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Ziegler BM, Abelleyro MM, Marchione VD, Lazarte N, Ledesma MM, Elhelou L, Neme D, Rossetti LC, Medina-Acosta E, Giliberto F, De Brasi C, Radic CP. Comprehensive genomic filtering algorithm to expose the cause of skewed X chromosome inactivation. The proof of concept in female haemophilia expression. J Med Genet 2024; 61:769-776. [PMID: 38719348 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2024-109902] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exploring the expression of X linked disorders like haemophilia A (HA) in females involves understanding the balance achieved through X chromosome inactivation (XCI). Skewed XCI (SXCI) may be involved in symptomatic HA carriers. We aimed to develop an approach for dissecting the specific cause of SXCI and verify its value in HA. METHODS A family involving three females (two symptomatic with severe/moderate HA: I.2, the mother, and II.1, the daughter; one asymptomatic: II.2) and two related affected males (I.1, the father and I.3, the maternal uncle) was studied. The genetic analysis included F8 mutational screening, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, SNP microarray, whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing. XCI patterns were assessed in ectoderm/endoderm and mesoderm-derived tissues using AR-based and RP2-based systems. RESULTS The comprehensive family analysis identifies I.2 female patient as a heterozygous carrier of F8:p.(Ser1414Ter) excluding copy number variations. A consistent XCI pattern of 99.5% across various tissues was observed. A comprehensive filtering algorithm for WES data was designed, developed and applied to I.2. A Gly58Arg missense variant in VMA21 was revealed as the cause for SXCI.Each step of the variant filtering system takes advantage of publicly available genomic databases, non-SXCI controls and case-specific molecular data, and aligns with established concepts in the theoretical background of SXCI. CONCLUSION This study acts as a proof of concept for our genomic filtering algorithm's clinical utility in analysing X linked disorders. Our findings clarify the molecular aspects of SXCI and improve genetic diagnostics and counselling for families with X linked diseases like HA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betiana Michelle Ziegler
- Laboratorio de Genética Molecular de la Hemofilia, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, CONICET-Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Miguel Martin Abelleyro
- Laboratorio de Genética Molecular de la Hemofilia, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, CONICET-Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanina Daniela Marchione
- Laboratorio de Genética Molecular de la Hemofilia, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, CONICET-Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Lazarte
- Unidad de Bioinformática, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, CONICET-Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martín Manuel Ledesma
- Unidad de Bioinformática, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, CONICET-Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ludmila Elhelou
- Hematology, Fundación de la Hemofilia, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniela Neme
- Hematology, Fundación de la Hemofilia, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Liliana Carmen Rossetti
- Laboratorio de Genética Molecular de la Hemofilia, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, CONICET-Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Enrique Medina-Acosta
- Center for Biosciences and Biotechnology, State University of North Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | - Florencia Giliberto
- Laboratorio de Distrofinopatías, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Genética, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo (INIGEM), CONICET-UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos De Brasi
- Laboratorio de Genética Molecular de la Hemofilia, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, CONICET-Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Pamela Radic
- Laboratorio de Genética Molecular de la Hemofilia, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, CONICET-Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Lopes AG, Loganathan SK, Caliaperumal J. Rett Syndrome and the Role of MECP2: Signaling to Clinical Trials. Brain Sci 2024; 14:120. [PMID: 38391695 PMCID: PMC10886956 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14020120] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurological disorder that mostly affects females, with a frequency of 1 in 10,000 to 20,000 live birth cases. Symptoms include stereotyped hand movements; impaired learning, language, and communication skills; sudden loss of speech; reduced lifespan; retarded growth; disturbance of sleep and breathing; seizures; autism; and gait apraxia. Pneumonia is the most common cause of death for patients with Rett syndrome, with a survival rate of 77.8% at 25 years of age. Survival into the fifth decade is typical in Rett syndrome, and the leading cause of death is cardiorespiratory compromise. Rett syndrome progression has multiple stages; however, most phenotypes are associated with the nervous system and brain. In total, 95% of Rett syndrome cases are due to mutations in the MECP2 gene, an X-linked gene that encodes for the methyl CpG binding protein, a regulator of gene expression. In this review, we summarize the recent developments in the field of Rett syndrome and therapeutics targeting MECP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele Gaspar Lopes
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 2M1, Canada
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Sampath Kumar Loganathan
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Departments of Experimental Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Jayalakshmi Caliaperumal
- Ingram School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2M7, Canada
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Werner JM, Hover J, Gillis J. Population variability in X-chromosome inactivation across 9 mammalian species. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.17.562732. [PMID: 37904929 PMCID: PMC10614859 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.17.562732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
One of the two X chromosomes in female mammals is epigenetically silenced in embryonic stem cells by X chromosome inactivation (XCI). This creates a mosaic of cells expressing either the maternal or the paternal X allele. The XCI ratio, the proportion of inactivated parental alleles, varies widely among individuals, representing the largest instance of epigenetic variability within mammalian populations. While various contributing factors to XCI variability are recognized, namely stochastic and/or genetic effects, their relative contributions are poorly understood. This is due in part to limited cross-species analysis, making it difficult to distinguish between generalizable or species-specific mechanisms for XCI ratio variability. To address this gap, we measured XCI ratios in nine mammalian species (9,143 individual samples), ranging from rodents to primates, and compared the strength of stochastic models or genetic factors for explaining XCI variability. Our results demonstrate the embryonic stochasticity of XCI is a general explanatory model for population XCI variability in mammals, while genetic factors play a minor role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Werner
- Stanley Institute for Cognitive Genomics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - John Hover
- Stanley Institute for Cognitive Genomics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Jesse Gillis
- Stanley Institute for Cognitive Genomics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- Physiology Department and Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Werner JM, Ballouz S, Hover J, Gillis J. Variability of cross-tissue X-chromosome inactivation characterizes timing of human embryonic lineage specification events. Dev Cell 2022; 57:1995-2008.e5. [PMID: 35914524 PMCID: PMC9398941 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) is a random, permanent, and developmentally early epigenetic event that occurs during mammalian embryogenesis. We harness these features to investigate characteristics of early lineage specification events during human development. We initially assess the consistency of X-inactivation and establish a robust set of XCI-escape genes. By analyzing variance in XCI ratios across tissues and individuals, we find that XCI is shared across all tissues, suggesting that XCI is completed in the epiblast (in at least 6-16 cells) prior to specification of the germ layers. Additionally, we exploit tissue-specific variability to characterize the number of cells present during tissue-lineage commitment, ranging from approximately 20 cells in liver and whole blood tissues to 80 cells in brain tissues. By investigating the variability of XCI ratios using adult tissue, we characterize embryonic features of human XCI and lineage specification that are otherwise difficult to ascertain experimentally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Werner
- The Stanley Institute for Cognitive Genomics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Sara Ballouz
- The Stanley Institute for Cognitive Genomics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA; Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - John Hover
- The Stanley Institute for Cognitive Genomics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Jesse Gillis
- The Stanley Institute for Cognitive Genomics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA; Physiology Department and Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Fang X, Butler KM, Abidi F, Gass J, Beisang A, Feyma T, Ryther RC, Standridge S, Heydemann P, Jones M, Haas R, Lieberman DN, Marsh E, Benke TA, Skinner S, Neul JL, Percy AK, Friez MJ, Caylor RC. Analysis of X-inactivation status in a Rett syndrome natural history study cohort. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2022; 10:e1917. [PMID: 35318820 PMCID: PMC9034674 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder associated with pathogenic MECP2 variants. Because the MECP2 gene is subject to X-chromosome inactivation (XCI), factors including MECP2 genotypic variation, tissue differences in XCI, and skewing of XCI all likely contribute to the clinical severity of individuals with RTT. METHODS We analyzed the XCI patterns from blood samples of 320 individuals and their mothers. It includes individuals with RTT (n = 287) and other syndromes sharing overlapping phenotypes with RTT (such as CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder [CDD, n = 16]). XCI status in each proband/mother duo and the parental origin of the preferentially inactivated X chromosome were analyzed. RESULTS The average XCI ratio in probands was slightly increased compared to their unaffected mothers (73% vs. 69%, p = .0006). Among the duos with informative XCI data, the majority of individuals with classic RTT had their paternal allele preferentially inactivated (n = 180/220, 82%). In sharp contrast, individuals with CDD had their maternal allele preferentially inactivated (n = 10/12, 83%). Our data indicate a weak positive correlation between XCI skewing ratio and clinical severity scale (CSS) scores in classic RTT patients with maternal allele preferentially inactivated XCI (rs = 0.35, n = 40), but not in those with paternal allele preferentially inactivated XCI (rs = -0.06, n = 180). The most frequent MECP2 pathogenic variants were enriched in individuals with highly/moderately skewed XCI patterns, suggesting an association with higher levels of XCI skewing. CONCLUSION These results extend our understanding of the pathogenesis of RTT and other syndromes with overlapping clinical features by providing insight into the both XCI and the preferential XCI of parental alleles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolan Fang
- Greenwood Genetic CenterGreenwoodSouth CarolinaUSA
| | | | - Fatima Abidi
- Greenwood Genetic CenterGreenwoodSouth CarolinaUSA
| | - Jennifer Gass
- Florida Cancer Specialists & Research InstituteFort MyersFLUSA,Present address:
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research InstituteFort MyersFloridaUSA
| | - Arthur Beisang
- Gillette Children’s Specialty HealthcareSt. PaulMinnesotaUSA
| | - Timothy Feyma
- Gillette Children’s Specialty HealthcareSt. PaulMinnesotaUSA
| | - Robin C. Ryther
- Department of NeurologyWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Shannon Standridge
- Division of NeurologyCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOhioUSA,Department of Pediatrics, College of MedicineUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | | | - Mary Jones
- Oakland Children’s Hospital, UCSFOaklandCaliforniaUSA
| | - Richard Haas
- University of California San DiegoSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - David N Lieberman
- Department of NeurologyBoston Children’s HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Eric D. Marsh
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Tim A. Benke
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Children’s Hospital Colorado‐AuroraDenverColoradoUSA
| | | | - Jeffrey L. Neul
- Vanderbilt Kennedy CenterVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville TN
| | - Alan K. Percy
- The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
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Catino G, Genovese S, Di Tommaso S, Orlando V, Petti MT, De Bernardi ML, Dallapiccola B, Novelli A, Ulgheri L, Piscopo C, Alesi V. Reciprocal Xp11.4p11.3 microdeletion/microduplication spanning USP9X, DDX3X, and CASK genes in two patients with syndromic intellectual disability. Am J Med Genet A 2022; 188:1836-1847. [PMID: 35238482 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Only a few patients with deletions or duplications at Xp11.4, bridging USP9X, DDX3X, and CASK genes, have been described so far. Here, we report on a female harboring a de novo Xp11.4p11.3 deletion and a male with an overlapping duplication inherited from an unaffected mother, presenting with syndromic intellectual disability. We discuss the role of USP9X, DDX3X, and CASK genes in human development and describe the effects of Xp11.4 deletion and duplications in female and male patients, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Catino
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Genovese
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Tommaso
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Orlando
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Petti
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Bruno Dallapiccola
- Genetics and Rare Disease Research Division, Bambino Gesu Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Novelli
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Ulgheri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Genetics Service, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Sassari, Italy
| | - Carmelo Piscopo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Viola Alesi
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Mechanisms of Choice in X-Chromosome Inactivation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030535. [PMID: 35159344 PMCID: PMC8833938 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Early in development, placental and marsupial mammals harbouring at least two X chromosomes per nucleus are faced with a choice that affects the rest of their lives: which of those X chromosomes to transcriptionally inactivate. This choice underlies phenotypical diversity in the composition of tissues and organs and in their response to the environment, and can determine whether an individual will be healthy or affected by an X-linked disease. Here, we review our current understanding of the process of choice during X-chromosome inactivation and its implications, focusing on the strategies evolved by different mammalian lineages and on the known and unknown molecular mechanisms and players involved.
