the development of multiple organs in humans. J Med Genet 2023; 60:294-300. [PMID: 35790350 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2022-108475] [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: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary hypoplasia, Diaphragmatic anomalies, Anophthalmia/microphthalmia and Cardiac defects delineate the PDAC syndrome. We aim to identify the cause of PDAC syndrome in patients who do not carry pathogenic variants in RARB and STRA6, which have been previously associated with this disorder. METHODS We sequenced the exome of patients with unexplained PDAC syndrome and performed functional validation of candidate variants. RESULTS We identified bi-allelic variants in WNT7B in fetuses with PDAC syndrome from two unrelated families. In one family, the fetus was homozygous for the c.292C>T (p.(Arg98*)) variant whereas the fetuses from the other family were compound heterozygous for the variants c.225C>G (p.(Tyr75*)) and c.562G>A (p.(Gly188Ser)). Finally, a molecular autopsy by proxy in a consanguineous couple that lost two babies due to lung hypoplasia revealed that both parents carry the p.(Arg98*) variant. Using a WNT signalling canonical luciferase assay, we demonstrated that the identified variants are deleterious. In addition, we found that wnt7bb mutant zebrafish display a defect of the swimbladder, an air-filled organ that is a structural homolog of the mammalian lung, suggesting that the function of WNT7B has been conserved during evolution for the development of these structures. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that defective WNT7B function underlies a form of lung hypoplasia that is associated with the PDAC syndrome, and provide evidence for involvement of the WNT-β-catenin pathway in human lung, tracheal, ocular, cardiac, and renal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samir Bouasker
- Research Center, University Hospital Centre Sainte-Justine, Montreal H3T 1C5, Québec, Canada
| | - Nisha Patel
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rebecca Greenlees
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney; The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network; and Save Sight Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Diana Wellesley
- Wessex Clinical Genetic Service, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Lucas Fares Taie
- Laboratory Genetics in Ophthalmology, INSERM UMR1163, Imagine Institute for Genetic Diseases, Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Naif A Almontashiri
- Center for Genetics and Inherited Diseases (CGID), Taibah University, Madinah, Al Madinah, Saudi Arabia.,Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Julia Baptista
- Peninsula Medical School, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK.,Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Malak Ali Alghamdi
- Medical Genetic Division, Pediatric Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Boissel
- Research Center, University Hospital Centre Sainte-Justine, Montreal H3T 1C5, Québec, Canada
| | - Jelena Martinovic
- Unit of Fetal Pathology, APHP Hopital Antoine-Beclere, Clamart, Île-de-France, France
| | - Ivan Prokudin
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney; The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network; and Save Sight Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Samantha Holden
- Department of Cellular Pathology, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Hardeep-Singh Mudhar
- National Specialist Ophthalmic Pathology Service (NSOPS), Dept of Histopathology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | - Lisa G Riley
- Rare Diseases Functional Genomics Laboratory, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Specialty of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sidney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christina Nassif
- Research Center, University Hospital Centre Sainte-Justine, Montreal H3T 1C5, Québec, Canada
| | - Tania Attie-Bitach
- Laboratory of Embryology and Genetics of Congenital Malformations, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute for Genetic Diseases, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Marguerite Miguet
- Research Center, University Hospital Centre Sainte-Justine, Montreal H3T 1C5, Québec, Canada
| | - Marion Delous
- Equipe GENDEV, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, Inserm U1028, CNRS UMR5292, Université Lyon 1, Université St Etienne, Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
| | - Sylvain Ernest
- Laboratory of Embryology and Genetics of Congenital Malformations, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute for Genetic Diseases, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Julie Plaisancié
- Department of Medical Genetics, Purpan University Hospital, Toulouse, Midi-Pyrénées, France.,Centre de Référence des Affections Rares en Génétique Ophtalmologique CARGO, Site Constitutif, Purpan University Hospital, Toulouse, Midi-Pyrénées, France.,INSERM U1214, ToNIC, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Patrick Calvas
- Department of Medical Genetics, Purpan University Hospital, Toulouse, Midi-Pyrénées, France.,Centre de Référence des Affections Rares en Génétique Ophtalmologique CARGO, Site Constitutif, Purpan University Hospital, Toulouse, Midi-Pyrénées, France
| | - Jean-Michel Rozet
- Laboratory Genetics in Ophthalmology, INSERM UMR1163, Imagine Institute for Genetic Diseases, Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Arif O Khan
- Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Fadi F Hamdan
- Research Center, University Hospital Centre Sainte-Justine, Montreal H3T 1C5, Québec, Canada
| | - Robyn V Jamieson
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney; The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network; and Save Sight Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Specialty of Genomic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health and Child and Adolescent Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fowzan S Alkuraya
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia .,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jacques L Michaud
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montreal H3T 1J4, Québec, Canada .,Departments of Pediatrics and Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Chassaing
- Department of Medical Genetics, Purpan University Hospital, Toulouse, Midi-Pyrénées, France .,Centre de Référence des Affections Rares en Génétique Ophtalmologique CARGO, Site Constitutif, Purpan University Hospital, Toulouse, Midi-Pyrénées, France
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Trejo-Reveles V, Owen N, Ching Chan BH, Toms M, Schoenebeck JJ, Moosajee M, Rainger J. Identification of Novel Coloboma Candidate Genes through Conserved Gene Expression Analyses across Four Vertebrate Species. Biomolecules 2023; 13:293. [PMID: 36830662 PMCID: PMC9953556 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocular coloboma (OC) is a failure of complete optic fissure closure during embryonic development and presents as a tissue defect along the proximal-distal axis of the ventral eye. It is classed as part of the clinical spectrum of structural eye malformations with microphthalmia and anophthalmia, collectively abbreviated to MAC. Despite deliberate attempts to identify causative variants in MAC, many patients remain without a genetic diagnosis. To reveal potential candidate genes, we utilised transcriptomes experimentally generated from embryonic eye tissues derived from humans, mice, zebrafish, and chicken at stages coincident with optic fissure closure. Our in-silico analyses found 10 genes with optic fissure-specific enriched expression: ALDH1A3, BMPR1B, EMX2, EPHB3, NID1, NTN1, PAX2, SMOC1, TENM3, and VAX1. In situ hybridization revealed that all 10 genes were broadly expressed ventrally in the developing eye but that only PAX2 and NTN1 were expressed in cells at the edges of the optic fissure margin. Of these conserved optic fissure genes, EMX2, NID1, and EPHB3 have not previously been associated with human MAC cases. Targeted genetic manipulation in zebrafish embryos using CRISPR/Cas9 caused the developmental MAC phenotype for emx2 and ephb3. We analysed available whole genome sequencing datasets from MAC patients and identified a range of variants with plausible causality. In combination, our data suggest that expression of genes involved in ventral eye development is conserved across a range of vertebrate species and that EMX2, NID1, and EPHB3 are candidate loci that warrant further functional analysis in the context of MAC and should be considered for sequencing in cohorts of patients with structural eye malformations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Trejo-Reveles
- Roslin Institute, R(D)SVS, Easter Bush Campus, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Nicholas Owen
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
- Ocular Genomics and Therapeutics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1A, UK
| | - Brian Ho Ching Chan
- Roslin Institute, R(D)SVS, Easter Bush Campus, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Maria Toms
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
- Ocular Genomics and Therapeutics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1A, UK
| | - Jeffrey J. Schoenebeck
- Roslin Institute, R(D)SVS, Easter Bush Campus, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK
- Ocular Genomics and Therapeutics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1A, UK
- Department of Genetics, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Joe Rainger
- Roslin Institute, R(D)SVS, Easter Bush Campus, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chee JM, Lanoue L, Clary D, Higgins K, Bower L, Flenniken A, Guo R, Adams DJ, Bosch F, Braun RE, Brown SDM, Chin HJG, Dickinson ME, Hsu CW, Dobbie M, Gao X, Galande S, Grobler A, Heaney JD, Herault Y, de Angelis MH, Mammano F, Nutter LMJ, Parkinson H, Qin C, Shiroishi T, Sedlacek R, Seong JK, Xu Y, Brooks B, McKerlie C, Lloyd KCK, Westerberg H, Moshiri A. Genome-wide screening reveals the genetic basis of mammalian embryonic eye development. BMC Biol 2023; 21:22. [PMID: 36737727 PMCID: PMC9898963 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01475-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and coloboma (MAC) spectrum disease encompasses a group of eye malformations which play a role in childhood visual impairment. Although the predominant cause of eye malformations is known to be heritable in nature, with 80% of cases displaying loss-of-function mutations in the ocular developmental genes OTX2 or SOX2, the genetic abnormalities underlying the remaining cases of MAC are incompletely understood. This study intended to identify the novel genes and pathways required for early eye development. Additionally, pathways involved in eye formation during embryogenesis are also incompletely understood. This study aims to identify the novel genes and pathways required for early eye development through systematic forward screening of the mammalian genome. RESULTS Query of the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC) database (data release 17.0, August 01, 2022) identified 74 unique knockout lines (genes) with genetically associated eye defects in mouse embryos. The vast majority of eye abnormalities were small or absent eyes, findings most relevant to MAC spectrum disease in humans. A literature search showed that 27 of the 74 lines had previously published knockout mouse models, of which only 15 had ocular defects identified in the original publications. These 12 previously published gene knockouts with no reported ocular abnormalities and the 47 unpublished knockouts with ocular abnormalities identified by the IMPC represent 59 genes not previously associated with early eye development in mice. Of these 59, we identified 19 genes with a reported human eye phenotype. Overall, mining of the IMPC data yielded 40 previously unimplicated genes linked to mammalian eye development. Bioinformatic analysis showed that several of the IMPC genes colocalized to several protein anabolic and pluripotency pathways in early eye development. Of note, our analysis suggests that the serine-glycine pathway producing glycine, a mitochondrial one-carbon donator to folate one-carbon metabolism (FOCM), is essential for eye formation. CONCLUSIONS Using genome-wide phenotype screening of single-gene knockout mouse lines, STRING analysis, and bioinformatic methods, this study identified genes heretofore unassociated with MAC phenotypes providing models to research novel molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in eye development. These findings have the potential to hasten the diagnosis and treatment of this congenital blinding disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justine M Chee
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - Louise Lanoue
- Mouse Biology Program, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Dave Clary
- Mouse Biology Program, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kendall Higgins
- University of Miami: Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Lynette Bower
- Mouse Biology Program, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Ann Flenniken
- The Centre for Phenogenomics, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ruolin Guo
- The Centre for Phenogenomics, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David J Adams
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Fatima Bosch
- Centre of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Steve D M Brown
- Medical Research Council Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit and Mary Lyon Centre, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - H-J Genie Chin
- National Laboratory Animal Center, National Applied Research Laboratories (NARLabs), Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Mary E Dickinson
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chih-Wei Hsu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael Dobbie
- Phenomics Australia, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Canberra, Australia
| | - Xiang Gao
- Nanjing Biomedical Research Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sanjeev Galande
- Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research, Pune, India
| | - Anne Grobler
- Faculty of Health Sciences, PCDDP North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Jason D Heaney
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yann Herault
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Martin Hrabe de Angelis
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Fabio Mammano
- Monterotondo Mouse Clinic, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Monterotondo Scalo, Italy
| | - Lauryl M J Nutter
- The Centre for Phenogenomics, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Helen Parkinson
- European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Chuan Qin
- National Laboratory Animal Center, National Applied Research Laboratories, Beijing, China
| | | | - Radislav Sedlacek
- Czech Center for Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - J-K Seong
- Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ying Xu
- CAM-SU Genomic Resource Center, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Brian Brooks
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Colin McKerlie
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - K C Kent Lloyd
- Mouse Biology Program, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Henrik Westerberg
- Medical Research Council Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit and Mary Lyon Centre, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Ala Moshiri
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA.
