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Merritt JK, Fang X, Caylor RC, Skinner SA, Friez MJ, Percy AK, Neul JL. Normalized Clinical Severity Scores Reveal a Correlation between X Chromosome Inactivation and Disease Severity in Rett Syndrome. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:594. [PMID: 38790223 PMCID: PMC11120815 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050594] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder predominately diagnosed in females and primarily caused by pathogenic variants in the X-linked gene Methyl-CpG Binding Protein 2 (MECP2). Most often, the disease causing the MECP2 allele resides on the paternal X chromosome while a healthy copy is maintained on the maternal X chromosome with inactivation (XCI), resulting in mosaic expression of one allele in each cell. Preferential inactivation of the paternal X chromosome is theorized to result in reduced disease severity; however, establishing such a correlation is complicated by known MECP2 genotype effects and an age-dependent increase in severity. To mitigate these confounding factors, we developed an age- and genotype-normalized measure of RTT severity by modeling longitudinal data collected in the US Rett Syndrome Natural History Study. This model accurately reflected individual increase in severity with age and preserved group-level genotype specific differences in severity, allowing for the creation of a normalized clinical severity score. Applying this normalized score to a RTT XCI dataset revealed that XCI influence on disease severity depends on MECP2 genotype with a correlation between XCI and severity observed only in individuals with MECP2 variants associated with increased clinical severity. This normalized measure of RTT severity provides the opportunity for future discovery of additional factors contributing to disease severity that may be masked by age and genotype effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan K. Merritt
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA;
| | - Xiaolan Fang
- Department of Pathology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, SC 29646, USA; (R.C.C.); (S.A.S.); (M.J.F.)
| | - Raymond C. Caylor
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, SC 29646, USA; (R.C.C.); (S.A.S.); (M.J.F.)
| | - Steven A. Skinner
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, SC 29646, USA; (R.C.C.); (S.A.S.); (M.J.F.)
| | - Michael J. Friez
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, SC 29646, USA; (R.C.C.); (S.A.S.); (M.J.F.)
| | - Alan K. Percy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Jeffrey L. Neul
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA;
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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Miranda-Lourenço C, Rosa J, Rei N, Belo RF, Lopes AL, Silva D, Vieira C, Magalhães-Cardoso T, Viais R, Correia-de-Sá P, Sebastião AM, Diógenes MJ. Adenosinergic System and BDNF Signaling Changes as a Cross-Sectional Feature of RTT: Characterization of Mecp2 Heterozygous Mouse Females. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16249. [PMID: 38003438 PMCID: PMC10671708 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216249] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett Syndrome is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder (RTT; OMIM#312750) associated to MECP2 mutations. MeCP2 dysfunction is seen as one cause for the deficiencies found in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, since BDNF is one of the genes under MeCP2 jurisdiction. BDNF signaling is also dependent on the proper function of the adenosinergic system. Indeed, both BDNF signaling and the adenosinergic system are altered in Mecp2-null mice (Mecp2-/y), a representative model of severe manifestation of RTT. Considering that symptoms severity largely differs among RTT patients, we set out to investigate the BDNF and ADO signaling modifications in Mecp2 heterozygous female mice (Mecp2+/-) presenting a less severe phenotype. Symptomatic Mecp2+/- mice have lower BDNF levels in the cortex and hippocampus. This is accompanied by a loss of BDNF-induced facilitation of hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), which could be restored upon selective activation of adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR). While no differences were observed in the amount of adenosine in the cortex and hippocampus of Mecp2+/- mice compared with healthy littermates, the density of the A1R and A2AR subtype receptors was, respectively, upregulated and downregulated in the hippocampus. Data suggest that significant changes in BDNF and adenosine signaling pathways are present in an RTT model with a milder disease phenotype: Mecp2+/- female animals. These features strengthen the theory that boosting adenosinergic activity may be a valid therapeutic strategy for RTT patients, regardless of their genetic penetrance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Miranda-Lourenço
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.M.-L.); (A.M.S.)