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Zhao Y, Li J, Dai L, Ma Y, Bai Y, Guo H. X Chromosome Inactivation Pattern and Pregnancy Outcome of Female Carriers of Pathogenic Heterozygous X-Linked Deletions. Front Genet 2021; 12:782629. [PMID: 34976017 PMCID: PMC8719196 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.782629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal risk assessment of carriers of heterozygous X-linked deletion is a big challenge due to the phenotypic modification induced by X chromosome inactivation (XCI). Herein, we described four Chinese pedigrees with maternal-inherited X-deletions above 1 Mb. The pathogenic evaluation revealed that all X-deletions are harmful to heterozygous carriers; however, the asymptomatic pregnant female carriers in these families tremendously complicate the prognostic assessment of the unborn heterozygous embryos. In this study, we detected the XCI pattern of 11 female carriers of heterozygous X-linked deletions and 4 non-carrier females in these families and performed the first prenatal XCI pattern analysis in a fetal female carrier of heterozygous PCDH19-deletion to make risk prediction. In an adult female who lost one copy of the terminal of X chromosome short arm (Xp), a region enriching a large number of XCI escapees, the expression level of representative XCI escape genes was also detected. Pregnancy outcomes of all families were followed up or retrospected. Our research provides clinical evidence that X-deletions above 1 Mb are indeed associated with extremely skewed XCI. The favorable skewed XCI in combination with potential compensatory upregulation of XCI escapees would protect some but not all female carriers with pathogenic X-deletion from severe clinical consequences, mainly depending on the specific genetic contents involved in the deletion region. For PCDH19-disorder, the XCI pattern is considered as the decisive factor of phenotype expression, of which prenatal XCI assay using uncultured amniocytes could be a practicable way for risk prediction of this disease. These results provide valuable information about the usage of XCI assay in the prenatal risk assessment of heterozygous X-linked deletions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyin Zhao
- Department of Medical Genetics, College of Basic Medical Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Medical Genetics, College of Basic Medical Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Limeng Dai
- Department of Medical Genetics, College of Basic Medical Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongyi Ma
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yun Bai
- Department of Medical Genetics, College of Basic Medical Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Guo
- Department of Medical Genetics, College of Basic Medical Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Hong Guo,
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Inkster AM, Fernández-Boyano I, Robinson WP. Sex Differences Are Here to Stay: Relevance to Prenatal Care. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3000. [PMID: 34279482 PMCID: PMC8268816 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10133000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences exist in the incidence and presentation of many pregnancy complications, including but not limited to pregnancy loss, spontaneous preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction. Sex differences arise very early in development due to differential gene expression from the X and Y chromosomes, and later may also be influenced by the action of gonadal steroid hormones. Though offspring sex is not considered in most prenatal diagnostic or therapeutic strategies currently in use, it may be beneficial to consider sex differences and the associated mechanisms underlying pregnancy complications. This review will cover (i) the prevalence and presentation of sex differences that occur in perinatal complications, particularly with a focus on the placenta; (ii) possible mechanisms underlying the development of sex differences in placental function and pregnancy phenotypes; and (iii) knowledge gaps that should be addressed in the development of diagnostic or risk prediction tools for such complications, with an emphasis on those for which it would be important to consider sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M. Inkster
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada; (A.M.I.); (I.F.-B.)
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Icíar Fernández-Boyano
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada; (A.M.I.); (I.F.-B.)
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Wendy P. Robinson
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada; (A.M.I.); (I.F.-B.)
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
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Körber L, Schneider H, Fleischer N, Maier-Wohlfart S. No evidence for preferential X-chromosome inactivation as the main cause of divergent phenotypes in sisters with X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:98. [PMID: 33622384 PMCID: PMC7901220 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-01735-2] [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: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED), a rare genetic disorder, affects the normal development of ectodermal derivatives, such as hair, skin, teeth, and sweat glands. It is caused by pathogenic variants of the gene EDA and defined by a triad of hypotrichosis, hypo- or anodontia, and hypo- or anhidrosis which may lead to life-threatening hyperthermia. Although female carriers are less severely affected than male patients, they display symptoms, too, with high phenotypic variability. This study aimed to elucidate whether phenotypic differences in female XLHED patients with identical EDA genotypes might be explained by deviating X-chromosome inactivation (XI) patterns. METHODS Six families, each consisting of two sisters with the same EDA variant and their parents (with either mother or father being carrier of the variant), participated in this study. XLHED-related data like sweating ability, dental status, facial dysmorphism, and skin issues were assessed. We determined the women`s individual XI patterns in peripheral blood leukocytes by the human androgen receptor assay and collated the results with phenotypic features. RESULTS The surprisingly large inter- and intrafamilial variability of symptoms in affected females was not explicable by the pathogenic variants. Our cohort showed no higher rate of nonrandom XI in peripheral blood leukocytes than the general female population. Furthermore, skewed XI patterns in favour of the mutated alleles were not associated with more severe phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS We found no evidence for preferential XI in female XLHED patients and no distinct correlation between XLHED-related phenotypic features and XI patterns. Phenotypic variability seems to be evoked by other genetic or epigenetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Körber
- Center for Ectodermal Dysplasias and Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Loschgestr. 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Holm Schneider
- Center for Ectodermal Dysplasias and Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Loschgestr. 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Sigrun Maier-Wohlfart
- Center for Ectodermal Dysplasias and Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Loschgestr. 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
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11
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Yoshida T, Miyado M, Mikami M, Suzuki E, Kinjo K, Matsubara K, Ogata T, Akutsu H, Kagami M, Fukami M. Aneuploid rescue precedes X-chromosome inactivation and increases the incidence of its skewness by reducing the size of the embryonic progenitor cell pool. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:1762-1769. [PMID: 31398259 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do monosomy rescue (MR) and trisomy rescue (TR) in preimplantation human embryos affect other developmental processes, such as X-chromosome inactivation (XCI)? SUMMARY ANSWER Aneuploid rescue precedes XCI and increases the incidence of XCI skewness by reducing the size of the embryonic progenitor cell pools. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY More than half of preimplantation human embryos harbor aneuploid cells, some of which can be spontaneously corrected through MR or TR. XCI in females is an indispensable process, which is predicted to start at the early-blastocyst phase. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We examined the frequency of XCI skewness in young females who carried full uniparental disomy (UPD) resulting from MR or TR/gamete complementation (GC). The results were statistically analyzed using a theoretical model in which XCI involves various numbers of embryonic progenitor cells. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We studied 39 children and young adults ascertained by imprinting disorders. XCI ratios were determined by DNA methylation analysis of a polymorphic locus in the androgen receptor gene. We used Bayesian approach to assess the probability of the occurrence of extreme XCI skewness in the MR and TR/GC groups using a theoretical model of 1-12 cell pools. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 12 of 39 individuals (31%) showed skewed XCI. Extreme skewness was observed in 3 of 15 MR cases (20%) and 1 of 24 TR/GC cases (4.2%). Statistical analysis indicated that XCI in the MR group was likely to have occurred when the blastocyst contained three or four euploid embryonic progenitor cells. The estimated size of the embryonic progenitor cell pools was approximately one-third or one-fourth of the predicted size of normal embryos. The TR/GC group likely had a larger pool size at the onset of XCI, although the results remained inconclusive. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is an observational study and needs to be validated by experimental analyses. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study provides evidence that the onset of XCI is determined by an intrinsic clock, irrespectively of the number of embryonic progenitor cells. Our findings can also be applied to individuals without UPD or imprinting disorders. This study provides a clue to understand chromosomal and cellular dynamics in the first few days of human development, their effects on XCI skewing and the possible implications for the expression of X-linked diseases in females. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the Grants-in-aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas (17H06428) and for Scientific Research (B) (17H03616) from Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), and grants from Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) (18ek0109266h0002 and 18ek0109278h0002), National Center for Child Health and Development and Takeda Science Foundation. The authors declare no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Yoshida
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 157-8535 Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Advanced Pediatric Medicine, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 157-8535 Tokyo, Japan
| | - M Miyado