- UC Davis Eye Center, 4860 Y St., Ste. 2400, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Huang L, Peng J, Xie Y, Zhou Y, Wang X, Wang H, Gui J, Li N. Diversity of clinical phenotypes in a cohort of Han Chinese patients with PAX6 variants. Front Genet 2023; 14:1011060. [PMID: 36816037 PMCID: PMC9934858 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1011060] [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: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The PAX6 gene plays an important role in ocular development. Mutations of the PAX6 gene may result in a series of ocular abnormalities, including congenital aniridia, anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD), progressive corneal opacification, glaucoma, and hypoplasia of the fovea and optic nerve, leading to reduced visual acuity and even blindness. This study aimed to describe the diversity of clinical features caused by PAX6 pathogenic variants in 45 Han Chinese patients from 23 unrelated families. All patients underwent detailed clinical assessment. Genetic testing was performed to identify pathogenic variations in the PAX6 gene by next-generation sequencing, minigene splicing assay, RT-qPCR, and long-range PCR. Twenty pathogenic variations were detected in the PAX6 gene from 12 pedigrees and 11 sporadic patients, of which 12 were previously reported and 8 were novel. The clinical phenotypes obtained as a result of the PAX6 gene mutations were complicated and vary among patients, even among those who carried the same variants. Genetic testing is helpful for differential diagnosis. Our genetic findings will expand the spectrum of pathogenic variations in the PAX6 gene. PAX6 pathogenic variants not only cause defects in ocular tissues, such as the iris and retina, but also lead to maldevelopment of the whole eye, resulting in microphthalmia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China,Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiajia Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunyu Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Beijing Children’s Hospital, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Beijing Children’s Hospital, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingang Gui
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Beijing Children’s Hospital, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Jingang Gui, ; Ningdong Li,
| | - Ningdong Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China,Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai, China,Department of Ophthalmology, Children’s Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Jingang Gui, ; Ningdong Li,
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ma L, Li Y, Zhang H, Li L, Deng G, Xu J, Li D. Abnormalities of the contralateral eye in unilateral congenital anophthalmic or blind microphthalmic patients. J AAPOS 2023; 27:34.e1-34.e4. [PMID: 36563895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the prevalence, distribution, and features of anterior and posterior segment abnormalities in the contralateral eye in cases unilateral of anophthalmia and blind microphthalmia. METHODS The medical records of patients with unilateral congenital anophthalmia and blind microphthalmia referred to Beijing Tongren Hospital between January 2017 and December 2021 were reviewed retrospectively to investigate the prevalence of abnormalities of the fellow eye. RESULTS A total of 168 patients were included. Of these, 28 (16.7%) had fellow eye abnormalities, 4 (2.4%) with anterior segment involvement in the contralateral eye. All 28 had fundus abnormalities. The most common posterior segment finding was coloboma (7.7%), followed by optic nerve dysplasia (3.0%), familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) or FEVR-like fundus (1.8%), morning glory disk anomaly (1.8%), and retinal nerve fiber layer defect (1.2%). High myopia fundus changes (0.6%), retinal folds (0.6%), maculopathy (0.6%), peripapillary staphyloma (0.6%), and Bergmeister optic disk (0.6%) were also noted. CONCLUSIONS Patients with unilateral congenital anophthalmia or blind microphthalmia have a high probability of contralateral eye disease. The most common abnormality is coloboma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lan Ma
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Lab, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Li
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Lab, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hanqiao Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Li
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Lab, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guangda Deng
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Lab, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dongmei Li
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Lab, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ma X, Dai Y, Qiu T, Chen X, Xiao P, Li W. Effects of acute exposure to amisulbrom on retinal development in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:46248-46256. [PMID: 36715803 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25584-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Amisulbrom is an oomycete-specific fungicide that was developed by Nissan Chemical Industries Limited. The exposure of developing zebrafish embryo to amisulbrom caused disorders in the visual phototransduction system. However, the potential toxic mechanisms of amisulbrom on retinal development remains unclear. The research purpose of this study was to evaluate the adverse effects of amisulbrom on retinal development in a model organism, the zebrafish. Zebrafish embryos were treated with 0, 0.0075, 0.075, or 0.75 μM amisulbrom from 3 h post-fertilization (hpf) to 72 hpf. Compared with the control group, amisulbrom-treated zebrafish embryos displayed phenotypic microphthalmia, dysregulation of gene transcription levels (alcama, prox1a, sox2, vsx1, rho, bluops, rdops, uvops, and grops) related to the retinal cell layer differentiation, and increased retinal apoptosis. In addition, the content of glutathione and malondialdehyde increased significantly after exposure to amisulbrom. Overall, our data demonstrate the toxicity of amisulbrom to eye development, which will help to assess the potential ecotoxicological impacts posed by amisulbrom to aquatic species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Ma
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Fujian Molecular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Xiamen Marine and Gene Drugs, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis of Fujian Universities, School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, 361021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yizhe Dai
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Fujian Molecular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Xiamen Marine and Gene Drugs, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis of Fujian Universities, School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, 361021, People's Republic of China
| | - Tiantong Qiu
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Fujian Molecular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Xiamen Marine and Gene Drugs, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis of Fujian Universities, School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, 361021, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Fujian Molecular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Xiamen Marine and Gene Drugs, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis of Fujian Universities, School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, 361021, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Xiao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Ecological Treatment Technology for Urban Water Pollution, Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab for Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Institute for Eco-Environmental Research of Sanyang Wetland, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, 325035, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenhua Li
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Fujian Molecular Medicine, Key Laboratory of Xiamen Marine and Gene Drugs, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis of Fujian Universities, School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, 361021, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Cardozo MJ, Sánchez-Bustamante E, Bovolenta P. Optic cup morphogenesis across species and related inborn human eye defects. Development 2023; 150:286775. [PMID: 36714981 PMCID: PMC10110496 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200399] [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] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The vertebrate eye is shaped as a cup, a conformation that optimizes vision and is acquired early in development through a process known as optic cup morphogenesis. Imaging living, transparent teleost embryos and mammalian stem cell-derived organoids has provided insights into the rearrangements that eye progenitors undergo to adopt such a shape. Molecular and pharmacological interference with these rearrangements has further identified the underlying molecular machineries and the physical forces involved in this morphogenetic process. In this Review, we summarize the resulting scenarios and proposed models that include common and species-specific events. We further discuss how these studies and those in environmentally adapted blind species may shed light on human inborn eye malformations that result from failures in optic cup morphogenesis, including microphthalmia, anophthalmia and coloboma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcos J Cardozo
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, c/ Nicolás Cabrera 1, Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), c/ Nicolás Cabrera 1, Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Elena Sánchez-Bustamante
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, c/ Nicolás Cabrera 1, Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), c/ Nicolás Cabrera 1, Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Paola Bovolenta
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, c/ Nicolás Cabrera 1, Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), c/ Nicolás Cabrera 1, Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lu F, Xu X, Zheng B, Wang C, Zhou W, Tang J, Zhao X. Case report: Expansion of phenotypic and genotypic data in TENM3-related syndrome: Report of two cases. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1111771. [PMID: 36911040 PMCID: PMC9998998 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1111771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Biallelic TENM3 variants were recently reported to cause non-syndromic microphthalmia with coloboma-9 (MCOPCB9) and microphthalmia and/or coloboma with developmental delay (MCOPS15). To date, only eight syndromic and non-syndromic microphthalmia cases with recessive TENM3 variants have been reported. Herein, we report two unrelated new cases with biallelic variants in TENM3, widening the molecular and clinical spectrum. Regarding patient 1, WES revealed compound heterozygous variants in the TENM3 gene: c.3847_3855del; p.Leu1283_Ser1285del and c.3698_3699insA; p.Thr1233Thrfs*20 in the index patient, who was presenting with bilateral microphthalmia, congenital cataract, microcephaly, and global developmental delay. Regarding patient 2, compound missense heterozygous variants in the TENM3 gene were identified: c.941C > T; p.Ala314Val and c.6464T > C; p.Leu2155Pro in the 3-year-old boy, who presented with congenital esotropia, speech delay, and motor developmental delay. The clinical features of these two cases revealed high concordance with the previously reported cases, including microphthalmia and developmental delay. The presence of microcephaly in our patient potentially expands the neurologic phenotype associated with loss of function variants in TENM3, as microcephaly has not previously been described. Furthermore, we present evidence that missense variants in TENM3 are associated with similar, but milder, ocular features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fen Lu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bixia Zheng
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunli Wang
