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Ortega-Alarcon D, Claveria-Gimeno R, Vega S, Kalani L, Jorge-Torres OC, Esteller M, Ausio J, Abian O, Velazquez-Campoy A. Extending MeCP2 interactome: canonical nucleosomal histones interact with MeCP2. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3636-3653. [PMID: 38321951 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae051] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
MeCP2 is a general regulator of transcription involved in the repression/activation of genes depending on the local epigenetic context. It acts as a chromatin regulator and binds with exquisite specificity to gene promoters. The set of epigenetic marks recognized by MeCP2 has been already established (mainly, cytosine modifications in CpG and CpA), as well as many of the constituents of its interactome. We unveil a new set of interactions for MeCP2 with the four canonical nucleosomal histones. MeCP2 interacts with high affinity with H2A, H2B, H3 and H4. In addition, Rett syndrome associated mutations in MeCP2 and histone epigenetic marks modulate these interactions. Given the abundance and the structural/functional relevance of histones and their involvement in epigenetic regulation, this new set of interactions and its modulating elements provide a new addition to the 'alphabet' for this epigenetic reader.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Ortega-Alarcon
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Sonia Vega
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ladan Kalani
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BCV8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Olga C Jorge-Torres
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manel Esteller
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
- Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), 08907 l'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Ausio
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BCV8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Olga Abian
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Adrian Velazquez-Campoy
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
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Mehmood A, Shah S, Guo RY, Haider A, Shi M, Ali H, Ali I, Ullah R, Li B. Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 Emerges as a Central Player in Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:4071-4101. [PMID: 37955798 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01432-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
MECP2 and its product methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) are associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), which are inflammatory, autoimmune, and demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). However, the mechanisms and pathways regulated by MeCP2 in immune activation in favor of MS and NMOSD are not fully understood. We summarize findings that use the binding properties of MeCP2 to identify its targets, particularly the genes recognized by MeCP2 and associated with several neurological disorders. MeCP2 regulates gene expression in neurons, immune cells and during development by modulating various mechanisms and pathways. Dysregulation of the MeCP2 signaling pathway has been associated with several disorders, including neurological and autoimmune diseases. A thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying MeCP2 function can provide new therapeutic strategies for these conditions. The nervous system is the primary system affected in MeCP2-associated disorders, and other systems may also contribute to MeCP2 action through its target genes. MeCP2 signaling pathways provide promise as potential therapeutic targets in progressive MS and NMOSD. MeCP2 not only increases susceptibility and induces anti-inflammatory responses in immune sites but also leads to a chronic increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines gene expression (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1β) and downregulates the genes involved in immune regulation (IL-10, FoxP3, and CX3CR1). MeCP2 may modulate similar mechanisms in different pathologies and suggest that treatments for MS and NMOSD disorders may be effective in treating related disorders. MeCP2 regulates gene expression in MS and NMOSD. However, dysregulation of the MeCP2 signaling pathway is implicated in these disorders. MeCP2 plays a role as a therapeutic target for MS and NMOSD and provides pathways and mechanisms that are modulated by MeCP2 in the regulation of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshad Mehmood
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Suleman Shah
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ruo-Yi Guo
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Arsalan Haider
- Key Lab of Health Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mengya Shi
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Hamid Ali
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Park Road Tarlai Kalan, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Ijaz Ali
- Centre for Applied Mathematics and Bioinformatics, Gulf University for Science and Technology, Hawally, 32093, Kuwait
| | - Riaz Ullah
- Medicinal Aromatic and Poisonous Plants Research Center, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
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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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Terrin F, Tesoriere A, Plotegher N, Dalla Valle L. Sex and Brain: The Role of Sex Chromosomes and Hormones in Brain Development and Parkinson's Disease. Cells 2023; 12:1486. [PMID: 37296608 PMCID: PMC10252697 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex hormones and genes on the sex chromosomes are not only key factors in the regulation of sexual differentiation and reproduction but they are also deeply involved in brain homeostasis. Their action is crucial for the development of the brain, which presents different characteristics depending on the sex of individuals. The role of these players in the brain is fundamental in the maintenance of brain function during adulthood as well, thus being important also with respect to age-related neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we explore the role of biological sex in the development of the brain and analyze its impact on the predisposition toward and the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, we focus on Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that has a higher incidence in the male population. We report how sex hormones and genes encoded by the sex chromosomes could protect from the disease or alternatively predispose toward its development. We finally underline the importance of considering sex when studying brain physiology and pathology in cellular and animal models in order to better understand disease etiology and develop novel tailored therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nicoletta Plotegher
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.T.); (A.T.)
| | - Luisa Dalla Valle
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.T.); (A.T.)