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 157-8535 Tokyo, Japan
| | - M Mikami
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Data Management, Center for Clinical Research, National Center for Child Health and Development, 157-8535 Tokyo, Japan
| | - E Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 157-8535 Tokyo, Japan
| | - K Kinjo
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 157-8535 Tokyo, Japan
| | - K Matsubara
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 157-8535 Tokyo, Japan
| | - T Ogata
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 431-3125 Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - H Akutsu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 157-8535 Tokyo, Japan
| | - M Kagami
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 157-8535 Tokyo, Japan
| | - M Fukami
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 157-8535 Tokyo, Japan
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12
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Balthazart J. Sexual partner preference in animals and humans. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 115:34-47. [PMID: 32450091 PMCID: PMC7484171 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences in brain and behavior of animals including humans result from an interaction between biological and environmental influences. This is also true for the differences between men and women concerning sexual orientation. Sexual differentiation is mediated by three groups of biological mechanisms: early actions of sex steroids, more direct actions of sex-specific genes not mediated by gonadal sex steroids and epigenetic mechanisms. Differential interactions with parents and conspecifics have additionally long-term influences on behavior. This presentation reviews available evidence indicating that these different mechanisms play a significant role in the control of sexual partner preference in animals and humans, in other words the homosexual versus heterosexual orientation. Clinical and epidemiological studies of phenotypically selected populations indicate that early actions of hormones and genetic factors clearly contribute to the determination of sexual orientation. The maternal embryonic environment also modifies the incidence of male homosexuality via immunological mechanisms. The relative contribution of each of these mechanisms remains however to be determined.
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13
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Willems M, Gies I, Van Saen D. Germ cell loss in Klinefelter syndrome: When and why? AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 184:356-370. [PMID: 32412180 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is a quite common disorder with an incidence of 1-2 in 1,000 new-born males. Most patients are diagnosed in the light of a clinical checkup when consulting a fertility clinic with an unfulfilled child wish. Infertility in KS patients is caused by a massive germ cell loss, leading to azoospermia in more than 90% of the adult patients. Most seminiferous tubules in the adult KS testis are degenerated or hyalinized and testicular fibrosis can be observed, starting from puberty. However, focal spermatogenesis can be found in the testis of some patients. This offers the opportunity to extract spermatozoa from the testis by testicular sperm extraction (TESE). Nevertheless, TESE is only successful in about half of the KS adults seeking to father children. The reason for the germ cell loss remains unclear. To date, it is still debated whether the testicular tissue changes and the germ cell loss seen in KS is directly caused by an altered X-linked gene expression, the altered somatic environment, or a deficiency in the germ cells. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge about the germ cell loss in KS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margo Willems
- Biology of the Testis (BITE) Laboratory, Department of Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Inge Gies
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dorien Van Saen
- Biology of the Testis (BITE) Laboratory, Department of Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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14
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Deng J, Zhang H, Li C, Huang H, Liu S, Yang H, Xie K, Wang Q, Lei D, Wu J. 46,XX Testicular Disorders of Sex Development With DMD Gene Mutation: First Case Report Identified Prenatally by Integrated Analyses in China. Front Genet 2020; 10:1350. [PMID: 32153624 PMCID: PMC7045042 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study describes the first prenatally diagnosed 46,XX testicular disorders of sex development (46,XX testicular DSD) case with DMD gene mutation by integrated analyses in a Chinese pedigree. Chromosome karyotype G-banding analysis of the proband showed a 46,XX karyotype, but B-ultrasound analysis demonstrated the existence of scrotum, testis and penis which inferred a male sexual differentiation. Aneuploidy and copy number variation (CNV) detection by low-coverage single-end whole genome sequencing (WGS) revealed a de novo SRY (sex-determining region Y) gene positive fragment of 224.34 kb length (chrY:2,649,472-2,873,810) which explained the gonadal/genital-chromosomal inconsistency in the proband. Additionally, targeted-region-capture-based DMD gene sequencing and Sanger verification confirmed a widely reported pathogenic heterozygous nonsense mutation (NM_004006, c.9100C>T, p.Arg3034Ter) in the dystrophin-coding gene named DMD. This study emphasizes that integrated analyses of the imaging results, cytogenetics, and molecular features can play an important role in prenatal diagnosis. It requires the combination of more detection techniques with higher resolution than karyotyping to determine the genetic and biological sex of fetuses in prenatal diagnosis. To conclusively determine both the biological and genetic sex of the fetus at the time of prenatal diagnosis particularly in cases that involve X-linked conditions is of vital importance, which would crucially influence the decision-making regarding abortions. This study will help in prenatal diagnosis of DMD in future, also providing a new perspective that enables the genetic diagnosis of sex reversal in pregnancy. Moreover, genetic counseling/analysis for early diagnosis and pre-symptom interventions are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlian Deng
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haoqing Zhang
- Center of Prenatal Diagnosis, Chenzhou No.1 People's Hospital, Hunan, China
| | - Caiyun Li
- Center of Prenatal Diagnosis, Chenzhou No.1 People's Hospital, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Huang
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Saijun Liu
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huanming Yang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.,James D. Watson Institute of Genome Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kaili Xie
- Division of Obstetrics,Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Hunan, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Genetic Eugenics Division, The Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Changde City, Hunan, China
| | - Dongzhu Lei
- Center of Prenatal Diagnosis, Chenzhou No.1 People's Hospital, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Wu
- BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
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15
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Kinjo K, Yoshida T, Kobori Y, Okada H, Suzuki E, Ogata T, Miyado M, Fukami M. Random X chromosome inactivation in patients with Klinefelter syndrome. Mol Cell Pediatr 2020; 7:1. [PMID: 31974854 PMCID: PMC6979883 DOI: 10.1186/s40348-020-0093-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is an indispensable process in the development of human female embryos. Reportedly, XCI occurs when a blastocyst contains 10–12 embryonic progenitor cells. To date, it remains unclear whether XCI ratios are normally preserved in Klinefelter syndrome (KS) patients with 47,XXY karyotype. Methods We examined XCI ratios in 18 KS patients through DNA methylation analysis for the polymorphic trinucleotide locus in the AR gene. The results of the KS patients were compared to previous data from healthy young women. Results XCI ratios in KS patients followed a normal distribution. Skewed XCI was observed in two patients, one of whom exhibited extremely skewed XCI. The frequencies of skewed and extremely skewed XCI in the KS cohort were comparable to those in healthy women. Conclusion This study confirmed the rarity of skewed XCI in KS patients. These results indicate that the presence of a supernumerary X chromosome during the cleavage and early blastocyst stages does not affect the developmental tempo of embryos. Our data deserve further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Kinjo
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tomoko Yoshida
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Advanced Pediatric Medicine, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshitomo Kobori
- Department of Urology, Saitama Medical Center, Dokkyo Medical University, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Okada
- Department of Urology, Saitama Medical Center, Dokkyo Medical University, Koshigaya, Japan
| | - Erina Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Ogata
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Mami Miyado
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maki Fukami
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan.
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16
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Lambert NC. Nonendocrine mechanisms of sex bias in rheumatic diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2019; 15:673-686. [PMID: 31597952 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-019-0307-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatic diseases affect a wide range of individuals of all ages, but the most common diseases occur more frequently in women than in men, at ratios of up to ten women to one man. Despite a growing number of studies on sex bias in rheumatic diseases, sex-specific health care is limited and sex specificity is not systematically integrated into treatment regimens. Women and men differ in three major biological points: the number of X chromosomes per cell, the type and quantities of sex hormones present and the ability to be pregnant, all of which have immunological consequences. Could a greater understanding of these differences lead to a new era of personalized sex-specific medicine? This Review focuses on the main genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that have been put forward to explain sex bias in rheumatic diseases, including X chromosome inactivation, sex chromosome aneuploidy and microchimerism. The influence of sex hormones is not discussed in detail in this Review, as it has been well described elsewhere. Understanding the sex-specific factors that contribute to the initiation and progression of rheumatic diseases will enable progress to be made in the diagnosis, treatment and management of all patients with these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie C Lambert
- INSERM UMRs 1097 Arthrites Autoimmunes, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France.