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Tang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoke Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Krueger LA, Bills JD, Lim ZY, Skidmore JM, Martin DM, Morris AC. Chromatin remodeler Chd7 regulates photoreceptor development and outer segment length. Exp Eye Res 2023; 226:109299. [PMID: 36343670 PMCID: PMC10354686 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109299] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the chromatin remodeling factor CHD7 are the predominant cause of CHARGE syndrome, a congenital disorder that frequently includes ocular coloboma. Although CHD7 is known to be required for proper ocular morphogenesis, its role in retinal development has not been thoroughly investigated. Given that individuals with CHARGE syndrome can experience visual impairment even in the absence of coloboma, a better understanding of CHD7 function in the retina is needed. In this study, we characterized the expression pattern of Chd7 in the developing zebrafish and mouse retina and documented ocular and retinal phenotypes in Chd7 loss-of-function mutants. Zebrafish Chd7 was expressed throughout the retinal neuroepithelium when retinal progenitor cells were actively proliferating, and later in subsets of newly post-mitotic retinal cells. At stages of retinal development when most retinal cell types had terminally differentiated, Chd7 expression remained strong in the ganglion cell layer and in some cells in the inner nuclear layer. Intriguingly, strong expression of Chd7 was also observed in the outer nuclear layer where it was co-expressed with markers of post-mitotic cone and rod photoreceptors. Expression of mouse CHD7 displayed a similar pattern, including expression in the ganglion cells, subsets of inner nuclear layer cells, and in the distal outer nuclear layer as late as P15. Two different mutant chd7 zebrafish lines were characterized for ocular and retinal defects. These mutants displayed microphthalmia, reduced numbers of cone photoreceptors, and truncated rod and cone photoreceptor outer segments. Reduced cone photoreceptor number and abnormal outer segments were also observed in heterozygous Chd7 mutant mice. Taken together, our results in zebrafish and mouse reveal a conserved, previously undescribed role for Chd7 in retinal development and photoreceptor outer segment morphogenesis. Moreover, our work suggests an avenue of future investigation into the pathogenesis of visual system defects in CHARGE syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Krueger
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506-0225, USA
| | - Jessica D Bills
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506-0225, USA
| | - Zun Yi Lim
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506-0225, USA
| | | | - Donna M Martin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ann C Morris
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506-0225, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Cvekl A, Camerino MJ. Generation of Lens Progenitor Cells and Lentoid Bodies from Pluripotent Stem Cells: Novel Tools for Human Lens Development and Ocular Disease Etiology. Cells 2022; 11:cells11213516. [PMID: 36359912 PMCID: PMC9658148 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into specialized tissues and organs represents a powerful approach to gain insight into those cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating human development. Although normal embryonic eye development is a complex process, generation of ocular organoids and specific ocular tissues from pluripotent stem cells has provided invaluable insights into the formation of lineage-committed progenitor cell populations, signal transduction pathways, and self-organization principles. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent advances in generation of adenohypophyseal, olfactory, and lens placodes, lens progenitor cells and three-dimensional (3D) primitive lenses, "lentoid bodies", and "micro-lenses". These cells are produced alone or "community-grown" with other ocular tissues. Lentoid bodies/micro-lenses generated from human patients carrying mutations in crystallin genes demonstrate proof-of-principle that these cells are suitable for mechanistic studies of cataractogenesis. Taken together, current and emerging advanced in vitro differentiation methods pave the road to understand molecular mechanisms of cataract formation caused by the entire spectrum of mutations in DNA-binding regulatory genes, such as PAX6, SOX2, FOXE3, MAF, PITX3, and HSF4, individual crystallins, and other genes such as BFSP1, BFSP2, EPHA2, GJA3, GJA8, LIM2, MIP, and TDRD7 represented in human cataract patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleš Cvekl
- Departments Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-718-430-3217; Fax: +1-718-430-8778
| | - Michael John Camerino
- Departments Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Boobalan E, Thompson AH, Alur RP, McGaughey DM, Dong L, Shih G, Vieta-Ferrer ER, Onojafe IF, Kalaskar VK, Arno G, Lotery AJ, Guan B, Bender C, Memon O, Brinster L, Soleilhavoup C, Panman L, Badea TC, Minella A, Lopez AJ, Thomasy SM, Moshiri A, Blain D, Hufnagel RB, Cogliati T, Bharti K, Brooks BP. Zfp503/Nlz2 Is Required for RPE Differentiation and Optic Fissure Closure. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:5. [PMID: 36326727 PMCID: PMC9645360 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.12.5] [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] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Uveal coloboma is a congenital eye malformation caused by failure of the optic fissure to close in early human development. Despite significant progress in identifying genes whose regulation is important for executing this closure, mutations are detected in a minority of cases using known gene panels, implying additional genetic complexity. We have previously shown knockdown of znf503 (the ortholog of mouse Zfp503) in zebrafish causes coloboma. Here we characterize Zfp503 knockout (KO) mice and evaluate transcriptomic profiling of mutant versus wild-type (WT) retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroid. Methods Zfp503 KO mice were generated by gene targeting using homologous recombination. Embryos were characterized grossly and histologically. Patterns and level of developmentally relevant proteins/genes were examined with immunostaining/in situ hybridization. The transcriptomic profile of E11.5 KO RPE/choroid was compared to that of WT. Results Zfp503 is dynamically expressed in developing mouse eyes, and loss of its expression results in uveal coloboma. KO embryos exhibit altered mRNA levels and expression patterns of several key transcription factors involved in eye development, including Otx2, Mitf, Pax6, Pax2, Vax1, and Vax2, resulting in a failure to maintain the presumptive RPE, as evidenced by reduced melanin pigmentation and its differentiation into a neural retina-like lineage. Comparison of RNA sequencing data from WT and KO E11.5 embryos demonstrated reduced expression of melanin-related genes and significant overlap with genes known to be dynamically regulated at the optic fissure. Conclusions These results demonstrate a critical role of Zfp503 in maintaining RPE fate and optic fissure closure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elangovan Boobalan
- Pediatric, Developmental & Genetic Ophthalmology Section, Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Amy H. Thompson
- Pediatric, Developmental & Genetic Ophthalmology Section, Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Ramakrishna P. Alur
- Pediatric, Developmental & Genetic Ophthalmology Section, Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - David M. McGaughey
- Pediatric, Developmental & Genetic Ophthalmology Section, Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Lijin Dong
- Mouse Genetic Engineering Core, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Grace Shih
- Pediatric, Developmental & Genetic Ophthalmology Section, Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Emile R. Vieta-Ferrer
- Pediatric, Developmental & Genetic Ophthalmology Section, Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Ighovie F. Onojafe
- Pediatric, Developmental & Genetic Ophthalmology Section, Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Vijay K. Kalaskar
- Pediatric, Developmental & Genetic Ophthalmology Section, Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Gavin Arno
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom,Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J. Lotery
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Bin Guan
- Ophthalmic Genetics Laboratory, Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Chelsea Bender
- Ophthalmic Genetics Laboratory, Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Omar Memon
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Lauren Brinster
- Division of Veterinary Resources, Office of Research Services, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | | | - Lia Panman
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Tudor C. Badea
- Retinal Circuit Development and Genetics Unit, Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States,Research and Development Institute, Transilvania University of Brașov, Brașov, Romania,National Center for Brain Research, ICIA, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, România
| | - Andrea Minella
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, California, United States
| | - Antonio Jacobo Lopez
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, California, United States
| | - Sara M. Thomasy
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, California, United States,Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, California, United States
| | - Ala Moshiri
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, California, United States
| | - Delphine Blain
- Pediatric, Developmental & Genetic Ophthalmology Section, Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Robert B. Hufnagel
- Ophthalmic Genetics Laboratory, Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Tiziana Cogliati
- Pediatric, Developmental & Genetic Ophthalmology Section, Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Kapil Bharti
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Brian P. Brooks
- Pediatric, Developmental & Genetic Ophthalmology Section, Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Diacou R, Nandigrami P, Fiser A, Liu W, Ashery-Padan R, Cvekl A. Cell fate decisions, transcription factors and signaling during early retinal development. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 91:101093. [PMID: 35817658 PMCID: PMC9669153 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The development of the vertebrate eyes is a complex process starting from anterior-posterior and dorso-ventral patterning of the anterior neural tube, resulting in the formation of the eye field. Symmetrical separation of the eye field at the anterior neural plate is followed by two symmetrical evaginations to generate a pair of optic vesicles. Next, reciprocal invagination of the optic vesicles with surface ectoderm-derived lens placodes generates double-layered optic cups. The inner and outer layers of the optic cups develop into the neural retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), respectively. In vitro produced retinal tissues, called retinal organoids, are formed from human pluripotent stem cells, mimicking major steps of retinal differentiation in vivo. This review article summarizes recent progress in our understanding of early eye development, focusing on the formation the eye field, optic vesicles, and early optic cups. Recent single-cell transcriptomic studies are integrated with classical in vivo genetic and functional studies to uncover a range of cellular mechanisms underlying early eye development. The functions of signal transduction pathways and lineage-specific DNA-binding transcription factors are dissected to explain cell-specific regulatory mechanisms underlying cell fate determination during early eye development. The functions of homeodomain (HD) transcription factors Otx2, Pax6, Lhx2, Six3 and Six6, which are required for early eye development, are discussed in detail. Comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of early eye development provides insight into the molecular and cellular basis of developmental ocular anomalies, such as optic cup coloboma. Lastly, modeling human development and inherited retinal diseases using stem cell-derived retinal organoids generates opportunities to discover novel therapies for retinal diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raven Diacou
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Prithviraj Nandigrami
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Andras Fiser
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Ruth Ashery-Padan
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Ales Cvekl