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jéssica Rosa
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.M.-L.); (A.M.S.)
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Nádia Rei
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.M.-L.); (A.M.S.)
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rita F. Belo
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.M.-L.); (A.M.S.)
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Lopes
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Neurobiologia/MedInUP, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar—Universidade do Porto (ICBAS-UP), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal (D.S.); (P.C.-d.-S.)
| | - Diogo Silva
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Neurobiologia/MedInUP, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar—Universidade do Porto (ICBAS-UP), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal (D.S.); (P.C.-d.-S.)
| | - Cátia Vieira
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Neurobiologia/MedInUP, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar—Universidade do Porto (ICBAS-UP), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal (D.S.); (P.C.-d.-S.)
| | - Teresa Magalhães-Cardoso
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Neurobiologia/MedInUP, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar—Universidade do Porto (ICBAS-UP), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal (D.S.); (P.C.-d.-S.)
| | - Ricardo Viais
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.M.-L.); (A.M.S.)
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Paulo Correia-de-Sá
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Neurobiologia/MedInUP, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar—Universidade do Porto (ICBAS-UP), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal (D.S.); (P.C.-d.-S.)
| | - Ana M. Sebastião
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.M.-L.); (A.M.S.)
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria J. Diógenes
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.M.-L.); (A.M.S.)
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
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Usman M, Jüschke C, Song F, Kastrati D, Owczarek-Lipska M, Eilers J, Pauleikhoff L, Lange C, Neidhardt J. Skewed X-inactivation is associated with retinal dystrophy in female carriers of RPGR mutations. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201814. [PMID: 37541846 PMCID: PMC10403639 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201814] [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: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Progressive degeneration of rod and cone photoreceptors frequently is caused by mutations in the X-chromosomal gene Retinitis Pigmentosa GTPase Regulator (RPGR). Males hemizygous for a RPGR mutation often are affected by Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), whereas female mutation carriers only occasionally present with severe RP phenotypes. The underlying pathomechanism leading to RP in female carriers is not well understood. Here, we analyzed a three-generation family in which two of three female carriers of a nonsense RPGR mutation presented with RP. Among two cell lines derived from the same female family members, differences were detected in RPGR transcript expression, in localization of RPGR along cilia, as well as in primary cilium length. Significantly, these differences correlated with alterations in X-chromosomal inactivation patterns found in the patient-derived cell lines from females. In summary, our data suggest that skewed X-chromosomal inactivation is an important factor that determines the disease manifestation of RP among female carriers of pathogenic sequence alterations in the RPGR gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Usman
- Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Jüschke
- Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Fei Song
- Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Dennis Kastrati
- Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Marta Owczarek-Lipska
- Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Junior Research Group, Genetics of Childhood Brain Malformations, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Jannis Eilers
- Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Laurenz Pauleikhoff
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology at St. Franziskus Hospital, Muenster, Germany
| | - John Neidhardt
- Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Research Center Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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Canton APM, Tinano FR, Guasti L, Montenegro LR, Ryan F, Shears D, de Melo ME, Gomes LG, Piana MP, Brauner R, Espino-Aguilar R, Escribano-Muñoz A, Paganoni A, Read JE, Korbonits M, Seraphim CE, Costa SS, Krepischi AC, Jorge AAL, David A, Kaisinger LR, Ong KK, Perry JRB, Abreu AP, Kaiser UB, Argente J, Mendonca BB, Brito VN, Howard SR, Latronico AC. Rare variants in the MECP2 gene in girls with central precocious puberty: a translational cohort study. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2023; 11:545-554. [PMID: 37385287 PMCID: PMC7615084 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(23)00131-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification of genetic causes of central precocious puberty have revealed epigenetic mechanisms as regulators of human pubertal timing. MECP2, an X-linked gene, encodes a chromatin-associated protein with a role in gene transcription. MECP2 loss-of-function mutations usually cause Rett syndrome, a severe neurodevelopmental disorder. Early pubertal development has been shown in several patients with Rett syndrome. The aim of this study was to explore whether MECP2 variants are associated with an idiopathic central precocious puberty phenotype. METHODS In this translational cohort study, participants were recruited from seven tertiary centres from five countries (Brazil, Spain, France, the USA, and the UK). Patients with idiopathic central precocious puberty were investigated for rare potentially damaging variants in the MECP2 gene, to assess whether MECP2 might contribute to the cause of central precocious puberty. Inclusion criteria were the development of progressive pubertal signs (Tanner stage 2) before the age of 8 years in girls and 9 years in boys and basal or GnRH-stimulated LH pubertal concentrations. Exclusion criteria were the diagnosis of peripheral precocious puberty and the presence of any recognised cause of central precocious puberty (CNS lesions, known monogenic causes, genetic syndromes, or early exposure to sex steroids). All patients included were followed up at the outpatient clinics of participating academic centres. We used high-throughput sequencing in 133 patients and Sanger sequencing of MECP2 in an additional 271 patients. Hypothalamic expression of Mecp2 and colocalisation with GnRH neurons were determined in mice to show expression of Mecp2 in key nuclei related to pubertal timing regulation. FINDINGS Between Jun 15, 2020, and Jun 15, 2022, 404 patients with idiopathic central precocious puberty (383 [95%] girls and 21 [5%] boys; 261 [65%] sporadic cases and 143 [35%] familial cases from 134 unrelated families) were enrolled and assessed. We identified three rare heterozygous likely damaging coding variants in MECP2 in five girls: a de novo missense variant (Arg97Cys) in two monozygotic twin sisters with central precocious puberty and microcephaly; a de novo missense variant (Ser176Arg) in one girl with sporadic central precocious puberty, obesity, and autism; and an insertion (Ala6_Ala8dup) in two unrelated girls with sporadic central precocious puberty. Additionally, we identified one rare heterozygous 3'UTR MECP2 insertion (36_37insT) in two unrelated girls with sporadic central precocious puberty. None of them manifested Rett syndrome. Mecp2 protein colocalised with GnRH expression in hypothalamic nuclei responsible for GnRH regulation in mice. INTERPRETATION We identified rare MECP2 variants in girls with central precocious puberty, with or without mild neurodevelopmental abnormalities. MECP2 might have a role in the hypothalamic control of human pubertal timing, adding to the evidence of involvement of epigenetic and genetic mechanisms in this crucial biological process. FUNDING Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, and the Wellcome Trust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P M Canton
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Laboratory of Hormones and Molecular Genetics LIM/42, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flávia R Tinano
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Laboratory of Hormones and Molecular Genetics LIM/42, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Guasti
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Luciana R Montenegro
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Laboratory of Hormones and Molecular Genetics LIM/42, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fiona Ryan
- Oxford Children's Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Deborah Shears
- Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Larissa G Gomes
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Laboratory of Hormones and Molecular Genetics LIM/42, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Raja Brauner
- Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild and Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Arancha Escribano-Muñoz
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alyssa Paganoni
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Jordan E Read
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Márta Korbonits
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Carlos E Seraphim
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Laboratory of Hormones and Molecular Genetics LIM/42, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia S Costa
- Discipline of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinicas Hospital, School of Medicine and Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Cristina Krepischi
- Discipline of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinicas Hospital, School of Medicine and Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexander A L Jorge
- Genetic Endocrinology Unit LIM/25, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alessia David
- Centre for Integrative Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Lena R Kaisinger
- Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, Wellcome-Medical Research Council Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ken K Ong
- Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, Wellcome-Medical Research Council Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - John R B Perry
- Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, Wellcome-Medical Research Council Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ana Paula Abreu
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ursula B Kaiser
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jesús Argente
- Department of Pediatrics, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Instituto de Investigación La Princesa, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, IMDEA Food Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Berenice B Mendonca
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Laboratory of Hormones and Molecular Genetics LIM/42, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vinicius N Brito
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Laboratory of Hormones and Molecular Genetics LIM/42, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sasha R Howard
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Ana Claudia Latronico
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Laboratory of Hormones and Molecular Genetics LIM/42, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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Zhi X, Pu L, Wu B, Cui Y, Yu C, Dong Y, Li D, Cai C. Identification of two aberrant transcripts by RNA sequencing for a novel variant c.3354 + 5 G > A of MED12 in a Chinese girl with non-syndromic intellectual disability. Clin Chim Acta 2022; 532:137-144. [PMID: 35690084 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2022.05.023] [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: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Missense variants in MED12 are associated with MED12-related disorders. We aimed to clarify the molecular level changes and underlying pathogenic mechanism of a female patient in our study. METHODS We reported a Chinese girl with clinical characteristics similar to MED12-related disorders. Trio whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed to identify related pathogenic variant(s) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was subsequently applied to evaluate the effect of identified variant(s) on mRNA splicing. Moreover, X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) assay based on AR and RP2 was performed to reveal the XCI pattern of the female patient. RESULTS The proband manifested mainly as mental retardation and language impairment. Trio WES revealed a novel heterozygous variant c.3354 + 5 G > A in intron 23 of MED12. RNA-seq identified two aberrant transcripts. XCI assay on AR revealed a homozygous result, while XCI based on RP2 showed random pattern in peripheral blood. CONCLUSION In conclusion, we identified a novel variant c.3354 + 5 G > A by WES combined with RNA-seq, which extends the spectrum of MED12 variants and provide a basis for further genetic counseling. According to the result of two aberrant transcripts by RNA-seq, we speculate that our patient's milder clinical feature may be the consequence of multiple different transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufang Zhi
- Graduate College of Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China; Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), No. 238 Longyan Road, Beichen District, Tianjin 300134, China
| | - Linjie Pu
- Graduate College of Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China; Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), No. 238 Longyan Road, Beichen District, Tianjin 300134, China
| | - Bo Wu
- Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), No. 238 Longyan Road, Beichen District, Tianjin 300134, China; Department of Neurology, Tianjin Children's Hospital, No. 238 Longyan Road, eichen District, Tianjin 300134, China
| | - Yaqiong Cui
- Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), No. 238 Longyan Road, Beichen District, Tianjin 300134, China; Tianjin Pediatric Research Institute, No. 238 Longyan Road, Beichen District, Tianjin 300134, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, No. 238 Longyan Road, Beichen District, Tianjin 300134, China
| | - Changshun Yu
- Tianjin Kingmed Center for Clinical Laboratory Co. Ltd, Haitai Huake 5th Rd, Huayuan Industrial Park, High Tech Zone, Xiqing District, Tianjin 300392, China
| | - Yan Dong
- Graduate College of Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China; Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), No. 238 Longyan Road, Beichen District, Tianjin 300134, China
| | - Dong Li
- Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), No. 238 Longyan Road, Beichen District, Tianjin 300134, China; Department of Neurology, Tianjin Children's Hospital, No. 238 Longyan Road, eichen District, Tianjin 300134, China.
| | - Chunquan Cai
- Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), No. 238 Longyan Road, Beichen District, Tianjin 300134, China; Tianjin Pediatric Research Institute, No. 238 Longyan Road, Beichen District, Tianjin 300134, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, No. 238 Longyan Road, Beichen District, Tianjin 300134, China.
