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Casey-Clyde T, Liu SJ, Serrano JAC, Teng C, Jang YG, Vasudevan HN, Bush JO, Raleigh DR. Eed controls craniofacial osteoblast differentiation and mesenchymal proliferation from the neural crest. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.13.584903. [PMID: 38558995 PMCID: PMC10979956 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.13.584903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The histone methyltransferase Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is required for specification of the neural crest, and mis-regulation of neural crest development can cause severe congenital malformations. PRC2 is necessary for neural crest induction, but the embryonic, cellular, and molecular consequences of PRC2 activity after neural crest induction are incompletely understood. Here we show that Eed, a core subunit of PRC2, is required for craniofacial osteoblast differentiation and mesenchymal proliferation after induction of the neural crest. Integrating mouse genetics with single-cell RNA sequencing, our results reveal that conditional knockout of Eed after neural crest cell induction causes severe craniofacial hypoplasia, impaired craniofacial osteogenesis, and attenuated craniofacial mesenchymal cell proliferation that is first evident in post-migratory neural crest cell populations. We show that Eed drives mesenchymal differentiation and proliferation in vivo and in primary craniofacial cell cultures by regulating diverse transcription factor programs that are required for specification of post-migratory neural crest cells. These data enhance understanding of epigenetic mechanisms that underlie craniofacial development, and shed light on the embryonic, cellular, and molecular drivers of rare congenital syndromes in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Casey-Clyde
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - S John Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Juan Antonio Camara Serrano
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Camilla Teng
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yoon-Gu Jang
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Harish N Vasudevan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey O Bush
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David R Raleigh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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2
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Okamoto N, Yoshida S, Ogitani A, Etani Y, Yanagi K, Kaname T. Biallelic loss-of-function variants of EZH1 cause a novel developmental disorder with central precocious puberty. Am J Med Genet A 2024:e63726. [PMID: 38814056 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Pathogenic variants of polycomb repressive complex-2 (PRC2) subunits are associated with overgrowth syndromes and neurological diseases. EZH2 is a major component of PRC2 and mediates the methylation of H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3). Germline variants of EZH2 have been identified as a cause of Weaver syndrome (WS), an overgrowth/intellectual disability (OGID) syndrome characterized by overgrowth, macrocephaly, accelerated bone age, intellectual disability (ID), and characteristic facial features. Germline variants of SUZ12 and EED, other components of PRC2, have also been reported in the WS or Weaver-like syndrome. EZH1 is a homolog of EZH2 that interchangeably associates with SUZ12 and EED. Recently, pathogenic variants of EZH1 have been reported in individuals with dominant and recessive neurodevelopmental disorders. We herein present sisters with biallelic loss-of-function variants of EZH1. They showed developmental delay, ID, and central precocious puberty, but not the features of WS or other OGID syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhiko Okamoto
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Sayaka Yoshida
- Department of Pediatrics, Nara Prefecture General Medical Center, Nara, Japan
| | - Ayako Ogitani
- Department of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Nara Prefecture General Medical Center, Nara, Japan
| | - Yuri Etani
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nutrition and Endocrinology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Izumi, Japan
| | - Kumiko Yanagi
- Department of Genome Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tadashi Kaname
- Department of Genome Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
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Lazea C, Vulturar R, Chiș A, Encica S, Horvat M, Belizna C, Damian LO. Macrocephaly and Finger Changes: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5567. [PMID: 38791606 PMCID: PMC11122644 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105567] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Macrocephaly, characterized by an abnormally large head circumference, often co-occurs with distinctive finger changes, presenting a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. This review aims to provide a current synthetic overview of the main acquired and genetic etiologies associated with macrocephaly and finger changes. The genetic cause encompasses several categories of diseases, including bone marrow expansion disorders, skeletal dysplasias, ciliopathies, inherited metabolic diseases, RASopathies, and overgrowth syndromes. Furthermore, autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases are also explored for their potential involvement in macrocephaly and finger changes. The intricate genetic mechanisms involved in the formation of cranial bones and extremities are multifaceted. An excess in growth may stem from disruptions in the intricate interplays among the genetic, epigenetic, and hormonal factors that regulate human growth. Understanding the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms is important for elucidating the developmental pathways and biological processes that contribute to the observed clinical phenotypes. The review provides a practical approach to delineate causes of macrocephaly and finger changes, facilitate differential diagnosis and guide for the appropriate etiological framework. Early recognition contributes to timely intervention and improved outcomes for affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Lazea
- 1st Department of Pediatrics, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400370 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- 1st Pediatrics Clinic, Emergency Pediatric Clinical Hospital, 400370 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Romana Vulturar
- Department of Molecular Sciences, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, University Babes-Bolyai, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Association for Innovation in Rare Inflammatory, Metabolic, Genetic Diseases INNOROG, 30E, Făgetului St., 400497 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Adina Chiș
- Department of Molecular Sciences, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, University Babes-Bolyai, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Association for Innovation in Rare Inflammatory, Metabolic, Genetic Diseases INNOROG, 30E, Făgetului St., 400497 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Svetlana Encica
- Department of Pathology, “Niculae Stancioiu” Heart Institute Cluj-Napoca, 19-21 Calea Moților St., 400001 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Melinda Horvat
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, The Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Cristina Belizna
- UMR CNRS 6015, INSERM U1083, University of Angers, 49100 Angers, France;
- Internal Medicine Department Clinique de l’Anjou, Vascular and Coagulation Department, University Hospital Angers, 49100 Angers, France
| | - Laura-Otilia Damian
- Association for Innovation in Rare Inflammatory, Metabolic, Genetic Diseases INNOROG, 30E, Făgetului St., 400497 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Department of Rheumatology, Center for Rare Musculoskeletal Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Diseases, Emergency Clinical County Hospital Cluj, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- CMI Reumatologie Dr. Damian, 400002 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Ren Z, Yue L, Hu HY, Hou XL, Chen WQ, Tan Y, Dong Z, Zhang J. Identification of Novel NSD1 variations in four Pediatric cases with sotos Syndrome. BMC Med Genomics 2024; 17:116. [PMID: 38684994 PMCID: PMC11059674 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-024-01889-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sotos syndrome (SOTOS) is an uncommon genetic condition that manifests itself with the following distinctive features: prenatal overgrowth, facial abnormalities, and intellectual disability. This disorder is often associated with haploinsufficiency of the nuclear receptor-binding SET domain protein 1 (NSD1)gene. We investigated four pediatric cases characterized by early-onset overgrowth and developmental delay. The primary objective of this study was to achieve accurate genetic diagnoses. DESIGN&METHODS A sequential analysis approach comprising chromosomal karyotyping, whole exome sequencing, and microarray analysis was conducted. RESULTS All four cases exhibited variations in the NSD1 gene, with the identification of four previously unreported de novo variants, each specific to one case.Specifically, Case 1 carried the NSD1 (NM_022455): c.2686 C > T(p.Q896X) variant, Case 2 had the NSD1 (NM_022455): c.2858_2859delCT(p.S953X) variant, Case 3 displayed a chromosomal aberration, chr5: 5q35.2q35.3(176,516,604-176,639,249)×1, which encompassed the 5'-untranslated region of NSD1, and Case 4 harbored the NSD1 (NM_022455): c.6397T > G(p.C2133G) variant. CONCLUSION This study not only provided precise diagnoses for these cases but also supplied significant evidence to facilitate informed consultations. Furthermore, our findings expanded the spectrum of mutations associated with SOTOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Yue
- Department of Pediatric Neurology Rehabilitation, Hebei Children's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Hua-Ying Hu
- Birth Defects Prevention and Control Technology Research Center, Medical Innovation Research Division of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Hou
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Hebei Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Shijiazhuang Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Shijiazhuang Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, 16 Tangu-North Street, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Wen-Qi Chen
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Hebei Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Shijiazhuang Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Shijiazhuang Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, 16 Tangu-North Street, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Ya Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Hebei Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Shijiazhuang Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Shijiazhuang Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, 16 Tangu-North Street, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
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Tibben BM, Rothbart SB. Mechanisms of DNA Methylation Regulatory Function and Crosstalk with Histone Lysine Methylation. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168394. [PMID: 38092287 PMCID: PMC10957332 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a well-studied epigenetic modification that has key roles in regulating gene expression, maintaining genome integrity, and determining cell fate. Precisely how DNA methylation patterns are established and maintained in specific cell types at key developmental stages is still being elucidated. However, research over the last two decades has contributed to our understanding of DNA methylation regulation by other epigenetic processes. Specifically, lysine methylation on key residues of histone proteins has been shown to contribute to the allosteric regulation of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activities. In this review, we discuss the dynamic interplay between DNA methylation and histone lysine methylation as epigenetic regulators of genome function by synthesizing key recent studies in the field. With a focus on DNMT3 enzymes, we discuss mechanisms of DNA methylation and histone lysine methylation crosstalk in the regulation of gene expression and the maintenance of genome integrity. Further, we discuss how alterations to the balance of various sites of histone lysine methylation and DNA methylation contribute to human developmental disorders and cancers. Finally, we provide perspectives on the current direction of the field and highlight areas for continued research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey M Tibben
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Scott B Rothbart
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA.
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Pacot L, Girish M, Knight S, Spurlock G, Varghese V, Ye M, Thomas N, Pasmant E, Upadhyaya M. Correlation between large rearrangements and patient phenotypes in NF1 deletion syndrome: an update and review. BMC Med Genomics 2024; 17:73. [PMID: 38448973 PMCID: PMC10919053 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-024-01843-5] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
About 5-10% of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients exhibit large genomic germline deletions that remove the NF1 gene and its flanking regions. The most frequent NF1 large deletion is 1.4 Mb, resulting from homologous recombination between two low copy repeats. This "type-1" deletion is associated with a severe clinical phenotype in NF1 patients, with several phenotypic manifestations including learning disability, a much earlier development of cutaneous neurofibromas, an increased tumour risk, and cardiovascular malformations. NF1 adjacent co-deleted genes could act as modifier loci for the specific clinical manifestations observed in deleted NF1 patients. Furthermore, other genetic modifiers (such as CNVs) not located at the NF1 locus could also modulate the phenotype observed in patients with large deletions. In this study, we analysed 22 NF1 deletion patients by genome-wide array-CGH with the aim (1) to correlate deletion length to observed phenotypic features and their severity in NF1 deletion syndrome, and (2) to identify whether the deletion phenotype could also be modulated by copy number variations elsewhere in the genome. We then review the role of co-deleted genes in the 1.4 Mb interval of type-1 deletions, and their possible implication in the main clinical features observed in this high-risk group of NF1 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Pacot
- Fédération de Génétique et Médecine Génomique, Hôpital Cochin, DMU BioPhyGen, AP-HP, Centre-Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université Paris Cité, CARPEM, Paris, France
| | - Milind Girish
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Samantha Knight
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Vinod Varghese
- All Wales Medical Genomics Service, Cardiff, Great Britain
| | - Manuela Ye
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université Paris Cité, CARPEM, Paris, France
| | - Nick Thomas
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Eric Pasmant
- Fédération de Génétique et Médecine Génomique, Hôpital Cochin, DMU BioPhyGen, AP-HP, Centre-Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université Paris Cité, CARPEM, Paris, France.
