1
|
Desiderio S, Schwaller F, Tartour K, Padmanabhan K, Lewin GR, Carroll P, Marmigere F. Touch receptor end-organ innervation and function require sensory neuron expression of the transcription factor Meis2. eLife 2024; 12:RP89287. [PMID: 38386003 PMCID: PMC10942617 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Touch sensation is primarily encoded by mechanoreceptors, called low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs), with their cell bodies in the dorsal root ganglia. Because of their great diversity in terms of molecular signature, terminal endings morphology, and electrophysiological properties, mirroring the complexity of tactile experience, LTMRs are a model of choice to study the molecular cues differentially controlling neuronal diversification. While the transcriptional codes that define different LTMR subtypes have been extensively studied, the molecular players that participate in their late maturation and in particular in the striking diversity of their end-organ morphological specialization are largely unknown. Here we identified the TALE homeodomain transcription factor Meis2 as a key regulator of LTMRs target-field innervation in mice. Meis2 is specifically expressed in cutaneous LTMRs, and its expression depends on target-derived signals. While LTMRs lacking Meis2 survived and are normally specified, their end-organ innervations, electrophysiological properties, and transcriptome are differentially and markedly affected, resulting in impaired sensory-evoked behavioral responses. These data establish Meis2 as a major transcriptional regulator controlling the orderly formation of sensory neurons innervating peripheral end organs required for light touch.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Desiderio
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM U 1298MontpellierFrance
| | - Frederick Schwaller
- Department of Neuroscience, Max‐Delbrück Centre for Molecular MedicineBerlin‐BuchGermany
| | | | | | - Gary R Lewin
- Department of Neuroscience, Max‐Delbrück Centre for Molecular MedicineBerlin‐BuchGermany
| | - Patrick Carroll
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM U 1298MontpellierFrance
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang B, Liu M, Fong CT, Iqbal MA. MEIS2 (15q14) gene deletions in siblings with mild developmental phenotypes and bifid uvula: documentation of mosaicism in an unaffected parent. Mol Cytogenet 2021; 14:58. [PMID: 34930369 PMCID: PMC8690878 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-021-00570-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
MEIS2 (Meis homeobox 2) encodes a homeobox protein in the three amino acid loop extension (TALE) family of highly conserved homeodomain-containing transcription regulators important for development. MEIS2 deletions/mutations have been associated with cleft lip/palate, dysmorphic facial features, cardiac defects, as well as intellectual disability at a variable severity. Here we report on one familial case that two affected siblings carry the same non-mosaic ~ 423 kb genomic deletion at 15q14 encompassing the entirety of CDIN1 and the last three exons (ex. 10, 11, 12) of the MEIS2 gene, while their unaffected father is mosaic for the same deletion in about 10% lymphocytes. Both siblings presented with mild developmental delay and bifid uvula, while no congenital cardiac abnormalities were identified. The elder sister also showed syncopal episodes and mild speech delay and the father had atrial septal defects. This is the first report showing multiple family members inherit a genomic deletion resulting in a MEIS2 partial truncation from a mosaic parent. Taken all together, this study has important implications for genetic counseling regarding recurrence risk and also points to the importance of offering MEIS2 gene tests covering both point mutations and microdeletions to individuals with milder bifid uvula and developmental delay.
Collapse
|
3
|
Genomic Aberrations Associated with the Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092317. [PMID: 34571966 PMCID: PMC8470284 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic studies are increasingly revealing that neurodevelopmental disorders are caused by underlying genomic alterations. Chromosomal microarray testing has been used to reliably detect minute changes in genomic copy numbers. The genes located in the aberrated regions identified in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders may be associated with the phenotypic features. In such cases, haploinsufficiency is considered to be the mechanism, when the deletion of a gene is related to neurodevelopmental delay. The loss-of-function mutation in such genes may be evaluated using next-generation sequencing. On the other hand, the patients with increased copy numbers of the genes may exhibit different clinical symptoms compared to those with loss-of-function mutation in the genes. In such cases, the additional copies of the genes are considered to have a dominant negative effect, inducing cell stress. In other cases, not the copy number changes, but mutations of the genes are responsible for causing the clinical symptoms. This can be explained by the dominant negative effects of the gene mutations. Currently, the diagnostic yield of genomic alterations using comprehensive analysis is less than 50%, indicating the existence of more subtle alterations or genomic changes in the untranslated regions. Copy-neutral inversions and insertions may be related. Hence, better analytical algorithms specialized for the detection of such alterations are required for higher diagnostic yields.
