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Volloch V, Rits-Volloch S. ACH2.0/E, the Consolidated Theory of Conventional and Unconventional Alzheimer's Disease: Origins, Progression, and Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6036. [PMID: 38892224 PMCID: PMC11172602 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116036] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The centrality of amyloid-beta (Aβ) is an indisputable tenet of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It was initially indicated by the detection (1991) of a mutation within Aβ protein precursor (AβPP) segregating with the disease, which served as a basis for the long-standing Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis (ACH) theory of AD. In the intervening three decades, this notion was affirmed and substantiated by the discovery of numerous AD-causing and AD-protective mutations with all, without an exception, affecting the structure, production, and intraneuronal degradation of Aβ. The ACH postulated that the disease is caused and driven by extracellular Aβ. When it became clear that this is not the case, and the ACH was largely discredited, a new theory of AD, dubbed ACH2.0 to re-emphasize the centrality of Aβ, was formulated. In the ACH2.0, AD is caused by physiologically accumulated intraneuronal Aβ (iAβ) derived from AβPP. Upon reaching the critical threshold, it triggers activation of the autonomous AβPP-independent iAβ generation pathway; its output is retained intraneuronally and drives the AD pathology. The bridge between iAβ derived from AβPP and that generated independently of AβPP is the neuronal integrated stress response (ISR) elicited by the former. The ISR severely suppresses cellular protein synthesis; concurrently, it activates the production of a small subset of proteins, which apparently includes components necessary for operation of the AβPP-independent iAβ generation pathway that are absent under regular circumstances. The above sequence of events defines "conventional" AD, which is both caused and driven by differentially derived iAβ. Since the ISR can be elicited by a multitude of stressors, the logic of the ACH2.0 mandates that another class of AD, referred to as "unconventional", has to occur. Unconventional AD is defined as a disease where a stressor distinct from AβPP-derived iAβ elicits the neuronal ISR. Thus, the essence of both, conventional and unconventional, forms of AD is one and the same, namely autonomous, self-sustainable, AβPP-independent production of iAβ. What distinguishes them is the manner of activation of this pathway, i.e., the mode of causation of the disease. In unconventional AD, processes occurring at locations as distant from and seemingly as unrelated to the brain as, say, the knee can potentially trigger the disease. The present study asserts that these processes include traumatic brain injury (TBI), chronic traumatic encephalopathy, viral and bacterial infections, and a wide array of inflammatory conditions. It considers the pathways which are common to all these occurrences and culminate in the elicitation of the neuronal ISR, analyzes the dynamics of conventional versus unconventional AD, shows how the former can morph into the latter, explains how a single TBI can hasten the occurrence of AD and why it takes multiple TBIs to trigger the disease, and proposes the appropriate therapeutic strategies. It posits that yet another class of unconventional AD may occur where the autonomous AβPP-independent iAβ production pathway is initiated by an ISR-unrelated activator, and consolidates the above notions in a theory of AD, designated ACH2.0/E (for expanded ACH2.0), which incorporates the ACH2.0 as its special case and retains the centrality of iAβ produced independently of AβPP as the driving agent of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Volloch
- Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sophia Rits-Volloch
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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McNamee SM, Chan NP, Akula M, Avola MO, Whalen M, Nystuen K, Singh P, Upadhyay AK, DeAngelis MM, Haider NB. Preclinical dose response study shows NR2E3 can attenuate retinal degeneration in the retinitis pigmentosa mouse model Rho P23H+/. Gene Ther 2024; 31:255-262. [PMID: 38273095 PMCID: PMC11090815 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-024-00440-6] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a heterogeneous disease and the main cause of vision loss within the group of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). IRDs are a group of rare disorders caused by mutations in one or more of over 280 genes which ultimately result in blindness. Modifier genes play a key role in modulating disease phenotypes, and mutations in them can affect disease outcomes, rate of progression, and severity. Our previous studies have demonstrated that the nuclear hormone receptor 2 family e, member 3 (Nr2e3) gene reduced disease progression and loss of photoreceptor cell layers in RhoP23H-/- mice. This follow up, pharmacology study evaluates a longitudinal NR2E3 dose response in the clinically relevant heterozygous RhoP23H mouse. Reduced retinal degeneration and improved retinal morphology was observed 6 months following treatment evaluating three different NR2E3 doses. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed regions of photoreceptor rescue in the treated retinas of RhoP23H+/- mice. Functional assessment by electroretinogram (ERG) showed attenuated photoreceptor degeneration with all doses. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of different doses of NR2E3 at reducing retinal degeneration and informs dose selection for clinical trials of RhoP23H-associated RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M McNamee
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Natalie P Chan
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Monica Akula
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marielle O Avola
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maiya Whalen
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kaden Nystuen
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Margaret M DeAngelis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Neena B Haider
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Žukauskaitė G, Domarkienė I, Rančelis T, Kavaliauskienė I, Baronas K, Kučinskas V, Ambrozaitytė L. Putative protective genomic variation in the Lithuanian population. Genet Mol Biol 2024; 47:e20230030. [PMID: 38626572 PMCID: PMC11021042 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2023-0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Genomic effect variants associated with survival and protection against complex diseases vary between populations due to microevolutionary processes. The aim of this study was to analyse diversity and distribution of effect variants in a context of potential positive selection. In total, 475 individuals of Lithuanian origin were genotyped using high-throughput scanning and/or sequencing technologies. Allele frequency analysis for the pre-selected effect variants was performed using the catalogue of single nucleotide polymorphisms. Comparison of the pre-selected effect variants with variants in primate species was carried out to ascertain which allele was derived and potentially of protective nature. Recent positive selection analysis was performed to verify this protective effect. Four variants having significantly different frequencies compared to European populations were identified while two other variants reached borderline significance. Effect variant in SLC30A8 gene may potentially protect against type 2 diabetes. The existing paradox of high rates of type 2 diabetes in the Lithuanian population and the relatively high frequencies of potentially protective genome variants against it indicate a lack of knowledge about the interactions between environmental factors, regulatory regions, and other genome variation. Identification of effect variants is a step towards better understanding of the microevolutionary processes, etiopathogenetic mechanisms, and personalised medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielė Žukauskaitė
- Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Human and Medical Genetics, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ingrida Domarkienė
- Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Human and Medical Genetics, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Tautvydas Rančelis
- Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Human and Medical Genetics, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ingrida Kavaliauskienė
- Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Human and Medical Genetics, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Karolis Baronas
- Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Human and Medical Genetics, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vaidutis Kučinskas
- Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Human and Medical Genetics, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Laima Ambrozaitytė
- Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Human and Medical Genetics, Vilnius, Lithuania
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Volloch V, Rits-Volloch S. On the Inadequacy of the Current Transgenic Animal Models of Alzheimer's Disease: The Path Forward. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2981. [PMID: 38474228 PMCID: PMC10932000 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
For at least two reasons, the current transgenic animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) appear to be patently inadequate. They may be useful in many respects, the AD models; however, they are not. First, they are incapable of developing the full spectrum of the AD pathology. Second, they respond spectacularly well to drugs that are completely ineffective in the treatment of symptomatic AD. These observations indicate that both the transgenic animal models and the drugs faithfully reflect the theory that guided the design and development of both, the amyloid cascade hypothesis (ACH), and that both are inadequate because their underlying theory is. This conclusion necessitated the formulation of a new, all-encompassing theory of conventional AD-the ACH2.0. The two principal attributes of the ACH2.0 are the following. One, in conventional AD, the agent that causes the disease and drives its pathology is the intraneuronal amyloid-β (iAβ) produced in two distinctly different pathways. Two, following the commencement of AD, the bulk of Aβ is generated independently of Aβ protein precursor (AβPP) and is retained inside the neuron as iAβ. Within the framework of the ACH2.0, AβPP-derived iAβ accumulates physiologically in a lifelong process. It cannot reach levels required to support the progression of AD; it does, however, cause the disease. Indeed, conventional AD occurs if and when the levels of AβPP-derived iAβ cross the critical threshold, elicit the neuronal integrated stress response (ISR), and trigger the activation of the AβPP-independent iAβ generation pathway; the disease commences only when this pathway is operational. The iAβ produced in this pathway reaches levels sufficient to drive the AD pathology; it also propagates its own production and thus sustains the activity of the pathway and perpetuates its operation. The present study analyzes the reason underlying the evident inadequacy of the current transgenic animal models of AD. It concludes that they model, in fact, not Alzheimer's disease but rather the effects of the neuronal ISR sustained by AβPP-derived iAβ, that this is due to the lack of the operational AβPP-independent iAβ production pathway, and that this mechanism must be incorporated into any successful AD model faithfully emulating the disease. The study dissects the plausible molecular mechanisms of the AβPP-independent iAβ production and the pathways leading to their activation, and introduces the concept of conventional versus unconventional Alzheimer's disease. It also proposes the path forward, posits the principles of design of productive transgenic animal models of the disease, and describes the molecular details of their construction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Volloch
- Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sophia Rits-Volloch
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Gazzellone A, Sangiorgi E. From Churchill to Elephants: The Role of Protective Genes against Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:118. [PMID: 38255007 PMCID: PMC10815068 DOI: 10.3390/genes15010118] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Richard Peto's paradox, first described in 1975 from an epidemiological perspective, established an inverse correlation between the probability of developing cancer in multicellular organisms and the number of cells. Larger animals exhibit fewer tumors compared to smaller ones, though exceptions exist. Mice are more susceptible to cancer than humans, while elephants and whales demonstrate significantly lower cancer prevalence rates than humans. How nature and evolution have addressed the issue of cancer in the animal kingdom remains largely unexplored. In the field of medicine, much attention has been devoted to cancer-predisposing genes, as they offer avenues for intervention, including blocking, downregulating, early diagnosis, and targeted treatment. Predisposing genes also tend to manifest clinically earlier and more aggressively, making them easier to identify. However, despite significant strides in modern medicine, the role of protective genes lags behind. Identifying genes with a mild predisposing effect poses a significant challenge. Consequently, comprehending the protective function conferred by genes becomes even more elusive, and their very existence is subject to questioning. While the role of variable expressivity and penetrance defects of the same variant in a family is well-documented for many hereditary cancer syndromes, attempts to delineate the function of protective/modifier alleles have been restricted to a few instances. In this review, we endeavor to elucidate the role of protective genes observed in the animal kingdom, within certain genetic syndromes that appear to act as cancer-resistant/repressor alleles. Additionally, we explore the role of protective alleles in conditions predisposing to cancer. The ultimate goal is to discern why individuals, like Winston Churchill, managed to live up to 91 years of age, despite engaging in minimal physical activity, consuming large quantities of alcohol daily, and not abstaining from smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eugenio Sangiorgi
- Sezione di Medicina Genomica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
