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María Del Rocío PB, Palomares Bralo M, Vanhooydonck M, Hamerlinck L, D'haene E, Leimbacher S, Jacobs EZ, De Cock L, D'haenens E, Dheedene A, Malfait Z, Vantomme L, Silva A, Rooney K, Santos-Simarro F, Lleuger-Pujol R, García-Miñaúr S, Losantos-García I, Menten B, Gestri G, Ragge N, Sadikovic B, Bogaert E, Syx D, Callewaert B, Vergult S. Loss-of-function of the Zinc Finger Homeobox 4 ( ZFHX4) gene underlies a neurodevelopmental disorder. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.08.07.24311381. [PMID: 39148819 PMCID: PMC11326360 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.07.24311381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
8q21.11 microdeletions encompassing the gene encoding transcription factor ZFHX4, have previously been associated by us with a syndromic form of intellectual disability, hypotonia, decreased balance and hearing loss. Here, we report on 57 individuals, 52 probands and 5 affected family members, with protein truncating variants (n=36), (micro)deletions (n=20) or an inversion (n=1) affecting ZFHX4 with variable developmental delay and intellectual disability, distinctive facial characteristics, morphological abnormalities of the central nervous system, behavioral alterations, short stature, hypotonia, and occasionally cleft palate and anterior segment dysgenesis. The phenotypes associated with 8q21.11 microdeletions and ZFHX4 intragenic loss-of-function variants largely overlap, identifying ZFHX4 as the main driver for the microdeletion syndrome, although leukocyte-derived DNA shows a mild common methylation profile for (micro)deletions only. We identify ZFHX4 as a transcription factor that is increasingly expressed during human brain development and neuronal differentiation. Furthermore, ZFHX4 interacting factors identified via IP-MS in neural progenitor cells, suggest an important role for ZFHX4 in cellular and developmental pathways, especially during histone modifications, cytosolic transport and development. Additionally, using CUT&RUN, we observed that ZFHX4 binds with the promoter regions of genes with crucial roles in embryonic, neuron and axon development. Since loss-of-function variants in ZFHX4 are found with consistent dysmorphic facial features, we investigated whether the disruption of zfhx4 causes craniofacial abnormalities in zebrafish. First-generation (F0) zfhx4 crispant zebrafish, (mosaic) mutant for zfhx4 loss-of-function variants, have significantly shorter Meckel's cartilages and smaller ethmoid plates compared to control zebrafish. Furthermore, behavioral assays show a decreased movement frequency in the zfhx4 crispant zebrafish in comparison with control zebrafish larvae. Although further research is needed, our in vivo work suggests a role for zfhx4 in facial skeleton patterning, palatal development and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pérez Baca María Del Rocío
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - María Palomares Bralo
- CIBERER-ISCIII and INGEMM, Institute of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
- ITHACA- European Reference Network, Spain
| | - Michiel Vanhooydonck
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lisa Hamerlinck
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eva D'haene
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sebastian Leimbacher
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eva Z Jacobs
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laurenz De Cock
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Erika D'haenens
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annelies Dheedene
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Zoë Malfait
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lies Vantomme
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ananilia Silva
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Kathleen Rooney
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Fernando Santos-Simarro
- Unit of Molecular Diagnostics and Clinical Genetics, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdiSBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Roser Lleuger-Pujol
- Hereditary Cancer Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Doctor Josep Trueta University Hospital; Precision Oncology Group (OncoGIR-Pro), Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Girona (IDIGBI), Girona, Spain
| | - Sixto García-Miñaúr
- CIBERER-ISCIII and INGEMM, Institute of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
- ITHACA- European Reference Network, Spain
| | | | - Björn Menten
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gaia Gestri
- University College London, London, England, Great Britain
| | - Nicola Ragge
- Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Clinical Genetics Unit, Birmingham Womens Hospital, Lavender House, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TG
| | - Bekim Sadikovic
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Elke Bogaert
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Delfien Syx
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bert Callewaert
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sarah Vergult
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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2