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17
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Schurz H, Salie M, Tromp G, Hoal EG, Kinnear CJ, Möller M. The X chromosome and sex-specific effects in infectious disease susceptibility. Hum Genomics 2019; 13:2. [PMID: 30621780 PMCID: PMC6325731 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-018-0185-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The X chromosome and X-linked variants have largely been ignored in genome-wide and candidate association studies of infectious diseases due to the complexity of statistical analysis of the X chromosome. This exclusion is significant, since the X chromosome contains a high density of immune-related genes and regulatory elements that are extensively involved in both the innate and adaptive immune responses. Many diseases present with a clear sex bias, and apart from the influence of sex hormones and socioeconomic and behavioural factors, the X chromosome, X-linked genes and X chromosome inactivation mechanisms contribute to this difference. Females are functional mosaics for X-linked genes due to X chromosome inactivation and this, combined with other X chromosome inactivation mechanisms such as genes that escape silencing and skewed inactivation, could contribute to an immunological advantage for females in many infections. In this review, we discuss the involvement of the X chromosome and X inactivation in immunity and address its role in sexual dimorphism of infectious diseases using tuberculosis susceptibility as an example, in which male sex bias is clear, yet not fully explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiko Schurz
- DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Tuberculosis Bioinformatics Initiative (SATBBI), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Muneeb Salie
- Department of Genetics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105 USA
| | - Gerard Tromp
- DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Tuberculosis Bioinformatics Initiative (SATBBI), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Eileen G. Hoal
- DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Craig J. Kinnear
- DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marlo Möller
- DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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18
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Skewed X-inactivation is common in the general female population. Eur J Hum Genet 2018; 27:455-465. [PMID: 30552425 PMCID: PMC6460563 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-018-0291-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
X-inactivation is a well-established dosage compensation mechanism ensuring that X-chromosomal genes are expressed at comparable levels in males and females. Skewed X-inactivation is often explained by negative selection of one of the alleles. We demonstrate that imbalanced expression of the paternal and maternal X-chromosomes is common in the general population and that the random nature of the X-inactivation mechanism can be sufficient to explain the imbalance. To this end, we analyzed blood-derived RNA and whole-genome sequencing data from 79 female children and their parents from the Genome of the Netherlands project. We calculated the median ratio of the paternal over total counts at all X-chromosomal heterozygous single-nucleotide variants with coverage ≥10. We identified two individuals where the same X-chromosome was inactivated in all cells. Imbalanced expression of the two X-chromosomes (ratios ≤0.35 or ≥0.65) was observed in nearly 50% of the population. The empirically observed skewing is explained by a theoretical model where X-inactivation takes place in an embryonic stage in which eight cells give rise to the hematopoietic compartment. Genes escaping X-inactivation are expressed from both alleles and therefore demonstrate less skewing than inactivated genes. Using this characteristic, we identified three novel escapee genes (SSR4, REPS2, and SEPT6), but did not find support for many previously reported escapee genes in blood. Our collective data suggest that skewed X-inactivation is common in the general population. This may contribute to manifestation of symptoms in carriers of recessive X-linked disorders. We recommend that X-inactivation results should not be used lightly in the interpretation of X-linked variants.
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19
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Study Design and Rationale for the Mood and Methylation Study: A Platform for Multi-Omics Investigation of Depression in Twins. Twin Res Hum Genet 2018; 21:507-513. [DOI: 10.1017/thg.2018.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Major depression is a complex disorder with no single, direct causal mechanism. Morbidity has been linked to genetic processes, developmental history, and unique environmental exposures. Epigenetic mechanisms, especially DNA methylation, are also likely important factors in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). A community-based twin sample has many advantages for epigenetic studies, given the shared genetic and developmental histories of same-sex twin pairs. This article describes the rationale and study design for the Mood and Methylation Study in which 133 twin pairs (101 monozygotic and 32 dizygotic), both discordant and concordant for lifetime history of MDD, were evaluated on a large number of variables related to MDD. The twins also provided blood samples for an epigenome-wide association study of differentially methylated regions (DMR) relevant to MDD. Although MDD is typically considered a disorder of the central nervous system, it is unfeasible to obtain a large sample of brain tissues. However, epigenetic variation is not limited to the affected tissue but can also be detected in peripheral blood leukocytes. Thus, this study focused on monocytes for the major analyses. Additional plans for the study include gene expression analysis from the same set of twins using RNA-seq and validation of significant DMRs in postmortem brain tissues from a separate sample. Moreover, sufficient samples have been collected to perform future ‘multi-omic’ analyses, including metabolome, microbiome, and transcriptome. Our long-term goal is to understand how epigenomic and other ‘omic’ factors can be manipulated for diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic purposes for MDD and its related conditions.
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20
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Roy SW. Intragenomic Conflict and Immune Tolerance: Do Selfish X-Linked Alleles Drive Skewed X Chromosome Inactivation? Genome Biol Evol 2018; 10:857-862. [PMID: 29092048 PMCID: PMC5861445 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evx221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammalian females, diploid somatic cells contain two X chromosomes, one of which is transcriptionally silenced, in a process termed X chromosome inactivation (XCI). Whereas XCI is largely random in placental females, many women exhibit skewed XCI (SXCI), in which the vast majority cells have the same X chromosome inactivated. SXCI has serious health consequences, associated with conditions ranging from Alzheimer’s to various autoimmune disorders. SXCI is also associated with outcomes of pregnancies, with higher rates of recurrent spontaneous abortion in women with SXCI. Here, I suggest that SXCI could be driven by selfish X-linked alleles. Consistent with the association of SXCI with autoimmunity, I first note the possibility that recurrent spontaneous abortion could reflect immune rejection of fetuses inheriting alleles from the largely silenced maternal X chromosome. Preferential abortion of fetuses carrying silenced X-linked alleles implies a transmission advantage for X-linked alleles on the largely expressed chromosome, which could drive the emergence of X-linked alleles that make the chromosome resistant to XCI. I discuss the evolutionary dynamics, fitness tradeoffs and implications of this hypothesis, and suggest future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott W Roy
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University
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21
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Viggiano E, Picillo E, Ergoli M, Cirillo A, Del Gaudio S, Politano L. Skewed X-chromosome inactivation plays a crucial role in the onset of symptoms in carriers of Becker muscular dystrophy. J Gene Med 2017; 19. [PMID: 28316128 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder affecting approximately 1: 18.000 male births. Female carriers are usually asymptomatic, although 2.5-18% may present muscle or heart symptoms. In the present study, the role of the X chromosome inactivation (XCI) on the onset of symptoms in BMD carriers was analysed and compared with the pattern observed in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) carriers. METHODS XCI was determined on the lymphocytes of 36 BMD carriers (both symptomatic and not symptomatic) from 11 families requiring genetic advice at the Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics of the Second University of Naples, using the AR methylation-based assay. Carriers were subdivided into two groups, according to age above or below 50 years. Seven females from the same families known as noncarriers were used as controls. A Student's t-test for nonpaired data was performed to evaluate the differences observed in the XCI values between asymptomatic and symptomatic carriers, and carriers aged above or below 50 years. A Pearson correlation test was used to evaluate the inheritance of the XCI pattern in 19 mother-daughter pairs. RESULTS The results showed that symptomatic BMD carriers had a skewed XCI with a preferential inactivation of the X chromosome carrying the normal allele, whereas the asymptomatic carriers and controls showed a random XCI. No concordance concerning the XCI pattern was observed between mothers and related daughters. CONCLUSIONS The data obtained in the present study suggest that the onset of symptoms in BMD carriers is related to a skewed XCI, as observed in DMD carriers. Furthermore, they showed no concordance in the XCI pattern inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Viggiano
- Cardiomiology and Medical Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Esther Picillo
- Cardiomiology and Medical Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Manuela Ergoli
- Cardiomiology and Medical Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cirillo
- Section of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology 'A. Cascino', Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Del Gaudio
- Section of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology 'A. Cascino', Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Luisa Politano
- Cardiomiology and Medical Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania, Naples, Italy
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22
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Veyrunes F, Perez J. X inactivation in a mammal species with three sex chromosomes. Chromosoma 2017; 127:261-267. [PMID: 29256059 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-017-0657-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
X inactivation is a fundamental mechanism in eutherian mammals to restore a balance of X-linked gene products between XY males and XX females. However, it has never been extensively studied in a eutherian species with a sex determination system that deviates from the ubiquitous XX/XY. In this study, we explore the X inactivation process in the African pygmy mouse Mus minutoides, that harbours a polygenic sex determination with three sex chromosomes: Y, X, and a feminizing mutant X, named X*; females can thus be XX, XX*, or X*Y, and all males are XY. Using immunofluorescence, we investigated histone modification patterns between the two X chromosome types. We found that the X and X* chromosomes are randomly inactivated in XX* females, while no histone modifications were detected in X*Y females. Furthermore, in M. minutoides, X and X* chromosomes are fused to different autosomes, and we were able to show that the X inactivation never spreads into the autosomal segments. Evaluation of X inactivation by immunofluorescence is an excellent quantitative procedure, but it is only applicable when there is a structural difference between the two chromosomes that allows them to be distinguished.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Veyrunes
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution, ISEM UMR 5554 (CNRS / Université Montpellier / IRD / EPHE), Montpellier, France.