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Volloch V, Rits-Volloch S. Next Generation Therapeutic Strategy for Treatment and Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease and Aging-Associated Cognitive Decline: Transient, Once-in-a-Lifetime-Only Depletion of Intraneuronal Aβ ( iAβ) by Its Targeted Degradation via Augmentation of Intra- iAβ-Cleaving Activities of BACE1 and/or BACE2. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17586. [PMID: 38139415 PMCID: PMC10744314 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417586] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the long-standing Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis (ACH) has been largely discredited, its main attribute, the centrality of amyloid-beta (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease (AD), remains the cornerstone of any potential interpretation of the disease: All known AD-causing mutations, without a single exception, affect, in one way or another, Aβ. The ACH2.0, a recently introduced theory of AD, preserves this attribute but otherwise differs fundamentally from the ACH. It posits that AD is a two-stage disorder where both stages are driven by intraneuronal (rather than extracellular) Aβ (iAβ) albeit of two distinctly different origins. The first asymptomatic stage is the decades-long accumulation of Aβ protein precursor (AβPP)-derived iAβ to the critical threshold. This triggers the activation of the self-sustaining AβPP-independent iAβ production pathway and the commencement of the second, symptomatic AD stage. Importantly, Aβ produced independently of AβPP is retained intraneuronally. It drives the AD pathology and perpetuates the operation of the pathway; continuous cycles of the iAβ-stimulated propagation of its own AβPP-independent production constitute an engine that drives AD, the AD Engine. It appears that the dynamics of AβPP-derived iAβ accumulation is the determining factor that either drives Aging-Associated Cognitive Decline (AACD) and triggers AD or confers the resistance to both. Within the ACH2.0 framework, the ACH-based drugs, designed to lower levels of extracellular Aβ, could be applicable in the prevention of AD and treatment of AACD because they reduce the rate of accumulation of AβPP-derived iAβ. The present study analyzes their utility and concludes that it is severely limited. Indeed, their short-term employment is ineffective, their long-term engagement is highly problematic, their implementation at the symptomatic stages of AD is futile, and their evaluation in conventional clinical trials for the prevention of AD is impractical at best, impossible at worst, and misleading in between. In contrast, the ACH2.0-guided Next Generation Therapeutic Strategy for the treatment and prevention of both AD and AACD, namely the depletion of iAβ via its transient, short-duration, targeted degradation by the novel ACH2.0-based drugs, has none of the shortcomings of the ACH-based drugs. It is potentially highly effective, easily evaluable in clinical trials, and opens up the possibility of once-in-a-lifetime-only therapeutic intervention for prevention and treatment of both conditions. It also identifies two plausible ACH2.0-based drugs: activators of physiologically occurring intra-iAβ-cleaving capabilities of BACE1 and/or BACE2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Volloch
- Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sophia Rits-Volloch
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Main LR, Song YE, Lynn A, Laux RA, Miskimen KL, Osterman MD, Cuccaro ML, Ogrocki PK, Lerner AJ, Vance JM, Fuzzell MD, Fuzzell SL, Hochstetler SD, Dorfsman DA, Caywood LJ, Prough MB, Adams LD, Clouse JE, Herington SD, Scott WK, Pericak-Vance MA, Haines JL. Genetic analysis of cognitive preservation in the midwestern Amish reveals a novel locus on chromosome 2. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.12.13.23299932. [PMID: 38168325 PMCID: PMC10760262 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.13.23299932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alzheimer disease (AD) remains a debilitating condition with limited treatments and additional therapeutic targets needed. Identifying AD protective genetic loci may identify new targets and accelerate identification of therapeutic treatments. We examined a founder population to identify loci associated with cognitive preservation into advanced age. METHODS Genome-wide association and linkage analyses were performed on 946 examined and sampled Amish individuals, aged 76-95, who were either cognitively unimpaired (CU) or impaired (CI). RESULTS 12 SNPs demonstrated suggestive association (P≤5×10-4) with cognitive preservation. Genetic linkage analyses identified >100 significant (LOD≥3.3) SNPs, some which overlapped with the association results. Only one locus on chromosome 2 retained significance across multiple analyses. DISCUSSION A novel significant result for cognitive preservation on chromosome 2 includes the genes LRRTM4 and CTNNA2. Additionally, the lead SNP, rs1402906, impacts the POU3F2 transcription factor binding affinity, which regulates LRRTM4 and CTNNA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leighanne R Main
- Departments of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA, 44106
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA, 44016
- Cleveland Institute of Computational Biology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA, 44106
| | - Yeunjoo E Song
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA, 44016
- Cleveland Institute of Computational Biology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA, 44106
| | - Audrey Lynn
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA, 44016
- Cleveland Institute of Computational Biology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA, 44106
| | - Renee A Laux
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA, 44016
| | - Kristy L Miskimen
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA, 44016
| | - Michael D Osterman
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA, 44016
| | - Michael L Cuccaro
- John P Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1501 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
- Dr. John T Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1501 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
| | - Paula K Ogrocki
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA, 44106
- Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA, 44106
| | - Alan J Lerner
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA, 44106
- Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA, 44106
| | - Jeffery M Vance
- John P Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1501 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
- Dr. John T Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1501 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
| | - M Denise Fuzzell
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA, 44016
| | - Sarada L Fuzzell
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA, 44016
| | - Sherri D Hochstetler
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA, 44016
| | - Daniel A Dorfsman
- John P Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1501 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
- Dr. John T Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1501 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
| | - Laura J Caywood
- John P Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1501 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
| | - Michael B Prough
- John P Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1501 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
| | - Larry D Adams
- John P Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1501 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
| | - Jason E Clouse
- John P Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1501 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
| | - Sharlene D Herington
- John P Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1501 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
| | - William K Scott
- John P Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1501 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
- Dr. John T Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1501 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
| | - Margaret A Pericak-Vance
- John P Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1501 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
- Dr. John T Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1501 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
| | - Jonathan L Haines
- Departments of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA, 44106
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA, 44016
- Cleveland Institute of Computational Biology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA, 44106
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Ünlü B, Pons C, Ho UL, Batté A, Aloy P, van Leeuwen J. Global analysis of suppressor mutations that rescue human genetic defects. Genome Med 2023; 15:78. [PMID: 37821946 PMCID: PMC10568808 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-023-01232-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic suppression occurs when the deleterious effects of a primary "query" mutation, such as a disease-causing mutation, are rescued by a suppressor mutation elsewhere in the genome. METHODS To capture existing knowledge on suppression relationships between human genes, we examined 2,400 published papers for potential interactions identified through either genetic modification of cultured human cells or through association studies in patients. RESULTS The resulting network encompassed 476 unique suppression interactions covering a wide spectrum of diseases and biological functions. The interactions frequently linked genes that operate in the same biological process. Suppressors were strongly enriched for genes with a role in stress response or signaling, suggesting that deleterious mutations can often be buffered by modulating signaling cascades or immune responses. Suppressor mutations tended to be deleterious when they occurred in absence of the query mutation, in apparent contrast with their protective role in the presence of the query. We formulated and quantified mechanisms of genetic suppression that could explain 71% of interactions and provided mechanistic insight into disease pathology. Finally, we used these observations to predict suppressor genes in the human genome. CONCLUSIONS The global suppression network allowed us to define principles of genetic suppression that were conserved across diseases, model systems, and species. The emerging frequency of suppression interactions among human genes and range of underlying mechanisms, together with the prevalence of suppression in model organisms, suggest that compensatory mutations may exist for most genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betül Ünlü
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Génopode Building, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carles Pons
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Uyen Linh Ho
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Génopode Building, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Amandine Batté
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Génopode Building, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Aloy
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jolanda van Leeuwen
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Génopode Building, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Volloch V, Rits-Volloch S. Principles of Design of Clinical Trials for Prevention and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease and Aging-Associated Cognitive Decline in the ACH2.0 Perspective: Potential Outcomes, Challenges, and Solutions. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2023; 7:921-955. [PMID: 37849639 PMCID: PMC10578334 DOI: 10.3233/adr-230037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
With the Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis (ACH) largely discredited, the ACH2.0 theory of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been recently introduced. Within the framework of the ACH2.0, AD is triggered by amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP)-derived intraneuronal Aβ (iAβ) and is driven by iAβ produced in the AβPP-independent pathway and retained intraneuronally. In this paradigm, the depletion of extracellular Aβ or suppression of Aβ production by AβPP proteolysis, the two sources of AβPP-derived iAβ, would be futile in symptomatic AD, due to its reliance on iAβ generated independently of AβPP, but effective in preventing AD and treating Aging-Associated Cognitive Decline (AACD) driven, in the ACH2.0 framework, by AβPP-derived iAβ. The observed effect of lecanemab and donanemab, interpreted in the ACH2.0 perspective, supports this notion and mandates AD-preventive clinical trials. Such trials are currently in progress. They are likely, however, to fail or to yield deceptive results if conducted conventionally. The present study considers concepts of design of clinical trials of lecanemab, donanemab, or any other drug, targeting the influx of AβPP-derived iAβ, in prevention of AD and treatment of AACD. It analyzes possible outcomes and explains why selection of high-risk asymptomatic participants seems reasonable but is not. It argues that outcomes of such AD preventive trials could be grossly misleading, discusses inevitable potential problems, and proposes feasible solutions. It advocates the initial evaluation of this type of drugs in clinical trials for treatment of AACD. Whereas AD protective trials of these drugs are potentially of an impractical length, AACD clinical trials are expected to yield unequivocal results within a relatively short duration. Moreover, success of the latter, in addition to its intrinsic value, would constitute a proof of concept for the former. Furthermore, this study introduces concepts of the active versus passive iAβ depletion, contends that targeted degradation of iAβ is the best therapeutic strategy for both prevention and treatment of AD and AACD, proposes potential iAβ-degrading drugs, and describes their feasible and unambiguous evaluation in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Volloch
- Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sophia Rits-Volloch
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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10
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Volloch V, Rits-Volloch S. The Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis 2.0 for Alzheimer's Disease and Aging-Associated Cognitive Decline: From Molecular Basis to Effective Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12246. [PMID: 37569624 PMCID: PMC10419172 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
With the long-standing amyloid cascade hypothesis (ACH) largely discredited, there is an acute need for a new all-encompassing interpretation of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Whereas such a recently proposed theory of AD is designated ACH2.0, its commonality with the ACH is limited to the recognition of the centrality of amyloid-β (Aβ) in the disease, necessitated by the observation that all AD-causing mutations affect, in one way or another, Aβ. Yet, even this narrow commonality is superficial since AD-causing Aβ of the ACH differs distinctly from that specified in the ACH2.0: Whereas in the former, the disease is caused by secreted extracellular Aβ, in the latter, it is triggered by Aβ-protein-precursor (AβPP)-derived intraneuronal Aβ (iAβ) and driven by iAβ generated independently of AβPP. The ACH2.0 envisions AD as a two-stage disorder. The first, asymptomatic stage is a decades-long accumulation of AβPP-derived iAβ, which occurs via internalization of secreted Aβ and through intracellular retention of a fraction of Aβ produced by AβPP proteolysis. When AβPP-derived iAβ reaches critical levels, it activates a self-perpetuating AβPP-independent production of iAβ that drives the second, devastating AD stage, a cascade that includes tau pathology and culminates in neuronal loss. The present study analyzes the dynamics of iAβ accumulation in health and disease and concludes that it is the prime factor driving both AD and aging-associated cognitive decline (AACD). It discusses mechanisms potentially involved in AβPP-independent generation of iAβ, provides mechanistic interpretations for all principal aspects of AD and AACD including the protective effect of the Icelandic AβPP mutation, the early onset of FAD and the sequential manifestation of AD pathology in defined regions of the affected brain, and explains why current mouse AD models are neither adequate nor suitable. It posits that while drugs affecting the accumulation of AβPP-derived iAβ can be effective only protectively for AD, the targeted degradation of iAβ is the best therapeutic strategy for both prevention and effective treatment of AD and AACD. It also proposes potential iAβ-degrading drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Volloch
- Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sophia Rits-Volloch
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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11