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Liu C, Jia Y, Zhao X, Wang Z, Zhu X, Zhang C, Li X, Zhao X, Gong T, Zhao H, Zhang D, Niu Y, Dong X, Li G, Li F, Zhang H, Zhang L, Xu J, Yu B. Targeting B4GALT7 suppresses the proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma through the Cdc2/CyclinB1 and miR-338-3p/MMP2 pathway. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16450. [PMID: 38025683 PMCID: PMC10668818 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background As a three-dimensional network involving glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), proteoglycans (PGs) and other glycoproteins, the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) in tumorigenesis is well revealed. Abnormal glycosylation in liver cancer is correlated with tumorigenesis and chemoresistance. However, the role of galactosyltransferase in HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) is largely unknown. Methods Here, the oncogenic functions of B4GALT7 (beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase 7) were identified in HCC by a panel of in vitro experiments, including MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide), colony formation, transwell and flow cytometry assay. The expression of B4GALT7 in HCC cell lines and tissues were examined by qPCR (real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction) and western blot assay. The binding between B4GALT7 and miR-338-3p was examined by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results B4GALT7 encodes galactosyltransferase I and it is highly expressed in HCC cells and human HCC tissues compared with para-tumor specimens. MiR-338-3p was identified to bind the 3' UTR (untranslated region) of B4GALT7. Highly expressed miR-338-3p suppressed HCC cell invasive abilities and rescued the tumor-promoting effect of B4GALT7 in HCC. ShRNA (short hairpin RNA) mediated B4GALT7 suppression reduced HCC cell invasive abilities, and inhibited the expression of MMP-2 and Erk signaling. Conclusion These findings identified B4GALT7 as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yuqi Jia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xinan Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zifeng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China, Taiyuan, China
| | - Chan Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaoning Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xuhua Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China, Taiyuan, China
| | - Tao Gong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China, Taiyuan, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yuhu Niu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiushan Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, The Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Gaopeng Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, The Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Feng Li
- Central Laboratory, Shanxi Cancer Hospital; Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Shanxi Cancer Hospital; Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Baofeng Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China, Taiyuan, China
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3
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Wynsberghe JV, Vanakker OM. Significance of Premature Vertebral Mineralization in Zebrafish Models in Mechanistic and Pharmaceutical Research on Hereditary Multisystem Diseases. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1621. [PMID: 38002303 PMCID: PMC10669475 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111621] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish are increasingly becoming an important model organism for studying the pathophysiological mechanisms of human diseases and investigating how these mechanisms can be effectively targeted using compounds that may open avenues to novel treatments for patients. The zebrafish skeleton has been particularly instrumental in modeling bone diseases as-contrary to other model organisms-the lower load on the skeleton of an aquatic animal enables mutants to survive to early adulthood. In this respect, the axial skeletons of zebrafish have been a good read-out for congenital spinal deformities such as scoliosis and degenerative disorders such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, in which aberrant mineralization in humans is reflected in the respective zebrafish models. Interestingly, there have been several reports of hereditary multisystemic diseases that do not affect the vertebral column in human patients, while the corresponding zebrafish models systematically show anomalies in mineralization and morphology of the spine as their leading or, in some cases, only phenotype. In this review, we describe such examples, highlighting the underlying mechanisms, the already-used or potential power of these models to help us understand and amend the mineralization process, and the outstanding questions on how and why this specific axial type of aberrant mineralization occurs in these disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Van Wynsberghe
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Ectopic Mineralization Research Group, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier M Vanakker
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Ectopic Mineralization Research Group, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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4
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Syx D, Delbaere S, Bui C, De Clercq A, Larson G, Mizumoto S, Kosho T, Fournel-Gigleux S, Malfait F. Alterations in glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis associated with the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C1843-C1859. [PMID: 35993517 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00127.