Collapse
|
4
|
Fabik J, Kovacova K, Kozmik Z, Machon O. Neural crest cells require Meis2 for patterning the mandibular arch via the Sonic hedgehog pathway. Biol Open 2020; 9:9/6/bio052043. [PMID: 32616504 PMCID: PMC7331463 DOI: 10.1242/bio.052043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cranial neural crest cells (cNCCs) originate in the anterior neural tube and populate pharyngeal arches in which they contribute to formation of bone and cartilage. This cell population also provides molecular signals for the development of tissues of non-neural crest origin, such as the tongue muscles, teeth enamel or gland epithelium. Here we show that the transcription factor Meis2 is expressed in the oral region of the first pharyngeal arch (PA1) and later in the tongue primordium. Conditional inactivation of Meis2 in cNCCs resulted in loss of Sonic hedgehog signalling in the oropharyngeal epithelium and impaired patterning of PA1 along the lateral-medial and oral-aboral axis. Failure of molecular specification of PA1, illustrated by altered expression of Hand1/2, Dlx5, Barx1, Gsc and other markers, led to hypoplastic tongue and ectopic ossification of the mandible. Meis2-mutant mice thus display craniofacial defects that are reminiscent of several human syndromes and patients with mutations in the Meis2 gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Fabik
- Department of Developmental Biology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Praha, Czech Republic.,Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Katarina Kovacova
- Department of Developmental Biology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Zbynek Kozmik
- Laboratory of Transcriptional Regulation, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Machon
- Department of Developmental Biology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Praha, Czech Republic .,Laboratory of Transcriptional Regulation, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Praha, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu H, Barnes J, Pedrosa E, Herman NS, Salas F, Wang P, Zheng D, Lachman HM. Transcriptome analysis of neural progenitor cells derived from Lowe syndrome induced pluripotent stem cells: identification of candidate genes for the neurodevelopmental and eye manifestations. J Neurodev Disord 2020; 12:14. [PMID: 32393163 PMCID: PMC7212686 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-020-09317-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lowe syndrome (LS) is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the X-linked gene OCRL, which codes for an inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase that plays a key role in endosome recycling, clathrin-coated pit formation, and actin polymerization. It is characterized by congenital cataracts, intellectual and developmental disability, and renal proximal tubular dysfunction. Patients are also at high risk for developing glaucoma and seizures. We recently developed induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from three patients with LS who have hypomorphic variants affecting the 3' end of the gene, and their neurotypical brothers to serve as controls. METHODS In this study, we used RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to obtain transcriptome profiles in LS and control neural progenitor cells (NPCs). RESULTS In a comparison of the patient and control NPCs (n = 3), we found 16 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at the multiple test adjusted p value (padj) < 0.1, with nine at padj < 0.05. Using nominal p value < 0.05, 319 DEGs were detected. The relatively small number of DEGs could be due to the fact that OCRL is not a transcription factor per se, although it could have secondary effects on gene expression through several different mechanisms. Although the number of DEGs passing multiple test correction was small, those that were found are quite consistent with some of the known molecular effects of OCRL protein, and the clinical manifestations of LS. Furthermore, using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), we found that genes increased expression in the patient NPCs showed enrichments of several gene ontology (GO) terms (false discovery rate < 0.25): telencephalon development, pallium development, NPC proliferation, and cortex development, which are consistent with a condition characterized by intellectual disabilities and psychiatric manifestations. In addition, a significant enrichment among the nominal DEGs for genes implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was found (e.g., AFF2, DNER, DPP6, DPP10, RELN, CACNA1C), as well as several that are strong candidate genes for the development of eye problems found in LS, including glaucoma. The most notable example is EFEMP1, a well-known candidate gene for glaucoma and other eye pathologies. CONCLUSION Overall, the RNA-seq findings present several candidate genes that could help explain the underlying basis for the neurodevelopmental and eye problems seen in boys with LS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hequn Liu
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Jesse Barnes
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Erika Pedrosa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Nathaniel S. Herman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Franklin Salas
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Deyou Zheng
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Dominick P Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Herbert M. Lachman