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Butera A, Amelio I. Healthy lifestyle? or just the right genetic mutations. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:1353-1356. [PMID: 37128635 PMCID: PMC10228415 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2023.2206351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of genomic technologies over the past decades has enabled identification of genetic variants responsible of disease; occasionally however, protective rare variants emerged. Verweij et al have recently reported genetic variants in CIDEB gene that are protective from liver injury. Here, we briefly summarise the recent findings on the impact of CIDEB variants on liver disease, while emphasizing how phenotype-genotype studies tailored for the identification of "protective" mutations might direct development of prevention and therapeutic strategies for common diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Butera
- Chair for Systems Toxicology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Ivano Amelio
- Chair for Systems Toxicology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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12
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Volloch V, Rits-Volloch S. Effect of Lecanemab in Early Alzheimer's Disease: Mechanistic Interpretation in the Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis 2.0 Perspective. J Alzheimers Dis 2023:JAD230164. [PMID: 37212119 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In clinical trials, lecanemab showed statistically significant yet marginal slowdown of Alzheimer's disease (AD)-associated cognitive decline. This could be due to its sub-optimal design and/or deployment; alternatively, its limited efficiency could be intrinsic. Distinguishing between the two is of great importance considering the acute need of efficient AD therapy and tremendous resources being invested in its pursuit. The present study analyzes the mode of operation of lecanemab within the framework of recently proposed Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis 2.0 and concludes that the second is correct. It suggests that substantial improvement of the efficiency of lecanemab in symptomatic AD is unlikely and proposes the alternative therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Volloch
- Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sophia Rits-Volloch
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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13
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Malar DS, Thitilertdecha P, Ruckvongacheep KS, Brimson S, Tencomnao T, Brimson JM. Targeting Sigma Receptors for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:399-440. [PMID: 37166702 PMCID: PMC10173947 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-01007-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The sigma-1 receptor is a 223 amino acid-long protein with a recently identified structure. The sigma-2 receptor is a genetically unrelated protein with a similarly shaped binding pocket and acts to influence cellular activities similar to the sigma-1 receptor. Both proteins are highly expressed in neuronal tissues. As such, they have become targets for treating neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease (HD), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), Rett syndrome (RS), developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE), and motor neuron disease/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (MND/ALS). In recent years, there have been many pre-clinical and clinical studies of sigma receptor (1 and 2) ligands for treating neurological disease. Drugs such as blarcamesine, dextromethorphan and pridopidine, which have sigma-1 receptor activity as part of their pharmacological profile, are effective in treating multiple aspects of several neurological diseases. Furthermore, several sigma-2 receptor ligands are under investigation, including CT1812, rivastigmine and SAS0132. This review aims to provide a current and up-to-date analysis of the current clinical and pre-clinical data of drugs with sigma receptor activities for treating neurological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dicson S Malar
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Premrutai Thitilertdecha
- Siriraj Research Group in Immunobiology and Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanokphorn S Ruckvongacheep
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirikalaya Brimson
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tewin Tencomnao
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - James M Brimson
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Research, Innovation and International Affairs, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Room 409, ChulaPat-1 Building, 154 Rama 1 Road, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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Wittrahm R, Takalo M, Kuulasmaa T, Mäkinen PM, Mäkinen P, Končarević S, Fartzdinov V, Selzer S, Kokkola T, Antikainen L, Martiskainen H, Kemppainen S, Marttinen M, Jeskanen H, Rostalski H, Rahunen E, Kivipelto M, Ngandu T, Natunen T, Lambert JC, Tanzi RE, Kim DY, Rauramaa T, Herukka SK, Soininen H, Laakso M, Pike I, Leinonen V, Haapasalo A, Hiltunen M. Protective Alzheimer's disease-associated APP A673T variant predominantly decreases sAPPβ levels in cerebrospinal fluid and 2D/3D cell culture models. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 182:106140. [PMID: 37120095 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The rare A673T variant was the first variant found within the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene conferring protection against Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thereafter, different studies have discovered that the carriers of the APP A673T variant show reduced levels of amyloid beta (Aβ) in the plasma and better cognitive performance at high age. Here, we analyzed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma of APP A673T carriers and control individuals using a mass spectrometry-based proteomics approach to identify differentially regulated targets in an unbiased manner. Furthermore, the APP A673T variant was introduced into 2D and 3D neuronal cell culture models together with the pathogenic APP Swedish and London mutations. Consequently, we now report for the first time the protective effects of the APP A673T variant against AD-related alterations in the CSF, plasma, and brain biopsy samples from the frontal cortex. The CSF levels of soluble APPβ (sAPPβ) and Aβ42 were significantly decreased on average 9-26% among three APP A673T carriers as compared to three well-matched controls not carrying the protective variant. Consistent with these CSF findings, immunohistochemical assessment of cortical biopsy samples from the same APP A673T carriers did not reveal Aβ, phospho-tau, or p62 pathologies. We identified differentially regulated targets involved in protein phosphorylation, inflammation, and mitochondrial function in the CSF and plasma samples of APP A673T carriers. Some of the identified targets showed inverse levels in AD brain tissue with respect to increased AD-associated neurofibrillary pathology. In 2D and 3D neuronal cell culture models expressing APP with the Swedish and London mutations, the introduction of the APP A673T variant resulted in lower sAPPβ levels. Concomitantly, the levels of sAPPα were increased, while decreased levels of CTFβ and Aβ42 were detected in some of these models. Our findings emphasize the important role of APP-derived peptides in the pathogenesis of AD and demonstrate the effectiveness of the protective APP A673T variant to shift APP processing towards the non-amyloidogenic pathway in vitro even in the presence of two pathogenic mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Wittrahm
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Mari Takalo
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Teemu Kuulasmaa
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Petra M Mäkinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Petri Mäkinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | | | | | - Stefan Selzer
- Proteome Sciences GmbH & Co. KG, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Tarja Kokkola
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Leila Antikainen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Henna Martiskainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Susanna Kemppainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Mikael Marttinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33520 Tampere, Finland; Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Heli Jeskanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Hannah Rostalski
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Eija Rahunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Miia Kivipelto
- Population Health Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Center for Alzheimer Research, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; The Ageing Epidemiology Research Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Tiia Ngandu
- Population Health Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Center for Alzheimer Research, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Teemu Natunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Jean-Charles Lambert
- U1167, University of Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Doo Yeon Kim
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCance Center for Brain Health, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Tuomas Rauramaa
- Department of Pathology, Kuopio University Hospital, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Unit of Pathology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Sanna-Kaisa Herukka
- Department of Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland; NeuroCenter, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Hilkka Soininen
- Department of Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Markku Laakso
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland; Department of Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, 70210 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Ian Pike
- Proteome Sciences plc, Hamilton House, London, WC1H 9BB, UK.
| | - Ville Leinonen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kuopio University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, Unit of Neurosurgery, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
| | | | - Mikko Hiltunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
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15
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Volloch V, Rits-Volloch S. The Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis 2.0: Generalization of the Concept. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2023; 7:21-35. [PMID: 36777328 PMCID: PMC9912825 DOI: 10.3233/adr-220079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we proposed the Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis 2.0 (ACH2.0), a reformulation of the ACH. In the former, in contrast to the latter, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is driven by intraneuronal amyloid-β (iAβ) and occurs in two stages. In the first, relatively benign stage, Aβ protein precursor (AβPP)-derived iAβ activates, upon reaching a critical threshold, the AβPP-independent iAβ-generating pathway, triggering a devastating second stage resulting in neuronal death. While the ACH2.0 remains aligned with the ACH premise that Aβ is toxic, the toxicity is exerted because of intra- rather than extracellular Aβ. In this framework, a once-in-a-lifetime-only iAβ depletion treatment via transient activation of BACE1 and/or BACE2 (exploiting their Aβ-cleaving activities) or by any means appears to be the best therapeutic strategy for AD. Whereas the notion of differentially derived iAβ being the principal moving force at both AD stages is both plausible and elegant, a possibility remains that the second AD stage is enabled by an AβPP-derived iAβ-activated self-sustaining mechanism producing a yet undefined deleterious "substance X" (sX) which anchors the second AD stage. The present study generalizes the ACH2.0 by incorporating this possibility and shows that, in this scenario, the iAβ depletion therapy may be ineffective at symptomatic AD stages but fully retains its preventive potential for both AD and the aging-associated cognitive decline, which is defined in the ACH2.0 framework as the extended first stage of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Volloch
- Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA,Correspondence to: Vladimir Volloch, Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. and Sophia Rits-Volloch, Division of Molecular Medicine, Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. E-mail:
| | - Sophia Rits-Volloch
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Abstract
A long-standing recognition that information from human genetics studies has the potential to accelerate drug discovery has led to decades of research on how to leverage genetic and phenotypic information for drug discovery. Established simple and advanced statistical methods that allow the simultaneous analysis of genotype and clinical phenotype data by genome- and phenome-wide analyses, colocalization analyses with quantitative trait loci data from transcriptomics and proteomics data sets from different tissues, and Mendelian randomization are essential tools for drug development in the postgenomic era. Numerous studies have demonstrated how genomic data provide opportunities for the identification of new drug targets, the repurposing of drugs, and drug safety analyses. With an increase in the number of biobanks that enable linking in-depth omics data with rich repositories of phenotypic traits via electronic health records, more powerful ways for the evaluation and validation of drug targets will continue to expand across different disciplines of clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi Krebs
- Estonian Genome Centre, Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Lili Milani
- Estonian Genome Centre, Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia;
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Banerjee D, Girirajan S. Pathogenic Variants and Ascertainment: Neuropsychiatric Disease Risk in a Health System Cohort. Am J Psychiatry 2023; 180:11-13. [PMID: 36587271 PMCID: PMC9995216 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20220934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Deepro Banerjee
- Bioinformatics and Genomics Program, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, University Park, Pa. (Banerjee, Girirajan); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa. (Girirajan)
| | - Santhosh Girirajan
- Bioinformatics and Genomics Program, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, University Park, Pa. (Banerjee, Girirajan); Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa. (Girirajan)
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18
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Whole-genome analysis of monozygotic Brazilian twins discordant for type 1 narcolepsy: a case report. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:439. [DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02921-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is a rare and chronic neurological disease characterized by sudden sleep attacks, overwhelming daytime drowsiness, and cataplexy. When associated with a sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy) narcolepsy is classified as type 1, while the absence of cataplexy indicates type 2. Genetic, degenerative, and immunological hypotheses to explain the pathophysiology of NT1 are still a matter of debate. To contribute to the understanding of NT1 genetic basis, here we describe, for the first time, a whole genome analysis of a monozygotic twin pair discordant for NT1.