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Proteoglycans consist of a core protein substituted with one or more glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains and execute versatile functions during many physiological and pathological processes. The biosynthesis of GAG chains is a complex process that depends on the concerted action of a variety of enzymes. Central to the biosynthesis of heparan sulfate (HS) and chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) GAG chains is the formation of a tetrasaccharide linker region followed by biosynthesis of HS or CS/DS-specific repeating disaccharide units, which then undergo modifications and epimerization. The importance of these biosynthetic enzymes is illustrated by several severe pleiotropic disorders that arise upon their deficiency. The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) constitute a special group among these disorders. Although most EDS types are caused by defects in fibrillar types I, III, or V collagen, or their modifying enzymes, a few rare EDS types have recently been linked to defects in GAG biosynthesis. Spondylodysplastic EDS (spEDS) is caused by defective formation of the tetrasaccharide linker region, either due to β4GalT7 or β3GalT6 deficiency, whereas musculocontractural EDS (mcEDS) results from deficiency of D4ST1 or DS-epi1, impairing DS formation. This narrative review highlights the consequences of GAG deficiency in these specific EDS types, summarizes the associated phenotypic features and the molecular spectrum of reported pathogenic variants, and defines the current knowledge on the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms based on studies in patient-derived material, in vitro analyses, and animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delfien Syx
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sarah Delbaere
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Adelbert De Clercq
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Ostend, Belgium
| | - Göran Larson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Shuji Mizumoto
- Department of Pathobiochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tomoki Kosho
- Center for Medical Genetics, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan.,Department of Medical Genetics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | | | - Fransiska Malfait
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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5
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Nikpour M, Noborn F, Nilsson J, Van Damme T, Kaye O, Syx D, Malfait F, Larson G. Glycosaminoglycan linkage region of urinary bikunin as a potentially useful biomarker for
β3GalT6
‐deficient spondylodysplastic
Ehlers–Danlos
syndrome. JIMD Rep 2022; 63:462-467. [PMID: 36101818 PMCID: PMC9458601 DOI: 10.1002/jmd2.12311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The spondylodysplastic type of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (spEDS) is caused by genetic defects in the B4GALT7 or B3GALT6 genes both deranging the biosynthesis of the glycosaminoglycan linkage region of chondroitin/dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate proteoglycans. In this study, we have analyzed the linkage regions of urinary chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans of three siblings, diagnosed with spEDS and carrying biallelic pathogenic variants of the B3GALT6 gene. Proteoglycans were digested with trypsin, glycopeptides enriched on anion‐exchange columns, depolymerized with chondroitinase ABC, and analyzed by nLC‐MS/MS. In urine of the unaffected mother, the dominating glycopeptide of bikunin/protein AMBP appeared as only one dominating (99.9%) peak with the canonical tetrasaccharide linkage region modification. In contrast, the samples of the three affected siblings contained two different glycopeptide peaks, corresponding to the canonical tetrasaccharide and to the non‐canonical trisaccharide linkage region modifications in individual ratios of 61/38, 73/27, and 59/41. We propose that the relative distribution of glycosaminoglycan linkage regions of urinary bikunin glycopeptides may serve as a phenotypic biomarker in a diagnostic test but also as a biomarker to follow the effect of future therapies in affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Nikpour
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Fredrik Noborn
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Jonas Nilsson
- Proteomics Core Facility, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Tim Van Damme
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics Ghent University Hospital Ghent Belgium
| | | | - Delfien Syx
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics Ghent University Hospital Ghent Belgium
| | - Fransiska Malfait
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics Ghent University Hospital Ghent Belgium
| | - Göran Larson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry Sahlgrenska University Hospital Gothenburg Sweden
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6
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Malfait F, Colman M, Vroman R, De Wandele I, Rombaut L, Miller RE, Malfait AM, Syx D. Pain in the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes: Mechanisms, models, and challenges. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS. PART C, SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2021; 187:429-445. [PMID: 34797601 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain is one of the most common, yet poorly studied, complaints in people suffering from Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS). This heterogeneous group of heritable connective tissue disorders is typically characterized by skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility, and generalized connective tissue fragility. Most EDS types are caused by genetic defects that affect connective tissue biosynthesis, thereby compromising collagen biosynthesis or fibrillogenesis and resulting in a disorganized extracellular matrix. Even though chronic pain is a major source of disability, functional impairment, and psychosocial suffering in EDS, currently used analgesics and other treatment strategies provide inadequate pain relief and thus represents an important unmet medical need. An important contributor to this is the lack of knowledge about the underlying mechanisms. In this narrative review, we summarize the current understanding of pain and the associated mechanisms in EDS based on clinical studies focusing on questionnaires and experimental pain testing as well as studies in animal models of EDS. In addition, we highlight the challenges, gaps, and opportunities in EDS-pain research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fransiska Malfait