| | - Julie Perez
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution, ISEM UMR 5554 (CNRS / Université Montpellier / IRD / EPHE), Montpellier, France
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23
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Lyu C, Shen J, Zhang J, Xue F, Liu X, Liu W, Fu R, Zhang L, Li H, Zhang D, Zhang X, Cheng T, Yang R, Zhang L. The State of Skewed X Chromosome Inactivation is Retained in the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from a Female with Hemophilia B. Stem Cells Dev 2017; 26:1003-1011. [PMID: 28401797 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2016.0323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Skewed X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is a rare reason for hemophilia B in females. It is indefinite whether X chromosome reactivation (XCR) would occur when cells of hemophilia B patients with skewed XCI were reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In this study, we investigated a female hemophilia B patient with a known F9 gene mutation: c.676C>T, p.Arg226Trp. We demonstrated that skewed XCI was the pathogenesis of the patient, and we successfully generated numerous iPSC colonies of the patient from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs), which was the first time for generating hemophilia-specific iPSCs from PBMNCs. Then we detected the XCI state of these iPSCs. Ninety-two iPSC lines were picked for XCI analysis. All of them retained an inactive X chromosome, which could be proved by amplification of the androgen receptor gene and XIST (X inactivation-specific transcript), expression of H3K27me3, and existence of XIST clouds in XIST RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. We attempted to obtain iPSC lines with the wild-type F9 gene on the active X chromosome for further disease treatment. But it turned out that the patient's iPSCs were still skewed such as the somatic cells with 92 iPSC lines having mutant F9 on the active X chromosome. In conclusion, skewed XCI is one reason for hemophilia in females. PBMNCs are excellent somatic cell resources for hemophilia patients to do reprogramming. More attentions should be paid to generate naive iPSCs with two active X chromosomes for further clinical disease treatment. The state of skewed XCI is retained in the iPSCs from a female with hemophilia B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuicui Lyu
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Disease Hospital , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China .,2 Department of Hematology, The First Central Hospital of Tianjin , Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Shen
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Disease Hospital , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Jianping Zhang
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Disease Hospital , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Feng Xue
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Disease Hospital , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaofan Liu
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Disease Hospital , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Liu
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Disease Hospital , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Rongfeng Fu
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Disease Hospital , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Liyan Zhang
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Disease Hospital , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Huiyuan Li
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Disease Hospital , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Donglei Zhang
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Disease Hospital , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaobing Zhang
- 3 Division of Regenerative Medicine MC1528B, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University , Loma Linda, California
| | - Tao Cheng
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Disease Hospital , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Renchi Yang
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Disease Hospital , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Disease Hospital , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
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Shi X, Xie X, Jia Y, Li S. Maternal genetic polymorphisms and unexplained recurrent miscarriage: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Genet 2016; 91:265-284. [PMID: 27792840 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 10/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- X. Shi
- Division of Reproductive Medical Center; West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University; Chengdu, Sichuan China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children; West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University; Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - X. Xie
- Department of Cardiology; West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Chengdu China
| | - Y. Jia
- Division of Reproductive Medical Center; West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University; Chengdu, Sichuan China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children; West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University; Chengdu, Sichuan China
| | - S. Li
- Division of Reproductive Medical Center; West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University; Chengdu, Sichuan China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children; West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University; Chengdu, Sichuan China
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Kropatsch R, Akkad DA, Frank M, Rosenhagen C, Altmüller J, Nürnberg P, Epplen JT, Dekomien G. A large deletion in RPGR causes XLPRA in Weimaraner dogs. Canine Genet Epidemiol 2016; 3:7. [PMID: 27398221 PMCID: PMC4938961 DOI: 10.1186/s40575-016-0037-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) belongs to a group of inherited retinal disorders associated with gradual vision impairment due to degeneration of retinal photoreceptors in various dog breeds. PRA is highly heterogeneous, with autosomal dominant, recessive or X-linked modes of inheritance. In this study we used exome sequencing to investigate the molecular genetic basis of a new type of PRA, which occurred spontaneously in a litter of German short-hair Weimaraner dogs. Results Whole exome sequencing in two PRA-affected Weimaraner dogs identified a large deletion comprising the first four exons of the X-linked retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene known to be involved in human retinitis pigmentosa and canine PRA. Screening of 16 individuals in the corresponding pedigree of short-hair Weimaraners by qPCR, verified the deletion in hemizygous or heterozygous state in one male and six female dogs, respectively. The mutation was absent in 88 additional unrelated Weimaraners. The deletion was not detectable in the parents of one older female which transmitted the mutation to her offspring, indicating that the RPGR deletion represents a de novo mutation concerning only recent generations of the Weimaraner breed in Germany. Conclusion Our results demonstrate the value of an existing DNA biobank combined with exome sequencing to identify the underlying genetic cause of a spontaneously occurring inherited disease. Identification of the genetic cause has allowed the development of a diagnostic test, which should help to eradicate the PRA causing mutation from the respective canine line. Thus, planning of future pairings is facilitated and manifestation of this type of PRA can be prevented. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40575-016-0037-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Kropatsch
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Denis A Akkad
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Matthias Frank
- Kleintierklinik Frank, Mooswaldallee 10 i, 79108 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Rosenhagen
- Tierärztliche Überweisungspraxis, Lortzingstraße 12, 28209 Bremen, Germany
| | - Janine Altmüller
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Weyertal 115 b, 50931 Cologne, Germany ; Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter Nürnberg
- Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Weyertal 115 b, 50931 Cologne, Germany ; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Robert-Koch Str. 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany ; Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 26, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Jörg T Epplen
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany ; Faculty of Health, University Witten-Herdecke, Alfred-Herrhausen-Strasse 50, 58448 Witten, Germany
| | - Gabriele Dekomien
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
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Kanaan SB, Onat OE, Balandraud N, Martin GV, Nelson JL, Azzouz DF, Auger I, Arnoux F, Martin M, Roudier J, Ozcelik T, Lambert NC. Evaluation of X Chromosome Inactivation with Respect to HLA Genetic Susceptibility in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Sclerosis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158550. [PMID: 27355582 PMCID: PMC4927113 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic sclerosis (SSc) are characterized by a strong genetic susceptibility from the Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) locus. Additionally, disorders of epigenetic processes, in particular non-random X chromosome inactivation (XCI), have been reported in many female-predominant autoimmune diseases. Here we test the hypothesis that women with RA or SSc who are strongly genetically predisposed are less susceptible to XCI bias. Methods Using methylation sensitive genotyping of the androgen receptor (AR) gene, XCI profiles were performed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 161 women with RA, 96 women with SSc and 100 healthy women. HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 were genotyped. Presence of specific autoantibodies was documented for patients. XCI skewing was defined as having a ratio ≥ 80:20 of cells inactivating the same X chromosome. Results 110 women with RA, 68 women with SSc, and 69 controls were informative for the AR polymorphism. Among them 40.9% of RA patients and 36.8% of SSc patients had skewed XCI compared to 17.4% of healthy women (P = 0.002 and 0.018, respectively). Presence of RA-susceptibility alleles coding for the “shared epitope” correlated with higher skewing among RA patients (P = 0.002) and such correlation was not observed in other women, healthy or with SSc. Presence of SSc-susceptibility alleles did not correlate with XCI patterns among SSc patients. Conclusion Data demonstrate XCI skewing in both RA and SSc compared to healthy women. Unexpectedly, skewed XCI occurs more often in women with RA carrying the shared epitope, which usually reflects severe disease. This reinforces the view that loss of mosaicism in peripheral blood may be a consequence of chronic autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami B. Kanaan
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) UMRs1097, Scientific Park of Luminy, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Onur E. Onat
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nathalie Balandraud
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) UMRs1097, Scientific Park of Luminy, Marseille, France
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital Sainte Marguerite, AP-HM, Marseille, France
| | - Gabriel V. Martin
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) UMRs1097, Scientific Park of Luminy, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - J. Lee Nelson
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Doua F. Azzouz
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) UMRs1097, Scientific Park of Luminy, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Isabelle Auger
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) UMRs1097, Scientific Park of Luminy, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Fanny Arnoux
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) UMRs1097, Scientific Park of Luminy, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Marielle Martin
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) UMRs1097, Scientific Park of Luminy, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Jean Roudier
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) UMRs1097, Scientific Park of Luminy, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital Sainte Marguerite, AP-HM, Marseille, France
| | - Tayfun Ozcelik
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nathalie C. Lambert
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) UMRs1097, Scientific Park of Luminy, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- * E-mail:
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27
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Viggiano E, Ergoli M, Picillo E, Politano L. Determining the role of skewed X-chromosome inactivation in developing muscle symptoms in carriers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Hum Genet 2016; 135:685-98. [PMID: 27098336 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-016-1666-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne and Becker dystrophinopathies (DMD and BMD) are X-linked recessive disorders caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene that lead to absent or reduced expression of dystrophin in both skeletal and heart muscles. DMD/BMD female carriers are usually asymptomatic, although about 8 % may exhibit muscle or cardiac symptoms. Several mechanisms leading to a reduced dystrophin have been hypothesized to explain the clinical manifestations and, in particular, the role of the skewed XCI is questioned. In this review, the mechanism of XCI and its involvement in the phenotype of BMD/DMD carriers with both a normal karyotype or with X;autosome translocations with breakpoints at Xp21 (locus of the DMD gene) will be analyzed. We have previously observed that DMD carriers with moderate/severe muscle involvement, exhibit a moderate or extremely skewed XCI, in particular if presenting with an early onset of symptoms, while DMD carriers with mild muscle involvement present a random XCI. Moreover, we found that among 87.1 % of the carriers with X;autosome translocations involving the locus Xp21 who developed signs and symptoms of dystrophinopathy such as proximal muscle weakness, difficulty to run, jump and climb stairs, 95.2 % had a skewed XCI pattern in lymphocytes. These data support the hypothesis that skewed XCI is involved in the onset of phenotype in DMD carriers, the X chromosome carrying the normal DMD gene being preferentially inactivated and leading to a moderate-severe muscle involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Viggiano
- Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, I Policlinico, Second University of Naples, Piazza Miraglia, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Manuela Ergoli
- Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, I Policlinico, Second University of Naples, Piazza Miraglia, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Esther Picillo
- Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, I Policlinico, Second University of Naples, Piazza Miraglia, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Luisa Politano
- Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, I Policlinico, Second University of Naples, Piazza Miraglia, 80138, Naples, Italy.