| | - Meena Upadhyaya
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Cardiff University, Heath Park, CF14 4XN, Cardiff, UK
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Goel H, O'Donnell S, Edwards M. EED related overgrowth: First report of multiple members in a single family. Am J Med Genet A 2024; 194:374-382. [PMID: 37840385 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63438] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
EED is a core component of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) with EZH2 and SUZ12. PRC2 has H3K27 methyltransferase activity (HMTase) that catalyzes the addition of up to three methyl groups on histone 3 at lysine residue 27 (H3K27). Germline heterozygous variants in EED, SUZ12, and EZH2 have been identified in patients with overgrowth and multiple dysmorphic features. The clinical manifestations of these syndromes significantly overlap: generalized overgrowth, intellectual disability, and scoliosis. To date, 11 unrelated patients have been published with missense variants in EED at highly conserved amino acids. We report three affected members in a family with a previously reported missense variant. All three affected members manifested very similarly, and this represents a homogenous clinical phenotype associated with EED related intellectual disability and overgrowth. This disorder is appropriately called Cohen-Gibson syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Goel
- Hunter Genetics, Waratah, New South Wales, Australia
- University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Matthew Edwards
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
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Lui JC, Baron J. Epigenetic Causes of Overgrowth Syndromes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:312-320. [PMID: 37450557 PMCID: PMC11032252 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Human overgrowth disorders are characterized by excessive prenatal and/or postnatal growth of various tissues. These disorders often present with tall stature, macrocephaly, and/or abdominal organomegaly and are sometimes associated with additional phenotypic abnormalities such as intellectual disability and increased cancer risk. As the genetic etiology of these disorders have been elucidated, a surprising pattern has emerged. Multiple monogenic overgrowth syndromes result from variants in epigenetic regulators: variants in histone methyltransferases NSD1 and EZH2 cause Sotos syndrome and Weaver syndrome, respectively, variants in DNA methyltransferase DNMT3A cause Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome, and variants in chromatin remodeler CHD8 cause an autism spectrum disorder with overgrowth. In addition, very recently, a variant in histone reader protein SPIN4 was identified in a new X-linked overgrowth disorder. In this review, we discuss the genetics of these overgrowth disorders and explore possible common underlying mechanisms by which epigenetic pathways regulate human body size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian C Lui
- Section on Growth and Development, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Baron
- Section on Growth and Development, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Gao CW, Lin W, Riddle RC, Kushwaha P, Boukas L, Björnsson HT, Hansen KD, Fahrner JA. A mouse model of Weaver syndrome displays overgrowth and excess osteogenesis reversible with KDM6A/6B inhibition. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e173392. [PMID: 38015625 PMCID: PMC10906465 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.173392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Weaver syndrome is a Mendelian disorder of the epigenetic machinery (MDEM) caused by germline pathogenic variants in EZH2, which encodes the predominant H3K27 methyltransferase and key enzymatic component of Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). Weaver syndrome is characterized by striking overgrowth and advanced bone age, intellectual disability, and distinctive facies. We generated a mouse model for the most common Weaver syndrome missense variant, EZH2 p.R684C. Ezh2R684C/R684C mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) showed global depletion of H3K27me3. Ezh2R684C/+ mice had abnormal bone parameters, indicative of skeletal overgrowth, and Ezh2R684C/+ osteoblasts showed increased osteogenic activity. RNA-Seq comparing osteoblasts differentiated from Ezh2R684C/+, and Ezh2+/+ BM-mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) indicated collective dysregulation of the BMP pathway and osteoblast differentiation. Inhibition of the opposing H3K27 demethylases KDM6A and KDM6B substantially reversed the excessive osteogenesis in Ezh2R684C/+ cells both at the transcriptional and phenotypic levels. This supports both the ideas that writers and erasers of histone marks exist in a fine balance to maintain epigenome state and that epigenetic modulating agents have therapeutic potential for the treatment of MDEMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine W. Gao
- Department of Genetic Medicine
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, and
| | | | - Ryan C. Riddle
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Research and Development Service, Baltimore Veterans Administration Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Priyanka Kushwaha
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Leandros Boukas
- Department of Genetic Medicine
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hans T. Björnsson
- Department of Genetic Medicine
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
- Landspítali University Hospital, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Kasper D. Hansen
- Department of Genetic Medicine
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jill A. Fahrner
- Department of Genetic Medicine
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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10
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Grens K, Church KM, Diehl E, Hunter SE, Tatton-Brown K, Kiernan J, Delagrammatikas CG. Epilepsy and overgrowth-intellectual disability syndromes: a patient organization perspective on collaborating to accelerate pathways to treatment. THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN RARE DISEASE 2024; 5:26330040241254123. [PMID: 38827639 PMCID: PMC11143874 DOI: 10.1177/26330040241254123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Overgrowth-intellectual disability (OGID) syndromes are a collection of rare genetic disorders with overlapping clinical profiles. In addition to the cardinal features of general overgrowth (height and/or head circumference at least two standard deviations above the mean) and some degree of intellectual disability, the OGID syndromes are often associated with neurological anomalies including seizures. In an effort to advance research in directions that will generate meaningful treatments for people with OGID syndromes, a new collaborative partnership called the Overgrowth Syndromes Alliance (OSA) formed in 2023. By taking a phenotype-first approach, OSA aims to unite research and patient communities traditionally siloed by genetic disorder. OSA has galvanized OGID patient organizations around shared interests and developed a research roadmap to identify and address our community's greatest unmet needs. Here, we describe the literature regarding seizures among those with overgrowth syndromes and present the OSA Research Roadmap. This patient-driven guide outlines the milestones essential to reaching the outcome of effective treatments for OGID syndromes and offers resources for reaching those milestones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Grens
- Tatton Brown Rahman Syndrome Community, Stanfordville, NY, USA
| | - Kit M. Church
- Tatton Brown Rahman Syndrome Community, Stanfordville, NY, USA
| | - Eric Diehl
- Tatton Brown Rahman Syndrome Community, Stanfordville, NY, USA
| | - Senyene E. Hunter
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Katrina Tatton-Brown
- St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- St George’s University of London, London, UK
| | - Jill Kiernan
- Tatton Brown Rahman Syndrome Community, Stanfordville, NY, USA
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11
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Negri ML, D'Annunzio S, Vitali G, Zippo A. May the force be with you: Nuclear condensates function beyond transcription control: Potential nongenetic functions of nuclear condensates in physiological and pathological conditions. Bioessays 2023; 45:e2300075. [PMID: 37530178 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, research has revealed biomolecular condensates' relevance in diverse cellular functions. Through a phase separation process, they concentrate macromolecules in subcompartments shaping the cellular organization and physiology. In the nucleus, biomolecular condensates assemble relevant biomolecules that orchestrate gene expression. We here hypothesize that chromatin condensates can also modulate the nongenetic functions of the genome, including the nuclear mechanical properties. The importance of chromatin condensates is supported by the genetic evidence indicating that mutations in their members are causative of a group of rare Mendelian diseases named chromatinopathies (CPs). Despite a broad spectrum of clinical features and the perturbations of the epigenetic machinery characterizing the CPs, recent findings highlighted negligible changes in gene expression. These data argue in favor of possible noncanonical functions of chromatin condensates in regulating the genome's spatial organization and, consequently, the nuclear mechanics. In this review, we discuss how condensates may impact nuclear mechanical properties, thus affecting the cellular response to mechanical cues and, eventually, cell fate and identity. Chromatin condensates organize macromolecules in the nucleus orchestrating the transcription regulation and mutations in their members are responsible for rare diseases named chromatinopathies. We argue that chromatin condensates, in concert with the nuclear lamina, may also govern the nuclear mechanical properties affecting the cellular response to external cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luce Negri
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Sarah D'Annunzio
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Giulia Vitali
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Alessio Zippo
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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12
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van der Laan L, Rooney K, Haghshenas S, Silva A, McConkey H, Relator R, Levy MA, Valenzuela I, Trujillano L, Lasa-Aranzasti A, Campos B, Castells N, Verberne EA, Maas S, Alders M, Mannens MMAM, van Haelst MM, Sadikovic B, Henneman P. Functional Insight into and Refinement of the Genomic Boundaries of the JARID2-Neurodevelopmental Disorder Episignature. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14240. [PMID: 37762546 PMCID: PMC10531903 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
JARID2 (Jumonji, AT-rich interactive domain 2) haploinsufficiency is associated with a clinically distinct neurodevelopmental syndrome. It is characterized by intellectual disability, developmental delay, autistic features, behavior abnormalities, cognitive impairment, hypotonia, and dysmorphic features. JARID2 acts as a transcriptional repressor protein that is involved in the regulation of histone methyltransferase complexes. JARID2 plays a role in the epigenetic machinery, and the associated syndrome has an identified DNA methylation episignature derived from sequence variants and intragenic deletions involving JARID2. For this study, our aim was to determine whether patients with larger deletions spanning beyond JARID2 present a similar DNA methylation episignature and to define the critical region involved in aberrant DNA methylation in 6p22-p24 microdeletions. We examined the DNA methylation profiles of peripheral blood from 56 control subjects, 13 patients with (likely) pathogenic JARID2 variants or patients carrying copy number variants, and three patients with JARID2 VUS variants. The analysis showed a distinct and strong differentiation between patients with (likely) pathogenic variants, both sequence and copy number, and controls. Using the identified episignature, we developed a binary model to classify patients with the JARID2-neurodevelopmental syndrome. DNA methylation analysis indicated that JARID2 is the driver gene for aberrant DNA methylation observed in 6p22-p24 microdeletions. In addition, we performed analysis of functional correlation of the JARID2 genome-wide methylation profile with the DNA methylation profiles of 56 additional neurodevelopmental disorders. To conclude, we refined the critical region for the presence of the JARID2 episignature in 6p22-p24 microdeletions and provide insight into the functional changes in the epigenome observed when regulation by JARID2 is lost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liselot van der Laan
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kathleen Rooney
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada (R.R.)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Sadegheh Haghshenas
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada (R.R.)
| | - Ananília Silva
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Haley McConkey
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada (R.R.)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Raissa Relator
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada (R.R.)
| | - Michael A. Levy
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada (R.R.)