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marlies Colman
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Robin Vroman
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Inge De Wandele
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lies Rombaut
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rachel E Miller
- Division of Rheumatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Anne-Marie Malfait
- Division of Rheumatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Delfien Syx
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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7
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Beyens A, Pottie L, Sips P, Callewaert B. Clinical and Molecular Delineation of Cutis Laxa Syndromes: Paradigms for Homeostasis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1348:273-309. [PMID: 34807425 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-80614-9_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Cutis laxa (CL) syndromes are a large and heterogeneous group of rare connective tissue disorders that share loose redundant skin as a hallmark clinical feature, which reflects dermal elastic fiber fragmentation. Both acquired and congenital-Mendelian- forms exist. Acquired forms are progressive and often preceded by inflammatory triggers in the skin, but may show systemic elastolysis. Mendelian forms are often pleiotropic in nature and classified upon systemic manifestations and mode of inheritance. Though impaired elastogenesis is a common denominator in all Mendelian forms of CL, the underlying gene defects are diverse and affect structural components of the elastic fiber or impair metabolic pathways interfering with cellular trafficking, proline synthesis, or mitochondrial functioning. In this chapter we provide a detailed overview of the clinical and molecular characteristics of the different cutis laxa types and review the latest insights on elastic fiber assembly and homeostasis from both human and animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aude Beyens
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Department of Dermatology, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lore Pottie
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Patrick Sips
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bert Callewaert
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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8
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Vroman R, Malfait AM, Miller RE, Malfait F, Syx D. Animal Models of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes: Phenotype, Pathogenesis, and Translational Potential. Front Genet 2021; 12:726474. [PMID: 34712265 PMCID: PMC8547655 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.726474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of heritable connective tissues disorders mainly characterized by skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility and generalized tissue fragility. Currently, 14 EDS subtypes each with particular phenotypic features are recognized and are caused by genetic defects in 20 different genes. All of these genes are involved in the biosynthesis and/or fibrillogenesis of collagens at some level. Although great progress has been made in elucidating the molecular basis of different EDS subtypes, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the observed phenotypes remain poorly understood, and consequentially, adequate treatment and management options for these conditions remain scarce. To date, several animal models, mainly mice and zebrafish, have been described with defects in 14 of the 20 hitherto known EDS-associated genes. These models have been instrumental in discerning the functions and roles of the corresponding proteins during development, maturation and repair and in portraying their roles during collagen biosynthesis and/or fibrillogenesis, for some even before their contribution to an EDS phenotype was elucidated. Additionally, extensive phenotypical characterization of these models has shown that they largely phenocopy their human counterparts, with recapitulation of several clinical hallmarks of the corresponding EDS subtype, including dermatological, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and ocular features, as well as biomechanical and ultrastructural similarities in tissues. In this narrative review, we provide a comprehensive overview of animal models manifesting phenotypes that mimic EDS with a focus on engineered mouse and zebrafish models, and their relevance in past and future EDS research. Additionally, we briefly discuss domestic animals with naturally occurring EDS phenotypes. Collectively, these animal models have only started to reveal glimpses into the pathophysiological aspects associated with EDS and will undoubtably continue to play critical roles in EDS research due to their tremendous potential for pinpointing (common) signaling pathways, unveiling possible therapeutic targets and providing opportunities for preclinical therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Vroman
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anne-Marie Malfait
- Division of Rheumatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Rachel E. Miller
- Division of Rheumatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Fransiska Malfait
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Delfien Syx