Case presentation
We present the case of a pair of 17-year-old male, monozygotic twins discordant for NT1. The affected twin had Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) of 20 (can range from 0 to 24), cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations, polysomnography without abnormalities, multiple sleep latency tests (MSLT) positive for narcolepsy, a mean sleep latency of 3 min, sleep-onset REM periods SOREMPs of 5, presence of allele HLA-DQB1*06:02, and Hypocretin-1 level of zero pg/mL (normal values are > 200 pg/mL). The other twin had no narcolepsy symptoms (ESS of 4), normal polysomnography, MSLT without abnormalities, presence of allele HLA-DQB1*06:02, and Hypocretin-1 level of 396,74 pg/mL. To describe the genetic background for the NT1 discordant manifestations in this case, we present the whole-genome analysis of this monozygotic twin pair. The whole-genome comparison revealed that both twins have identical NT1 pathogenic mutations in known genes, such as HLA-DQB1*06:02:01, HLA-DRB1*11:01:02/*15:03:01. The affected twin has the expected clinical manifestation while the unaffected twin has an unexpected phenotype. The unaffected twin has significantly more frameshift mutations as compared to the affected twin (108 versus 75) and mutations that affect stop codons (61 versus 5 in stop gain, 26 versus 2 in start lost).
Conclusions
The differences observed in frameshift and stop codon mutations in the unaffected twin are consistent with loss-of-function effects and protective alleles, that are almost always associated with loss-of-function rare alleles. Also, overrepresentation analysis of genes containing variants with potential clinical relevance in the unaffected twin shows that most mutations are in genes related to immune regulation function, Golgi apparatus, MHC, and olfactory receptor. These observations support the hypothesis that NT1 has an immunological basis although protective mutations in non-HLA alleles might interfere with the expression of the NT1 phenotype and consequently, with the clinical manifestation of the disease.
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19
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Rejuvenation: Turning Back Time by Enhancing CISD2. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214014. [PMID: 36430496 PMCID: PMC9695557 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aging human population with age-associated diseases has become a problem worldwide. By 2050, the global population of those who are aged 65 years and older will have tripled. In this context, delaying age-associated diseases and increasing the healthy lifespan of the aged population has become an important issue for geriatric medicine. CDGSH iron-sulfur domain 2 (CISD2), the causative gene for Wolfram syndrome 2 (WFS2; MIM 604928), plays a pivotal role in mediating lifespan and healthspan by maintaining mitochondrial function, endoplasmic reticulum integrity, intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, and redox status. Here, we summarize the most up-to-date publications on CISD2 and discuss the crucial role that this gene plays in aging and age-associated diseases. This review mainly focuses on the following topics: (1) CISD2 is one of the few pro-longevity genes identified in mammals. Genetic evidence from loss-of-function (knockout mice) and gain-of-function (transgenic mice) studies have demonstrated that CISD2 is essential to lifespan control. (2) CISD2 alleviates age-associated disorders. A higher level of CISD2 during natural aging, when achieved by transgenic overexpression, improves Alzheimer's disease, ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis, and maintains corneal epithelial homeostasis. (3) CISD2, the expression of which otherwise decreases during natural aging, can be pharmaceutically activated at a late-life stage of aged mice. As a proof-of-concept, we have provided evidence that hesperetin is a promising CISD2 activator that is able to enhance CISD2 expression, thus slowing down aging and promoting longevity. (4) The anti-aging effect of hesperetin is mainly dependent on CISD2 because transcriptomic analysis of the skeletal muscle reveals that most of the differentially expressed genes linked to hesperetin are regulated by hesperetin in a CISD2-dependent manner. Furthermore, three major metabolic pathways that are affected by hesperetin have been identified in skeletal muscle, namely lipid metabolism, protein homeostasis, and nitrogen and amino acid metabolism. This review highlights the urgent need for CISD2-based pharmaceutical development to be used as a potential therapeutic strategy for aging and age-associated diseases.
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20
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Vihinen M. Individual Genetic Heterogeneity. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13091626. [PMID: 36140794 PMCID: PMC9498725 DOI: 10.3390/genes13091626] [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: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic variation has been widely covered in literature, however, not from the perspective of an individual in any species. Here, a synthesis of genetic concepts and variations relevant for individual genetic constitution is provided. All the different levels of genetic information and variation are covered, ranging from whether an organism is unmixed or hybrid, has variations in genome, chromosomes, and more locally in DNA regions, to epigenetic variants or alterations in selfish genetic elements. Genetic constitution and heterogeneity of microbiota are highly relevant for health and wellbeing of an individual. Mutation rates vary widely for variation types, e.g., due to the sequence context. Genetic information guides numerous aspects in organisms. Types of inheritance, whether Mendelian or non-Mendelian, zygosity, sexual reproduction, and sex determination are covered. Functions of DNA and functional effects of variations are introduced, along with mechanism that reduce and modulate functional effects, including TARAR countermeasures and intraindividual genetic conflict. TARAR countermeasures for tolerance, avoidance, repair, attenuation, and resistance are essential for life, integrity of genetic information, and gene expression. The genetic composition, effects of variations, and their expression are considered also in diseases and personalized medicine. The text synthesizes knowledge and insight on individual genetic heterogeneity and organizes and systematizes the central concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauno Vihinen
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC B13, Lund University, SE-22184 Lund, Sweden
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21
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Volloch V, Rits-Volloch S. The Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis 2.0: On the Possibility of Once-in-a-Lifetime-Only Treatment for Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease and for Its Potential Cure at Symptomatic Stages. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2022; 6:369-399. [PMID: 36072366 PMCID: PMC9397896 DOI: 10.3233/adr-220031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We posit that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is driven by amyloid-β (Aβ) generated in the amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) independent pathway activated by AβPP-derived Aβ accumulated intraneuronally in a life-long process. This interpretation constitutes the Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis 2.0 (ACH2.0). It defines a tandem intraneuronal-Aβ (iAβ)-anchored cascade occurrence: intraneuronally-accumulated, AβPP-derived iAβ triggers relatively benign cascade that activates the AβPP-independent iAβ-generating pathway, which, in turn, initiates the second, devastating cascade that includes tau pathology and leads to neuronal loss. The entire output of the AβPP-independent iAβ-generating pathway is retained intraneuronally and perpetuates the pathway’s operation. This process constitutes a self-propagating, autonomous engine that drives AD and ultimately kills its host cells. Once activated, the AD Engine is self-reliant and independent from Aβ production in the AβPP proteolytic pathway; operation of the former renders the latter irrelevant to the progression of AD and brands its manipulation for therapeutic purposes, such as BACE (beta-site AβPP-cleaving enzyme) inhibition, as futile. In the proposed AD paradigm, the only valid direct therapeutic strategy is targeting the engine’s components, and the most effective feasible approach appears to be the activation of BACE1 and/or of its homolog BACE2, with the aim of exploiting their Aβ-cleaving activities. Such treatment would collapse the iAβ population and ‘reset’ its levels below those required for the operation of the AD Engine. Any sufficiently selective iAβ-depleting treatment would be equally effective. Remarkably, this approach opens the possibility of a short-duration, once-in-a-lifetime-only or very infrequent, preventive or curative therapy for AD; this therapy would be also effective for prevention and treatment of the ‘common’ pervasive aging-associated cognitive decline. The ACH2.0 clarifies all ACH-unresolved inconsistencies, explains the widespread ‘resilience to AD’ phenomenon, predicts occurrences of a category of AD-afflicted individuals without excessive Aβ plaque load and of a novel type of familial insusceptibility to AD; it also predicts the lifespan-dependent inevitability of AD in humans if untreated preventively. The article details strategy and methodology to generate an adequate AD model and validate the hypothesis; the proposed AD model may also serve as a research and drug development platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Volloch
- Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sophia Rits-Volloch
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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22
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Seibler P, Rakovic A. Patient-derived cells - an irreplaceable tool for research of reduced penetrance in movement disorders. MED GENET-BERLIN 2022; 34:125-130. [PMID: 38835901 PMCID: PMC11006347 DOI: 10.1515/medgen-2022-2133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Movement disorders comprise a clinically, pathologically, and genetically heterogeneous group of diseases associated with the phenomenon of reduced penetrance. Penetrance refers to the likelihood that a clinical condition will occur when a particular genotype is present. Elucidating the cause of reduced penetrance may contribute to more personalized medicine by identifying genetic factors that may prevent individuals from developing disease. Therefore, patient material becomes an irreplaceable resource in this approach. It is needed to identify genetic modifiers of the disease in the first place and to subsequently elucidate underlying mechanisms in endogenous human cell models that provide the entire genetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Seibler
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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23
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Roberts GHL, Partha R, Rhead B, Knight SC, Park DS, Coignet MV, Zhang M, Berkowitz N, Turrisini DA, Gaddis M, McCurdy SR, Pavlovic M, Ruiz L, Sass C, Haug Baltzell AK, Guturu H, Girshick AR, Ball CA, Hong EL, Rand KA. Expanded COVID-19 phenotype definitions reveal distinct patterns of genetic association and protective effects. Nat Genet 2022; 54:374-381. [DOI: 10.1038/s41588-022-01042-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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24
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Riedmayr LM, Hinrichsmeyer KS, Karguth N, Böhm S, Splith V, Michalakis S, Becirovic E. dCas9-VPR-mediated transcriptional activation of functionally equivalent genes for gene therapy. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:781-818. [PMID: 35132255 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00666-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Many disease-causing genes possess functionally equivalent counterparts, which are often expressed in distinct cell types. An attractive gene therapy approach for inherited disorders caused by mutations in such genes is to transcriptionally activate the appropriate counterpart(s) to compensate for the missing gene function. This approach offers key advantages over conventional gene therapies because it is mutation- and gene size-independent. Here, we describe a protocol for the design, execution and evaluation of such gene therapies using dCas9-VPR. We offer guidelines on how to identify functionally equivalent genes, design and clone single guide RNAs and evaluate transcriptional activation in vitro. Moreover, focusing on inherited retinal diseases, we provide a detailed protocol on how to apply this strategy in mice using dual recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors and how to evaluate its functionality and off-target effects in the target tissue. This strategy is in principle applicable to all organisms that possess functionally equivalent genes suitable for transcriptional activation and addresses pivotal unmet needs in gene therapy with high translational potential. The protocol can be completed in 15-20 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Riedmayr
- Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Klara S Hinrichsmeyer
- Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Nina Karguth
- Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Sybille Böhm
- Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Victoria Splith
- Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Stylianos Michalakis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Elvir Becirovic
- Department of Pharmacy-Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.