| | - Irene Valenzuela
- Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, 129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, 129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Trujillano
- Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, 129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, 129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amaia Lasa-Aranzasti
- Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, 129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, 129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Berta Campos
- Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, 129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, 129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Neus Castells
- Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, 129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, 129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eline A. Verberne
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Maas
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mariëlle Alders
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel M. A. M. Mannens
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mieke M. van Haelst
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bekim Sadikovic
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada (R.R.)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Peter Henneman
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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13
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Jangam SV, Briere LC, Jay KL, Andrews JC, Walker MA, Rodan LH, High FA, Yamamoto S, Sweetser DA, Wangler MF. A de novo missense variant in EZH1 associated with developmental delay exhibits functional deficits in Drosophila melanogaster. Genetics 2023; 224:iyad110. [PMID: 37314226 PMCID: PMC10411565 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
EZH1, a polycomb repressive complex-2 component, is involved in a myriad of cellular processes. EZH1 represses transcription of downstream target genes through histone 3 lysine27 (H3K27) trimethylation (H3K27me3). Genetic variants in histone modifiers have been associated with developmental disorders, while EZH1 has not yet been linked to any human disease. However, the paralog EZH2 is associated with Weaver syndrome. Here we report a previously undiagnosed individual with a novel neurodevelopmental phenotype identified to have a de novo missense variant in EZH1 through exome sequencing. The individual presented in infancy with neurodevelopmental delay and hypotonia and was later noted to have proximal muscle weakness. The variant, p.A678G, is in the SET domain, known for its methyltransferase activity, and an analogous somatic or germline mutation in EZH2 has been reported in patients with B-cell lymphoma or Weaver syndrome, respectively. Human EZH1/2 are homologous to fly Enhancer of zeste (E(z)), an essential gene in Drosophila, and the affected residue (p.A678 in humans, p.A691 in flies) is conserved. To further study this variant, we obtained null alleles and generated transgenic flies expressing wildtype [E(z)WT] and the variant [E(z)A691G]. When expressed ubiquitously the variant rescues null-lethality similar to the wildtype. Overexpression of E(z)WT induces homeotic patterning defects but notably the E(z)A691G variant leads to dramatically stronger morphological phenotypes. We also note a dramatic loss of H3K27me2 and a corresponding increase in H3K27me3 in flies expressing E(z)A691G, suggesting this acts as a gain-of-function allele. In conclusion, here we present a novel EZH1 de novo variant associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder. Furthermore, we found that this variant has a functional impact in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharayu V Jangam
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lauren C Briere
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Kristy L Jay
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jonathan C Andrews
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Melissa A Walker
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neurogenetics, Child Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Lance H Rodan
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Frances A High
- Division of Medical Genetics and Metabolism, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | | | - Shinya Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - David A Sweetser
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Division of Medical Genetics and Metabolism, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Michael F Wangler
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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14
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Jensen M, Chandrasekaran V, García-Bonete MJ, Li S, Anindya AL, Andersson K, Erlandsson MC, Oparina NY, Burmann BM, Brath U, Panchenko AR, Bokarewa I. M, Katona G. Survivin prevents the polycomb repressor complex 2 from methylating histone 3 lysine 27. iScience 2023; 26:106976. [PMID: 37534134 PMCID: PMC10391610 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the role of survivin in epigenetic control of gene transcription through interaction with the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). PRC2 is responsible for silencing gene expression by trimethylating lysine 27 on histone 3. We observed differential expression of PRC2 subunits in CD4+ T cells with varying levels of survivin expression, and ChIP-seq results indicated that survivin colocalizes with PRC2 along DNA. Inhibition of survivin resulted in a significant increase in H3K27 trimethylation, implying that survivin prevents PRC2 from functioning. Peptide microarray showed that survivin interacts with peptides from PRC2 subunits, and machine learning revealed that amino acid composition contains relevant information for predicting survivin interaction. NMR and BLI experiments supported the interaction of survivin with PRC2 subunit EZH2. Finally, protein-protein docking revealed that the survivin-EZH2 interaction interface overlaps with catalytic residues of EZH2, potentially inhibiting its H3K27 methylation activity. These findings suggest that survivin inhibits PRC2 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Jensen
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Gothenburg, Box 462, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Venkataragavan Chandrasekaran
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Box 480, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - María-José García-Bonete
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Box 440, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Shuxiang Li
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Atsarina Larasati Anindya
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Gothenburg, Box 462, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karin Andersson
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Box 480, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Malin C. Erlandsson
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Box 480, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Nina Y. Oparina
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Box 480, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Björn M. Burmann
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Gothenburg, Box 462, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Brath
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology and the Swedish NMR Centre, University of Gothenburg, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna R. Panchenko
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Maria Bokarewa I.
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Box 480, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Rheumatology Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gröna stråket 16, 41346 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gergely Katona
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Gothenburg, Box 462, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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15
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Gao CW, Lin W, Riddle RC, Kushwaha P, Boukas L, Björnsson HT, Hansen KD, Fahrner JA. Novel mouse model of Weaver syndrome displays overgrowth and excess osteogenesis reversible with KDM6A/6B inhibition. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.23.546270. [PMID: 37425751 PMCID: PMC10327066 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.23.546270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Weaver syndrome is a Mendelian disorder of the epigenetic machinery (MDEM) caused by germline pathogenic variants in EZH2, which encodes the predominant H3K27 methyltransferase and key enzymatic component of Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). Weaver syndrome is characterized by striking overgrowth and advanced bone age, intellectual disability, and distinctive facies. We generated a mouse model for the most common Weaver syndrome missense variant, EZH2 p.R684C. Ezh2R684C/R684C mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) showed global depletion of H3K27me3. Ezh2R684C/+ mice had abnormal bone parameters indicative of skeletal overgrowth, and Ezh2R684C/+ osteoblasts showed increased osteogenic activity. RNA-seq comparing osteoblasts differentiated from Ezh2R684C/+ and Ezh2+/+ bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) indicated collective dysregulation of the BMP pathway and osteoblast differentiation. Inhibition of the opposing H3K27 demethylases Kdm6a/6b substantially reversed the excessive osteogenesis in Ezh2R684C/+ cells both at the transcriptional and phenotypic levels. This supports both the ideas that writers and erasers of histone marks exist in a fine balance to maintain epigenome state, and that epigenetic modulating agents have therapeutic potential for the treatment of MDEMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine W Gao
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - WanYing Lin
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Ryan C Riddle
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Research and Development Service, Baltimore Veterans Administration Medical Center, Baltimore, MD
| | - Priyanka Kushwaha
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Leandros Boukas
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Hans T Björnsson
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
- Landspítali University Hospital, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Kasper D Hansen
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jill A Fahrner
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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16
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Baronas JM, Bartell E, Eliasen A, Doench JG, Yengo L, Vedantam S, Marouli E, Kronenberg HM, Hirschhorn JN, Renthal NE. Genome-wide CRISPR screening of chondrocyte maturation newly implicates genes in skeletal growth and height-associated GWAS loci. CELL GENOMICS 2023; 3:100299. [PMID: 37228756 PMCID: PMC10203046 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2023.100299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in the growth and maturation of chondrocytes can lead to variation in human height, including monogenic disorders of skeletal growth. We aimed to identify genes and pathways relevant to human growth by pairing human height genome-wide association studies (GWASs) with genome-wide knockout (KO) screens of growth-plate chondrocyte proliferation and maturation in vitro. We identified 145 genes that alter chondrocyte proliferation and maturation at early and/or late time points in culture, with 90% of genes validating in secondary screening. These genes are enriched in monogenic growth disorder genes and in KEGG pathways critical for skeletal growth and endochondral ossification. Further, common variants near these genes capture height heritability independent of genes computationally prioritized from GWASs. Our study emphasizes the value of functional studies in biologically relevant tissues as orthogonal datasets to refine likely causal genes from GWASs and implicates new genetic regulators of chondrocyte proliferation and maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M. Baronas
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric Bartell
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anders Eliasen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Health Technology, Section for Bioinformatics, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - John G. Doench
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Loic Yengo
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sailaja Vedantam
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Eirini Marouli
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - GIANT Consortium
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Health Technology, Section for Bioinformatics, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Henry M. Kronenberg
- Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Joel N. Hirschhorn
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nora E. Renthal
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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17
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Imagawa E, Seyama R, Aoi H, Uchiyama Y, Marcarini BG, Furquim I, Honjo RS, Bertola DR, Kim CA, Matsumoto N. Imagawa-Matsumoto syndrome: SUZ12-related overgrowth disorder. Clin Genet 2023; 103:383-391. [PMID: 36645289 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The SUZ12 gene encodes a subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) that is essential for development by silencing the expression of multiple genes. Germline heterozygous variants in SUZ12 have been found in Imagawa-Matsumoto syndrome (IMMAS) characterized by overgrowth and multiple dysmorphic features. Similarly, both EZH2 and EED also encode a subunit of PRC2 each and their pathogenic variants cause Weaver syndrome and Cohen-Gibson syndrome, respectively. Clinical manifestations of these syndromes significantly overlap, although their different prevalence rates have recently been noted: generalized overgrowth, intellectual disability, scoliosis, and excessive loose skin appear to be less prevalent in IMMAS than in the other two syndromes. We could not determine any apparent genotype-phenotype correlation in IMMAS. The phenotype of neurofibromatosis type 1 arising from NF1 deletion was also shown to be modified by the deletion of SUZ12, 560 kb away. This review deepens our understanding of the clinical and genetic characteristics of IMMAS together with other overgrowth syndromes related to PRC2. We also report on a novel IMMAS patient carrying a splicing variant (c.1023+1G>C) in SUZ12. This patient had a milder phenotype than other previously reported IMMAS cases, with no macrocephaly or overgrowth phenotypes, highlighting the clinical variation in IMMAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eri Imagawa
- Department of Pediatrics, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rie Seyama
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromi Aoi
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuri Uchiyama
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
- Department of Rare Disease Genomics, Yokohama City University Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Bruno Guimaraes Marcarini
- Genetics Unit, Instituto da Crianca, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabel Furquim
- Genetics Unit, Instituto da Crianca, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rachel Sayuri Honjo
- Genetics Unit, Instituto da Crianca, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Debora Romeo Bertola
- Genetics Unit, Instituto da Crianca, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Chong Ae Kim
- Genetics Unit, Instituto da Crianca, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Naomichi Matsumoto
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
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18
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Fu MP, Merrill SM, Sharma M, Gibson WT, Turvey SE, Kobor MS. Rare diseases of epigenetic origin: Challenges and opportunities. Front Genet 2023; 14:1113086. [PMID: 36814905 PMCID: PMC9939656 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1113086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare diseases (RDs), more than 80% of which have a genetic origin, collectively affect approximately 350 million people worldwide. Progress in next-generation sequencing technology has both greatly accelerated the pace of discovery of novel RDs and provided more accurate means for their diagnosis. RDs that are driven by altered epigenetic regulation with an underlying genetic basis are referred to as rare diseases of epigenetic origin (RDEOs). These diseases pose unique challenges in research, as they often show complex genetic and clinical heterogeneity arising from unknown gene-disease mechanisms. Furthermore, multiple other factors, including cell type and developmental time point, can confound attempts to deconvolute the pathophysiology of these disorders. These challenges are further exacerbated by factors that contribute to epigenetic variability and the difficulty of collecting sufficient participant numbers in human studies. However, new molecular and bioinformatics techniques will provide insight into how these disorders manifest over time. This review highlights recent studies addressing these challenges with innovative solutions. Further research will elucidate the mechanisms of action underlying unique RDEOs and facilitate the discovery of treatments and diagnostic biomarkers for screening, thereby improving health trajectories and clinical outcomes of affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie P. Fu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sarah M. Merrill
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mehul Sharma
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - William T. Gibson
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Stuart E. Turvey
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, BC Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michael S. Kobor
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada,*Correspondence: Michael S. Kobor,
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19
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Jangam S, Briere LC, Jay K, Andrews JC, Walker MA, Rodan LH, High FA, Yamamoto S, Sweetser DA, Wangler M. A de novo missense variant in EZH1 associated with developmental delay exhibits functional deficits in Drosophila melanogaster. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.01.31.23285113. [PMID: 36778246 PMCID: PMC9915809 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.31.23285113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
EZH1 ( Enhancer of Zeste, homolog 1) , a Polycomb Repressive Complex-2 (PRC2) component, is involved in a myriad of cellular processes through modifying histone 3 lysine27 (H3K27) residues. EZH1 represses transcription of downstream target genes through H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3). Genetic mutations in histone modifiers have been associated with developmental disorders, while EZH1 has not yet been linked to any human disease. However, the paralog EZH2 is associated with Weaver syndrome. Here we report a previously undiagnosed individual with a novel neurodevelopmental phenotype identified to have a de novo variant in EZH1 , p.Ala678Gly, through exome sequencing. The individual presented in infancy with neurodevelopmental delay and hypotonia and was later noted to have proximal muscle weakness. The variant, p.A678G, is in the SET domain, known for its methyltransferase activity, and was the best candidate variant found in the exome. Human EZH1 / 2 are homologous to fly Enhancer of zeste E(z) , an essential gene in flies, and the residue (A678 in humans, A691 in Drosophila ) is conserved. To further study this variant, we obtained Drosophila null alleles and generated transgenic flies expressing wild-type (E(z) WT ) and the variant (E(z) A691G ) . The E(z) A691G variant led to hyper H3K27me3 while the E(z) WT did not, suggesting this is as a gain-of-function allele. When expressed under the tubulin promotor in vivo the variant rescued null-lethality similar to wild-type but the E(z) A691G flies exhibit bang sensitivity and shortened lifespan. In conclusion, here we present a novel EZH1 de novo variant associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder. Furthermore, we found that this variant has a functional impact in Drosophila . Biochemically this allele leads to increased H3K27me3 suggesting gain-of-function, but when expressed in adult flies the E(z) A691G has some characteristics of partial loss-of-function which may suggest it is a more complex allele in vivo .