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Pottie L, Van Gool W, Vanhooydonck M, Hanisch FG, Goeminne G, Rajkovic A, Coucke P, Sips P, Callewaert B. Loss of zebrafish atp6v1e1b, encoding a subunit of vacuolar ATPase, recapitulates human ARCL type 2C syndrome and identifies multiple pathobiological signatures. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009603. [PMID: 34143769 PMCID: PMC8244898 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The inability to maintain a strictly regulated endo(lyso)somal acidic pH through the proton-pumping action of the vacuolar-ATPases (v-ATPases) has been associated with various human diseases including heritable connective tissue disorders. Autosomal recessive (AR) cutis laxa (CL) type 2C syndrome is associated with genetic defects in the ATP6V1E1 gene and is characterized by skin wrinkles or loose redundant skin folds with pleiotropic systemic manifestations. The underlying pathological mechanisms leading to the clinical presentations remain largely unknown. Here, we show that loss of atp6v1e1b in zebrafish leads to early mortality, associated with craniofacial dysmorphisms, vascular anomalies, cardiac dysfunction, N-glycosylation defects, hypotonia, and epidermal structural defects. These features are reminiscent of the phenotypic manifestations in ARCL type 2C patients. Our data demonstrates that loss of atp6v1e1b alters endo(lyso)somal protein levels, and interferes with non-canonical v-ATPase pathways in vivo. In order to gain further insights into the processes affected by loss of atp6v1e1b, we performed an untargeted analysis of the transcriptome, metabolome, and lipidome in early atp6v1e1b-deficient larvae. We report multiple affected pathways including but not limited to oxidative phosphorylation, sphingolipid, fatty acid, and energy metabolism together with profound defects on mitochondrial respiration. Taken together, our results identify complex pathobiological effects due to loss of atp6v1e1b in vivo. Cutis laxa syndromes are pleiotropic disorders of the connective tissue, characterized by skin redundancy and variable systemic manifestations. Cutis laxa syndromes are caused by pathogenic variants in genes encoding structural and regulatory components of the extracellular matrix or in genes encoding components of cellular trafficking, metabolism, and mitochondrial function. Pathogenic variants in genes coding for vacuolar-ATPases, a multisubunit complex responsible for the acidification of multiple intracellular vesicles, cause type 2 cutis laxa syndromes, a group of cutis laxa subtypes further characterized by neurological, skeletal, and rarely cardiopulmonary manifestations. To investigate the pathomechanisms of vacuolar-ATPase dysfunction, we generated zebrafish models that lack a crucial subunit of the vacuolar-ATPases. The mutant zebrafish models show morphological and functional features reminiscent of the phenotypic manifestations in cutis laxa patients carrying pathogenic variants in ATP6V1E1. In-depth analysis at multiple -omic levels identified biological signatures that indicate impairment of signaling pathways, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial respiration. We anticipate that these data will contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of cutis laxa syndromes and other disorders involving defective v-ATPase function, which may eventually improve patient treatment and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lore Pottie
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wouter Van Gool
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Michiel Vanhooydonck
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Franz-Georg Hanisch
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Geert Goeminne
- VIB Metabolomics Core Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Andreja Rajkovic
- Department of Food technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Paul Coucke
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Patrick Sips
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bert Callewaert
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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10
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Dubail J, Cormier-Daire V. Chondrodysplasias With Multiple Dislocations Caused by Defects in Glycosaminoglycan Synthesis. Front Genet 2021; 12:642097. [PMID: 34220933 PMCID: PMC8242584 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.642097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chondrodysplasias with multiple dislocations form a group of severe disorders characterized by joint laxity and multiple dislocations, severe short stature of pre- and post-natal onset, hand anomalies, and/or vertebral anomalies. The majority of chondrodysplasias with multiple dislocations have been associated with mutations in genes encoding glycosyltransferases, sulfotransferases, and transporters implicated in the synthesis or sulfation of glycosaminoglycans, long and unbranched polysaccharides composed of repeated disaccharide bond to protein core of proteoglycan. Glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis is a tightly regulated process that occurs mainly in the Golgi and that requires the coordinated action of numerous enzymes and transporters as well as an adequate Golgi environment. Any disturbances of this chain of reactions will lead to the incapacity of a cell to construct correct glycanic chains. This review focuses on genetic and glycobiological studies of chondrodysplasias with multiple dislocations associated with glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis defects and related animal models. Strong comprehension of the molecular mechanisms leading to those disorders, mostly through extensive phenotypic analyses of in vitro and/or in vivo models, is essential for the development of novel biomarkers for clinical screenings and innovative therapeutics for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanne Dubail
- Université de Paris, INSERM UMR 1163, Institut Imagine, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Cormier-Daire
- Université de Paris, INSERM UMR 1163, Institut Imagine, Paris, France.,Service de Génétique Clinique, Centre de Référence Pour Les Maladies Osseuses Constitutionnelles, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
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11