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Viggiano E. Molecular Research in Medical Genetics. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126625. [PMID: 35743065 PMCID: PMC9224511 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
About 19,000-20,000 protein-coding genes in the human genome have been identified [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Viggiano
- Department of Prevention, Hygiene and Public Health Service, ASL Roma 2, 00157 Rome, Italy
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7
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Li J, Ming Z, Yang L, Wang T, Liu G, Ma Q. Long noncoding RNA XIST: Mechanisms for X chromosome inactivation, roles in sex-biased diseases, and therapeutic opportunities. Genes Dis 2022; 9:1478-1492. [PMID: 36157489 PMCID: PMC9485286 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism has been reported in various human diseases including autoimmune diseases, neurological diseases, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and some types of cancers, although the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) is involved in X chromosome inactivation (XCI) in female placental mammals, a process that ensures the balanced expression dosage of X-linked genes between sexes. XIST is abnormally expressed in many sex-biased diseases. In addition, escape from XIST-mediated XCI and skewed XCI also contribute to sex-biased diseases. Therefore, its expression or modification can be regarded as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of many sex-biased diseases. Genetic manipulation of XIST expression can inhibit the progression of some of these diseases in animal models, and therefore XIST has been proposed as a potential therapeutic target. In this manuscript, we summarize the current knowledge about the mechanisms for XIST-mediated XCI and the roles of XIST in sex-biased diseases, and discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting XIST.
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8
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Sun Y, Yang Y, Luo Y, Chen M, Wang L, Huang Y, Yang Y, Dong M. Lack of MECP2 gene transcription on the duplicated alleles of two related asymptomatic females with Xq28 duplications and opposite X-chromosome inactivation skewing. Hum Mutat 2021; 42:1429-1442. [PMID: 34273908 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Xq28 duplication syndrome (MIM# 300815) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder in males due to MeCP2 overexpression. Most females with MECP2 duplication are asymptomatic carriers, but there are phenotypic heterogeneities. Skewed X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) can protect females from exhibiting clinical phenotypes. Herein we reported two asymptomatic females (mother and grandmother) with interstitial Xq28 duplication. AR and RP2 assays showed that both had extremely skewed XCI, the Xq28 duplicated chromosome was inactivated in the mother, but was surprisingly activated in the grandmother. Interestingly, by combining RNA sequencing and whole-exome sequencing, we confirmed that XIST only expressed in the Xq28 duplication chromosomes of the two females, indicating that the Xq28 duplication chromosomes were inactive. Meanwhile, MECP2 and most XCI genes in the duplicated X-chromosomes were not transcriptionally expressed or upregulated, precluding major clinical phenotypes in the two females, especially the grandmother. We showed that XCI status detected using RNA sequencing was more relevant for establishing the clinical phenotype of MECP2 duplication in females. It suggested that there were other factors maintaining the XCI status in addition to DNA methylation, a possible additional inhibition mechanism occurred at the transcriptional level in the unmethylated X-chromosome, counter balancing the MECP2 duplication's detrimental phenotype effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixi Sun
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yali Yang
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuqin Luo
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liya Wang
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yingzhi Huang
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanmei Yang
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Minyue Dong
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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9