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharayu Jangam
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030 USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, 77030 USA
| | - Lauren C Briere
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Kristy Jay
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030 USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, 77030 USA
- Genetics and Genomics program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030 USA
| | - Jonathan C Andrews
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030 USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, 77030 USA
| | - Melissa A Walker
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neurogenetics, Child Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Lance H Rodan
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Frances A High
- Division of Medical Genetics & Metabolism, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Shinya Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030 USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, 77030 USA
- Genetics and Genomics program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030 USA
| | - David A Sweetser
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Division of Medical Genetics & Metabolism, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Michael Wangler
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030 USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, 77030 USA
- Genetics and Genomics program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030 USA
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20
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Huang L, Li F, Ye L, Yu F, Wang C. Epigenetic regulation of embryonic ectoderm development in stem cell differentiation and transformation during ontogenesis. Cell Prolif 2023; 56:e13413. [PMID: 36727213 PMCID: PMC10068960 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Dynamic chromatin accessibility regulates stem cell fate determination and tissue homeostasis via controlling gene expression. As a histone-modifying enzyme that predominantly mediates methylation of lysine 27 in histone H3 (H3K27me1/2/3), Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) plays the canonical role in targeting developmental regulators during stem cell differentiation and transformation. Embryonic ectoderm development (EED), the core scaffold subunit of PRC2 and as an H3K27me3-recognizing protein, has been broadly implicated with PRC2 stabilization and allosterically stimulated PRC2. Accumulating evidences from experimental data indicate that EED-associating epigenetic modifications are indispensable for stem cell maintenance and differentiation into specific cell lineages. In this review, we discuss the most updated advances to summarize the structural architecture of EED and its contributions and underlying mechanisms to mediating lineage differentiation of different stem cells during epigenetic modification to expand our understanding of PRC2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Feifei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fanyuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenglin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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21
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Macrae TA, Fothergill-Robinson J, Ramalho-Santos M. Regulation, functions and transmission of bivalent chromatin during mammalian development. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:6-26. [PMID: 36028557 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00518-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cells differentiate and progress through development guided by a dynamic chromatin landscape that mediates gene expression programmes. During development, mammalian cells display a paradoxical chromatin state: histone modifications associated with gene activation (trimethylated histone H3 Lys4 (H3K4me3)) and with gene repression (trimethylated H3 Lys27 (H3K27me3)) co-occur at promoters of developmental genes. This bivalent chromatin modification state is thought to poise important regulatory genes for expression or repression during cell-lineage specification. In this Review, we discuss recent work that has expanded our understanding of the molecular basis of bivalent chromatin and its contributions to mammalian development. We describe the factors that establish bivalency, especially histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2B (KMT2B) and Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), and consider evidence indicating that PRC1 shapes bivalency and may contribute to its transmission between generations. We posit that bivalency is a key feature of germline and embryonic stem cells, as well as other types of stem and progenitor cells. Finally, we discuss the relevance of bivalent chromtin to human development and cancer, and outline avenues of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisha A Macrae
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Julie Fothergill-Robinson
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Miguel Ramalho-Santos
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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22
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Jarred EG, Qu Z, Tsai T, Oberin R, Petautschnig S, Bildsoe H, Pederson S, Zhang QH, Stringer JM, Carroll J, Gardner DK, Van den Buuse M, Sims NA, Gibson WT, Adelson DL, Western PS. Transient Polycomb activity represses developmental genes in growing oocytes. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:183. [PMID: 36544159 PMCID: PMC9769065 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01400-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-genetic disease inheritance and offspring phenotype are substantially influenced by germline epigenetic programming, including genomic imprinting. Loss of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) function in oocytes causes non-genetically inherited effects on offspring, including embryonic growth restriction followed by post-natal offspring overgrowth. While PRC2-dependent non-canonical imprinting is likely to contribute, less is known about germline epigenetic programming of non-imprinted genes during oocyte growth. In addition, de novo germline mutations in genes encoding PRC2 lead to overgrowth syndromes in human patients, but the extent to which PRC2 activity is conserved in human oocytes is poorly understood. RESULTS In this study, we identify a discrete period of early oocyte growth during which PRC2 is expressed in mouse growing oocytes. Deletion of Eed during this window led to the de-repression of 343 genes. A high proportion of these were developmental regulators, and the vast majority were not imprinted genes. Many of the de-repressed genes were also marked by the PRC2-dependent epigenetic modification histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) in primary-secondary mouse oocytes, at a time concurrent with PRC2 expression. In addition, we found H3K27me3 was also enriched on many of these genes by the germinal vesicle (GV) stage in human oocytes, strongly indicating that this PRC2 function is conserved in the human germline. However, while the 343 genes were de-repressed in mouse oocytes lacking EED, they were not de-repressed in pre-implantation embryos and lost H3K27me3 during pre-implantation development. This implies that H3K27me3 is a transient feature that represses a wide range of genes in oocytes. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data indicate that EED has spatially and temporally distinct functions in the female germline to repress a wide range of developmentally important genes and that this activity is conserved in the mouse and human germlines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen G. Jarred
- grid.452824.dCentre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia
| | - Zhipeng Qu
- grid.1010.00000 0004 1936 7304Department of Molecular and Biomedical Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA Australia
| | - Tesha Tsai
- grid.452824.dCentre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia
| | - Ruby Oberin
- grid.452824.dCentre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia
| | - Sigrid Petautschnig
- grid.452824.dCentre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia
| | - Heidi Bildsoe
- grid.452824.dCentre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia
| | - Stephen Pederson
- grid.1010.00000 0004 1936 7304Department of Molecular and Biomedical Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA Australia
| | - Qing-hua Zhang
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia
| | - Jessica M. Stringer
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia
| | - John Carroll
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia
| | - David K. Gardner
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XSchool of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - Maarten Van den Buuse
- grid.1018.80000 0001 2342 0938School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Natalie A. Sims
- grid.1073.50000 0004 0626 201XBone Cell Biology and Disease Unit, St. Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC Australia ,grid.413105.20000 0000 8606 2560Department of Medicine at St, Vincent’s Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC Australia
| | - William T. Gibson
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia and British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - David L. Adelson
- grid.1010.00000 0004 1936 7304Department of Molecular and Biomedical Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA Australia ,grid.437963.c0000 0001 1349 5098South Australian Museum, SA Adelaide, Australia
| | - Patrick S. Western
- grid.452824.dCentre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia
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23
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Zhang SF, Dai SK, Du HZ, Wang H, Li XG, Tang Y, Liu CM. The epigenetic state of EED-Gli3-Gli1 regulatory axis controls embryonic cortical neurogenesis. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:2064-2080. [PMID: 35931079 PMCID: PMC9481917 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the embryonic ectoderm development (EED) cause Weaver syndrome, but whether and how EED affects embryonic brain development remains elusive. Here, we generated a mouse model in which Eed was deleted in the forebrain to investigate the role of EED. We found that deletion of Eed decreased the number of upper-layer neurons but not deeper-layer neurons starting at E16.5. Transcriptomic and genomic occupancy analyses revealed that the epigenetic states of a group of cortical neurogenesis-related genes were altered in Eed knockout forebrains, followed by a decrease of H3K27me3 and an increase of H3K27ac marks within the promoter regions. The switching of H3K27me3 to H3K27ac modification promoted the recruitment of RNA-Pol2, thereby enhancing its expression level. The small molecule activator SAG or Ptch1 knockout for activating Hedgehog signaling can partially rescue aberrant cortical neurogenesis. Taken together, we proposed a novel EED-Gli3-Gli1 regulatory axis that is critical for embryonic brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang-Feng Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shang-Kun Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hong-Zhen Du
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xing-Guo Li
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Yi Tang
- Department of Neurology, Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China.
| | - Chang-Mei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.