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28
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Echevarria L, Benistan K, Toussaint A, Dubourg O, Hagege A, Eladari D, Jabbour F, Beldjord C, De Mazancourt P, Germain D. X-chromosome inactivation in female patients with Fabry disease. Clin Genet 2015; 89:44-54. [DOI: 10.1111/cge.12613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Revised: 05/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Echevarria
- Division of Medical Genetics; University of Versailles; Montigny France
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP); Referral Center for Fabry Disease and Inherited Disorders of Connective Tissue; Garches France
| | - K. Benistan
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP); Referral Center for Fabry Disease and Inherited Disorders of Connective Tissue; Garches France
| | - A. Toussaint
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; University Paris V Descartes; Paris France
| | - O. Dubourg
- Department of Cardiology; University of Versailles; Boulogne France
| | - A.A. Hagege
- Department of Cardiology, HEGP (APHP); Paris France
| | - D. Eladari
- Department of Physiology, HEGP (APHP); University Paris V Descartes; Paris France
| | - F. Jabbour
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP); Referral Center for Fabry Disease and Inherited Disorders of Connective Tissue; Garches France
| | - C. Beldjord
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; University Paris V Descartes; Paris France
| | - P. De Mazancourt
- UFR des sciences de la santé; University of Versailles; Montigny France
| | - D.P. Germain
- Division of Medical Genetics; University of Versailles; Montigny France
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP); Referral Center for Fabry Disease and Inherited Disorders of Connective Tissue; Garches France
- UFR des sciences de la santé; University of Versailles; Montigny France
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Rietveld L, Stuss DP, McPhee D, Delaney KR. Genotype-specific effects of Mecp2 loss-of-function on morphology of Layer V pyramidal neurons in heterozygous female Rett syndrome model mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:145. [PMID: 25941473 PMCID: PMC4403522 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a progressive neurological disorder primarily caused by mutations in the X-linked gene methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2). The heterozygous female brain consists of mosaic of neurons containing both wild-type MeCP2 (MeCP2+) and mutant MeCP2 (MeCP2-). Three-dimensional morphological analysis was performed on individually genotyped layer V pyramidal neurons in the primary motor cortex of heterozygous (Mecp2(+/-) ) and wild-type (Mecp2(+/+) ) female mice ( > 6 mo.) from the Mecp2(tm1.1Jae) line. Comparing basal dendrite morphology, soma and nuclear size of MeCP2+ to MeCP2- neurons reveals a significant cell autonomous, genotype specific effect of Mecp2. MeCP2- neurons have 15% less total basal dendritic length, predominantly in the region 70-130 μm from the cell body and on average three fewer branch points, specifically loss in the second and third branch orders. Soma and nuclear areas of neurons of mice were analyzed across a range of ages (5-21 mo.) and X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) ratios (12-56%). On average, MeCP2- somata and nuclei were 15 and 13% smaller than MeCP2+ neurons respectively. In most respects branching morphology of neurons in wild-type brains (MeCP2 WT) was not distinguishable from MeCP2+ but somata and nuclei of MeCP2 WT neurons were larger than those of MeCP2+ neurons. These data reveal cell autonomous effects of Mecp2 mutation on dendritic morphology, but also suggest non-cell autonomous effects with respect to cell size. MeCP2+ and MeCP2- neuron sizes were not correlated with age, but were correlated with XCI ratio. Unexpectedly the MeCP2- neurons were smallest in brains where the XCI ratio was highly skewed toward MeCP2+, i.e., wild-type. This raises the possibility of cell non-autonomous effects that act through mechanisms other than globally secreted factors; perhaps competition for synaptic connections influences cell size and morphology in the genotypically mosaic brain of RTT model mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Rietveld
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - David P Stuss
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - David McPhee
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Kerry R Delaney
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria Victoria, BC, Canada
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30
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X-chromosome inactivation in female newborns conceived by assisted reproductive technologies. Fertil Steril 2014; 101:1718-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Revised: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Jiang W, Gilkeson G. Sex Differences in monocytes and TLR4 associated immune responses; implications for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 1:1. [PMID: 25309746 DOI: 10.7243/2055-2394-1-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
It has been shown that TLR7 and TLR9 signaling play a role in SLE pathogenesis. Our recent study revealed that estrogen receptor α knockout mice have impaired inflammatory responses to TLR3, TLR4, TLR7 and TLR9 ligand stimulation in DCs, B cells and whole spleen cells. These findings indicate that estrogen receptor mediated signaling may impact universal TLR responsiveness. Whether estrogen has a direct or indirect effect on TLR responsiveness by immune cells is not clear. There is evidence of a role of TLR4 in SLE disease pathogenesis, such as the kidney damage, the induction of CD40 and autoantibodies, the suppression of regulatory T cells, and the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) in SLE pathogenesis that can be induced by TLR4-mediated monocyte activation, suggesting that TLR4 and TLR4 responsiveness are also important for SLE disease. This review will focus on TLR4 responses and monocytes, which are understudied in systemic autoimmune diseases such as SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jiang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina
| | - Gary Gilkeson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina
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Giliberto F, Radic CP, Luce L, Ferreiro V, de Brasi C, Szijan I. Symptomatic female carriers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD): genetic and clinical characterization. J Neurol Sci 2013; 336:36-41. [PMID: 24135430 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2013.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Revised: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene and is characterized by muscle degeneration and death. DMD affects males; females being asymptomatic carriers of mutations. However, some of them manifest symptoms due to a translocation between X chromosome and an autosome or to a heterozygous mutation leading to inactivation of most of their normal X chromosome. Six symptomatic female carriers and two asymptomatic were analyzed by: I) Segregation of STRs-(CA)n and MLPA assays to detect a hemizygous alteration, and II) X chromosome inactivation pattern to uncover the reason for symptoms in these females. The symptomatic females shared mild but progressive muscular weakness and increased serum creatin kinase (CK) levels. Levels of dystrophin protein were below normal or absent in many fibers. Segregation of STRs-(CA)n revealed hemizygous patterns in three patients, which were confirmed by MLPA. In addition, this analysis showed a duplication in another patient. X chromosome inactivation assay revealed a skewed X inactivation pattern in the symptomatic females and a random inactivation pattern in the asymptomatic ones. Our results support the hypothesis that the DMD phenotype in female carriers of a dystrophin mutation has a direct correlation with a skewed X-chromosome inactivation pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Giliberto
- Genetica y Biologia Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquimica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Pamela Radic
- Laboratorio de Genetica Molecular de Hemofilia, Instituto de Medicina Experimental IMEX, CONICET-Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leonela Luce
- Genetica y Biologia Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquimica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Verónica Ferreiro
- Laboratorio de Genetica Molecular Diagnostica (GENOS S.A.), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos de Brasi
- Laboratorio de Genetica Molecular de Hemofilia, Instituto de Medicina Experimental IMEX, CONICET-Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Irene Szijan
- Genetica y Biologia Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquimica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Daza-Cajigal V, Martínez-Pomar N, Garcia-Alonso A, Heine-Suñer D, Torres S, Vega A, Molina I, Matamoros N. X-linked thrombocytopenia in a female with a complex familial pattern of X-chromosome inactivation. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2013; 51:125-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2013.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Revised: 04/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/14/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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35
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Manoukian S, Verderio P, Tabano S, Colapietro P, Pizzamiglio S, Grati FR, Calvello M, Peissel B, Burn J, Pensotti V, Allemani C, Sirchia SM, Radice P, Miozzo M. X chromosome inactivation pattern in BRCA gene mutation carriers. Eur J Cancer 2013; 49:1136-41. [PMID: 23146957 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2012.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
An association of preferential X chromosome inactivation (XCI) with BRCA gene status and breast/ovarian cancer risk has been reported. We evaluated XCI in a large group of BRCA mutation carriers compared to non-carriers and investigated associations between preferential XCI (⩾90:10) and age, mutated gene, cancer development and chemotherapy. XCI was analysed by human androgen receptor (HUMARA) assay and pyrosequencing in 437 BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers and 445 age-matched controls. The distribution of XCI patterns in the two groups was compared by logistic regression analysis. The association between preferential XCI and selected variables was investigated in both univariate and multivariate fashion. In univariate analyses preferential XCI was not significantly associated with the probability of being a BRCA mutation carrier, nor with cancer status, whereas chemotherapeutic regime and age both showed a significant association. In multivariate analysis only age maintained significance (odds ratio, 1.056; 95% confidence interval, 1.016-1.096). Our findings do not support the usefulness of XCI analysis for the identification of BRCA mutation carriers and cancer risk assessment. The increasing preferential XCI frequency with ageing and the association with chemotherapy justify extending the investigation to other categories of female cancer patients to identify possible X-linked loci implicated in cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siranoush Manoukian