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Jiang E, Fitzgerald MP, Helbig KL, Goldberg EM. IL1RAPL1 Gene Deletion in a Female Patient with Developmental Delay and Continuous Spike-Wave during Sleep. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC EPILEPSY 2021. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1731816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AbstractInterleukin-1 receptor accessory protein-like 1 (IL1RAPL1) encodes a protein that is highly expressed in neurons and has been shown to regulate neurite outgrowth as well as synapse formation and synaptic transmission. Clinically, mutations in or deletions of IL1RAPL1 have been associated with a spectrum of neurological dysfunction including autism spectrum disorder and nonsyndromic X-linked developmental delay/intellectual disability of varying severity. Nearly all reported cases are in males; in the few reported cases involving females, the clinical presentation was mild or the deletion was identified in phenotypically normal carriers in accordance with X-linked inheritance. Using genome-wide microarray analysis, we identified a novel de novo 373 kb interstitial deletion of the X chromosome (Xp21.1-p21.2) that includes exons 4 to 6 of the IL1RAPL1 gene in an 8-year-old girl with severe intellectual disability and behavioral disorder with a history of developmental regression. Overnight continuous video electroencephalography revealed electrical status epilepticus in sleep (ESES). This case expands the clinical genetic spectrum of IL1RAPL1-related neurodevelopmental disorders and highlights a new genetic association of ESES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Jiang
- College of Arts and Sciences, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Mark P. Fitzgerald
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- The Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Katherine L. Helbig
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- The Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Ethan M. Goldberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- The Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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10
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Brand BA, Blesson AE, Smith-Hicks CL. The Impact of X-Chromosome Inactivation on Phenotypic Expression of X-Linked Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11070904. [PMID: 34356138 PMCID: PMC8305405 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11070904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly 20% of genes located on the X chromosome are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) due to their expression and role in brain functioning. Given their location, several of these genes are either subject to or can escape X-chromosome inactivation (XCI). The degree to which genes are subject to XCI can influence the NDD phenotype between males and females. We provide a general review of X-linked NDD genes in the context of XCI and detailed discussion of the sex-based differences related to MECP2 and FMR1, two common X-linked causes of NDD that are subject to XCI. Understanding the effects of XCI on phenotypic expression of NDD genes may guide the development of stratification biomarkers in X-linked disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boudewien A Brand
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (B.A.B.); (A.E.B.)
| | - Alyssa E Blesson
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (B.A.B.); (A.E.B.)
| | - Constance L. Smith-Hicks
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Correspondence:
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11
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Unraveling Molecular Pathways Altered in MeCP2-Related Syndromes, in the Search for New Potential Avenues for Therapy. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9020148. [PMID: 33546327 PMCID: PMC7913493 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is an X-linked epigenetic modulator whose dosage is critical for neural development and function. Loss-of-function mutations in MECP2 cause Rett Syndrome (RTT, OMIM #312750) while duplications in the Xq28 locus containing MECP2 and Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) cause MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS, OMIM #300260). Both are rare neurodevelopmental disorders that share clinical symptoms, including intellectual disability, loss of speech, hand stereotypies, vasomotor deficits and seizures. The main objective of this exploratory study is to identify novel signaling pathways and potential quantitative biomarkers that could aid early diagnosis and/or the monitoring of disease progression in clinical trials. We analyzed by RT-PCR gene expression in whole blood and microRNA (miRNA) expression in plasma, in a cohort of 20 females with Rett syndrome, 2 males with MECP2 duplication syndrome and 28 healthy controls, and correlated RNA expression with disease and clinical parameters. We have identified a set of potential biomarker panels for RTT diagnostic and disease stratification of patients with microcephaly and vasomotor deficits. Our study sets the basis for larger studies leading to the identification of specific miRNA signatures for early RTT detection, stratification, disease progression and segregation from other neurodevelopmental disorders. Nevertheless, these data will require verification and validation in further studies with larger sample size including a whole range of ages.