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25
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Pappas CM, Zouache MA, Matthews S, Faust CD, Hageman JL, Williams BL, Richards BT, Hageman GS. Protective chromosome 1q32 haplotypes mitigate risk for age-related macular degeneration associated with the CFH-CFHR5 and ARMS2/HTRA1 loci. Hum Genomics 2021; 15:60. [PMID: 34563268 PMCID: PMC8466924 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-021-00359-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Single-variant associations with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the most prevalent causes of irreversible vision loss worldwide, have been studied extensively. However, because of a lack of refinement of these associations, there remains considerable ambiguity regarding what constitutes genetic risk and/or protection for this disease, and how genetic combinations affect this risk. In this study, we consider the two most common and strongly AMD-associated loci, the CFH-CFHR5 region on chromosome 1q32 (Chr1 locus) and ARMS2/HTRA1 gene on chromosome 10q26 (Chr10 locus). RESULTS By refining associations within the CFH-CFHR5 locus, we show that all genetic protection against the development of AMD in this region is described by the combination of the amino acid-altering variant CFH I62V (rs800292) and genetic deletion of CFHR3/1. Haplotypes based on CFH I62V, a CFHR3/1 deletion tagging SNP and the risk variant CFH Y402H are associated with either risk, protection or neutrality for AMD and capture more than 99% of control- and case-associated chromosomes. We find that genetic combinations of CFH-CFHR5 haplotypes (diplotypes) strongly influence AMD susceptibility and that individuals with risk/protective diplotypes are substantially protected against the development of disease. Finally, we demonstrate that AMD risk in the ARMS2/HTRA1 locus is also mitigated by combinations of CFH-CFHR5 haplotypes, with Chr10 risk variants essentially neutralized by protective CFH-CFHR5 haplotypes. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the importance of considering protective CFH-CFHR5 haplotypes when assessing genetic susceptibility for AMD. It establishes a framework that describes the full spectrum of AMD susceptibility using an optimal set of single-nucleotide polymorphisms with known functional consequences. It also indicates that protective or preventive complement-directed therapies targeting AMD driven by CFH-CFHR5 risk haplotypes may also be effective when AMD is driven by ARMS2/HTRA1 risk variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris M Pappas
- Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Moussa A Zouache
- Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA.
| | - Stacie Matthews
- Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Caitlin D Faust
- Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Jill L Hageman
- Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Brandi L Williams
- Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Burt T Richards
- Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Gregory S Hageman
- Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA.
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26
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Wright GEB, Caron NS, Ng B, Casal L, Casazza W, Xu X, Ooi J, Pouladi MA, Mostafavi S, Ross CJD, Hayden MR. Gene expression profiles complement the analysis of genomic modifiers of the clinical onset of Huntington disease. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:2788-2802. [PMID: 32898862 PMCID: PMC7530525 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in HTT. The length of this repeat, however, only explains a proportion of the variability in age of onset in patients. Genome-wide association studies have identified modifiers that contribute toward a proportion of the observed variance. By incorporating tissue-specific transcriptomic information with these results, additional modifiers can be identified. We performed a transcriptome-wide association study assessing heritable differences in genetically determined expression in diverse tissues, with genome-wide data from over 4000 patients. Functional validation of prioritized genes was undertaken in isogenic HD stem cells and patient brains. Enrichment analyses were performed with biologically relevant gene sets to identify the core pathways. HD-associated gene coexpression modules were assessed for associations with neurological phenotypes in an independent cohort and to guide drug repurposing analyses. Transcriptomic analyses identified genes that were associated with age of HD onset and displayed colocalization with gene expression signals in brain tissue (FAN1, GPR161, PMS2, SUMF2), with supporting evidence from functional experiments. This included genes involved in DNA repair, as well as novel-candidate modifier genes that have been associated with other neurological conditions. Further, cortical coexpression modules were also associated with cognitive decline and HD-related traits in a longitudinal cohort. In summary, the combination of population-scale gene expression information with HD patient genomic data identified novel modifier genes for the disorder. Further, these analyses expanded the pathways potentially involved in modifying HD onset and prioritized candidate therapeutics for future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galen E B Wright
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3N1, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Nicholas S Caron
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3N1, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Bernard Ng
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3N1, Canada.,Department of Statistics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Lorenzo Casal
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3N1, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - William Casazza
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3N1, Canada.,Department of Statistics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Xiaohong Xu
- Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine (TLGM), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Jolene Ooi
- Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine (TLGM), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Mahmoud A Pouladi
- Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine (TLGM), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138648, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Sara Mostafavi
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3N1, Canada.,Department of Statistics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Colin J D Ross
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Michael R Hayden
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3N1, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
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27
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van Leeuwen J, Pons C, Tan G, Wang JZ, Hou J, Weile J, Gebbia M, Liang W, Shuteriqi E, Li Z, Lopes M, Ušaj M, Dos Santos Lopes A, van Lieshout N, Myers CL, Roth FP, Aloy P, Andrews BJ, Boone C. Systematic analysis of bypass suppression of essential genes. Mol Syst Biol 2021; 16:e9828. [PMID: 32939983 PMCID: PMC7507402 DOI: 10.15252/msb.20209828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Essential genes tend to be highly conserved across eukaryotes, but, in some cases, their critical roles can be bypassed through genetic rewiring. From a systematic analysis of 728 different essential yeast genes, we discovered that 124 (17%) were dispensable essential genes. Through whole-genome sequencing and detailed genetic analysis, we investigated the genetic interactions and genome alterations underlying bypass suppression. Dispensable essential genes often had paralogs, were enriched for genes encoding membrane-associated proteins, and were depleted for members of protein complexes. Functionally related genes frequently drove the bypass suppression interactions. These gene properties were predictive of essential gene dispensability and of specific suppressors among hundreds of genes on aneuploid chromosomes. Our findings identify yeast's core essential gene set and reveal that the properties of dispensable essential genes are conserved from yeast to human cells, correlating with human genes that display cell line-specific essentiality in the Cancer Dependency Map (DepMap) project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanda van Leeuwen
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Bâtiment Génopode, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carles Pons
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guihong Tan
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jason Zi Wang
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jing Hou
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jochen Weile
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marinella Gebbia
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Wendy Liang
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ermira Shuteriqi
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zhijian Li
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maykel Lopes
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Bâtiment Génopode, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matej Ušaj
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andreia Dos Santos Lopes
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Bâtiment Génopode, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Natascha van Lieshout
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chad L Myers
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Frederick P Roth
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Patrick Aloy
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Brenda J Andrews
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Charles Boone
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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28
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Parts L, Batté A, Lopes M, Yuen MW, Laver M, San Luis BJ, Yue JX, Pons C, Eray E, Aloy P, Liti G, van Leeuwen J. Natural variants suppress mutations in hundreds of essential genes. Mol Syst Biol 2021; 17:e10138. [PMID: 34042294 PMCID: PMC8156963 DOI: 10.15252/msb.202010138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The consequence of a mutation can be influenced by the context in which it operates. For example, loss of gene function may be tolerated in one genetic background, and lethal in another. The extent to which mutant phenotypes are malleable, the architecture of modifiers and the identities of causal genes remain largely unknown. Here, we measure the fitness effects of ~ 1,100 temperature‐sensitive alleles of yeast essential genes in the context of variation from ten different natural genetic backgrounds and map the modifiers for 19 combinations. Altogether, fitness defects for 149 of the 580 tested genes (26%) could be suppressed by genetic variation in at least one yeast strain. Suppression was generally driven by gain‐of‐function of a single, strong modifier gene, and involved both genes encoding complex or pathway partners suppressing specific temperature‐sensitive alleles, as well as general modifiers altering the effect of many alleles. The emerging frequency of suppression and range of possible mechanisms suggest that a substantial fraction of monogenic diseases could be managed by modulating other gene products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leopold Parts
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK.,Department of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Amandine Batté
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maykel Lopes
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael W Yuen
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Meredith Laver
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bryan-Joseph San Luis
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jia-Xing Yue
- University of Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IRCAN, Nice, France
| | - Carles Pons
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elise Eray
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Aloy
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gianni Liti
- University of Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IRCAN, Nice, France
| | - Jolanda van Leeuwen
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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29
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Limegrover CS, LeVine H, Izzo NJ, Yurko R, Mozzoni K, Rehak C, Sadlek K, Safferstein H, Catalano SM. Alzheimer's protection effect of A673T mutation may be driven by lower Aβ oligomer binding affinity. J Neurochem 2021; 157:1316-1330. [PMID: 33025581 PMCID: PMC8246829 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Several mutations conferring protection against Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been described, none as profound as the A673T mutation, where carriers are four times less likely to get AD compared to noncarriers. This mutation results in reduced amyloid beta (Aβ) protein production in vitro and lower lifetime Aβ concentration in carriers. Better understanding of the protective mechanisms of the mutation may provide important insights into AD pathophysiology and identify productive therapeutic intervention strategies for disease modification. Aβ(1-42) protein forms oligomers that bind saturably to a single receptor site on neuronal synapses, initiating the downstream toxicities observed in AD. Decreased formation, toxicity, or stability of soluble Aβ oligomers, or reduction of synaptic binding of these oligomers, may combine with overall lower Aβ concentration to underlie A673T's disease protecting mechanism. To investigate these possibilities, we compared the formation rate of soluble oligomers made from Icelandic A673T mutant and wild type (wt) Aβ(1-42) synthetic protein, the amount and intensity of oligomer bound to mature primary rat hippocampal/cortical neuronal synapses, and the potency of bound oligomers to impact trafficking rate in neurons in vitro using a physiologically relevant oligomer preparation method. At equal protein concentrations, mutant protein forms approximately 50% or fewer oligomers of high molecular weight (>50 kDa) compared to wt protein. Mutant oligomers are twice as potent at altering the cellular vesicle trafficking rate as wt at equivalent concentrations, however, mutant oligomers have a >4-fold lower binding affinity to synaptic receptors (Kd = 1,950 vs. 442 nM). The net effect of these differences is a lower overall toxicity at a given concentration. This study demonstrates for the first time that mutant A673T Aβ oligomers prepared with this method have fundamentally different assembly characteristics and biological impact from wt protein and indicates that its disease protecting mechanism may result primarily from the mutant protein's much lower binding affinity to synaptic receptors. This suggests that therapeutics that effectively reduce oligomer binding to synapses in the brain may be beneficial in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Harry LeVine
- Sanders‐Brown Center on AgingUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKYUSA
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30
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Seto M, Weiner RL, Dumitrescu L, Hohman TJ. Protective genes and pathways in Alzheimer's disease: moving towards precision interventions. Mol Neurodegener 2021; 16:29. [PMID: 33926499 PMCID: PMC8086309 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-021-00452-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by neurodegeneration, cognitive impairment, and an eventual inability to perform daily tasks. The etiology of Alzheimer's is complex, with numerous environmental and genetic factors contributing to the disease. Late-onset AD is highly heritable (60 to 80%), and over 40 risk loci for AD have been identified via large genome-wide association studies, most of which are common variants with small effect sizes. Although these discoveries have provided novel insight on biological contributors to AD, disease-modifying treatments remain elusive. Recently, the concepts of resistance to pathology and resilience against the downstream consequences of pathology have been of particular interest in the Alzheimer's field as studies continue to identify individuals who evade the pathology of the disease even into late life and individuals who have all of the neuropathological features of AD but evade downstream neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment. It has been hypothesized that a shift in focus from Alzheimer's risk to resilience presents an opportunity to uncover novel biological mechanisms of AD and to identify promising therapeutic targets for the disease. This review will highlight a selection of genes and variants that have been reported to confer protection from AD within the literature and will also discuss evidence for the biological underpinnings behind their protective effect with a focus on genes involved in lipid metabolism, cellular trafficking, endosomal and lysosomal function, synaptic function, and inflammation. Finally, we offer some recommendations in areas where the field can rapidly advance towards precision interventions that leverage the ideas of protection and resilience for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabel Seto