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Hernandez-Moran BA, Papanastasiou AS, Parry D, Meynert A, Gautier P, Grimes G, Adams IR, Trejo-Reveles V, Bengani H, Keighren M, Jackson IJ, Adams DJ, FitzPatrick DR, Rainger J. Robust Genetic Analysis of the X-Linked Anophthalmic ( Ie) Mouse. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:1797. [PMID: 36292683 PMCID: PMC9601528 DOI: 10.3390/genes13101797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Anophthalmia (missing eye) describes a failure of early embryonic ocular development. Mutations in a relatively small set of genes account for 75% of bilateral anophthalmia cases, yet 25% of families currently are left without a molecular diagnosis. Here, we report our experimental work that aimed to uncover the developmental and genetic basis of the anophthalmia characterising the X-linked Ie (eye-ear reduction) X-ray-induced allele in mouse that was first identified in 1947. Histological analysis of the embryonic phenotype showed failure of normal eye development after the optic vesicle stage with particularly severe malformation of the ventral retina. Linkage analysis mapped this mutation to a ~6 Mb region on the X chromosome. Short- and long-read whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of affected and unaffected male littermates confirmed the Ie linkage but identified no plausible causative variants or structural rearrangements. These analyses did reduce the critical candidate interval and revealed evidence of multiple variants within the ancestral DNA, although none were found that altered coding sequences or that were unique to Ie. To investigate early embryonic events at a genetic level, we then generated mouse ES cells derived from male Ie embryos and wild type littermates. RNA-seq and accessible chromatin sequencing (ATAC-seq) data generated from cultured optic vesicle organoids did not reveal any large differences in gene expression or accessibility of putative cis-regulatory elements between Ie and wild type. However, an unbiased TF-footprinting analysis of accessible chromatin regions did provide evidence of a genome-wide reduction in binding of transcription factors associated with ventral eye development in Ie, and evidence of an increase in binding of the Zic-family of transcription factors, including Zic3, which is located within the Ie-refined critical interval. We conclude that the refined Ie critical region at chrX: 56,145,000-58,385,000 contains multiple genetic variants that may be linked to altered cis regulation but does not contain a convincing causative mutation. Changes in the binding of key transcription factors to chromatin causing altered gene expression during development, possibly through a subtle mis-regulation of Zic3, presents a plausible cause for the anophthalmia phenotype observed in Ie, but further work is required to determine the precise causative allele and its genetic mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brianda A. Hernandez-Moran
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Rd South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Andrew S. Papanastasiou
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Rd South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - David Parry
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Rd South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Alison Meynert
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Rd South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Philippe Gautier
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Rd South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Graeme Grimes
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Rd South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Ian R. Adams
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Rd South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Violeta Trejo-Reveles
- The Division of Functional Genetics and Development, The Roslin Institute, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Hemant Bengani
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Rd South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Margaret Keighren
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Rd South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Ian J. Jackson
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Rd South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - David J. Adams
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SA, UK
| | - David R. FitzPatrick
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Rd South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Joe Rainger
- The Division of Functional Genetics and Development, The Roslin Institute, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zhou L, Sun X, Wang X, Liu K, Zhong Z, Chen J. Identification and functional analysis of two GJA8 variants in Chinese families with eye anomalies. Mol Genet Genomics 2022; 297:1553-1564. [PMID: 35980487 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-022-01939-6] [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: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we report on two different GJA8 variants related to congenital eye anomalies in two unrelated families, respectively. GJA8 (or Cx50) encoding a transmembrane protein to form lens connexons has been known as a common causative gene in congenital cataracts and its variants have recently been reported related to a wide phenotypic spectrum of eye defects. We identified two GJA8 variants, c.134G>T (p.Try45Leu, W45L) detected in a cataract family by Sanger sequencing and c.281G>A (p.Gly94Glu, G94E) found in a family with severe eye malformations including microphthalmia by whole-exome sequencing. These two variants were absent in healthy population and predicted deleterious by bioinformatic analysis. Furthermore, we compared the expression in cell lines between these mutants and the wildtype to explore their potential mechanism. Cell counting kit-8 assay showed that overexpression of either W45L or G94E decreased cell viability compared with wild-type Cx50 and the control. A lower protein level in W45L found by western blotting and fewer punctate fluorescent signals showed by fluorescence microscopy suggested that W45L may have less protein expression. A higher G94E protein level and abundant dotted distribution indicated that G94E may cause aberrant protein degradation and accumulation. Such results from in vitro assays confirmed the impact of these two variants and gave us a hint about their different pathogenic roles in different phenotypes. In conclusion, our study is the first to have the functional analysis of two GJA8 variants c.134G>T and c.281G>A in Chinese pedigrees and explore the impact of these variants, which can help in prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling as well in basic studies on GJA8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-like Intelligence, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200434, China.,Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Room 505, Birth defect group, Medical Wing Building, 1239 Siping Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xuejiao Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-like Intelligence, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200434, China.,Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Room 505, Birth defect group, Medical Wing Building, 1239 Siping Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xinyao Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-like Intelligence, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200434, China.,Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Room 505, Birth defect group, Medical Wing Building, 1239 Siping Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Kangyu Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-like Intelligence, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200434, China.,Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Room 505, Birth defect group, Medical Wing Building, 1239 Siping Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zilin Zhong
- Department of Pediatrics, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-like Intelligence, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200434, China.,Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Room 505, Birth defect group, Medical Wing Building, 1239 Siping Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-like Intelligence, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200434, China. .,Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Room 505, Birth defect group, Medical Wing Building, 1239 Siping Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Bian F, Daghsni M, Lu F, Liu S, Gross JM, Aldiri I. Functional analysis of the Vsx2 super-enhancer uncovers distinct cis-regulatory circuits controlling Vsx2 expression during retinogenesis. Development 2022; 149:dev200642. [PMID: 35831950 PMCID: PMC9440754 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200642] [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: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Vsx2 is a transcription factor essential for retinal proliferation and bipolar cell differentiation, but the molecular mechanisms underlying its developmental roles are unclear. Here, we have profiled VSX2 genomic occupancy during mouse retinogenesis, revealing extensive retinal genetic programs associated with VSX2 during development. VSX2 binds and transactivates its enhancer in association with the transcription factor PAX6. Mice harboring deletions in the Vsx2 regulatory landscape exhibit specific abnormalities in retinal proliferation and in bipolar cell differentiation. In one of those deletions, a complete loss of bipolar cells is associated with a bias towards photoreceptor production. VSX2 occupies cis-regulatory elements nearby genes associated with photoreceptor differentiation and homeostasis in the adult mouse and human retina, including a conserved region nearby Prdm1, a factor implicated in the specification of rod photoreceptors and suppression of bipolar cell fate. VSX2 interacts with the transcription factor OTX2 and can act to suppress OTX2-dependent enhancer transactivation of the Prdm1 enhancer. Taken together, our analyses indicate that Vsx2 expression can be temporally and spatially uncoupled at the enhancer level, and they illuminate important mechanistic insights into how VSX2 is engaged with gene regulatory networks that are essential for retinal proliferation and cell fate acquisition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fuyun Bian
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Marwa Daghsni
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Fangfang Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Silvia Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Gross
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Issam Aldiri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
D’Aurizio R, Catona O, Pitasi M, Li YE, Ren B, Nicolis SK. Bridging between Mouse and Human Enhancer-Promoter Long-Range Interactions in Neural Stem Cells, to Understand Enhancer Function in Neurodevelopmental Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147964. [PMID: 35887306 PMCID: PMC9322198 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147964] [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: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-coding variation in complex human disease has been well established by genome-wide association studies, and is thought to involve regulatory elements, such as enhancers, whose variation affects the expression of the gene responsible for the disease. The regulatory elements often lie far from the gene they regulate, or within introns of genes differing from the regulated gene, making it difficult to identify the gene whose function is affected by a given enhancer variation. Enhancers are connected to their target gene promoters via long-range physical interactions (loops). In our study, we re-mapped, onto the human genome, more than 10,000 enhancers connected to promoters via long-range interactions, that we had previously identified in mouse brain-derived neural stem cells by RNApolII-ChIA-PET analysis, coupled to ChIP-seq mapping of DNA/chromatin regions carrying epigenetic enhancer marks. These interactions are thought to be functionally relevant. We discovered, in the human genome, thousands of DNA regions syntenic with the interacting mouse DNA regions (enhancers and connected promoters). We further annotated these human regions regarding their overlap with sequence variants (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs; copy number variants, CNVs), that were previously associated with neurodevelopmental disease in humans. We document various cases in which the genetic variant, associated in humans to neurodevelopmental disease, affects an enhancer involved in long-range interactions: SNPs, previously identified by genome-wide association studies to be associated with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and intelligence, are located within our human syntenic enhancers, and alter transcription factor recognition sites. Similarly, CNVs associated to autism spectrum disease and other neurodevelopmental disorders overlap with our human syntenic enhancers. Some of these enhancers are connected (in mice) to homologs of genes already associated to the human disease, strengthening the hypothesis that the gene is indeed involved in the disease. Other enhancers are connected to genes not previously associated with the disease, pointing to their possible pathogenetic involvement. Our observations provide a resource for further exploration of neural disease, in parallel with the now widespread genome-wide identification of DNA variants in patients with neural disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romina D’Aurizio
- Institute of Informatics and Telematics (IIT), National Research Council (CNR), 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Orazio Catona
- Institute of Informatics and Telematics (IIT), National Research Council (CNR), 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Mattia Pitasi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy; (M.P.); (S.K.N.)