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24
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Buontempo S, Laise P, Hughes JM, Trattaro S, Das V, Rencurel C, Testa G. EZH2-Mediated H3K27me3 Targets Transcriptional Circuits of Neuronal Differentiation. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:814144. [PMID: 35645710 PMCID: PMC9133892 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.814144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) plays important roles in the epigenetic regulation of cellular development and differentiation through H3K27me3-dependent transcriptional repression. Aberrant PRC2 activity has been associated with cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly with respect to the malfunction of sits catalytic subunit EZH2. Here, we investigated the role of the EZH2-mediated H3K27me3 apposition in neuronal differentiation. We made use of a transgenic mouse model harboring Ezh2 conditional KO alleles to derive embryonic stem cells and differentiate them into glutamatergic neurons. Time course transcriptomics and epigenomic analyses of H3K27me3 in absence of EZH2 revealed a significant dysregulation of molecular networks affecting the glutamatergic differentiation trajectory that resulted in: (i) the deregulation of transcriptional circuitries related to neuronal differentiation and synaptic plasticity, in particular LTD, as a direct effect of EZH2 loss and (ii) the appearance of a GABAergic gene expression signature during glutamatergic neuron differentiation. These results expand the knowledge about the molecular pathways targeted by Polycomb during glutamatergic neuron differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Buontempo
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Pasquale Laise
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - James M. Hughes
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Trattaro
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
| | - Vivek Das
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Chantal Rencurel
- Department of Structural Biology and Biophysics, Biozentrum of the University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Testa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
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25
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Bölicke N, Albert M. Polycomb-mediated gene regulation in human brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders. Dev Neurobiol 2022; 82:345-363. [PMID: 35384339 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The neocortex is considered the seat of higher cognitive function in humans. It develops from a sheet of neural progenitor cells, most of which eventually give rise to neurons. This process of cell fate determination is controlled by precise temporal and spatial gene expression patterns that in turn are affected by epigenetic mechanisms including Polycomb group (PcG) regulation. PcG proteins assemble in multiprotein complexes and catalyze repressive posttranslational histone modifications. Their association with neurodevelopmental disease and various types of cancer of the central nervous system, as well as observations in mouse models, has implicated these epigenetic modifiers in controlling various stages of cortex development. The precise mechanisms conveying PcG-associated transcriptional repression remain incompletely understood and are an active field of research. PcG activity appears to be highly context-specific, raising the question of species-specific differences in the regulation of neural stem and progenitor regulation. In this review, we will discuss our growing understanding of how PcG regulation affects human cortex development, based on studies in murine model systems, but focusing mostly on findings obtained from examining impaired PcG activity in the context of human neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer. Furthermore, we will highlight relevant experimental approaches for functional investigations of PcG regulation in human cortex development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Bölicke
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mareike Albert
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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26
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Janssen SM, Lorincz MC. Interplay between chromatin marks in development and disease. Nat Rev Genet 2022; 23:137-153. [PMID: 34608297 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-021-00416-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation (DNAme) and histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) have important roles in transcriptional regulation. Although many reports have characterized the functions of such chromatin marks in isolation, recent genome-wide studies reveal surprisingly complex interactions between them. Here, we focus on the interplay between DNAme and methylation of specific lysine residues on the histone H3 tail. We describe the impact of genetic perturbation of the relevant methyltransferases in the mouse on the landscape of chromatin marks as well as the transcriptome. In addition, we discuss the specific neurodevelopmental growth syndromes and cancers resulting from pathogenic mutations in the human orthologues of these genes. Integrating these observations underscores the fundamental importance of crosstalk between DNA and histone H3 methylation in development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne M Janssen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Matthew C Lorincz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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27
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Raby L, Völkel P, Hasanpour S, Cicero J, Toillon RA, Adriaenssens E, Van Seuningen I, Le Bourhis X, Angrand PO. Loss of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 Function Alters Digestive Organ Homeostasis and Neuronal Differentiation in Zebrafish. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113142. [PMID: 34831364 PMCID: PMC8620594 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) mediates histone H3K27me3 methylation and the stable transcriptional repression of a number of gene expression programs involved in the control of cellular identity during development and differentiation. Here, we report on the generation and on the characterization of a zebrafish line harboring a null allele of eed, a gene coding for an essential component of the PRC2. Homozygous eed-deficient mutants present a normal body plan development but display strong defects at the level of the digestive organs, such as reduced size of the pancreas, hepatic steatosis, and a loss of the intestinal structures, to die finally at around 10-12 days post fertilization. In addition, we found that PRC2 loss of function impairs neuronal differentiation in very specific and discrete areas of the brain and increases larval activity in locomotor assays. Our work highlights that zebrafish is a suited model to study human pathologies associated with PRC2 loss of function and H3K27me3 decrease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludivine Raby
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR 9020-U 1277 – CANTHER – Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (L.R.); (P.V.); (J.C.); (R.-A.T.); (E.A.); (I.V.S.); (X.L.B.)
| | - Pamela Völkel
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR 9020-U 1277 – CANTHER – Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (L.R.); (P.V.); (J.C.); (R.-A.T.); (E.A.); (I.V.S.); (X.L.B.)
| | - Shaghayegh Hasanpour
- Department of Fisheries and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj 31587-77871, Iran;
| | - Julien Cicero
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR 9020-U 1277 – CANTHER – Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (L.R.); (P.V.); (J.C.); (R.-A.T.); (E.A.); (I.V.S.); (X.L.B.)
- Univ. Artois, UR 2465, Laboratoire de la Barrière Hémato-Encéphalique (LBHE), F-62300 Lens, France
| | - Robert-Alain Toillon
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR 9020-U 1277 – CANTHER – Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (L.R.); (P.V.); (J.C.); (R.-A.T.); (E.A.); (I.V.S.); (X.L.B.)
| | - Eric Adriaenssens
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR 9020-U 1277 – CANTHER – Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (L.R.); (P.V.); (J.C.); (R.-A.T.); (E.A.); (I.V.S.); (X.L.B.)
| | - Isabelle Van Seuningen
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR 9020-U 1277 – CANTHER – Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (L.R.); (P.V.); (J.C.); (R.-A.T.); (E.A.); (I.V.S.); (X.L.B.)
| | - Xuefen Le Bourhis
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR 9020-U 1277 – CANTHER – Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (L.R.); (P.V.); (J.C.); (R.-A.T.); (E.A.); (I.V.S.); (X.L.B.)
| | - Pierre-Olivier Angrand
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR 9020-U 1277 – CANTHER – Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (L.R.); (P.V.); (J.C.); (R.-A.T.); (E.A.); (I.V.S.); (X.L.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-3-2033-6222
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28
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Hetzelt KLML, Winterholler M, Kerling F, Rauch C, Ekici AB, Winterpacht A, Vasileiou G, Uebe S, Thiel CT, Kraus C, Reis A, Zweier C. Manifestation of epilepsy in a patient with EED-related overgrowth (Cohen-Gibson syndrome). Am J Med Genet A 2021; 188:292-297. [PMID: 34533271 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cohen-Gibson syndrome is a rare genetic disorder, characterized by fetal or early childhood overgrowth and mild to severe intellectual disability. It is caused by heterozygous aberrations in EED, which encodes an evolutionary conserved polycomb group (PcG) protein that forms the polycomb repressive complex-2 (PRC2) together with EZH2, SUZ12, and RBBP7/4. In total, 11 affected individuals with heterozygous pathogenic variants in EED were reported, so far. All variants affect a few key residues within the EED WD40 repeat domain. By trio exome sequencing, we identified the heterozygous missense variant c.581A > G, p.(Asn194Ser) in exon 6 of the EED-gene in an individual with moderate intellectual disability, overgrowth, and epilepsy. The same pathogenic variant was detected in 2 of the 11 previously reported cases. Epilepsy, however, was only diagnosed in one other individual with Cohen-Gibson syndrome before. Our findings further confirm that the WD40 repeat domain represents a mutational hotspot; they also expand the clinical spectrum of Cohen-Gibson syndrome and highlight the clinical variability even in individuals with the same pathogenic variant. Furthermore, they indicate a possible association between Cohen-Gibson syndrome and epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin L M L Hetzelt
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg FAU, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Winterholler
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders Center, Sana-Krankenhaus Rummelsberg, Schwarzenbruck/Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Frank Kerling
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders Center, Sana-Krankenhaus Rummelsberg, Schwarzenbruck/Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Christophe Rauch
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders Center, Sana-Krankenhaus Rummelsberg, Schwarzenbruck/Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Arif B Ekici
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg FAU, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Winterpacht
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg FAU, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Georgia Vasileiou
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg FAU, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Steffen Uebe
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg FAU, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian T Thiel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg FAU, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Cornelia Kraus
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg FAU, Erlangen, Germany
| | - André Reis
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg FAU, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christiane Zweier
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg FAU, Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Human Genetics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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29
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Luo X, Schoch K, Jangam SV, Bhavana VH, Graves HK, Kansagra S, Jasien JM, Stong N, Keren B, Mignot C, Ravelli C, Bellen HJ, Wangler MF, Shashi V, Yamamoto S. Rare deleterious de novo missense variants in Rnf2/Ring2 are associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder with unique clinical features. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:1283-1292. [PMID: 33864376 PMCID: PMC8255132 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The Polycomb group (PcG) gene RNF2 (RING2) encodes a catalytic subunit of the Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1), an evolutionarily conserved machinery that post-translationally modifies chromatin to maintain epigenetic transcriptional repressive states of target genes including Hox genes. Here, we describe two individuals, each with rare de novo missense variants in RNF2. Their phenotypes include intrauterine growth retardation, severe intellectual disabilities, behavioral problems, seizures, feeding difficulties and dysmorphic features. Population genomics data suggest that RNF2 is highly constrained for loss-of-function (LoF) and missense variants, and both p.R70H and p.S82R variants have not been reported to date. Structural analyses of the two alleles indicate that these changes likely impact the interaction between RNF2 and BMI1, another PRC1 subunit or its substrate Histone H2A, respectively. Finally, we provide functional data in Drosophila that these two missense variants behave as LoF alleles in vivo. The evidence provide support for deleterious alleles in RNF2 being associated with a new and recognizable genetic disorder. This tentative gene-disease association in addition to the 12 previously identified disorders caused by PcG genes attests to the importance of these chromatin regulators in Mendelian disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Luo
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kelly Schoch
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Health, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Sharayu V Jangam
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Venkata Hemanjani Bhavana
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hillary K Graves
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sujay Kansagra
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Health, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Joan M Jasien
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Health, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Nicholas Stong
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Boris Keren
- Département de Génétique, Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, APHP, Paris 75013, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris 75006, France
| | - Cyril Mignot
- Sorbonne Université, Paris 75006, France
- APHP, Sorbonne Université, Département de Génétique et Centre de Référence Déficiences Intellectuelles de Causes Rares, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière et Hôpital Trousseau, Paris 75013, France
| | - Claudia Ravelli
- Sorbonne Université, Paris 75006, France
- Département de Neuropédiatrie, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, APHP, Paris 75012, France
| | | | - Hugo J Bellen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael F Wangler
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Vandana Shashi
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Health, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Shinya Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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30