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Preventive and Predictive Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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Juan-Mateu J, Rodríguez MJ, Nascimento A, Jiménez-Mallebrera C, González-Quereda L, Rivas E, Paradas C, Madruga M, Sánchez-Ayaso P, Jou C, González-Mera L, Munell F, Roig-Quilis M, Rabasa M, Hernández-Lain A, Díaz-Manera J, Gallardo E, Pascual J, Verdura E, Colomer J, Baiget M, Olivé M, Gallano P. Prognostic value of X-chromosome inactivation in symptomatic female carriers of dystrophinopathy. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2012; 7:82. [PMID: 23092449 PMCID: PMC3492175 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1172-7-82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 8% and 22% of female carriers of DMD mutations exhibit clinical symptoms of variable severity. Development of symptoms in DMD mutation carriers without chromosomal rearrangements has been attributed to skewed X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) favouring predominant expression of the DMD mutant allele. However the prognostic use of XCI analysis is controversial. We aimed to evaluate the correlation between X-chromosome inactivation and development of clinical symptoms in a series of symptomatic female carriers of dystrophinopathy. METHODS We reviewed the clinical, pathological and genetic features of twenty-four symptomatic carriers covering a wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes. DMD gene analysis was performed using MLPA and whole gene sequencing in blood DNA and muscle cDNA. Blood and muscle DNA was used for X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) analysis thought the AR methylation assay in symptomatic carriers and their female relatives, asymptomatic carriers as well as non-carrier females. RESULTS Symptomatic carriers exhibited 49.2% more skewed XCI profiles than asymptomatic carriers. The extent of XCI skewing in blood tended to increase in line with the severity of muscle symptoms. Skewed XCI patterns were found in at least one first-degree female relative in 78.6% of symptomatic carrier families. No mutations altering XCI in the XIST gene promoter were found. CONCLUSIONS Skewed XCI is in many cases familial inherited. The extent of XCI skewing is related to phenotype severity. However, the assessment of XCI by means of the AR methylation assay has a poor prognostic value, probably because the methylation status of the AR gene in muscle may not reflect in all cases the methylation status of the DMD gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonàs Juan-Mateu
- Servei de Genètica, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain
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Brioschi S, Gualandi F, Scotton C, Armaroli A, Bovolenta M, Falzarano MS, Sabatelli P, Selvatici R, D'Amico A, Pane M, Ricci G, Siciliano G, Tedeschi S, Pini A, Vercelli L, De Grandis D, Mercuri E, Bertini E, Merlini L, Mongini T, Ferlini A. Genetic characterization in symptomatic female DMD carriers: lack of relationship between X-inactivation, transcriptional DMD allele balancing and phenotype. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2012; 13:73. [PMID: 22894145 PMCID: PMC3459813 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2350-13-73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 08/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies, X-linked recessive myopathies, predominantly affect males, a clinically significant proportion of females manifesting symptoms have also been reported. They represent an heterogeneous group characterized by variable degrees of muscle weakness and/or cardiac involvement. Though preferential inactivation of the normal X chromosome has long been considered the principal mechanism behind disease manifestation in these females, supporting evidence is controversial. METHODS Eighteen females showing a mosaic pattern of dystrophin expression on muscle biopsy were recruited and classified as symptomatic (7) or asymptomatic (11), based on the presence or absence of muscle weakness. The causative DMD gene mutations were identified in all cases, and the X-inactivation pattern was assessed in muscle DNA. Transcriptional analysis in muscles was performed in all females, and relative quantification of wild-type and mutated transcripts was also performed in 9 carriers. Dystrophin protein was quantified by immunoblotting in 2 females. RESULTS The study highlighted a lack of relationship between dystrophic phenotype and X-inactivation pattern in females; skewed X-inactivation was found in 2 out of 6 symptomatic carriers and in 5 out of 11 asymptomatic carriers. All females were characterized by biallelic transcription, but no association was found between X-inactivation pattern and allele transcriptional balancing. Either a prevalence of wild-type transcript or equal proportions of wild-type and mutated RNAs was observed in both symptomatic and asymptomatic females. Moreover, very similar levels of total and wild-type transcripts were identified in the two groups of carriers. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study deeply exploring the DMD transcriptional behaviour in a cohort of female carriers. Notably, no relationship between X-inactivation pattern and transcriptional behaviour of DMD gene was observed, suggesting that the two mechanisms are regulated independently. Moreover, neither the total DMD transcript level, nor the relative proportion of the wild-type transcript do correlate with the symptomatic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Brioschi
- Section of Medical Genetics, Department of Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Chromosomal microarray analysis of functional Xq27-qter disomy and deletion 3p26.3 in a boy with Prader–Willi like features and hypotonia. Eur J Med Genet 2012; 55:461-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2012.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Revised: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Pearsall-Jones JG, Piek JP, Rigoli D, Martin NC, Levy F. An Investigation Into Etiological Pathways of DCD and ADHD Using a Monozygotic Twin Design. Twin Res Hum Genet 2012; 12:381-91. [DOI: 10.1375/twin.12.4.381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
AbstractWe previously described a co-twin control design using questionnaire data on monozygotic twins discordant and concordant for developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Our results suggested that DCD and developmental ADHD had different causal pathways, and that second-born twins were at higher risk for oxygen perfusion problems than first-born twins. In the current study we further explored our findings using DNA confirmed zygosity and assessments of 4 female and 10 male sets of monozygotic twins, aged 8 to 17 years, from the first study. Using the McCarron Assessment of Neuromuscular Development (MAND), twice as many second- as first-born twins met criteria for DCD. Second-born twins attained significantly lower scores on 1-minute Apgar, MAND Gross Motor, Bimanual Dexterity and Neuromuscular Development Index. Seven of the nine twins who met criteria for DCD experienced perinatal oxygen perfusion problems. This supported findings in the first study of an association between perinatal oxygen perfusion problems and DCD, and our hypothesis that DCD and cerebral palsy have similar causal pathways. We found similar numbers of males and females discordant for DCD. On telephone interview using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Parent Interview, the only first-, and all five second-born twins who met criteria for ADHD had an inattentive component — three Inattentive; three Combined. All twins positive for ADHD were male. This adds support to our hypothesis that ADHD symptoms found in some participants may reflect secondary ADHD associated with environmental factors, rather than developmental ADHD.
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Bianchi I, Lleo A, Gershwin ME, Invernizzi P. The X chromosome and immune associated genes. J Autoimmun 2011; 38:J187-92. [PMID: 22178198 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2011.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The X chromosome is known to contain the largest number of immune-related genes of the whole human genome. For this reason, X chromosome has recently become subject of great interest and attention and numerous studies have been aimed at understanding the role of genes on the X chromosome in triggering and maintaining the autoimmune aggression. Autoimmune diseases are indeed a growing heath burden affecting cumulatively up to 10% of the general population. It is intriguing that most X-linked primary immune deficiencies carry significant autoimmune manifestations, thus illustrating the critical role played by products of single gene located on the X chromosome in the onset, function and homeostasis of the immune system. Again, the plethora of autoimmune stigmata observed in patients with Turner syndrome, a disease due to the lack of one X chromosome or the presence of major X chromosome deletions, indicate that X-linked genes play a unique and major role in autoimmunity. There have been several reports on a role of X chromosome gene dosage through inactivation or duplication in women with autoimmune diseases, for example through a higher rate of circulating cells with a single X chromosome (i.e. with X monosomy). Finally, a challenge for researchers in the coming years will be to dissect the role for the large number of X-linked microRNAs from the perspective of autoimmune disease development. Taken together, X chromosome might well constitute the common trait of the susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, other than to explain the female preponderance of these conditions. This review will focus on the available evidence on X chromosome changes and discuss their potential implications and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Bianchi
- Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano, Italy
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of genetically heterogeneous diseases with progressive degeneration of the retina. The condition can be inherited as an autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and X-linked trait. METHODS We report on two female twin pairs. One twin of each pair is affected with RP, the other twin is unaffected, both clinically and functionally.Molecular analysis in both twins included zygosity determination, arrayed primer extension chip analysis for autosomal recessive and dominant RP, sequencing of the entire RPGR gene, and analysis of X-chromosome inactivation status. RESULTS Both unrelated twin pairs were genetically identical. Of the potential pathogenetic mechanisms, skewed X-inactivation was excluded on leukocytes. Autosomal recessive RP and autosomal dominant RP arrayed primer extension chip analysis result was completely normal, excluding known mutations in known genes as the cause of disease in the affected twins. Sequencing excluded mutations in RPGR. A postzygotic recessive or dominant genetic mutation of an RP gene is not impossible. A postfertilization error as a potential cause of uniparental isodisomy is unlikely albeit not entirely impossible. CONCLUSION The authors report on the second and third unrelated identical twin pair discordant for RP. The exact cause of the condition and the explanation of the clinical discordance remain elusive.