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12
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Pascual-Alonso A, Blasco L, Vidal S, Gean E, Rubio P, O'Callaghan M, Martínez-Monseny AF, Castells AA, Xiol C, Català V, Brandi N, Pacheco P, Ros C, Del Campo M, Guillén E, Ibañez S, Sánchez MJ, Lapunzina P, Nevado J, Santos F, Lloveras E, Ortigoza-Escobar JD, Tejada MI, Maortua H, Martínez F, Orellana C, Roselló M, Mesas MA, Obón M, Plaja A, Fernández-Ramos JA, Tizzano E, Marín R, Peña-Segura JL, Alcántara S, Armstrong J. Molecular characterization of Spanish patients with MECP2 duplication syndrome. Clin Genet 2020; 97:610-620. [PMID: 32043567 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS) is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a severe to profound intellectual disability, early onset hypotonia and diverse psycho-motor and behavioural features. To date, fewer than 200 cases have been published. We report the clinical and molecular characterization of a Spanish MDS cohort that included 19 boys and 2 girls. Clinical suspicions were confirmed by array comparative genomic hybridization and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). Using, a custom in-house MLPA assay, we performed a thorough study of the minimal duplicated region, from which we concluded a complete duplication of both MECP2 and IRAK1 was necessary for a correct MDS diagnosis, as patients with partial MECP2 duplications lacked some typical clinical traits present in other MDS patients. In addition, the duplication location may be related to phenotypic severity. This observation may provide a new approach for genotype-phenotype correlations, and thus more personalized genetic counselling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainhoa Pascual-Alonso
- Fundación San Juan de Dios, Servicio de Medicina Genética y Molecular, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Blasco
- Fundación San Juan de Dios, Servicio de Medicina Genética y Molecular, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Vidal
- Fundación San Juan de Dios, Servicio de Medicina Genética y Molecular, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Gean
- Departamento de Medicina Genética y Molecular, Hospital Universitario San Juan de Dios, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Rubio
- Departamento de Medicina Genética y Molecular, Hospital Universitario San Juan de Dios, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar O'Callaghan
- Departamento de Neurología Pediátrica, Hospital Universitario San Juan de Dios, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio F Martínez-Monseny
- Departamento de Medicina Genética y Molecular, Hospital Universitario San Juan de Dios, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Aina Castells
- Fundación San Juan de Dios, Servicio de Medicina Genética y Molecular, Barcelona, Spain.,Neural Development Lab, Departament de Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, IDIBELL, l'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara Xiol
- Fundación San Juan de Dios, Servicio de Medicina Genética y Molecular, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicenç Català
- Unitad de Biología Celular y Genética Médica, Departament of BCFyI, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria Brandi
- Servicio de Medicina Genètica i Molecular, Hospital Universitario San Juan de Dios, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paola Pacheco
- Servicio de Medicina Genètica i Molecular, Hospital Universitario San Juan de Dios, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlota Ros
- Servicio de Medicina Genètica i Molecular, Hospital Universitario San Juan de Dios, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Del Campo
- Pediatrics, Genetic Epidemiology, Hospital Valle Hebrón, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Encarna Guillén
- Unidad de Genética, Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Salva Ibañez
- Unidad de Genética, Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - María J Sánchez
- Unidad de Genética, Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pablo Lapunzina
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERER (Biomedical Network Research Center for Rare Diseases), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julián Nevado
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERER (Biomedical Network Research Center for Rare Diseases), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Santos
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Juan D Ortigoza-Escobar
- Departamento de Neurología Pediátrica, Hospital Universitario San Juan de Dios, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María I Tejada
- CIBERER (Biomedical Network Research Center for Rare Diseases), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Laboratorio de Genética Molecular, Servicio de Genética, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Biocruces, Hospital Universitario de Cruces, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Hiart Maortua
- CIBERER (Biomedical Network Research Center for Rare Diseases), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Laboratorio de Genética Molecular, Servicio de Genética, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Biocruces, Hospital Universitario de Cruces, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Francisco Martínez
- Unidad de Genética, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmen Orellana
- Unidad de Genética, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mónica Roselló
- Unidad de Genética, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - María Obón
- Area de Genètica Clínica i Consell Genètic, Laboratoris ICS, Girona, Spain
| | - Alberto Plaja
- Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Eduardo Tizzano
- Area Genética Clínica y Molecular, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosario Marín
- Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar Unidad de Genética, Cádiz, Spain
| | - José L Peña-Segura
- Unidad de Neuropediatría, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Soledad Alcántara
- Neural Development Lab, Departament de Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, IDIBELL, l'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judith Armstrong
- Servicio de Medicina Genètica i Molecular, Hospital Universitario San Juan de Dios, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBERER (Biomedical Network Research Center for Rare Diseases), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
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