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Mossink B, Negwer M, Schubert D, Nadif Kasri N. The emerging role of chromatin remodelers in neurodevelopmental disorders: a developmental perspective. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:2517-2563. [PMID: 33263776 PMCID: PMC8004494 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03714-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD), are a large group of disorders in which early insults during brain development result in a wide and heterogeneous spectrum of clinical diagnoses. Mutations in genes coding for chromatin remodelers are overrepresented in NDD cohorts, pointing towards epigenetics as a convergent pathogenic pathway between these disorders. In this review we detail the role of NDD-associated chromatin remodelers during the developmental continuum of progenitor expansion, differentiation, cell-type specification, migration and maturation. We discuss how defects in chromatin remodelling during these early developmental time points compound over time and result in impaired brain circuit establishment. In particular, we focus on their role in the three largest cell populations: glutamatergic neurons, GABAergic neurons, and glia cells. An in-depth understanding of the spatiotemporal role of chromatin remodelers during neurodevelopment can contribute to the identification of molecular targets for treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britt Mossink
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Geert Grooteplein 10, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Moritz Negwer
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Geert Grooteplein 10, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk Schubert
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nael Nadif Kasri
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Geert Grooteplein 10, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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31
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Weiss B, Eberle B, Roeth R, de Bruin C, Lui JC, Paramasivam N, Hinderhofer K, van Duyvenvoorde HA, Baron J, Wit JM, Rappold GA. Evidence That Non-Syndromic Familial Tall Stature Has an Oligogenic Origin Including Ciliary Genes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:660731. [PMID: 34194391 PMCID: PMC8237855 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.660731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human growth is a complex trait. A considerable number of gene defects have been shown to cause short stature, but there are only few examples of genetic causes of non-syndromic tall stature. Besides rare variants with large effects and common risk alleles with small effect size, oligogenic effects may contribute to this phenotype. Exome sequencing was carried out in a tall male (height 3.5 SDS) and his parents. Filtered damaging variants with high CADD scores were validated by Sanger sequencing in the trio and three other affected and one unaffected family members. Network analysis was carried out to assess links between the candidate genes, and the transcriptome of murine growth plate was analyzed by microarray as well as RNA Seq. Heterozygous gene variants in CEP104, CROCC, NEK1, TOM1L2, and TSTD2 predicted as damaging were found to be shared between the four tall family members. Three of the five genes (CEP104, CROCC, and NEK1) belong to the ciliary gene family. All genes are expressed in mouse growth plate. Pathway and network analyses indicated close functional connections. Together, these data expand the spectrum of genes with a role in linear growth and tall stature phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Weiss
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Birgit Eberle
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralph Roeth
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christiaan de Bruin
- Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Julian C. Lui
- Section on Growth and Development, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Nagarajan Paramasivam
- Computational Oncology Group, Molecular Diagnostics Program at the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katrin Hinderhofer
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Jeffrey Baron
- Section on Growth and Development, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jan M. Wit
- Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Gudrun A. Rappold
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Gudrun A. Rappold,
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32
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Jain SU, Rashoff AQ, Krabbenhoft SD, Hoelper D, Do TJ, Gibson TJ, Lundgren SM, Bondra ER, Deshmukh S, Harutyunyan AS, Juretic N, Jabado N, Harrison MM, Lewis PW. H3 K27M and EZHIP Impede H3K27-Methylation Spreading by Inhibiting Allosterically Stimulated PRC2. Mol Cell 2020; 80:726-735.e7. [PMID: 33049227 PMCID: PMC7680438 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Diffuse midline gliomas and posterior fossa type A ependymomas contain the recurrent histone H3 lysine 27 (H3 K27M) mutation and express the H3 K27M-mimic EZHIP (CXorf67), respectively. H3 K27M and EZHIP are competitive inhibitors of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) lysine methyltransferase activity. In vivo, these proteins reduce overall H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) levels; however, residual peaks of H3K27me3 remain at CpG islands (CGIs) through an unknown mechanism. Here, we report that EZHIP and H3 K27M preferentially interact with PRC2 that is allosterically activated by H3K27me3 at CGIs and impede its spreading. Moreover, H3 K27M oncohistones reduce H3K27me3 in trans, independent of their incorporation into the chromatin. Although EZHIP is not found outside placental mammals, expression of human EZHIP reduces H3K27me3 in Drosophila melanogaster through a conserved mechanism. Our results provide mechanistic insights for the retention of residual H3K27me3 in tumors driven by H3 K27M and EZHIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhant U Jain
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Andrew Q Rashoff
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Samuel D Krabbenhoft
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Dominik Hoelper
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Truman J Do
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Tyler J Gibson
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Stefan M Lundgren
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Eliana R Bondra
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Shriya Deshmukh
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ashot S Harutyunyan
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1B1, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, McGill University and The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Nikoleta Juretic
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1B1, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, McGill University and The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Nada Jabado
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1B1, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, McGill University and The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Melissa M Harrison
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Peter W Lewis
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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33
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Yang Y, Li G. Post-translational modifications of PRC2: signals directing its activity. Epigenetics Chromatin 2020; 13:47. [PMID: 33129354 PMCID: PMC7603765 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-020-00369-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is a chromatin-modifying enzyme that catalyses the methylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me1/2/3). This complex maintains gene transcriptional repression and plays an essential role in the maintenance of cellular identity as well as normal organismal development. The activity of PRC2, including its genomic targeting and catalytic activity, is controlled by various signals. Recent studies have revealed that these signals involve cis chromatin features, PRC2 facultative subunits and post-translational modifications (PTMs) of PRC2 subunits. Overall, these findings have provided insight into the biochemical signals directing PRC2 function, although many mysteries remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqi Yang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Gang Li
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China. .,Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China. .,Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.
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34
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Gamu D, Gibson WT. Reciprocal skeletal phenotypes of PRC2-related overgrowth and Rubinstein-Taybi syndromes: potential role of H3K27 modifications. Cold Spring Harb Mol Case Stud 2020; 6:mcs.a005058. [PMID: 32843427 PMCID: PMC7476411 DOI: 10.1101/mcs.a005058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Within histone H3, lysine 27 (H3K27) is one of the residues that functions as a molecular switch, by virtue of being subject to mutually exclusive post-translational modifications that have reciprocal effects on gene expression. Whereas acetylation of H3K27 is associated with transcriptional activation, methylation at this residue causes transcriptional silencing; these two modifications are mutually exclusive. Establishment of these epigenetic marks is important in defining cellular identity and for maintaining normal cell function, as evidenced by rare genetic disorders of epigenetic writers involved in H3K27 post-translational modification. Polycomb repressive complex (PRC2)-related overgrowth and Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS) are respectively associated with impaired H3K27 methylation and acetylation. Whereas these syndromes share commonalities like intellectual disability and susceptibility to cancers, they are generally divergent in their skeletal growth phenotypes, potentially through dysregulation of their opposing H3K27 writer functions. In this review, we discuss the requirement of H3K27 modifications for successful embryogenesis, highlighting data from relevant mouse knockout studies. Although such gene ablation studies are integral for defining fundamental biological roles of methyl- and acetyltransferase function in vivo, studies of partial loss-of-function models are likely to yield more meaningful translational insight into progression of PRC2-related overgrowth or RSTS. Thus, modeling of rare human PRC2-related overgrowth and RSTS variants in mice is needed to fully understand the causative role of aberrant H3K27 modification in the pathophysiology of these syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gamu
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - William T Gibson
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3N1, Canada
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35
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DNA Methylation Signature for EZH2 Functionally Classifies Sequence Variants in Three PRC2 Complex Genes. Am J Hum Genet 2020; 106:596-610. [PMID: 32243864 PMCID: PMC7212265 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2020.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Weaver syndrome (WS), an overgrowth/intellectual disability syndrome (OGID), is caused by pathogenic variants in the histone methyltransferase EZH2, which encodes a core component of the Polycomb repressive complex-2 (PRC2). Using genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) data for 187 individuals with OGID and 969 control subjects, we show that pathogenic variants in EZH2 generate a highly specific and sensitive DNAm signature reflecting the phenotype of WS. This signature can be used to distinguish loss-of-function from gain-of-function missense variants and to detect somatic mosaicism. We also show that the signature can accurately classify sequence variants in EED and SUZ12, which encode two other core components of PRC2, and predict the presence of pathogenic variants in undiagnosed individuals with OGID. The discovery of a functionally relevant signature with utility for diagnostic classification of sequence variants in EZH2, EED, and SUZ12 supports the emerging paradigm shift for implementation of DNAm signatures into diagnostics and translational research.
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36
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Cyrus SS, Cohen ASA, Agbahovbe R, Avela K, Yeung KS, Chung BHY, Luk HM, Tkachenko N, Choufani S, Weksberg R, Lopez-Rangel E, Brown K, Saenz MS, Svihovec S, McCandless SE, Bird LM, Garcia AG, Gambello MJ, McWalter K, Schnur RE, An J, Jones SJM, Bhalla SK, Pinz H, Braddock SR, Gibson WT. Rare SUZ12 variants commonly cause an overgrowth phenotype. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2019; 181:532-547. [PMID: 31736240 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The Polycomb repressive complex 2 is an epigenetic writer and recruiter with a role in transcriptional silencing. Constitutional pathogenic variants in its component proteins have been found to cause two established overgrowth syndromes: Weaver syndrome (EZH2-related overgrowth) and Cohen-Gibson syndrome (EED-related overgrowth). Imagawa et al. (2017) initially reported a singleton female with a Weaver-like phenotype with a rare coding SUZ12 variant-the same group subsequently reported two additional affected patients. Here we describe a further 10 patients (from nine families) with rare heterozygous SUZ12 variants who present with a Weaver-like phenotype. We report four frameshift, two missense, one nonsense, and two splice site variants. The affected patients demonstrate variable pre- and postnatal overgrowth, dysmorphic features, musculoskeletal abnormalities and developmental delay/intellectual disability. Some patients have genitourinary and structural brain abnormalities, and there may be an association with respiratory issues. The addition of these 10 patients makes a compelling argument that rare pathogenic SUZ12 variants frequently cause overgrowth, physical abnormalities, and abnormal neurodevelopmental outcomes in the heterozygous state. Pathogenic SUZ12 variants may be de novo or inherited, and are sometimes inherited from a mildly-affected parent. Larger samples sizes will be needed to elucidate whether one or more clinically-recognizable syndromes emerge from different variant subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharri S Cyrus
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ana S A Cohen
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ruky Agbahovbe
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kristiina Avela
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Helsinki University Hospital, HUSLAB, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kit S Yeung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Brian H Y Chung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ho-Ming Luk
- Clinical Genetic Service, Department of Health, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Nataliya Tkachenko
- Medical Genetics Service, Medical Genetics Center Dr. Jacinto de Magalhães, Porto Hospital Center, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sanaa Choufani
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rosanna Weksberg
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics and Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elena Lopez-Rangel
- Department of Medical Genetics, British Columbia Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kathleen Brown
- Section of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Margarita S Saenz
- Section of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Shayna Svihovec
- Section of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Shawn E McCandless
- Section of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Lynne M Bird
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, California.,Genetics/Dysmorphology, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Aixa Gonzalez Garcia
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Michael J Gambello
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | - Jianghong An
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Steven J M Jones
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sanjiv K Bhalla
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Diagnostic and Medical Imaging Services, Surrey Memorial Hospital, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hailey Pinz
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Stephen R Braddock
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - William T Gibson
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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37