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Pagnamenta AT, Kaiyrzhanov R, Zou Y, Da'as SI, Maroofian R, Donkervoort S, Dominik N, Lauffer M, Ferla MP, Orioli A, Giess A, Tucci A, Beetz C, Sedghi M, Ansari B, Barresi R, Basiri K, Cortese A, Elgar G, Fernandez-Garcia MA, Yip J, Foley AR, Gutowski N, Jungbluth H, Lassche S, Lavin T, Marcelis C, Marks P, Marini-Bettolo C, Medne L, Moslemi AR, Sarkozy A, Reilly MM, Muntoni F, Millan F, Muraresku CC, Need AC, Nemeth AH, Neuhaus SB, Norwood F, O'Donnell M, O'Driscoll M, Rankin J, Yum SW, Zolkipli-Cunningham Z, Brusius I, Wunderlich G, Karakaya M, Wirth B, Fakhro KA, Tajsharghi H, Bönnemann CG, Taylor JC, Houlden H. An ancestral 10-bp repeat expansion in VWA1 causes recessive hereditary motor neuropathy. Brain 2021; 144:584-600. [PMID: 33559681 PMCID: PMC8263055 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix comprises a network of macromolecules such as collagens, proteoglycans and glycoproteins. VWA1 (von Willebrand factor A domain containing 1) encodes a component of the extracellular matrix that interacts with perlecan/collagen VI, appears to be involved in stabilizing extracellular matrix structures, and demonstrates high expression levels in tibial nerve. Vwa1-deficient mice manifest with abnormal peripheral nerve structure/function; however, VWA1 variants have not previously been associated with human disease. By interrogating the genome sequences of 74 180 individuals from the 100K Genomes Project in combination with international gene-matching efforts and targeted sequencing, we identified 17 individuals from 15 families with an autosomal-recessive, non-length dependent, hereditary motor neuropathy and rare biallelic variants in VWA1. A single disease-associated allele p.(G25Rfs*74), a 10-bp repeat expansion, was observed in 14/15 families and was homozygous in 10/15. Given an allele frequency in European populations approaching 1/1000, the seven unrelated homozygote individuals ascertained from the 100K Genomes Project represents a substantial enrichment above expected. Haplotype analysis identified a shared 220 kb region suggesting that this founder mutation arose >7000 years ago. A wide age-range of patients (6-83 years) helped delineate the clinical phenotype over time. The commonest disease presentation in the cohort was an early-onset (mean 2.0 ± 1.4 years) non-length-dependent axonal hereditary motor neuropathy, confirmed on electrophysiology, which will have to be differentiated from other predominantly or pure motor neuropathies and neuronopathies. Because of slow disease progression, ambulation was largely preserved. Neurophysiology, muscle histopathology, and muscle MRI findings typically revealed clear neurogenic changes with single isolated cases displaying additional myopathic process. We speculate that a few findings of myopathic changes might be secondary to chronic denervation rather than indicating an additional myopathic disease process. Duplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting using patient fibroblasts revealed that the founder allele results in partial nonsense mediated decay and an absence of detectable protein. CRISPR and morpholino vwa1 modelling in zebrafish demonstrated reductions in motor neuron axonal growth, synaptic formation in the skeletal muscles and locomotive behaviour. In summary, we estimate that biallelic variants in VWA1 may be responsible for up to 1% of unexplained hereditary motor neuropathy cases in Europeans. The detailed clinical characterization provided here will facilitate targeted testing on suitable patient cohorts. This novel disease gene may have previously evaded detection because of high GC content, consequential low coverage and computational difficulties associated with robustly detecting repeat-expansions. Reviewing previously unsolved exomes using lower QC filters may generate further diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair T Pagnamenta
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rauan Kaiyrzhanov
- Department of Neuromuscular Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Yaqun Zou
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, NINDS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sahar I Da'as
- Department of Human Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Reza Maroofian
- Department of Neuromuscular Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Sandra Donkervoort
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, NINDS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Natalia Dominik
- Department of Neuromuscular Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Marlen Lauffer
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Institute of Genetics, and Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Matteo P Ferla
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrea Orioli
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Genomics England, London, UK
| | - Adam Giess
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Genomics England, London, UK
| | - Arianna Tucci
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Genomics England, London, UK
| | | | - Maryam Sedghi
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Alzahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Behnaz Ansari
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Rita Barresi
- The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
| | - Keivan Basiri
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Andrea Cortese
- Department of Neuromuscular Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Greg Elgar
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Genomics England, London, UK
| | - Miguel A Fernandez-Garcia
- Department of Paediatric Neurology - Neuromuscular Service, Evelina Children's Hospital, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Janice Yip
- Department of Neuromuscular Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - A Reghan Foley
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, NINDS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nicholas Gutowski