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1207 17th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212 USA
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Rebecca L. Weiner
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1207 17th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212 USA
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Logan Dumitrescu
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1207 17th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212 USA
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Timothy J. Hohman
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1207 17th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212 USA
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
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31
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Lanktree MB, Guiard E, Akbari P, Pourafkari M, Iliuta IA, Ahmed S, Haghighi A, He N, Song X, Paterson AD, Khalili K, Pei YP. Patients with Protein-Truncating PKD1 Mutations and Mild ADPKD. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 16:374-383. [PMID: 33602752 PMCID: PMC8011025 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.11100720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Progression of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is highly variable. On average, protein-truncating PKD1 mutations are associated with the most severe kidney disease among all mutation classes. Here, we report that patients with protein-truncating PKD1 mutations may also have mild kidney disease, a finding not previously well recognized. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS From the extended Toronto Genetic Epidemiologic Study of Polycystic Kidney Disease, 487 patients had PKD1 and PKD2 sequencing and typical ADPKD imaging patterns by magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. Mayo Clinic Imaging Classification on the basis of age- and height-adjusted total kidney volume was used to assess their cystic disease severity; classes 1A or 1B were used as a proxy to define mild disease. Multivariable linear regression was performed to test the effects of age, sex, and mutation classes on log-transformed height-adjusted total kidney volume and eGFR. RESULTS Among 174 study patients with typical imaging patterns and protein-truncating PKD1 mutations, 32 (18%) were found to have mild disease on the basis of imaging results (i.e., Mayo Clinic Imaging class 1A-1B), with their mutations spanning the entire gene. By multivariable analyses of age, sex, and mutation class, they displayed mild disease similar to patients with PKD2 mutations and Mayo Clinic Imaging class 1A-1B. Most of these mildly affected patients with protein-truncating PKD1 mutations reported a positive family history of ADPKD in preceding generations and displayed significant intrafamilial disease variability. CONCLUSIONS Despite having the most severe mutation class, 18% of patients with protein-truncating PKD1 mutations had mild disease on the basis of clinical and imaging assessment. PODCAST This article contains a podcast at https://www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/CJASN/2021_02_18_CJN11100720_final.mp3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B. Lanktree
- Division of Nephrology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Division of Nephrology, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elsa Guiard
- Division of Nephrology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pedram Akbari
- Division of Nephrology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marina Pourafkari
- Department of Medical Imaging, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ioan-Andrei Iliuta
- Division of Nephrology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Syed Ahmed
- Division of Nephrology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amirreza Haghighi
- Division of Nephrology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ning He
- Division of Nephrology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xuewen Song
- Division of Nephrology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew D. Paterson
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Ontario, Canada,Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Korosh Khalili
- Department of Medical Imaging, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - York P.C. Pei
- Division of Nephrology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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32
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Izzo NJ, Yuede CM, LaBarbera KM, Limegrover CS, Rehak C, Yurko R, Waybright L, Look G, Rishton G, Safferstein H, Hamby ME, Williams C, Sadlek K, Edwards HM, Davis CS, Grundman M, Schneider LS, DeKosky ST, Chelsky D, Pike I, Henstridge C, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, LeVine H, Spires-Jones TL, Cirrito JR, Catalano SM. Preclinical and clinical biomarker studies of CT1812: A novel approach to Alzheimer's disease modification. Alzheimers Dement 2021; 17:1365-1382. [PMID: 33559354 PMCID: PMC8349378 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyloid beta (Aβ) oligomers are one of the most toxic structural forms of the Aβ protein and are hypothesized to cause synaptotoxicity and memory failure as they build up in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients' brain tissue. We previously demonstrated that antagonists of the sigma-2 receptor complex effectively block Aβ oligomer toxicity. CT1812 is an orally bioavailable, brain penetrant small molecule antagonist of the sigma-2 receptor complex that appears safe and well tolerated in healthy elderly volunteers. We tested CT1812's effect on Aβ oligomer pathobiology in preclinical AD models and evaluated CT1812's impact on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein biomarkers in mild to moderate AD patients in a clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02907567). METHODS Experiments were performed to measure the impact of CT1812 versus vehicle on Aβ oligomer binding to synapses in vitro, to human AD patient post mortem brain tissue ex vivo, and in living APPSwe /PS1dE9 transgenic mice in vivo. Additional experiments were performed to measure the impact of CT1812 versus vehicle on Aβ oligomer-induced deficits in membrane trafficking rate, synapse number, and protein expression in mature hippocampal/cortical neurons in vitro. The impact of CT1812 on cognitive function was measured in transgenic Thy1 huAPPSwe/Lnd+ and wild-type littermates. A multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group trial was performed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and impact on protein biomarker expression of CT1812 or placebo given once daily for 28 days to AD patients (Mini-Mental State Examination 18-26). CSF protein expression was measured by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in samples drawn prior to dosing (Day 0) and at end of dosing (Day 28) and compared within each patient and between pooled treated versus placebo-treated dosing groups. RESULTS CT1812 significantly and dose-dependently displaced Aβ oligomers bound to synaptic receptors in three independent preclinical models of AD, facilitated oligomer clearance into the CSF, increased synaptic number and protein expression in neurons, and improved cognitive performance in transgenic mice. CT1812 significantly increased CSF concentrations of Aβ oligomers in AD patient CSF, reduced concentrations of synaptic proteins and phosphorylated tau fragments, and reversed expression of many AD-related proteins dysregulated in CSF. DISCUSSION These preclinical studies demonstrate the novel disease-modifying mechanism of action of CT1812 against AD and Aβ oligomers. The clinical results are consistent with preclinical data and provide evidence of target engagement and impact on fundamental disease-related signaling pathways in AD patients, supporting further development of CT1812.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Courtney Rehak
- Cognition Therapeutics Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Raymond Yurko
- Cognition Therapeutics Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lora Waybright
- Cognition Therapeutics Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gary Look
- Cognition Therapeutics Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Mary E Hamby
- Cognition Therapeutics Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Kelsey Sadlek
- Cognition Therapeutics Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Michael Grundman
- Global R&D Partners, San Diego, California, USA.,University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Lon S Schneider
- Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Steven T DeKosky
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kaj Blennow
- University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.,Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.,Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden.,UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Harry LeVine
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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33
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Rare variant contribution to human disease in 281,104 UK Biobank exomes. Nature 2021; 597:527-532. [PMID: 34375979 PMCID: PMC8458098 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03855-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies have uncovered thousands of common variants associated with human disease, but the contribution of rare variants to common disease remains relatively unexplored. The UK Biobank contains detailed phenotypic data linked to medical records for approximately 500,000 participants, offering an unprecedented opportunity to evaluate the effect of rare variation on a broad collection of traits1,2. Here we study the relationships between rare protein-coding variants and 17,361 binary and 1,419 quantitative phenotypes using exome sequencing data from 269,171 UK Biobank participants of European ancestry. Gene-based collapsing analyses revealed 1,703 statistically significant gene-phenotype associations for binary traits, with a median odds ratio of 12.4. Furthermore, 83% of these associations were undetectable via single-variant association tests, emphasizing the power of gene-based collapsing analysis in the setting of high allelic heterogeneity. Gene-phenotype associations were also significantly enriched for loss-of-function-mediated traits and approved drug targets. Finally, we performed ancestry-specific and pan-ancestry collapsing analyses using exome sequencing data from 11,933 UK Biobank participants of African, East Asian or South Asian ancestry. Our results highlight a significant contribution of rare variants to common disease. Summary statistics are publicly available through an interactive portal ( http://azphewas.com/ ).
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34
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Vihinen M. Functional effects of protein variants. Biochimie 2020; 180:104-120. [PMID: 33164889 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Genetic and other variations frequently affect protein functions. Scientific articles can contain confusing descriptions about which function or property is affected, and in many cases the statements are pure speculation without any experimental evidence. To clarify functional effects of protein variations of genetic or non-genetic origin, a systematic conceptualisation and framework are introduced. This framework describes protein functional effects on abundance, activity, specificity and affinity, along with countermeasures, which allow cells, tissues and organisms to tolerate, avoid, repair, attenuate or resist (TARAR) the effects. Effects on abundance discussed include gene dosage, restricted expression, mis-localisation and degradation. Enzymopathies, effects on kinetics, allostery and regulation of protein activity are subtopics for the effects of variants on activity. Variation outcomes on specificity and affinity comprise promiscuity, specificity, affinity and moonlighting. TARAR mechanisms redress variations with active and passive processes including chaperones, redundancy, robustness, canalisation and metabolic and signalling rewiring. A framework for pragmatic protein function analysis and presentation is introduced. All of the mechanisms and effects are described along with representative examples, most often in relation to diseases. In addition, protein function is discussed from evolutionary point of view. Application of the presented framework facilitates unambiguous, detailed and specific description of functional effects and their systematic study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauno Vihinen
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC B13, Lund University, SE-22 184, Lund, Sweden.
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35
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Easteal S, Arkell RM, Balboa RF, Bellingham SA, Brown AD, Calma T, Cook MC, Davis M, Dawkins HJS, Dinger ME, Dobbie MS, Farlow A, Gwynne KG, Hermes A, Hoy WE, Jenkins MR, Jiang SH, Kaplan W, Leslie S, Llamas B, Mann GJ, McMorran BJ, McWhirter RE, Meldrum CJ, Nagaraj SH, Newman SJ, Nunn JS, Ormond-Parker L, Orr NJ, Paliwal D, Patel HR, Pearson G, Pratt GR, Rambaldini B, Russell LW, Savarirayan R, Silcocks M, Skinner JC, Souilmi Y, Vinuesa CG, Baynam G. Equitable Expanded Carrier Screening Needs Indigenous Clinical and Population Genomic Data. Am J Hum Genet 2020; 107:175-182. [PMID: 32763188 PMCID: PMC7413856 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2020.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Expanded carrier screening (ECS) for recessive monogenic diseases requires prior knowledge of genomic variation, including DNA variants that cause disease. The composition of pathogenic variants differs greatly among human populations, but historically, research about monogenic diseases has focused mainly on people with European ancestry. By comparison, less is known about pathogenic DNA variants in people from other parts of the world. Consequently, inclusion of currently underrepresented Indigenous and other minority population groups in genomic research is essential to enable equitable outcomes in ECS and other areas of genomic medicine. Here, we discuss this issue in relation to the implementation of ECS in Australia, which is currently being evaluated as part of the national Government's Genomics Health Futures Mission. We argue that significant effort is required to build an evidence base and genomic reference data so that ECS can bring significant clinical benefit for many Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australians. These efforts are essential steps to achieving the Australian Government's objectives and its commitment "to leveraging the benefits of genomics in the health system for all Australians." They require culturally safe, community-led research and community involvement embedded within national health and medical genomics programs to ensure that new knowledge is integrated into medicine and health services in ways that address the specific and articulated cultural and health needs of Indigenous people. Until this occurs, people who do not have European ancestry are at risk of being, in relative terms, further disadvantaged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Easteal
- National Centre for Indigenous Genomics, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia.