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Dominick P Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jagannath V, Grünblatt E, Theodoridou A, Oneda B, Roth A, Gerstenberg M, Franscini M, Traber-Walker N, Correll CU, Heekeren K, Rössler W, Rauch A, Walitza S. Rare copy number variants in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis: Enrichment of synaptic/brain-related functional pathways. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2020; 183:140-151. [PMID: 31742845 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a complex and chronic neuropsychiatric disorder, with a heritability of around 60-80%. Large (>100 kb) rare (<1%) copy number variants (CNVs) occur more frequently in schizophrenia patients compared to controls. Currently, there are no studies reporting genome-wide CNVs in clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P) individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of rare genome-wide CNVs in 84 CHR-P individuals and 124 presumably healthy controls. There were no significant differences in all rare CNV frequencies and sizes between CHR-P individuals and controls. However, brain-related CNVs and brain-related deletions were significantly more frequent in CHR-P individuals than controls. In CHR-P individuals, significant associations were found between brain-related CNV carriers and attenuated positive symptoms syndrome or cognitive disturbances (OR = 3.07, p = .0286). Brain-related CNV carriers experienced significantly higher negative symptoms (p = .0047), higher depressive symptoms (p = .0175), and higher disturbances of self and surroundings (p = .0029) than noncarriers. Furthermore, enrichment analysis of genes was performed in the regions of rare CNVs using three independent methods, which confirmed significant clustering of predefined genes involved in synaptic/brain-related functional pathways in CHR-P individuals. These results suggest that rare CNVs might affect synaptic/brain-related functional pathways in CHR-P individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vinita Jagannath
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Edna Grünblatt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anastasia Theodoridou
- The Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services (ZInEP), University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beatrice Oneda
- Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Roth
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Miriam Gerstenberg
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maurizia Franscini
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nina Traber-Walker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph U Correll
- Department of Psychiatry, The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, New York.,Department of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York.,The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karsten Heekeren
- The Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services (ZInEP), University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Wulf Rössler
- The Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services (ZInEP), University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anita Rauch
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Walitza
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,The Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services (ZInEP), University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang F, Ren D, Liang X, Ke S, Zhang B, Hu B, Song X, Wang X. A long noncoding RNA cluster-based genomic locus maintains proper development and visual function. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 47:6315-6329. [PMID: 31127312 PMCID: PMC6614851 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent a group of regulatory RNAs that play critical roles in numerous cellular events, but their functional importance in development remains largely unexplored. Here, we discovered a series of previously unidentified gene clusters harboring conserved lncRNAs at the nonimprinting regions in brain (CNIBs). Among the seven identified CNIBs, human CNIB1 locus is located at Chr 9q33.3 and conserved from Danio rerio to Homo sapiens. Chr 9q33.3-9q34.11 microdeletion has previously been linked to human nail-patella syndrome (NPS) which is frequently accompanied by developmental and visual deficiencies. By generating CNIB1 deletion alleles in zebrafish, we demonstrated the requirement of CNIB1 for proper growth and development, and visual activities. Furthermore, we found that the role of CNIB1 on visual activity is mediated through a regulator of ocular development-lmx1bb. Collectively, our study shows that CNIB1 lncRNAs are important for zebrafish development and provides an lncRNA cluster-mediated pathophysiological mechanism for human Chr 9q33.3-9q34.11 microdeletion syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Dalong Ren
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Xiaolin Liang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Shengwei Ke
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Bowen Zhang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Bing Hu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Song
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Xiangting Wang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Giliberti A, Currò A, Papa FT, Frullanti E, Ariani F, Coriolani G, Grosso S, Renieri A, Mari F. MEIS2 gene is responsible for intellectual disability, cardiac defects and a distinct facial phenotype. Eur J Med Genet 2020; 63:103627. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2019.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
9
|
Heterozygous loss-of-function variants of MEIS2 cause a triad of palatal defects, congenital heart defects, and intellectual disability. Eur J Hum Genet 2018; 27:278-290. [PMID: 30291340 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-018-0281-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Deletions on chromosome 15q14 are a known chromosomal cause of cleft palate, typically co-occurring with intellectual disability, facial dysmorphism, and congenital heart defects. The identification of patients with loss-of-function variants in MEIS2, a gene within this deletion, suggests that these features are attributed to haploinsufficiency of MEIS2. To further delineate the phenotypic spectrum of the MEIS2-related syndrome, we collected 23 previously unreported patients with either a de novo sequence variant in MEIS2 (9 patients), or a 15q14 microdeletion affecting MEIS2 (14 patients). All but one de novo MEIS2 variant were identified by whole-exome sequencing. One variant was found by targeted sequencing of MEIS2 in a girl with a clinical suspicion of this syndrome. In addition to the triad of palatal defects, heart defects, and developmental delay, heterozygous loss of MEIS2 results in recurrent facial features, including thin and arched eyebrows, short alae nasi, and thin vermillion. Genotype-phenotype comparison between patients with 15q14 deletions and patients with sequence variants or intragenic deletions within MEIS2, showed a higher prevalence of moderate-to-severe intellectual disability in the former group, advocating for an independent locus for psychomotor development neighboring MEIS2.
Collapse
|