- Department of Neurology, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Trust, Exeter, UK
| | - Heinz Jungbluth
- Department of Paediatric Neurology - Neuromuscular Service, Evelina Children's Hospital, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics Muscle Signalling Section, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Saskia Lassche
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Lavin
- Department of Neurology, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Carlo Marcelis
- Department of Genetics, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Marks
- West Midlands Regional Clinical Genetics Service and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Chiara Marini-Bettolo
- The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
| | - Livija Medne
- Divisions of Neurology and Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ali-Reza Moslemi
- Department of Pathology, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden
| | - Anna Sarkozy
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, and Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK
| | - Mary M Reilly
- Department of Neuromuscular Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, and Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Colleen C Muraresku
- Mitochondrial Medicine Frontier Program, Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anna C Need
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Genomics England, London, UK
| | - Andrea H Nemeth
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarah B Neuhaus
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, NINDS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Fiona Norwood
- Department of Neurology, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Marie O'Donnell
- West Midlands Regional Clinical Genetics Service and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mary O'Driscoll
- West Midlands Regional Clinical Genetics Service and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Julia Rankin
- Peninsula Clinical Genetics Service, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Trust, Exeter, UK
| | - Sabrina W Yum
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zarazuela Zolkipli-Cunningham
- Mitochondrial Medicine Frontier Program, Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Isabell Brusius
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Institute of Genetics, and Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gilbert Wunderlich
- Department of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mert Karakaya
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Institute of Genetics, and Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Brunhilde Wirth
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Institute of Genetics, and Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Khalid A Fakhro
- Department of Human Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar
| | - Homa Tajsharghi
- School of Health Science, Division Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Skovde, Sweden
| | - Carsten G Bönnemann
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, NINDS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jenny C Taylor
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Henry Houlden
- Department of Neuromuscular Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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12
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Izu Y, Adams SM, Connizzo BK, Beason DP, Soslowsky LJ, Koch M, Birk DE. Collagen XII mediated cellular and extracellular mechanisms regulate establishment of tendon structure and function. Matrix Biol 2021; 95:52-67. [PMID: 33096204 PMCID: PMC7870578 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Tendons have a uniaxially aligned structure with a hierarchical organization of collagen fibrils crucial for tendon function. Collagen XII is expressed in tendons and has been implicated in the regulation of fibrillogenesis. It is a non-fibrillar collagen belonging to the Fibril-Associated Collagens with Interrupted Triple Helices (FACIT) family. Mutations in COL12A1 cause myopathic Ehlers Danlos Syndrome with a clinical phenotype involving both joints and tendons supporting critical role(s) for collagen XII in tendon development and function. Here we demonstrate the molecular function of collagen XII during tendon development using a Col12a1 null mouse model. Col12a1 deficiency altered tenocyte shape, formation of interacting cell processes, and organization resulting in impaired cell-cell communication and disruption of hierarchal structure as well as decreased tissue stiffness. Immuno-localization revealed that collagen XII accumulated on the tenocyte surface and connected adjacent tenocytes by building matrix bridges between the cells, suggesting that collagen XII regulates intercellular communication. In addition, there was a decrease in fibrillar collagen I in collagen XII deficient tenocyte cultures compared with controls suggesting collagen XII signaling specifically alters tenocyte biosynthesis. This suggests that collagen XII provides feedback to tenocytes regulating extracellular collagen I. Together, the data indicate dual roles for collagen XII in determination of tendon structure and function. Through association with fibrils it functions in fibril packing, fiber assembly and stability. In addition, collagen XII influences tenocyte organization required for assembly of higher order structure; intercellular communication necessary to coordinate long range order and feedback on tenocytes influencing collagen synthesis. Integration of both regulatory roles is required for the acquisition of hierarchal structure and mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yayoi Izu
- College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Morsani, Tampa, FL, United States; Okayama University of Science, Ehime, Japan.