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Cyrus S, Burkardt D, Weaver DD, Gibson WT. PRC2-complex related dysfunction in overgrowth syndromes: A review of EZH2, EED, and SUZ12 and their syndromic phenotypes. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2019; 181:519-531. [PMID: 31724824 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The EZH2, EED, and SUZ12 genes encode proteins that comprise core components of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), an epigenetic "writer" with H3K27 methyltransferase activity, catalyzing the addition of up to three methyl groups on histone 3 at lysine residue 27 (H3K27). Partial loss-of-function variants in genes encoding the EZH2 and EED subunits of the complex lead to overgrowth, macrocephaly, advanced bone age, variable intellectual disability, and distinctive facial features. EZH2-associated overgrowth, caused by constitutional heterozygous mutations within Enhancer of Zeste homologue 2 (EZH2), has a phenotypic spectrum ranging from tall stature without obvious intellectual disability or dysmorphic features to classical Weaver syndrome (OMIM #277590). EED-associated overgrowth (Cohen-Gibson syndrome; OMIM #617561) is caused by germline heterozygous mutations in Embryonic Ectoderm Development (EED), and manifests overgrowth and intellectual disability (OGID), along with other features similar to Weaver syndrome. Most recently, rare coding variants in SUZ12 have also been described that present with clinical characteristics similar to the previous two syndromes. Here we review the PRC2 complex and clinical syndromes of OGID associated with core components EZH2, EED, and SUZ12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharri Cyrus
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Deepika Burkardt
- Center for Human Genetics, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children/Department of Genetics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - David D Weaver
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - William T Gibson
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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38
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Cytrynbaum C, Choufani S, Weksberg R. Epigenetic signatures in overgrowth syndromes: Translational opportunities. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2019; 181:491-501. [PMID: 31828978 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, numerous overgrowth syndromes have been found to be caused by pathogenic DNA sequence variants in "epigenes," genes that encode proteins that function in epigenetic regulation. Epigenetic marks, including DNA methylation (DNAm), histone modifications and chromatin conformation, have emerged as a vital genome-wide regulatory mechanism that modulate the transcriptome temporally and spatially to drive normal developmental and cellular processes. Evidence suggests that epigenetic marks are layered and engage in crosstalk, in that disruptions of any one component of the epigenetic machinery impact the others. This interdependence of epigenetic marks underpins the recent identification of gene-specific DNAm signatures for a variety of disorders caused by pathogenic variants in epigenes. Here, we discuss the power of DNAm signatures with respect to furthering our understanding of disease pathophysiology, enhancing the efficacy of molecular diagnostics and identifying new targets for therapeutics of overgrowth syndromes. These findings highlight the promise of the field of epigenomics to provide unprecedented insights into disease mechanisms generating a host of opportunities to advance precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Cytrynbaum
- Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario.,Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Sanaa Choufani
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Rosanna Weksberg
- Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario.,Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
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39
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Abstract
Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is a conserved chromatin regulator that is responsible for the methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27). PRC2 is essential for normal development and its loss of function thus results in a range of developmental phenotypes. Here, we review the latest advances in our understanding of mammalian PRC2 activity and present an updated summary of the phenotypes associated with its loss of function in mice. We then discuss recent studies that have highlighted regulatory interplay between the modifications laid down by PRC2 and other chromatin modifiers, including NSD1 and DNMT3A. Finally, we propose a model in which the dysregulation of these modifications at intergenic regions is a shared molecular feature of genetically distinct but highly phenotypically similar overgrowth syndromes in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orla Deevy
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Adrian P Bracken
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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40
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Spellicy CJ, Peng Y, Olewiler L, Cathey SS, Rogers RC, Bartholomew D, Johnson J, Alexov E, Lee JA, Friez MJ, Jones JR. Three additional patients with EED-associated overgrowth: potential mutation hotspots identified? J Hum Genet 2019; 64:561-572. [PMID: 30858506 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-019-0585-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Variants have been identified in the embryonic ectoderm development (EED) gene in seven patients with syndromic overgrowth similar to that observed in Weaver syndrome. Here, we present three additional patients with missense variants in the EED gene. All the missense variants reported to date (including the three presented here) have localized to one of seven WD40 domains of the EED protein, which are necessary for interaction with enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2). In addition, among the seven patients reported in the literature and the three new patients presented here, all of the reported pathogenic variants except one occurred at one of four amino acid residues in the EED protein. The recurrence of pathogenic variation at these loci suggests that these residues are functionally important (mutation hotspots). In silico modeling and calculations of the free energy changes resulting from these variants suggested that they not only destabilize the EED protein structure but also adversely affect interactions between EED, EZH2, and/or H3K27me3. These cases help demonstrate the mechanism(s) by which apparently deleterious variants in the EED gene might cause overgrowth and lend further support that amino acid residues in the WD40 domain region may be mutation hotspots.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yunhui Peng
- Computational Biophysics and Bioinformatics laboratory, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Leah Olewiler
- Genetics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Sara S Cathey
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, SC, 29646, USA
- Clinical Genetics, Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, SC, 29646, USA
| | - R Curtis Rogers
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, SC, 29646, USA
- Clinical Genetics, Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, SC, 29646, USA
| | | | | | - Emil Alexov
- Computational Biophysics and Bioinformatics laboratory, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | | | | | - Julie R Jones
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, SC, 29646, USA.
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41
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Brioude F, Toutain A, Giabicani E, Cottereau E, Cormier-Daire V, Netchine I. Overgrowth syndromes - clinical and molecular aspects and tumour risk. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2019; 15:299-311. [PMID: 30842651 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-019-0180-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Overgrowth syndromes are a heterogeneous group of rare disorders characterized by generalized or segmental excessive growth commonly associated with additional features, such as visceromegaly, macrocephaly and a large range of various symptoms. These syndromes are caused by either genetic or epigenetic anomalies affecting factors involved in cell proliferation and/or the regulation of epigenetic markers. Some of these conditions are associated with neurological anomalies, such as cognitive impairment or autism. Overgrowth syndromes are frequently associated with an increased risk of cancer (embryonic tumours during infancy or carcinomas during adulthood), but with a highly variable prevalence. Given this risk, syndrome-specific tumour screening protocols have recently been established for some of these conditions. Certain specific clinical traits make it possible to discriminate between different syndromes and orient molecular explorations to determine which molecular tests to conduct, despite the syndromes having overlapping clinical features. Recent advances in molecular techniques using next-generation sequencing approaches have increased the number of patients with an identified molecular defect (especially patients with segmental overgrowth). This Review discusses the clinical and molecular diagnosis, tumour risk and recommendations for tumour screening for the most prevalent generalized and segmental overgrowth syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Brioude
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMR_S938, Centre de Recherche Saint Antoine, AP-HP Hôpital Trousseau, Paris, France.
| | - Annick Toutain
- CHU de Tours, Hôpital Bretonneau, Service de Génétique, INSERM UMR1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Faculté de Médecine, Tours, France
| | - Eloise Giabicani
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMR_S938, Centre de Recherche Saint Antoine, AP-HP Hôpital Trousseau, Paris, France
| | - Edouard Cottereau
- CHU de Tours, Hôpital Bretonneau, Service de Génétique, Tours, France
| | - Valérie Cormier-Daire
- Service de génétique clinique, Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, INSERM UMR1163, Institut Imagine, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Irene Netchine
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMR_S938, Centre de Recherche Saint Antoine, AP-HP Hôpital Trousseau, Paris, France
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42
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Bahrampour S, Jonsson C, Thor S. Brain expansion promoted by polycomb-mediated anterior enhancement of a neural stem cell proliferation program. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000163. [PMID: 30807568 PMCID: PMC6407790 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
During central nervous system (CNS) development, genetic programs establish neural stem cells and drive both stem and daughter cell proliferation. However, the prominent anterior expansion of the CNS implies anterior–posterior (A–P) modulation of these programs. In Drosophila, a set of neural stem cell factors acts along the entire A–P axis to establish neural stem cells. Brain expansion results from enhanced stem and daughter cell proliferation, promoted by a Polycomb Group (PcG)->Homeobox (Hox) homeotic network. But how does PcG->Hox modulate neural-stem-cell–factor activity along the A–P axis? We find that the PcG->Hox network creates an A–P expression gradient of neural stem cell factors, thereby driving a gradient of proliferation. PcG mutants can be rescued by misexpression of the neural stem cell factors or by mutation of one single Hox gene. Hence, brain expansion results from anterior enhancement of core neural-stem-cell–factor expression, mediated by PcG repression of brain Hox expression. A study in fruit flies shows that the anterior expansion of the central nervous system, to form the brain, is driven by Polycomb-mediated repression of Hox genes, resulting in anterior enhancement of a neural stem cell program. The central nervous system displays a pronounced anterior expansion that forms the brain. In the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, this expansion is driven by enhanced anterior cell proliferation. Recent studies reveal that cell proliferation in the brain is promoted by the Polycomb Group Complex, a key epigenetic complex. During development of the central nervous system, the Polycomb Group Complex acts to exclude Hox homeotic gene expression from the brain, thereby rendering the brain a Hox-free zone. Hox genes act in an antiproliferative manner, which explains the hyperproliferation observed in the brain, as well as the gradient of proliferation along the anterior–posterior axis of the central nervous system. Here, we find that Hox genes act by repressing a common neural stem cell proliferation program in more posterior regions, resulting in an anterior–posterior gradient of “stemness.” Hence, elevated anterior proliferation is promoted by the Polycomb Group Complex acting to keep the brain free of negative Hox input, thereby ensuring elevated expression of neural stem cell factors in the brain. Strikingly, mutants of the Polycomb Group Complex can be rescued by mutation of one single Hox gene, demonstrating that the primary role of the Polycomb Group Complex is indeed Hox repression. This study advances our understanding of how neural stem cell programs operate at different axial levels of the central nervous system and may have implications also for stem cell and organoid biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrzad Bahrampour
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Carolin Jonsson
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Stefan Thor
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
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43
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Griffiths S, Loveday C, Zachariou A, Behan LA, Chandler K, Cole T, D'Arrigo S, Dieckmann A, Foster A, Gibney J, Hunter M, Milani D, Pantaleoni C, Roche E, Sherlock M, Springer A, White SM, Tatton-Brown K. EED and EZH2 constitutive variants: A study to expand the Cohen-Gibson syndrome phenotype and contrast it with Weaver syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 2019; 179:588-594. [PMID: 30793471 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.61066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Overgrowth-intellectual disability (OGID) syndromes are characterized by increased growth (height and/or head circumference ≥+2 SD) in association with an intellectual disability. Constitutive EED variants have previously been reported in five individuals with an OGID syndrome, eponymously designated Cohen-Gibson syndrome and resembling Weaver syndrome. Here, we report three additional individuals with constitutive EED variants, identified through exome sequencing of an OGID patient series. We compare the EED phenotype with that of Weaver syndrome (56 individuals), caused by constitutive EZH2 variants. We conclude that while there is considerable overlap between the EED and EZH2 phenotypes with both characteristically associated with increased growth and an intellectual disability, individuals with EED variants more frequently have cardiac problems and cervical spine abnormalities, boys have cryptorchidism and the facial gestalts can usually be distinguished.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Griffiths
- Department of Clinical Genetics, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chey Loveday
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Zachariou
- Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy-Ann Behan
- Department of Endocrinology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Paediatric Growth, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kate Chandler
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Trevor Cole
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Stefano D'Arrigo
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Dieckmann
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Alison Foster
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - James Gibney
- Department of Paediatric Growth, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Matthew Hunter
- Department of Genetics, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Donatella Milani
- Pediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Pantaleoni
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Edna Roche