| | - Yang Eric Li
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (Y.E.L.); (B.R.)
| | - Bing Ren
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (Y.E.L.); (B.R.)
| | - Silvia Kirsten Nicolis
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy; (M.P.); (S.K.N.)
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Jeyabalan N, Ghosh A, Mathias GP, Ghosh A. Rare eye diseases in India: A concise review of genes and genetics. Indian J Ophthalmol 2022; 70:2232-2238. [PMID: 35791102 PMCID: PMC9426079 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_322_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare eye diseases (REDs) are mostly progressive and are the leading cause of irreversible blindness. The disease onset can vary from early childhood to late adulthood. A high rate of consanguinity contributes to India’s predisposition to RED. Most gene variations causing REDs are monogenic and, in some cases, digenic. All three types of Mendelian inheritance have been reported in REDs. Some of the REDs are related to systemic illness with variable phenotypes in affected family members. Approximately, 50% of the children affected by REDs show associated phenotypes at the early stages of the disease. A precise clinical diagnosis becomes challenging due to high clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Technological advances, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), have improved genetic and genomic testing for REDs, thereby aiding in determining the underlying causative gene variants. It is noteworthy that genetic testing together with genetic counseling facilitates a more personalized approach in the accurate diagnosis and management of the disease. In this review, we discuss REDs identified in the Indian population and their underlying genetic etiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nallathambi Jeyabalan
- Molecular Signaling and Gene Therapy Unit, GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Narayana Nethralaya Eye Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Anuprita Ghosh
- Molecular Signaling and Gene Therapy Unit, GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Narayana Nethralaya Eye Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Grace P Mathias
- Molecular Signaling and Gene Therapy Unit, GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Narayana Nethralaya Eye Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Arkasubhra Ghosh
- Molecular Signaling and Gene Therapy Unit, GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Narayana Nethralaya Eye Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Li J, Yang W, Wang YJ, Ma C, Curry CJ, McGoldrick D, Nickerson DA, Chong JX, Blue EE, Mullikin JC, Reefhuis J, Nembhard WN, Romitti PA, Werler MM, Browne ML, Olshan AF, Finnell RH, Feldkamp ML, Pangilinan F, Almli LM, Bamshad MJ, Brody LC, Jenkins MM, Shaw GM. Exome sequencing identifies genetic variants in anophthalmia and microphthalmia. Am J Med Genet A 2022; 188:2376-2388. [PMID: 35716026 PMCID: PMC9283271 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Anophthalmia and microphthalmia (A/M) are rare birth defects affecting up to 2 per 10,000 live births. These conditions are manifested by the absence of an eye or reduced eye volumes within the orbit leading to vision loss. Although clinical case series suggest a strong genetic component in A/M, few systematic investigations have been conducted on potential genetic contributions owing to low population prevalence. To overcome this challenge, we utilized DNA samples and data collected as part of the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS). The NBDPS employed multi-center ascertainment of infants affected by A/M. We performed exome sequencing on 67 family trios and identified numerous genes affected by rare deleterious nonsense and missense variants in this cohort, including de novo variants. We identified 9 nonsense changes and 86 missense variants that are absent from the reference human population (Genome Aggregation Database), and we suggest that these are high priority candidate genes for A/M. We also performed literature curation, single cell transcriptome comparisons, and molecular pathway analysis on the candidate genes and performed protein structure modeling to determine the potential pathogenic variant consequences on PAX6 in this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Li
- Department of Neurology School of Medicine, The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, The Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Yuejun Jessie Wang
- Department of Neurology School of Medicine, The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, The Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Chen Ma
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Cynthia J Curry
- Genetic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Daniel McGoldrick
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Deborah A Nickerson
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jessica X Chong
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Elizabeth E Blue
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - James C Mullikin
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennita Reefhuis
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Wendy N Nembhard
- Department of Epidemiology, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Paul A Romitti
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Martha M Werler
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marilyn L Browne
- Birth Defects Registry, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Rensselaer, New York, USA
| | - Andrew F Olshan
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Richard H Finnell
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Medicine, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Marcia L Feldkamp
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Faith Pangilinan
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Lynn M Almli
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mike J Bamshad
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lawrence C Brody
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mary M Jenkins
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Gary M Shaw
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | -
- NIH Intramural Sequencing Center, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | -
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
van Heyningen V. A Journey Through Genetics to Biology. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2022; 23:1-27. [PMID: 35567277 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-010622-095109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Although my engagement with human genetics emerged gradually, and sometimes serendipitously, it has held me spellbound for decades. Without my teachers, students, postdocs, colleagues, and collaborators, I would not be writing this review of my scientific adventures. Early gene and disease mapping was a satisfying puzzle-solving exercise, but building biological insight was my main goal. The project trajectory was hugely influenced by the evolutionarily conserved nature of the implicated genes and by the pace of progress in genetic technologies. The rich detail of clinical observations, particularly in eye disease, makes humans an excellent model, especially when complemented by the use of multiple other animal species for experimental validation. The contributions of collaborators and rivals also influenced our approach. We are very fortunate to work in this era of unprecedented progress in genetics and genomics. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Genomics and Human Genetics, Volume 23 is October 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica van Heyningen
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom;
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Owen N, Toms M, Young RM, Eintracht J, Sarkar H, Brooks BP, Moosajee M. Identification of 4 novel human ocular coloboma genes ANK3, BMPR1B, PDGFRA, and CDH4 through evolutionary conserved vertebrate gene analysis. Genet Med 2022; 24:1073-1084. [PMID: 35034853 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2021.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Ocular coloboma arises from genetic or environmental perturbations that inhibit optic fissure (OF) fusion during early eye development. Despite high genetic heterogeneity, 70% to 85% of patients remain molecularly undiagnosed. In this study, we have identified new potential causative genes using cross-species comparative meta-analysis. METHODS Evolutionarily conserved differentially expressed genes were identified through in silico analysis, with in situ hybridization, gene knockdown, and rescue performed to confirm spatiotemporal gene expression and phenotype. Interrogation of the 100,000 Genomes Project for putative pathogenic variants was performed. RESULTS Nine conserved differentially expressed genes between zebrafish and mouse were identified. Expression of zebrafish ank3a, bmpr1ba/b, cdh4, and pdgfaa was localized to the OF, periocular mesenchyme cells, or ciliary marginal zone, regions traversed by the OF. Knockdown of ank3, bmpr1b, and pdgfaa revealed a coloboma and/or microphthalmia phenotype. Novel pathogenic variants in ANK3, BMPR1B, PDGFRA, and CDH4 were identified in 8 unrelated coloboma families. We showed BMPR1B rescued the knockdown phenotype but variant messenger RNAs failed, providing evidence of pathogenicity. CONCLUSION We show the utility of cross-species meta-analysis to identify several novel coloboma disease-causing genes. There is a potential to increase the diagnostic yield for new and unsolved patients while adding to our understanding of the genetic basis of OF morphogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Owen
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Toms
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rodrigo M Young
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Eintracht
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hajrah Sarkar
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Brian P Brooks
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom; Department of Genetics, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; Department of Ophthalmology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; Ocular Genomics and Therapeutics, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Demographics and histopathological characteristics of enucleated microphthalmic globes. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5283. [PMID: 35347187 PMCID: PMC8960817 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09261-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Microphthalmia is a rare ocular anomaly with a poorly understood etiology that is most likely related to heritable and/or environmental factors. Many papers have been published pertaining to the clinical manifestations and management of this condition; however, few reports have reported detailed histopathological findings, which are the focus of this study, in addition to highlighting the basic demographics in these cases. This was a retrospective, observational study of all consecutive enucleated microphthalmic globes (with or without cysts) at 2 tertiary eye hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Globes were classified into 2 groups: severe microphthalmos (axial length or mean diameter less than 10 mm in infancy or 12 mm after age 1 year) and mild microphthalmos based on larger measurements. Clinical and demographic data collected included sex, age at enucleation, eye involvement, nationality/region, consanguinity, family history of eye anomaly, pregnancy, systemic disease, or syndromes. For histopathological data, a descriptive analysis was mostly performed. For correlations of some of our qualitative data, Fisher's exact test was used. Eleven cases (6 mild and 5 severe microphthalmos) were initially identified with a female to male ratio of 4:7. Ten patients were Saudis, 7 of whom were from the central region. Consanguinity was found in 36% (4/11), and 3 of them had other ocular or systemic abnormalities (duodenal atresia, microcephaly, kidney agenesis, cryptophthalmos, and dysmorphic facial features). Histopathological data were available for 10 cases, half of which showed a coloboma and/or anterior segment anomaly. There was no significant correlation among gender, severity of microphthalmos or the presence of coloboma, although severe microphthalmic globes had a higher median of abnormal intraocular structures (9-interquartile range = 2 compared to 6-interquartile range = 1 in the mild group). Aphakia was found in half of the globes with associated anterior segment dysgenesis. We have concluded that microphthalmos is a visually disabling congenital anomaly that can be isolated or associated with other periocular or systemic anomalies, possibly in relation to consanguinity in our cases. Congenital aphakia was found in half of these cases and was mostly associated with absent Descemet's membrane and agenesis of anterior chamber angle structures, supporting previously suggested embryological concepts. These findings necessitate further wider genetic testing and proper premarital counseling in Saudi Arabia.