| | - Ruth M Arkell
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Renzo F Balboa
- National Centre for Indigenous Genomics, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Shayne A Bellingham
- National Centre for Indigenous Genomics, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Alex D Brown
- Aboriginal Health Equity, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Tom Calma
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Matthew C Cook
- Department of Immunology, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT 2606, Australia
| | - Megan Davis
- UNSW Law, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Hugh J S Dawkins
- HBF Health Limited, Perth, WA 6000, Australia; School of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; Sir Walter Murdoch School of Policy and International Affairs, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; Division of Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6008, Australia; Centre for Population Health Research, Curtin University of Technology, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Marcel E Dinger
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Michael S Dobbie
- National Centre for Indigenous Genomics, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia; John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Ashley Farlow
- National Centre for Indigenous Genomics, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia; Melbourne Integrative Genomics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Kylie G Gwynne
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2113, Australia
| | - Azure Hermes
- National Centre for Indigenous Genomics, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Wendy E Hoy
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Misty R Jenkins
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; La Trobe Institute of Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Simon H Jiang
- Department of Immunology, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT 2606, Australia
| | - Warren Kaplan
- Informatics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Stephen Leslie
- National Centre for Indigenous Genomics, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia; Melbourne Integrative Genomics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Bastien Llamas
- National Centre for Indigenous Genomics, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia; Centre of Excellence in Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, School of Biological Sciences, The Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Graham J Mann
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Brendan J McMorran
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Rebekah E McWhirter
- Centre for Law and Genetics, Faculty of Law, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | | | - Shivashankar H Nagaraj
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Saul J Newman
- Biological Data Science Institute, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Jack S Nunn
- Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Lyndon Ormond-Parker
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Neil J Orr
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Devashi Paliwal
- National Centre for Indigenous Genomics, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia; John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Hardip R Patel
- National Centre for Indigenous Genomics, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Glenn Pearson
- Aboriginal Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Greg R Pratt
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Boe Rambaldini
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Lynette W Russell
- Centre of Excellence in Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, Monash Indigenous Studies Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Ravi Savarirayan
- Victorian Clinical Genetic Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, and University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Matthew Silcocks
- National Centre for Indigenous Genomics, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia; Melbourne Integrative Genomics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - John C Skinner
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Yassine Souilmi
- National Centre for Indigenous Genomics, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, The Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Carola G Vinuesa
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Gareth Baynam
- Genetic Services of Western Australia, Department of Health, Government of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6004, Australia; The Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies, Department of Health, Government of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6004, Australia; School of Medicine, Division of Paediatrics and Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
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Abstract
Understanding the influence of genetics on human disease is among the primary goals for biology and medicine. To this end, the direct study of natural human genetic variation has provided valuable insights into human physiology and disease as well as into the origins and migrations of humans. In this review, we discuss the foundations of population genetics, which provide a crucial context to the study of human genes and traits. In particular, genome-wide association studies and similar methods have revealed thousands of genetic loci associated with diseases and traits, providing invaluable information into the biology of these traits. Simultaneously, as the study of rare genetic variation has expanded, so-called human knockouts have elucidated the function of human genes and the therapeutic potential of targeting them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad J. Karczewski
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics and Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA;,
- Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - Alicia R. Martin
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics and Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA;,
- Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
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37
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Sun H, Guo Y, Lan X, Jia J, Cai X, Zhang G, Xie J, Liang Q, Li Y, Yu G. PhenoModifier: a genetic modifier database for elucidating the genetic basis of human phenotypic variation. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:D977-D982. [PMID: 31642469 PMCID: PMC7145690 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
From clinical observations to large-scale sequencing studies, the phenotypic impact of genetic modifiers is evident. To better understand the full spectrum of the genetic contribution to human disease, concerted efforts are needed to construct a useful modifier resource for interpreting the information from sequencing data. Here, we present the PhenoModifier (https://www.biosino.org/PhenoModifier), a manually curated database that provides a comprehensive overview of human genetic modifiers. By manually curating over ten thousand published articles, 3078 records of modifier information were entered into the current version of PhenoModifier, related to 288 different disorders, 2126 genetic modifier variants and 843 distinct modifier genes. To help users probe further into the mechanism of their interested modifier genes, we extended the yeast genetic interaction data and yeast quantitative trait loci to the human and we also integrated GWAS data into the PhenoModifier to assist users in evaluating all possible phenotypes associated with a modifier allele. As the first comprehensive resource of human genetic modifiers, PhenoModifier provides a more complete spectrum of genetic factors contributing to human phenotypic variation. The portal has a broad scientific and clinical scope, spanning activities relevant to variant interpretation for research purposes as well as clinical decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Sun
- Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Yangfan Guo
- Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, China.,School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaoping Lan
- Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Jia Jia
- Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Xiaoshu Cai
- Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, China.,Clinical Research Collaboration (K.-Y.H., J.-F.H.), Siemens Ltd., China Shanghai Branch, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Guoqing Zhang
- Bio-Med Big Data Center, Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200232, China
| | - Jingjing Xie
- Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Qian Liang
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yixue Li
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.,Bio-Med Big Data Center, Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200232, China
| | - Guangjun Yu
- Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, China
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38
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Heterogeneous phenotype of Hereditary Xerocytosis in association with PIEZO1 variants. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2020; 82:102413. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2020.102413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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39
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Iacono D, Feltis GC. Impact of Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism during normal and pathological conditions of the brain across the lifespan. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 11:787-816. [PMID: 30677746 PMCID: PMC6366964 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) is the cellular substrate for the integration of complex, dynamic, constant, and simultaneous interactions among endogenous and exogenous stimuli across the entire human lifespan. Numerous studies on aging-related brain diseases show that some genes identified as risk factors for some of the most common neurodegenerative diseases - such as the allele 4 of APOE gene (APOE4) for Alzheimer's disease (AD) - have a much earlier neuro-anatomical and neuro-physiological impact. The impact of APOE polymorphism appears in fact to start as early as youth and early-adult life. Intriguingly, though, those same genes associated with aging-related brain diseases seem to influence different aspects of the brain functioning much earlier actually, that is, even from the neonatal periods and earlier. The APOE4, an allele classically associated with later-life neurodegenerative disorders as AD, seems in fact to exert a series of very early effects on phenomena of neuroplasticity and synaptogenesis that begin from the earliest periods of life such as the fetal ones.We reviewed some of the findings supporting the hypothesis that APOE polymorphism is an early modifier of various neurobiological aspects across the entire human lifespan - from the in-utero to the centenarian life - during both normal and pathological conditions of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Iacono
- Neuropathology Research, Biomedical Research Institute of New Jersey (BRInj), Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927, USA.,MidAtlantic Neonatology Associates (MANA), Morristown, NJ 07960, USA.,Atlantic Neuroscience Institute, Atlantic Health System (AHS), Overlook Medical Center, Summit, NJ 07901, USA
| | - Gloria C Feltis
- Neuropathology Research, Biomedical Research Institute of New Jersey (BRInj), Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927, USA
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40
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Walton RT, Christie KA, Whittaker MN, Kleinstiver BP. Unconstrained genome targeting with near-PAMless engineered CRISPR-Cas9 variants. Science 2020; 368:290-296. [PMID: 32217751 DOI: 10.1126/science.aba8853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 620] [Impact Index Per Article: 155.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Manipulation of DNA by CRISPR-Cas enzymes requires the recognition of a protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM), limiting target site recognition to a subset of sequences. To remove this constraint, we engineered variants of Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) to eliminate the NGG PAM requirement. We developed a variant named SpG that is capable of targeting an expanded set of NGN PAMs, and we further optimized this enzyme to develop a near-PAMless SpCas9 variant named SpRY (NRN and to a lesser extent NYN PAMs). SpRY nuclease and base-editor variants can target almost all PAMs, exhibiting robust activities on a wide range of sites with NRN PAMs in human cells and lower but substantial activity on those with NYN PAMs. Using SpG and SpRY, we generated previously inaccessible disease-relevant genetic variants, supporting the utility of high-resolution targeting across genome editing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell T Walton
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Kathleen A Christie
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Madelynn N Whittaker
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Benjamin P Kleinstiver
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA. .,Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Li S, Datta S, Brabbit E, Love Z, Woytowicz V, Flattery K, Capri J, Yao K, Wu S, Imboden M, Upadhyay A, Arumugham R, Thoreson WB, DeAngelis MM, Haider NB. Nr2e3 is a genetic modifier that rescues retinal degeneration and promotes homeostasis in multiple models of retinitis pigmentosa. Gene Ther 2020; 28:223-241. [PMID: 32123325 PMCID: PMC7483267 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-020-0134-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in viral vector engineering, as well as an increased understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanism of retinal diseases, have led to the development of novel gene therapy approaches. Furthermore, ease of accessibility and ocular immune privilege makes the retina an ideal target for gene therapies. In this study, the nuclear hormone receptor gene Nr2e3 was evaluated for efficacy as broad-spectrum therapy to attenuate early to intermediate stages of retinal degeneration in five unique mouse models of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). RP is a group of heterogenic inherited retinal diseases associated with over 150 gene mutations, affecting over 1.5 million individuals worldwide. RP varies in age of onset, severity, and rate of progression. In addition, ~40% of RP patients cannot be genetically diagnosed, confounding the ability to develop personalized RP therapies. Remarkably, Nr2e3 administered therapy resulted in reduced retinal degeneration as observed by increase in photoreceptor cells, improved electroretinogram, and a dramatic molecular reset of key transcription factors and associated gene networks. These therapeutic effects improved retinal homeostasis in diseased tissue. Results of this study provide evidence that Nr2e3 can serve as a broad-spectrum therapy to treat multiple forms of RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shyamtanu Datta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily Brabbit
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zoe Love
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Victoria Woytowicz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kyle Flattery
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica Capri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katie Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Siqi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Wallace B Thoreson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | | | - Neena B Haider
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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42
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Gogos JA, Crabtree G, Diamantopoulou A. The abiding relevance of mouse models of rare mutations to psychiatric neuroscience and therapeutics. Schizophr Res 2020; 217:37-51. [PMID: 30987923 PMCID: PMC6790166 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Studies using powerful family-based designs aided by large scale case-control studies, have been instrumental in cracking the genetic complexity of the disease, identifying rare and highly penetrant risk mutations and providing a handle on experimentally tractable model systems. Mouse models of rare mutations, paired with analysis of homologous cognitive and sensory processing deficits and state-of-the-art neuroscience methods to manipulate and record neuronal activity have started providing unprecedented insights into pathogenic mechanisms and building the foundation of a new biological framework for understanding mental illness. A number of important principles are emerging, namely that degradation of the computational mechanisms underlying the ordered activity and plasticity of both local and long-range neuronal assemblies, the building blocks necessary for stable cognition and perception, might be the inevitable consequence and the common point of convergence of the vastly heterogeneous genetic liability, manifesting as defective internally- or stimulus-driven neuronal activation patterns and triggering the constellation of schizophrenia symptoms. Animal models of rare mutations have the unique potential to help us move from "which" (gene) to "how", "where" and "when" computational regimes of neural ensembles are affected. Linking these variables should improve our understanding of how symptoms emerge and how diagnostic boundaries are established at a circuit level. Eventually, a better understanding of pathophysiological trajectories at the level of neural circuitry in mice, aided by basic human experimental biology, should guide the development of new therapeutics targeting either altered circuitry itself or the underlying biological pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A. Gogos