- Department of Paediatric Growth, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mark Sherlock
- Department of Endocrinology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Amanda Springer
- Department of Genetics, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Susan M White
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | -
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Katrina Tatton-Brown
- Department of Clinical Genetics, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, United Kingdom.,South West Thames Regional Genetics Service, London, United Kingdom
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44
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Marques P, Korbonits M. Pseudoacromegaly. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 52:113-143. [PMID: 30448536 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with acromegaloid physical appearance or tall stature may be referred to endocrinologists to exclude growth hormone (GH) excess. While some of these subjects could be healthy individuals with normal variants of growth or physical traits, others will have acromegaly or pituitary gigantism, which are, in general, straightforward diagnoses upon assessment of the GH/IGF-1 axis. However, some patients with physical features resembling acromegaly - usually affecting the face and extremities -, or gigantism - accelerated growth/tall stature - will have no abnormalities in the GH axis. This scenario is termed pseudoacromegaly, and its correct diagnosis can be challenging due to the rarity and variability of these conditions, as well as due to significant overlap in their characteristics. In this review we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of pseudoacromegaly conditions, highlighting their similarities and differences with acromegaly and pituitary gigantism, to aid physicians with the diagnosis of patients with pseudoacromegaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Marques
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Márta Korbonits
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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45
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Heyn P, Logan CV, Fluteau A, Challis RC, Auchynnikava T, Martin CA, Marsh JA, Taglini F, Kilanowski F, Parry DA, Cormier-Daire V, Fong CT, Gibson K, Hwa V, Ibáñez L, Robertson SP, Sebastiani G, Rappsilber J, Allshire RC, Reijns MAM, Dauber A, Sproul D, Jackson AP. Gain-of-function DNMT3A mutations cause microcephalic dwarfism and hypermethylation of Polycomb-regulated regions. Nat Genet 2019; 51:96-105. [PMID: 30478443 PMCID: PMC6520989 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-018-0274-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation and Polycomb are key factors in the establishment of vertebrate cellular identity and fate. Here we report de novo missense mutations in DNMT3A, which encodes the DNA methyltransferase DNMT3A. These mutations cause microcephalic dwarfism, a hypocellular disorder of extreme global growth failure. Substitutions in the PWWP domain abrogate binding to the histone modifications H3K36me2 and H3K36me3, and alter DNA methylation in patient cells. Polycomb-associated DNA methylation valleys, hypomethylated domains encompassing developmental genes, become methylated with concomitant depletion of H3K27me3 and H3K4me3 bivalent marks. Such de novo DNA methylation occurs during differentiation of Dnmt3aW326R pluripotent cells in vitro, and is also evident in Dnmt3aW326R/+ dwarf mice. We therefore propose that the interaction of the DNMT3A PWWP domain with H3K36me2 and H3K36me3 normally limits DNA methylation of Polycomb-marked regions. Our findings implicate the interplay between DNA methylation and Polycomb at key developmental regulators as a determinant of organism size in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Heyn
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Clare V Logan
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Adeline Fluteau
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rachel C Challis
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Tatsiana Auchynnikava
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Carol-Anne Martin
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Joseph A Marsh
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Francesca Taglini
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Fiona Kilanowski
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David A Parry
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Valerie Cormier-Daire
- Department of Medical Genetics, INSERM UMR 1163, Université Paris-Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, Institut Imagine, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Chin-To Fong
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Kate Gibson
- Genetic Health Service New Zealand, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Vivian Hwa
- Cincinnati Center for Growth Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Lourdes Ibáñez
- Department of Endocrinology, Pediatric Research Institute Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Stephen P Robertson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Giorgia Sebastiani
- Neonatology Unit, Hospital Clinic-Maternitat, ICGON, BCNatal, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juri Rappsilber
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Bioanalytics, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robin C Allshire
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Martin A M Reijns
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrew Dauber
- Cincinnati Center for Growth Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Duncan Sproul
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Andrew P Jackson
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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46
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Jarred EG, Bildsoe H, Western PS. Out of sight, out of mind? Germ cells and the potential impacts of epigenomic drugs. F1000Res 2018; 7. [PMID: 30613387 PMCID: PMC6305226 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.15935.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, determine the way DNA is packaged within the nucleus and regulate cell-specific gene expression. The heritability of these modifications provides a memory of cell identity and function. Common dysregulation of epigenetic modifications in cancer has driven substantial interest in the development of epigenetic modifying drugs. Although these drugs have the potential to be highly beneficial for patients, they act systemically and may have “off-target” effects in other cells such as the patients’ sperm or eggs. This review discusses the potential for epigenomic drugs to impact on the germline epigenome and subsequent offspring and aims to foster further examination into the possible effects of these drugs on gametes. Ultimately, the information gained by further research may improve the clinical guidelines for the use of such drugs in patients of reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen G Jarred
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Heidi Bildsoe
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Patrick S Western
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
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47
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CHD3 helicase domain mutations cause a neurodevelopmental syndrome with macrocephaly and impaired speech and language. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4619. [PMID: 30397230 PMCID: PMC6218476 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06014-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin remodeling is of crucial importance during brain development. Pathogenic alterations of several chromatin remodeling ATPases have been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders. We describe an index case with a de novo missense mutation in CHD3, identified during whole genome sequencing of a cohort of children with rare speech disorders. To gain a comprehensive view of features associated with disruption of this gene, we use a genotype-driven approach, collecting and characterizing 35 individuals with de novo CHD3 mutations and overlapping phenotypes. Most mutations cluster within the ATPase/helicase domain of the encoded protein. Modeling their impact on the three-dimensional structure demonstrates disturbance of critical binding and interaction motifs. Experimental assays with six of the identified mutations show that a subset directly affects ATPase activity, and all but one yield alterations in chromatin remodeling. We implicate de novo CHD3 mutations in a syndrome characterized by intellectual disability, macrocephaly, and impaired speech and language.
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Stringer JM, Forster SC, Qu Z, Prokopuk L, O'Bryan MK, Gardner DK, White SJ, Adelson D, Western PS. Reduced PRC2 function alters male germline epigenetic programming and paternal inheritance. BMC Biol 2018; 16:104. [PMID: 30236109 PMCID: PMC6149058 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-018-0569-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Defining the mechanisms that establish and regulate the transmission of epigenetic information from parent to offspring is critical for understanding disease heredity. Currently, the molecular pathways that regulate epigenetic information in the germline and its transmission to offspring are poorly understood. RESULTS Here we provide evidence that Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) regulates paternal inheritance. Reduced PRC2 function in mice resulted in male sub-fertility and altered epigenetic and transcriptional control of retrotransposed elements in foetal male germ cells. Males with reduced PRC2 function produced offspring that over-expressed retrotransposed pseudogenes and had altered preimplantation embryo cleavage rates and cell cycle control. CONCLUSION This study reveals a novel role for the histone-modifying complex, PRC2, in paternal intergenerational transmission of epigenetic effects on offspring, with important implications for understanding disease inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Stringer
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Ovarian Biology Laboratory, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, 3168, Australia
| | - Samuel C Forster
- Host-Microbiota Interactions Laboratory, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
- Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Zhipeng Qu
- Bioinformatics and Computational Genetics, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Lexie Prokopuk
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
- Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Stefan J White
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden Genome Technology Centre, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - David Adelson
- Bioinformatics and Computational Genetics, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Patrick S Western
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.
- Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.
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Imagawa E, Albuquerque EVA, Isidor B, Mitsuhashi S, Mizuguchi T, Miyatake S, Takata A, Miyake N, Boguszewski MCS, Boguszewski CL, Lerario AM, Funari MA, Jorge AAL, Matsumoto N. Novel SUZ12 mutations in Weaver-like syndrome. Clin Genet 2018; 94:461-466. [PMID: 30019515 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
SUZ12 is a core component of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) along with EZH2 and EED. Recently, germline mutations in the SUZ12, EZH2 and EED genes have been reported in Weaver syndrome (WS) or Weaver-like syndrome, suggesting a functional link between PRC2 deficits and WS. However, only one case of a SUZ12 mutation presenting with Weaver-like syndrome has been reported. Here, we report a missense and a frameshift mutation in SUZ12 (c.1797A>C; p.Gln599His and c.844_845del; p.Ala282Glnfs*7), both of which are novel, in two individuals. Their clinical features included postnatal overgrowth, increased bifrontal diameter, large ears, round face, horizontal chin crease and skeletal anomalies, but did not fulfill the WS diagnostic criteria. These data provide strong evidence that SUZ12 mutations cause Weaver-like syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eri Imagawa
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Edoarda V A Albuquerque
- Unidade de Endocrinologia Genetica (LIM25), Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bertrand Isidor
- Service de Génétique Médicale, Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu, Nantes, France
| | - Satomi Mitsuhashi
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takeshi Mizuguchi
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Satoko Miyatake
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takata
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Noriko Miyake
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | | | - César L Boguszewski
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrine Division (SEMPR), Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Antonio M Lerario
- Unidade de Endocrinologia Genetica (LIM25), Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Mariana A Funari
- Laboratorio de Hormonios e Genetica Molecular (LIM/42), Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexander A L Jorge
- Unidade de Endocrinologia Genetica (LIM25), Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Naomichi Matsumoto
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
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Prokopuk L, Stringer JM, White CR, Vossen RHAM, White SJ, Cohen ASA, Gibson WT, Western PS. Loss of maternal EED results in postnatal overgrowth. Clin Epigenetics 2018; 10:95. [PMID: 30005706 PMCID: PMC6045828 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-018-0526-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigating how epigenetic information is transmitted through the mammalian germline is the key to understanding how this information impacts on health and disease susceptibility in offspring. EED is essential for regulating the repressive histone modification, histone 3 lysine 27 tri-methylation (H3K27me3) at many developmental genes. RESULTS In this study, we used oocyte-specific Zp3-Cre recombinase (Zp3Cre) to delete Eed specifically in mouse growing oocytes, permitting the study of EED function in oocytes and the impact of depleting EED in oocytes on outcomes in offspring. As EED deletion occurred only in growing oocytes and females were mated to normal wild type males, this model allowed the study of oocyte programming without confounding factors such as altered in utero environment. Loss of EED from growing oocytes resulted in a significant overgrowth phenotype that persisted into adult life. Significantly, this involved increased adiposity (total fat) and bone mineral density in offspring. Similar overgrowth occurs in humans with Cohen-Gibson (OMIM 617561) and Weaver (OMIM 277590) syndromes, that result from de novo germline mutations in EED or its co-factor EZH2, respectively. Consistent with a role for EZH2 in human oocytes, we demonstrate that de novo germline mutations in EZH2 occurred in the maternal germline in some cases of Weaver syndrome. However, deletion of Ezh2 in mouse oocytes resulted in a distinct phenotype compared to that resulting from oocyte-specific deletion of Eed. CONCLUSIONS This study provides novel evidence that altering EED-dependent oocyte programming leads to compromised offspring growth and development in the next generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lexie Prokopuk
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Jessica M Stringer
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.,Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Craig R White
- Centre for Geometric Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Rolf H A M Vossen
- Leiden Genome Technology Centre, Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan J White
- Leiden Genome Technology Centre, Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ana S A Cohen
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia and British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - William T Gibson
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia and British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Patrick S Western
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.
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