Collapse
|
35
|
DeYoung C, Guan B, Ullah E, Blain D, Hufnagel RB, Brooks BP. De novo frameshift mutation in YAP1 associated with bilateral uveal coloboma and microphthalmia. Ophthalmic Genet 2022; 43:513-517. [PMID: 35318877 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2022.2028299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uveal colobomata are eye defects that result from failure of the optic fissure of the neuroectoderm-derived optic cup to close between weeks 5-7 of fetal life. Mutations in YAP1 have previously been linked to uveal coloboma. We present the clinical features and genetic basis of a one-year-old male with bilateral uveal colobomata. MATERIALS AND METHODS Clinical features were gathered from an age-appropriate evaluation and retrospectively from clinical records. DNA samples were collected from the proband, his uncle (who also had coloboma), both parents, and one sibling. Whole-genome sequencing of the coding regions and intron-exon boundaries confirmed a mutation in the proband. These genetic findings were verified using the Sanger method of DNA sequencing. RESULTS The proband is a male with congenital bilateral colobomata (iris/retina/nerve), reduced vision, nystagmus with null point, bilateral microcornea, right microphthalmia, possible mild right hemifacial microsomia, a tubular nose, possible spina bifida occulta, and astigmatism. Whole-genome sequencing confirmed a heterozygous YAP1 frameshift mutation NM_001130145.3:c.178dupG p.(Asp60GlyfsTer52) in the proband. This mutation was absent in all other tested family members. CONCLUSIONS We report a de novo mutation in YAP1 that likely results in nonsense-mediated decay. Given the association with YAP1 haploinsufficiency and colobomatous microphthalmia, this novel variant provides a molecular diagnosis for the proband. Further insight into YAP1 mutations may have implications in the prevention/treatment of uveal coloboma and other syndromic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles DeYoung
- Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Bin Guan
- Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ehsan Ullah
- Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Delphine Blain
- Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert B Hufnagel
- Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Brian P Brooks
- Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Gholami Yarahmadi S, Sarlaki F, Morovvati S. Novel mutation in TENM3 gene in an Iranian patient with colobomatous microphthalmia. Clin Case Rep 2022; 10:e05532. [PMID: 35280100 PMCID: PMC8905136 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.5532] [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: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This investigation revealed a homozygous c.5069-1G>C variation in TENM3 gene although has not been reported for its pathogenicity and can be considered as a novel mutation. The present finding can be used for genetic diagnosis and detection of carriers in the family and other patients with similar disease manifestations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Saeid Morovvati
- School of Advanced Sciences and TechnologyIslamic Azad University‐Tehran Medical SciencesTehranIran
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Chiang CJ, Cheng YC, Tsai YS, Kuo PL, Chang CH. Recurrent Fetal Anophthalmia Caused by retinoids acid gene 6 mutations: Correlation between prenatal ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and pathology. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 61:180-185. [PMID: 35181035 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2021.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anophthalmia is an extreme form on the spectrum of anophthalmia-microphthalmia (A/M) syndrome. Most articles define fetal microphthalmia by an ocular diameter (OD) less than fifth percentile. Diagnosis of fetal microphthalmia using only orbital measurements such as interocular distance (IOD), and OD may neglect the presence or morphology of the fetal lens, hence failing to identify abnormalities of the fetal globe. CASE REPORT We hereby present a case of isolated fetal anophthalmia in two consecutive pregnancies from the same mother. Both fetuses presented as full-sized globes with absence or small size of lens under fetal ultrasound examination. Magnetic resonance imaging and pathology of the second fetus further revealed a thorough view of the underdeveloped globes. Whole exon sequencing (WES) analysis for the parents-fetus trio revealed compound heterozygous mutations of the retinoids acid gene 6 (STRA6). CONCLUSION Detailed examination for intraocular structures including fetal lens, in addition to orbital measurements by ultrasound is crucial for diagnosis of diseases in the A/M spectrum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Jung Chiang
- National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yueh-Chin Cheng
- National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Shan Tsai
- National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Department of Radiology, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Pao-Lin Kuo
- National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Chiung-Hsin Chang
- National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Fahnehjelm C, Dafgård Kopp E, Wincent J, Güven E, Nilsson M, Olsson M, Teär Fahnehjelm K. Anophthalmia and microphthalmia in children: associated ocular, somatic and genetic morbidities and quality of life. Ophthalmic Genet 2022; 43:172-183. [PMID: 35105264 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2021.1989600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report ocular outcome, somatic co-morbidities, genetics, and quality of life in children born with anophthalmia (A) or microphthalmia (M). METHODS Thirty-five children (19 boys) with A/M underwent ophthalmological examinations and a review of medical records. Parents of 12/22 cases completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). RESULTS Age at examination ranged from 7 months to 18 years (median 2.3 years). Ten cases were totally blind or had light perception. Isolated A/M occurred in 16/35 cases, while somatic, psychomotor, neuroradiological and/or genetic pathology occurred in 19/35 cases both in the bilateral (7/9) and in the unilateral group (12/26). Among 26 unilateral cases, 4/16 with one normal eye had associated problems compared to 9/10 if the contralateral eye was pathological (p < .01). There was an increased risk for heart defects in children with psychomotor delay (p = .04). Pathogenic genetic abnormalities were identified in 10/24 cases. Neuroimaging demonstrated pathology in 14/20 cases with corpus callosum dysgenesis (6/20) being the most common. The median total PedsQL score of parent reports for ages 2-12 was 52.4 (range 22.6-100). CONCLUSIONS Somatic, psychomotor and/or neuroradiological pathologies were more common in bila-teral than unilateral cases, but the difference was not significant. There was decreased risk in unilateral cases with one normal eye. Genetic defects occurred in both unilateral and bilateral cases. Health-related quality of life was reduced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Fahnehjelm
- Department of Paediatrics, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Dafgård Kopp
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Oculoplastic and Orbital Services, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Josephine Wincent
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Evin Güven
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Paediatric Ophthalmology, Strabismus and Electrophysiology, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mattias Nilsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Monica Olsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Paediatric Ophthalmology, Strabismus and Electrophysiology, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristina Teär Fahnehjelm
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Paediatric Ophthalmology, Strabismus and Electrophysiology, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Fox SC, Widen SA, Asai-Coakwell M, Havrylov S, Benson M, Prichard LB, Baddam P, Graf D, Lehmann OJ, Waskiewicz AJ. BMP3 is a novel locus involved in the causality of ocular coloboma. Hum Genet 2022; 141:1385-1407. [PMID: 35089417 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-022-02430-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Coloboma, a congenital disorder characterized by gaps in ocular tissues, is caused when the choroid fissure fails to close during embryonic development. Several loci have been associated with coloboma, but these represent less than 40% of those that are involved with this disease. Here, we describe a novel coloboma-causing locus, BMP3. Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing of patients with coloboma identified three variants in BMP3, two of which are predicted to be disease causing. Consistent with this, bmp3 mutant zebrafish have aberrant fissure closure. bmp3 is expressed in the ventral head mesenchyme and regulates phosphorylated Smad3 in a population of cells adjacent to the choroid fissure. Furthermore, mutations in bmp3 sensitize embryos to Smad3 inhibitor treatment resulting in open choroid fissures. Micro CT scans and Alcian blue staining of zebrafish demonstrate that mutations in bmp3 cause midface hypoplasia, suggesting that bmp3 regulates cranial neural crest cells. Consistent with this, we see active Smad3 in a population of periocular neural crest cells, and bmp3 mutant zebrafish have reduced neural crest cells in the choroid fissure. Taken together, these data suggest that Bmp3 controls Smad3 phosphorylation in neural crest cells to regulate early craniofacial and ocular development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina C Fox
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sonya A Widen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.,Vienna BioCenter, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria.,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mika Asai-Coakwell
- Department of Animal and Poultry and Animal Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Serhiy Havrylov
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Matthew Benson
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lisa B Prichard
- Department of Biological Sciences, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Pranidhi Baddam
- Department of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Daniel Graf
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Ordan J Lehmann
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Andrew J Waskiewicz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada. .,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Amlie-Wolf L, Bardakjian T, Kopinsky SM, Reis LM, Semina EV, Schneider A. Review of 37 patients with SOX2 pathogenic variants collected by the Anophthalmia/Microphthalmia Clinical Registry and DNA research study. Am J Med Genet A 2022; 188:187-198. [PMID: 34562068 PMCID: PMC9169870 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
SOX2 variants and deletions are a common cause of anophthalmia and microphthalmia (A/M). This article presents data from a cohort of patients with SOX2 variants, some of whom have been followed for 20+ years. Medical records from patients enrolled in the A/M Research Registry and carrying SOX2 variants were reviewed. Thirty-seven patients were identified, ranging in age from infant to 30 years old. Eye anomalies were bilateral in 30 patients (81.1%), unilateral in 5 (13.5%), and absent in 2 (5.4%). Intellectual disability was present in all with data available and ranged from mild to profound. Seizures were noted in 18 of 27 (66.6%) patients, usually with abnormal brain MRIs (10/15, 66.7%). Growth issues were reported in 14 of 21 patients (66.7%) and 14 of 19 (73.7%) had gonadotropin deficiency. Genitourinary anomalies were seen in 15 of 19 (78.9%) male patients and 5 of 15 (33.3%) female patients. Patients with SOX2 nucleotide variants, whole gene deletions or translocations are typically affected with bilateral or unilateral microphthalmia and anophthalmia. Other associated features include intellectual disability, seizures, brain anomalies, growth hormone deficiency, gonadotropin deficiency, and genitourinary anomalies. Recommendations for newly diagnosed patients with SOX2 variants include eye exams, MRI of the brain and orbits, endocrine and neurology examinations. Since the clinical spectrum associated with SOX2 alleles has expanded beyond the originally reported phenotypes, we propose a broader term, SOX2-associated disorder, for this condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Amlie-Wolf
- Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Nemours Children’s Hospital Delaware, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Tanya Bardakjian
- Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Children’s Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Children’s Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Sarina M. Kopinsky
- Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Linda M. Reis
- Department of Pediatrics and Children’s Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Children’s Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Elena V. Semina
- Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Adele Schneider
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of University of Pennsylvania, 330 South Ninth Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Genetics, Wills Eye Hospital, 840 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Selzer EB, Blain D, Hufnagel RB, Lupo PJ, Mitchell LE, Brooks BP. Review of Evidence for Environmental Causes of Uveal Coloboma. Surv Ophthalmol 2021; 67:1031-1047. [PMID: 34979194 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2021.12.008] [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: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Uveal coloboma is a condition defined by missing ocular tissues and is a significant cause of childhood blindness. It occurs from a failure of the optic fissure to close during embryonic development,and may lead to missing parts of the iris, ciliary body, retina, choroid, and optic nerve. Because there is no treatment for coloboma, efforts have focused on prevention. While several genetic causes of coloboma have been identified, little definitive research exists regarding the environmental causes of this condition. We review the current literature on environmental factors associated with coloboma in an effort to guide future research and preventative counseling related to this condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evan B Selzer
- Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Delphine Blain
- Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Robert B Hufnagel
- Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Philip J Lupo
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Laura E Mitchell
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, TX
| | - Brian P Brooks
- Ophthalmic Genetics & Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Rafati M, Mohamadhashem F, Jalilian K, Hoseininasab F, Fakhri L, Hoseini A, Amiri H, Barati Z, Darzi Ramandi S, Mostofinezhad N, Mahmoudi AH, Ghaffari SR. Identification of a novel de novo variant in OTX2 in a patient with congenital microphthalmia using targeted next-generation sequencing followed by prenatal diagnosis. Ophthalmic Genet 2021; 43:262-267. [PMID: 34791963 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2021.2002915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Next-generation sequencing has been proven to be a reliable method for the detection of genetic causes in heterogeneous ocular disorders. In this report an NGS-based diagnostic approach was taken to uncover the genetic etiology in a patient with coloboma and microphthalmia, a highly heterogeneous disease with intrafamilial phenotypic variability. MATERIALS AND METHODS Next generation sequencing using a targeted panel of 316 genes, was carried out in the proband. Prioritized variants were then identified and confirmed using Sanger sequencing. Prenatal diagnosis of the detected variant was then performed in the family. RESULTS A novel de novo frameshift variant c.157_164delTTCACTCG (p.Phe53fs) in OTX2, leading to a truncated protein, was identified. Prenatal diagnosis identified the same variant in the fetus. CONCLUSIONS This report demonstrates the importance of genetic counseling and underscores the efficiency and effectiveness of targeted NGS as a means of detecting variants in inherited eye disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Rafati
- Comprehensive Genetic Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran.,Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Genomics Gene Clinic, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Mohamadhashem
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Koosha Jalilian
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Hoseininasab
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Laya Fakhri
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Hoseini
- Comprehensive Genetic Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hosna Amiri
- Comprehensive Genetic Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Barati
- Comprehensive Genetic Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | | | - Saeed Reza Ghaffari
- Comprehensive Genetic Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran.,Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Genomics Gene Clinic, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Shu DY, Lovicu FJ. Insights into Bone Morphogenetic Protein-(BMP-) Signaling in Ocular Lens Biology and Pathology. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102604. [PMID: 34685584 PMCID: PMC8533954 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a diverse class of growth factors that belong to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) superfamily. Although originally discovered to possess osteogenic properties, BMPs have since been identified as critical regulators of many biological processes, including cell-fate determination, cell proliferation, differentiation and morphogenesis, throughout the body. In the ocular lens, BMPs are important in orchestrating fundamental developmental processes such as induction of lens morphogenesis, and specialized differentiation of its fiber cells. Moreover, BMPs have been reported to facilitate regeneration of the lens, as well as abrogate pathological processes such as TGFβ-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and apoptosis. In this review, we summarize recent insights in this topic and discuss the complexities of BMP-signaling including the role of individual BMP ligands, receptors, extracellular antagonists and cross-talk between canonical and non-canonical BMP-signaling cascades in the lens. By understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying BMP activity, we can advance their potential therapeutic role in cataract prevention and lens regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Y. Shu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
| | - Frank J. Lovicu
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-9351-5170
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Thompson B, Chen Y, Davidson EA, Garcia-Milian R, Golla JP, Apostolopoulos N, Orlicky DJ, Schey K, Thompson DC, Vasiliou V. Impaired GSH biosynthesis disrupts eye development, lens morphogenesis and PAX6 function. Ocul Surf 2021; 22:190-203. [PMID: 34425299 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2021.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role and molecular consequences of impaired glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis on eye development. METHODS GSH biosynthesis was impaired in surface ectoderm-derived ocular tissues by crossing Gclcf/f mice with hemizygous Le-Cre transgenic mice to produce Gclcf/f/Le-CreTg/- (KO) mice. Control mice included Gclcf/fand Gclcwt/wt/Le-CreTg/- mice (CRE). Eyes from all mice (at various stages of eye development) were subjected to histological, immunohistochemical, Western blot, RT-qPCR, RNA-seq, and subsequent Gene Ontology, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis and TRANSFAC analyses. PAX6 transactivation activity was studied using a luciferase reporter assay in HEK293T cells depleted of GSH using buthionine sulfoximine (BSO). RESULTS Deletion of Gclc diminished GSH levels, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), and caused an overt microphthalmia phenotype characterized by malformation of the cornea, iris, lens, and retina that is distinct from and much more profound than the one observed in CRE mice. In addition, only the lenses of KO mice displayed reduced crystallin (α, β), PITX3 and Foxe3 expression. RNA-seq analyses at postnatal day 1 revealed 1552 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the lenses of KO mice relative to those from Gclcf/f mice, with Crystallin and lens fiber cell identity genes being downregulated while lens epithelial cell identity and immune response genes were upregulated. Bioinformatic analysis of the DEGs implicated PAX6 as a key upstream regulator. PAX6 transactivation activity was impaired in BSO-treated HEK293T cells. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that impaired ocular GSH biosynthesis may disrupt eye development and PAX6 function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Thompson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Emily A Davidson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rolando Garcia-Milian
- Bioinformatics Support Program, Cushing/Whitney Medical Library, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jaya Prakash Golla
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - David J Orlicky
- Department of Pathology, Anschutz School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kevin Schey
- Department of Biochemistry and Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - David C Thompson
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Vasilis Vasiliou
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Hay E, Henderson RH, Mansour S, Deshpande C, Jones R, Nutan S, Mankad K, Young RM, Moosajee M, Research Consortium GE, Arno G. Expanding the phenotypic spectrum consequent upon de novo WDR37 missense variants. Clin Genet 2021; 98:191-197. [PMID: 32530092 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Structural eye disorders are increasingly recognised as having a genetic basis, although current genetic testing is limited in its success. De novo missense variants in WDR37 are a recently described cause of a multisystemic syndromic disorder featuring ocular coloboma. This study characterises the phenotypic spectrum of this disorder and reports 2 de novo heterozygous variants (p.Thr115Ile, p.Ser119Tyr) in three unrelated Caucasian individuals. All had a clinical phenotype consisting of bilateral iris and retinal coloboma, developmental delay and additional, variable multisystem features. The variants fall within a highly conserved region upstream of the WD-repeat domains, within an apparent mutation cluster. Consistent with the literature, intellectual disability, structural eye disorders, epilepsy, congenital heart disease, genitorenal anomalies and dysmorphic facial features were observed. In addition, a broader developmental profile is reported with a more specific musculoskeletal phenotype described in association with the novel variant (p.Thr115Ile). We further expand the phenotypic spectrum of WDR37-related disorders to include those with milder developmental delay and strengthen the association of ocular coloboma and musculoskeletal features. We promote the inclusion of WDR37 on gene panels for intellectual disability, epilepsy and structural eye disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Hay