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 USA,Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA,Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032 USA,Correspondence should be addressed to: Joseph A. Gogos ()
| | - Gregg Crabtree
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 USA,Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Anastasia Diamantopoulou
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 USA,Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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43
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Pinnaro CT, Henry T, Major HJ, Parida M, DesJardin LE, Manak JR, Darbro BW. Candidate modifier genes for immune function in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2019; 8:e1057. [PMID: 31830774 PMCID: PMC6978229 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is the most common contiguous microdeletion affecting humans and exhibits extreme phenotypic heterogeneity. Patients can manifest any combination of comorbidities including congenital heart disease, hypoparathyroidism, cleft palate, kidney abnormalities, neurodevelopmental disorders, and immune dysfunction. Immunodeficiency is present in the majority of patients with 22q11.2DS and is the second leading cause of death in these patients. Knowing the genetic determinants of immune dysfunction will aid in prognostication and potentially novel treatments. Methods We performed exome sequencing and gene‐based variant association analysis on 31 deeply phenotyped individuals with the canonical 3Mb 22q11.2 deletion to identify what genes outside the 22q11.2 locus may be modifying the immune dysregulated phenotype. Immunophenotyping was performed using preexisting medical data and a novel scoring system developed from numerous clinical laboratory values including immunoglobulin levels, lymphocyte transformation to antigens (LTA), lymphocyte transformation to mitogens (LTM), and peripheral blood flow cytometry. Immunophenotypic scoring was validated against newborn screening T‐cell receptor excision circle (TREC) results. Results Rare DNA variants in transcriptional regulators involved in retinoic acid signaling (NCOR2, OMIM *600848 and EP300, OMIM *602700) were found to be associated with immunophenotype. Conclusion The expression of TBX1, which seems to confer the major phenotypic features of 22q11.2DS, is regulated via retinoic acid signaling, and alterations in retinoic acid signaling during embryonic development can lead to phenocopies of 22q11.2DS. These observations support the hypothesis that genetic modifiers outside the microdeletion locus may influence the immune function in 22q11.2DS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Travis Henry
- Iowa State Hygienic Laboratory, Coralville, IA, USA
| | | | | | | | - John R Manak
- Departments of Biology and Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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44
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Choi KW, Stein MB, Dunn EC, Koenen KC, Smoller JW. Genomics and psychological resilience: a research agenda. Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:1770-1778. [PMID: 31341239 PMCID: PMC6874722 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0457-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Although exposure to adversity increases risk for poor mental health outcomes, many people exposed to adversity do not develop such outcomes. Psychological resilience, defined broadly as positive emotional and/or behavioral adaptation to adversity, may be influenced by genetic factors that have remained largely unexplored in the era of large-scale genome-wide studies. In this perspective, we provide an integrative framework for studying human genome-wide variation underlying resilience. We first outline three complementary working definitions of psychological resilience-as a capacity, process, and outcome. For each definition, we review emerging empirical evidence, including findings from positive psychology, to illustrate how a resilience-based framework can guide novel and fruitful directions for the field of psychiatric genomics, distinct from the ongoing study of psychiatric risk and related traits. Finally, we provide practical recommendations for future genomic research on resilience, highlighting a need to augment cross-sectional findings with prospective designs that include detailed measurement of adversities and outcomes. A research framework that explicitly addresses resilience could help us to probe biological mechanisms of stress adaptation, identify individuals who may benefit the most from prevention and early intervention, and ascertain modifiable protective factors that mitigate negative outcomes even for those at high genetic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karmel W Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Murray B Stein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Erin C Dunn
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Henry & Allison McCance Center for Brain Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karestan C Koenen
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jordan W Smoller
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Boston, MA, USA
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45
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McCorrison J, Girke T, Goetz LH, Miller RA, Schork NJ. Genetic Support for Longevity-Enhancing Drug Targets: Issues, Preliminary Data, and Future Directions. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2019; 74:S61-S71. [PMID: 31724058 PMCID: PMC7330475 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glz206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Interventions meant to promote longevity and healthy aging have often been designed or observed to modulate very specific gene or protein targets. If there are naturally occurring genetic variants in such a target that affect longevity as well as the molecular function of that target (eg, the variants influence the expression of the target, acting as "expression quantitative trait loci" or "eQTLs"), this could support a causal relationship between the pharmacologic modulation of the target and longevity and thereby validate the target at some level. We considered the gene targets of many pharmacologic interventions hypothesized to enhance human longevity and explored how many variants there are in those targets that affect gene function (eg, as expression quantitative trait loci). We also determined whether variants in genes associated with longevity-related phenotypes affect gene function or are in linkage disequilibrium with variants that do, and whether pharmacologic studies point to compounds exhibiting activity against those genes. Our results are somewhat ambiguous, suggesting that integrating genetic association study results with functional genomic and pharmacologic studies is necessary to shed light on genetically mediated targets for longevity-enhancing drugs. Such integration will require more sophisticated data sets, phenotypic definitions, and bioinformatics approaches to be useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamison McCorrison
- Graduate Program in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, University of California–San Diego, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Thomas Girke
- Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Laura H Goetz
- Department of Quantitative Medicine and Systems Biology, The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, Arizona
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Richard A Miller
- Department of Pathology, Ann Arbor
- Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Nicholas J Schork
- Department of Quantitative Medicine and Systems Biology, The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, Arizona
- Department of Population Sciences, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California–San Diego
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California–San Diego
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46
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Rajan MR, Sotak M, Barrenäs F, Shen T, Borkowski K, Ashton NJ, Biörserud C, Lindahl TL, Ramström S, Schöll M, Lindahl P, Fiehn O, Newman JW, Perkins R, Wallenius V, Lange S, Börgeson E. Comparative analysis of obesity-related cardiometabolic and renal biomarkers in human plasma and serum. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15385. [PMID: 31659186 PMCID: PMC6817872 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51673-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The search for biomarkers associated with obesity-related diseases is ongoing, but it is not clear whether plasma and serum can be used interchangeably in this process. Here we used high-throughput screening to analyze 358 proteins and 76 lipids, selected because of their relevance to obesity-associated diseases, in plasma and serum from age- and sex-matched lean and obese humans. Most of the proteins/lipids had similar concentrations in plasma and serum, but a subset showed significant differences. Notably, a key marker of cardiovascular disease PAI-1 showed a difference in concentration between the obese and lean groups only in plasma. Furthermore, some biomarkers showed poor correlations between plasma and serum, including PCSK9, an important regulator of cholesterol homeostasis. Collectively, our results show that the choice of biofluid may impact study outcome when screening for obesity-related biomarkers and we identify several markers where this will be the case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenu Rohini Rajan
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Matus Sotak
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Barrenäs
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tong Shen
- NIH West Coast Metabolomics Center, Genome Center, University of California Davis, Davis, USA
| | - Kamil Borkowski
- NIH West Coast Metabolomics Center, Genome Center, University of California Davis, Davis, USA
| | - Nicholas J Ashton
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health & Biomedical Research Unit for Dementia at South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation, London, UK
| | - Christina Biörserud
- Department of Gastrosurgical Research and Education, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tomas L Lindahl
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Sofia Ramström
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Michael Schöll
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Dementia Research Centre, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Per Lindahl
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Oliver Fiehn
- NIH West Coast Metabolomics Center, Genome Center, University of California Davis, Davis, USA
| | - John W Newman
- NIH West Coast Metabolomics Center, Genome Center, University of California Davis, Davis, USA
- Department of Nutrition, University of California Davis, Davis, USA
- USDA, ARS, Western Human Nutrition Research Center, Davis, USA
| | - Rosie Perkins
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ville Wallenius
- Department of Gastrosurgical Research and Education, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stephan Lange
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Emma Börgeson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Fang Y, Scott L, Song P, Burmeister M, Sen S. Genomic prediction of depression risk and resilience under stress. Nat Hum Behav 2019; 4:111-118. [PMID: 31659322 PMCID: PMC6980948 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-019-0759-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Advancing ability to predict who is likely to develop depression holds great potential in reducing the disease burden. Here, we utilize the predictable and large increase in depression with physician training stress to identify predictors of depression. Applying the depression polygenic risk score (MDD-PRS) derived from the most recent PGC2/UKB/23andMe GWAS to 5,227 training physicians, we found that MDD-PRS predicted depression under training stress (beta=0.095, p=4.7×10−16) and that MDD-PRS was more strongly associated with depression under stress than at baseline (MDD-PRSxstress interaction beta=0.036, p=0.005). Further, known risk factors accounted for substantially less of the association between MDD-PRS and depression at under stress than at baseline, suggesting that MDD-PRS adds unique predictive power in depression prediction. Finally, we found that low MDD-PRS may have particular utility in identifying individuals with high resilience. Together, these findings suggest that MDD-PRS holds promise in furthering our ability to predict vulnerability and resilience under stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fang
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Laura Scott
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Peter Song
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Margit Burmeister
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Srijan Sen
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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48
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Target discovery using biobanks and human genetics. Drug Discov Today 2019; 25:438-445. [PMID: 31562982 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Large-scale biobanks can yield unprecedented insights into our health and provide discoveries of new and potentially targetable biomarkers. Several protective loss-of-function alleles have been identified, including variants that protect against cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and asthma and allergic diseases. These alleles serve as indicators of efficacy, mimicking the effects of drugs and suggesting that inhibiting these genes could provide therapeutic benefit, as has been observed for PCSK9. We provide a context for these findings through a multifaceted review covering the use of genetics in drug discovery efforts through genome-wide and phenome-wide association studies, linking deep mutation scanning data to molecular function and highlighting some additional tools that might help in the interpretation of newly discovered variants.
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49
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Exome Sequencing Reveals Immune Genes as Susceptibility Modifiers in Individuals with α 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13088. [PMID: 31511551 PMCID: PMC6739380 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49409-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a genetic disorder associated to early onset emphysema, mainly imputable to Pi*ZZ genotype. In spite of the serious potential effects, many AATD individuals do not develop emphysema. To identify genes/variants potentially involved in emphysema development we studied 4 AATD families. Each family had at least one affected sibling with emphysema and one non-affected. Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) was performed on genomic DNA isolated from 9 individuals with AATD (4 affected/5 non-affected). Genetic variants confirmed at least in three families were prioritized using QueryOR and network analysis was used to verify enriched pathways. In affected subjects: 14 genes (57% immune-related) segregated in a recessive model and 21 (29% immune-related) in a dominant model. In non-affected subjects: 21 genes (43% immune-related) segregated in a recessive model and 50 (24% immune-related) in a dominant model. In affected siblings immune genes had an activating function, while where immune-suppressing in non-affected siblings involving antigen processing, MHC-I presentation, TCR and PD-1 signalling. This study describes possible genetic susceptibility factors for emphysema development in AATD, and suggests that gene variants involved in regulation of immune homeostasis and maintenance of self-tolerance contribute to the development or suppression of the disease.
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50
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2017 Roadmap for Innovation-ACC Health Policy Statement on Healthcare Transformation in the Era of Digital Health, Big Data, and Precision Health: A Report of the American College of Cardiology Task Force on Health Policy Statements and Systems of Care. J Am Coll Cardiol 2019; 70:2696-2718. [PMID: 29169478 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2017.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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