| | - Sheila M Adams
- College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Morsani, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Brianne K Connizzo
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - David P Beason
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Louis J Soslowsky
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Manuel Koch
- Institute for Oral and Musculoskeletal Biology, Center for Biochemistry, Department of Dermatology, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - David E Birk
- College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Morsani, Tampa, FL, United States
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13
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Delbaere S, De Clercq A, Mizumoto S, Noborn F, Bek JW, Alluyn L, Gistelinck C, Syx D, Salmon PL, Coucke PJ, Larson G, Yamada S, Willaert A, Malfait F. b3galt6 Knock-Out Zebrafish Recapitulate β3GalT6-Deficiency Disorders in Human and Reveal a Trisaccharide Proteoglycan Linkage Region. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:597857. [PMID: 33363150 PMCID: PMC7758351 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.597857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteoglycans are structurally and functionally diverse biomacromolecules found abundantly on cell membranes and in the extracellular matrix. They consist of a core protein linked to glycosaminoglycan chains via a tetrasaccharide linkage region. Here, we show that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated b3galt6 knock-out zebrafish, lacking galactosyltransferase II, which adds the third sugar in the linkage region, largely recapitulate the phenotypic abnormalities seen in human β3GalT6-deficiency disorders. These comprise craniofacial dysmorphism, generalized skeletal dysplasia, skin involvement and indications for muscle hypotonia. In-depth TEM analysis revealed disturbed collagen fibril organization as the most consistent ultrastructural characteristic throughout different affected tissues. Strikingly, despite a strong reduction in glycosaminoglycan content, as demonstrated by anion-exchange HPLC, subsequent LC-MS/MS analysis revealed a small amount of proteoglycans containing a unique linkage region consisting of only three sugars. This implies that formation of glycosaminoglycans with an immature linkage region is possible in a pathogenic context. Our study, therefore unveils a novel rescue mechanism for proteoglycan production in the absence of galactosyltransferase II, hereby opening new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Delbaere
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Adelbert De Clercq
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Shuji Mizumoto
- Department of Pathobiochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Fredrik Noborn
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jan Willem Bek
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lien Alluyn
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Gistelinck
- Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Delfien Syx
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Paul J. Coucke
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Göran Larson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Shuhei Yamada
- Department of Pathobiochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Andy Willaert
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fransiska Malfait
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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14
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Filipek-Górniok B, Habicher J, Ledin J, Kjellén L. Heparan Sulfate Biosynthesis in Zebrafish. J Histochem Cytochem 2020; 69:49-60. [PMID: 33216642 DOI: 10.1369/0022155420973980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The biosynthesis of heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans occurs in the Golgi compartment of cells and will determine the sulfation pattern of HS chains, which in turn will have a large impact on the biological activity of the proteoglycans. Earlier studies in mice have demonstrated the importance of HS for embryonic development. In this review, the enzymes participating in zebrafish HS biosynthesis, along with a description of enzyme mutants available for functional studies, are presented. The consequences of the zebrafish genome duplication and maternal transcript contribution are briefly discussed as are the possibilities of CRISPR/Cas9 methodologies to use the zebrafish model system for studies of biosynthesis as well as proteoglycan biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Filipek-Górniok
- Department of Organismal Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Judith Habicher
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Ledin
- Department of Organismal Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lena Kjellén
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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15
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Tonelli F, Bek JW, Besio R, De Clercq A, Leoni L, Salmon P, Coucke PJ, Willaert A, Forlino A. Zebrafish: A Resourceful Vertebrate Model to Investigate Skeletal Disorders. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:489. [PMID: 32849280 PMCID: PMC7416647 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models are essential tools for addressing fundamental scientific questions about skeletal diseases and for the development of new therapeutic approaches. Traditionally, mice have been the most common model organism in biomedical research, but their use is hampered by several limitations including complex generation, demanding investigation of early developmental stages, regulatory restrictions on breeding, and high maintenance cost. The zebrafish has been used as an efficient alternative vertebrate model for the study of human skeletal diseases, thanks to its easy genetic manipulation, high fecundity, external fertilization, transparency of rapidly developing embryos, and low maintenance cost. Furthermore, zebrafish share similar skeletal cells and ossification types with mammals. In the last decades, the use of both forward and new reverse genetics techniques has resulted in the generation of many mutant lines carrying skeletal phenotypes associated with human diseases. In addition, transgenic lines expressing fluorescent proteins under bone cell- or pathway- specific promoters enable in vivo imaging of differentiation and signaling at the cellular level. Despite the small size of the zebrafish, many traditional techniques for skeletal phenotyping, such as x-ray and microCT imaging and histological approaches, can be applied using the appropriate equipment and custom protocols. The ability of adult zebrafish to remodel skeletal tissues can be exploited as a unique tool to investigate bone formation and repair. Finally, the permeability of embryos to chemicals dissolved in water, together with the availability of large numbers of small-sized animals makes zebrafish a perfect model for high-throughput bone anabolic drug screening. This review aims to discuss the techniques that make zebrafish a powerful model to investigate the molecular and physiological basis of skeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Tonelli
- Biochemistry Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Jan Willem Bek
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center of Medical Genetics, Ghent University-University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Roberta Besio
- Biochemistry Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Adelbert De Clercq
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center of Medical Genetics, Ghent University-University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laura Leoni
- Biochemistry Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Paul J. Coucke
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center of Medical Genetics, Ghent University-University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Andy Willaert
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Center of Medical Genetics, Ghent University-University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Antonella Forlino
- Biochemistry Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Antonella Forlino
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