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The genetics of sex differences in brain and behavior. Front Neuroendocrinol 2011; 32:227-46. [PMID: 20951723 PMCID: PMC3030621 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2010.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2008] [Revised: 10/04/2010] [Accepted: 10/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Biological differences between men and women contribute to many sex-specific illnesses and disorders. Historically, it was argued that such differences were largely, if not exclusively, due to gonadal hormone secretions. However, emerging research has shown that some differences are mediated by mechanisms other than the action of these hormone secretions and in particular by products of genes located on the X and Y chromosomes, which we refer to as direct genetic effects. This paper reviews the evidence for direct genetic effects in behavioral and brain sex differences. We highlight the 'four core genotypes' model and sex differences in the midbrain dopaminergic system, specifically focusing on the role of Sry. We also discuss novel research being done on unique populations including people attracted to the same sex and people with a cross-gender identity. As science continues to advance our understanding of biological sex differences, a new field is emerging that is aimed at better addressing the needs of both sexes: gender-based biology and medicine. Ultimately, the study of the biological basis for sex differences will improve healthcare for both men and women.
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Kloska A, Jakóbkiewicz-Banecka J, Tylki-Szymańska A, Czartoryska B, Węgrzyn G. Female Hunter syndrome caused by a single mutation and familial XCI skewing: implications for other X-linked disorders. Clin Genet 2010; 80:459-65. [PMID: 21062272 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2010.01574.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Familial X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) skewing was investigated in a family in which a female mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) (Hunter syndrome, an X-linked genetic disease) occurred. Among eight related females aged under 60 years from three generations who were tested, four revealed a non-random pattern of XCI. Detailed genetic analysis failed to find mutations in genes that were previously reported as important for the XCI process. Haplotype analysis excluded linkage of non-random XCI with genes localized on the X-chromosome. We propose that analysis of the XCI pattern should be taken into consideration when assessing risk factors for X-linked recessive genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kloska
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdańsk, Poland
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Brix TH, Hansen PS, Kyvik KO, Hegedüs L. The pituitary-thyroid axis set point in women is uninfluenced by X chromosome inactivation pattern? A twin study. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2010; 73:666-70. [PMID: 20718768 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2010.03848.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The pituitary-thyroid axis (PTA) set point is determined by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. However, despite considerable efforts to characterize the background, the causative genes as well as environmental factors are not well established. Theoretically, as shown for autoimmune thyroid disease, the pattern of X chromosome inactivation (XCI) could offer a novel explanation for the observed variability of the PTA set point in women. DESIGN AND PATIENTS To examine the impact of XCI pattern on the PTA set point, we studied whether within-cohort (n = 318 subjects) and within-twin pair (n = 159 pairs) differences in XCI are correlated with serum concentrations of thyrotropin (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4). METHODS X chromosome inactivation was determined by PCR analysis of a polymorphic CAG repeat in the first exon of the androgen receptor gene. Thyroid variables were measured using a solid-phase time-resolved fluoroimmunometric assay. Zygosity was established by DNA fingerprinting. RESULTS In the overall study population (within cohort), no significant correlations were found between TSH [regression coefficient (β) = -0·28 (95% confidence intervals, -0·66 to 0·11), P = 0·158], FT3 [β = -0·25 (-0·85 to 0·34), P = 0·403], FT4 [β = 0·08 (-0·91 to 1·07), P = 0·876] and XCI pattern. Essentially similar results were found in the within-pair analysis. Controlling for confounders such as age, body mass index, smoking and zygosity did not change the findings. CONCLUSIONS In a sample of female twins, we found no evidence of a relationship between XCI pattern and PTA set point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas H Brix
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
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Belligni EF, Palmer RW, Hennekam RCM. MECP2 duplication in a patient with congenital central hypoventilation. Am J Med Genet A 2010; 152A:1591-3. [PMID: 20503343 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.33311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elga F Belligni
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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Pu D, Wu J, Liu J. Skewed X chromosome inactivation may be not associated with premature ovarian failure. Gynecol Endocrinol 2010; 26:423-8. [PMID: 20170342 DOI: 10.3109/09513591003632217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In view of the controversies about the skewed X chromosome inactivation (XCI) and premature ovarian failure (POF) association, a meta-analysis of the published data was performed to evaluate the relationship between XCI skewing and POF. METHODS We searched for all published articles indexed in MEDLINE (1950 approximately 2009) and CNKI (1994 approximately 2009). Any case-control or cohort study that tested the association between skewed XCI and POF was included and data were extracted independently by two reviewers. We performed this meta-analysis involving 325 cases and 403 controls with Review Manager 4.2 software. RESULTS Four eligible studies were selected for meta-analysis. It suggested that there was no significant difference between the incidence of skewed XCI (XCI >or=70% skewing) in POF cases comparing to healthy controls, odds ratio (OR) = 1.13 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.84 approximately 1.53, P = 0.42]. The link between extremely skewed XCI (XCI >or=90% skewing) and POF was also analysed, and no significant difference was found, either, OR = 1.46 (95% CI: 0.79 approximately 2.69, P = 0.22). CONCLUSIONS Skewed XCI had no association with POF. However, more case-control and cohort studies are needed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danhua Pu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Pinto LLC, Vieira TA, Giugliani R, Schwartz IVD. Expression of the disease on female carriers of X-linked lysosomal disorders: a brief review. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2010; 5:14. [PMID: 20509947 PMCID: PMC2889886 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1172-5-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2009] [Accepted: 05/28/2010] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Most lysosomal diseases (LD) are inherited as autosomal recessive traits, but two important conditions have X-linked inheritance: Fabry disease and Mucopolysaccharidosis II (MPS II). These two diseases show a very different pattern regarding expression on heterozygotes, which does not seem to be explained by the X-inactivation mechanism only. While MPS II heterozygotes are asymptomatic in most instances, in Fabry disease most of female carriers show some disease manifestation, which is sometimes severe. It is known that there is a major difference among X-linked diseases depending on the cell autonomy of the gene product involved and, therefore, on the occurrence of cross-correction. Since lysosomal enzymes are usually secreted and uptaken by neighbor cells, the different findings between MPS II and Fabry disease heterozygotes can also be due to different efficiency of cross-correction (higher in MPS II and lower in Fabry disease). In this paper, we review these two X-linked LD in order to discuss the mechanisms that could explain the different rates of penetrance and expressivity observed in the heterozygotes; this could be helpful to better understand the expression of X-linked traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise L C Pinto
- Postgraduate Program in Child and Adolescent Health, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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Brix TH, Hansen PS, Bennedbak FN, Bonnema SJ, Kyvik KO, Ørstavik KH, Hegedüs L. X Chromosome inactivation pattern is not associated with interindividual variations in thyroid volume: a study of euthyroid Danish female twins. Twin Res Hum Genet 2010; 12:502-6. [PMID: 19803777 DOI: 10.1375/twin.12.5.502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Ahigher frequency of skewed X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is found in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) than in controls. Although goitre is often present in AITD, a recent study failed to show an association between XCI and clinically overt nontoxic goitre. However, the etiology of overt goitre is complex, and the mechanisms influencing thyroid volume may involve fewer factors than the mechanisms underlying overt goitre. In order to examine the impact of XCI on thyroid volume in euthyroid females, we studied whether within cohort (n = 138) and within twin pair (n = 69) differences in XCI are correlated with differences in thyroid volume. XCI was determined by PCR analysis of a polymorphic CAG repeat in the first exon of the androgen receptor gene. Thyroid volume was determined by ultrasound. Neither in the within cohort nor in the within twin pair analysis could we demonstrate a statistically significant association between XCI and thyroid volume: Regression coefficient (beta) = 0.023 (95% confidence interval, -0.062-0.108), p = 0.592 and beta = 0.038 (-0.080-0.156), p = 0.521, respectively. Controlling for potential confounders such as zygosity, age, TSH, smoking habits and use of oral contraceptives did not change the findings. In conclusion, in a sample of euthyroid Danish female twins, we found no evidence of a relationship between XCI pattern and thyroid volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Heiberg Brix
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.
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Epilogue: The Diseased Breast Lobe in the Context of X-Chromosome Inactivation and Differentiation Waves. Breast Cancer 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-84996-314-5_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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50
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Invernizzi P, Gershwin ME. The genetics of human autoimmune disease. J Autoimmun 2009; 33:290-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2009.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2009] [Accepted: 07/15/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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