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Robert H Henderson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK.,University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Sahar Mansour
- Department of Clinical Genetics, St George's Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Rachel Jones
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Savita Nutan
- London North Genomic Laboratory Hub, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Kshitij Mankad
- Department of Neuroradiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Rodrigo M Young
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK.,University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Gavin Arno
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Seese SE, Reis LM, Deml B, Griffith C, Reich A, Jamieson RV, Semina EV. Identification of missense MAB21L1 variants in microphthalmia and aniridia. Hum Mutat 2021; 42:877-890. [PMID: 33973683 PMCID: PMC8238893 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Microphthalmia, coloboma, and aniridia are congenital ocular phenotypes with a strong genetic component but often unknown cause. We present a likely causative novel variant in MAB21L1, c.152G>T p.(Arg51Leu), in two family members with microphthalmia and aniridia, as well as novel or rare compound heterozygous variants of uncertain significance, c.184C>T p.(Arg62Cys)/c.-68T>C, and c.658G>C p.(Gly220Arg)/c.*529A>G, in two additional probands with microphthalmia, coloboma and/or cataracts. All variants were predicted as damaging by in silico programs. In vitro studies of coding variants revealed normal subcellular localization but variable stability for the corresponding mutant proteins. In vivo complementation assays using the zebrafish mab21l2 Q48Sfs*5 loss-of-function line demonstrated that though overexpression of wild-type MAB21L1 messenger RNA (mRNA) compensated for the loss of mab21l2, none of the coding variant mRNAs produced a statistically significant rescue, with p.(Arg51Leu) showing the highest degree of functional deficiency. Dominant variants in a close homolog of MAB21L1, MAB21L2, have been associated with microphthalmia and/or coloboma and repeatedly involved the same Arg51 residue, further supporting its pathogenicity. The possible role of p.(Arg62Cys) and p.(Gly220Arg) in microphthalmia is similarly supported by the observed functional defects, with or without an additional impact from noncoding MAB21L1 variants identified in each patient. This study suggests a broader spectrum of MAB21L1-associated disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Seese
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Research Institute, Medical College of WisconsinChildren's of WisconsinMilwaukeeWIUSA
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and AnatomyThe Medical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsinUSA
| | - Linda M. Reis
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Research Institute, Medical College of WisconsinChildren's of WisconsinMilwaukeeWIUSA
| | - Brett Deml
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Research Institute, Medical College of WisconsinChildren's of WisconsinMilwaukeeWIUSA
- Present address:
PreventionGeneticsMarshfieldWisconsinUSA
| | | | | | - Robyn V. Jamieson
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network and Children's Medical Research InstituteUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Elena V. Semina
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Research Institute, Medical College of WisconsinChildren's of WisconsinMilwaukeeWIUSA
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and AnatomyThe Medical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsinUSA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual SciencesMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWisconsinUSA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Rosewater JB, Zaydlin M, McLeod-Bryant SA. Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum in a Patient With Schizophrenia. Cureus 2021; 13:e16058. [PMID: 34345546 PMCID: PMC8323475 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16058] [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] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to report the case of a 25-year-old male with a history of schizophrenia who presented involuntarily to the psychiatric emergency department (ED) due to worsening agitation, paranoia, and disorganized behavior concerning a psychotic episode. During medical clearance to rule out acute organic causes of altered mental status prior to admission, the patient was found to have agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) on CT of the brain. ACC is a rare congenital disorder characterized by the partial or complete absence of the commissural pathway that connects the two cerebral hemispheres. This case presents a thought-provoking incidental anatomical finding in a patient with an acute exacerbation of chronic schizophrenia and allows for further discussion about the prevalence of undiagnosed malformations and possible underlying genetic contributions in patients with chronic mental illness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob B Rosewater
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, USA
| | - Michelle Zaydlin
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, USA
| | - Stephen A McLeod-Bryant
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Dash S, Brastrom LK, Patel SD, Scott CA, Slusarski DC, Lachke SA. The master transcription factor SOX2, mutated in anophthalmia/microphthalmia, is post-transcriptionally regulated by the conserved RNA-binding protein RBM24 in vertebrate eye development. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:591-604. [PMID: 31814023 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the key transcription factor, SOX2, alone account for 20% of anophthalmia (no eye) and microphthalmia (small eye) birth defects in humans-yet its regulation is not well understood, especially on the post-transcription level. We report the unprecedented finding that the conserved RNA-binding motif protein, RBM24, positively controls Sox2 mRNA stability and is necessary for optimal SOX2 mRNA and protein levels in development, perturbation of which causes ocular defects, including microphthalmia and anophthalmia. RNA immunoprecipitation assay indicates that RBM24 protein interacts with Sox2 mRNA in mouse embryonic eye tissue. and electrophoretic mobility shift assay shows that RBM24 directly binds to the Sox2 mRNA 3'UTR, which is dependent on AU-rich elements (ARE) present in the Sox2 mRNA 3'UTR. Further, we demonstrate that Sox2 3'UTR AREs are necessary for RBM24-based elevation of Sox2 mRNA half-life. We find that this novel RBM24-Sox2 regulatory module is essential for early eye development in vertebrates. We show that Rbm24-targeted deletion using a constitutive CMV-driven Cre in mouse, and rbm24a-CRISPR/Cas9-targeted mutation or morpholino knockdown in zebrafish, results in Sox2 downregulation and causes the developmental defects anophthalmia or microphthalmia, similar to human SOX2-deficiency defects. We further show that Rbm24 deficiency leads to apoptotic defects in mouse ocular tissue and downregulation of eye development markers Lhx2, Pax6, Jag1, E-cadherin and gamma-crystallins. These data highlight the exquisite specificity that conserved RNA-binding proteins like RBM24 mediate in the post-transcriptional control of key transcription factors, namely, SOX2, associated with organogenesis and human developmental defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soma Dash
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 USA
| | - Lindy K Brastrom
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
| | - Shaili D Patel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 USA
| | - C Anthony Scott
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Salil A Lachke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 USA.,Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Davis ES, Voss G, Miesfeld JB, Zarate-Sanchez J, Voss SR, Glaser T. The rax homeobox gene is mutated in the eyeless axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum. Dev Dyn 2021; 250:807-821. [PMID: 32864847 PMCID: PMC8907009 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vertebrate eye formation requires coordinated inductive interactions between different embryonic tissue layers, first described in amphibians. A network of transcription factors and signaling molecules controls these steps, with mutations causing severe ocular, neuronal, and craniofacial defects. In eyeless mutant axolotls, eye morphogenesis arrests at the optic vesicle stage, before lens induction, and development of ventral forebrain structures is disrupted. RESULTS We identified a 5-bp deletion in the rax (retina and anterior neural fold homeobox) gene, which was tightly linked to the recessive eyeless (e) axolotl locus in an F2 cross. This frameshift mutation, in exon 2, truncates RAX protein within the homeodomain (P154fs35X). Quantitative RNA analysis shows that mutant and wild-type rax transcripts are equally abundant in E/e embryos. Translation appears to initiate from dual start codons, via leaky ribosome scanning, a conserved feature among gnathostome RAX proteins. Previous data show rax is expressed in the optic vesicle and diencephalon, deeply conserved among metazoans, and required for eye formation in other species. CONCLUSION The eyeless axolotl mutation is a null allele in the rax homeobox gene, with primary defects in neural ectoderm, including the retinal and hypothalamic primordia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik S. Davis
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California
| | - Gareth Voss
- Department of Neuroscience, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, and Ambystoma Genetic Stock Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Joel B. Miesfeld
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California
| | - Juan Zarate-Sanchez
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California
- Davis Senior High School, Davis, California
| | - S. Randal Voss
- Department of Neuroscience, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, and Ambystoma Genetic Stock Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Tom Glaser
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Suman S, Kumar A, Rathod HU, Yadav T. Bilateral severe microphthalmos with bilateral colobomatus orbitopalpebral cyst: accessibility of speciality eye-care and rehabilitation services in low and middle-income countries. BMJ Case Rep 2021; 14:e241783. [PMID: 34031083 PMCID: PMC8149316 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-241783] [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] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
A 12-year-old girl presented with an unusually large mass under the right lower eyelid and a smaller mass under the left lower lid since the last 6 months. The parents had noticed the absence of the right eyeball and a very small left eyeball and no vision in both eyes since birth but did not approach the healthcare system. The patient was diagnosed as a case of bilateral severe microphthalmos with colobomatous cyst with late presentation and was treated surgically. The parents were counselled for education and training of the child in schools for visually impaired. Early treatment and rehabilitation help patients lead a normal life in these cases. In rural areas, patients face challenges in getting access to the specialty eye-care services due to several barriers, including lack of availability and affordability. This case highlights the disparities in essential health services in low and middle-income countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suwarna Suman
- Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodphur, Jodhpur, India
| | - Arushi Kumar
- Dr S N Medical College and MDM Hospital, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | | | - Taruna Yadav
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodphur, Jodhpur, India
| |
Collapse
|