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Shovlin S, Delepine C, Swanson L, Bach S, Sahin M, Sur M, Kaufmann WE, Tropea D. Molecular Signatures of Response to Mecasermin in Children With Rett Syndrome. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:868008. [PMID: 35712450 PMCID: PMC9197456 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.868008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder without effective treatments. Attempts at developing targetted therapies have been relatively unsuccessful, at least in part, because the genotypical and phenotypical variability of the disorder. Therefore, identification of biomarkers of response and patients' stratification are high priorities. Administration of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) and related compounds leads to significant reversal of RTT-like symptoms in preclinical mouse models. However, improvements in corresponding clinical trials have not been consistent. A 20-weeks phase I open label trial of mecasermin (recombinant human IGF-1) in children with RTT demonstrated significant improvements in breathing phenotypes. However, a subsequent randomised controlled phase II trial did not show significant improvements in primary outcomes although two secondary clinical endpoints showed positive changes. To identify molecular biomarkers of response and surrogate endpoints, we used RNA sequencing to measure differential gene expression in whole blood samples of participants in the abovementioned phase I mecasermin trial. When all participants (n = 9) were analysed, gene expression was unchanged during the study (baseline vs. end of treatment, T0-T3). However, when participants were subclassified in terms of breathing phenotype improvement, specifically by their plethysmography-based apnoea index, individuals with moderate-severe apnoea and breathing improvement (Responder group) displayed significantly different transcript profiles compared to the other participants in the study (Mecasermin Study Reference group, MSR). Many of the differentially expressed genes are involved in the regulation of cell cycle processes and immune responses, as well as in IGF-1 signalling and breathing regulation. While the Responder group showed limited gene expression changes in response to mecasermin, the MSR group displayed marked differences in the expression of genes associated with inflammatory processes (e.g., neutrophil activation, complement activation) throughout the trial. Our analyses revealed gene expression profiles associated with severe breathing phenotype and its improvement after mecasermin administration in RTT, and suggest that inflammatory/immune pathways and IGF-1 signalling contribute to treatment response. Overall, these data support the notion that transcript profiles have potential as biomarkers of response to IGF-1 and related compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Shovlin
- Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Trinity Center for Health Sciences, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Chloe Delepine
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Simons Center for the Social Brain, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, MIT, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Lindsay Swanson
- Department of Neurology, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Snow Bach
- Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Trinity Center for Health Sciences, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Department of Neurology, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mriganka Sur
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Simons Center for the Social Brain, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, MIT, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Walter E Kaufmann
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Daniela Tropea
- Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Trinity Center for Health Sciences, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, The SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Dublin, Ireland
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Bach S, Shovlin S, Moriarty M, Bardoni B, Tropea D. Rett Syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome: Different Etiology With Common Molecular Dysfunctions. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:764761. [PMID: 34867203 PMCID: PMC8640214 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.764761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) and Fragile X syndrome (FXS) are two monogenetic neurodevelopmental disorders with complex clinical presentations. RTT is caused by mutations in the Methyl-CpG binding protein 2 gene (MECP2) altering the function of its protein product MeCP2. MeCP2 modulates gene expression by binding methylated CpG dinucleotides, and by interacting with transcription factors. FXS is caused by the silencing of the FMR1 gene encoding the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), a RNA binding protein involved in multiple steps of RNA metabolism, and modulating the translation of thousands of proteins including a large set of synaptic proteins. Despite differences in genetic etiology, there are overlapping features in RTT and FXS, possibly due to interactions between MeCP2 and FMRP, and to the regulation of pathways resulting in dysregulation of common molecular signaling. Furthermore, basic physiological mechanisms are regulated by these proteins and might concur to the pathophysiology of both syndromes. Considering that RTT and FXS are disorders affecting brain development, and that most of the common targets of MeCP2 and FMRP are involved in brain activity, we discuss the mechanisms of synaptic function and plasticity altered in RTT and FXS, and we consider the similarities and the differences between these two disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snow Bach
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.,Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen Shovlin
- Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Barbara Bardoni
- Inserm, CNRS UMR 7275, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Université Côte d'Azur, Valbonne, France
| | - Daniela Tropea
- Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, The SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Dublin, Ireland
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Li J, Bi H. The effect and mechanism of cypermethrin-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity as determined by network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation. Bioengineered 2021; 12:9279-9289. [PMID: 34714723 PMCID: PMC8810029 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2000106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cypermethrin (CMN) is a widely used artificial synthetic pesticide that causes neurotoxicity in the hippocampus. However, the underlying toxicological targets and mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, network pharmacology analysis and in vitro models were integrated to investigate the effect and mechanism of CMN-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity. A total of 88 targets of CMN-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity were predicted. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment (KEGG) analyses suggested that these targets were related to multiple GO terms and signaling pathways. To further investigate underlying mechanism, the top 10 hub targets (Akt1, Tnf, Ptgs2, Casp3, Igf1, Sirt1, Jun, Cat, Il10, and Bcl2l1) were screened. Furthermore, cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays demonstrated that CMN was toxic to HT22 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining revealed that treatment with CMN increased the proportion of apoptotic cells. In addition, the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) results indicated that CMN altered the mRNA expression levels of most of the hub targets, with the exceptions of Igf1 and Jun. The results demonstrated that multiple targets and signaling pathways were involved in CMN-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity. These findings provided reference values for subsequent studies of the toxicological mechanism of CMN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Li
- KeyLaboratory of Environment and Health, College of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Haoran Bi
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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8
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Lee LC, Su MT, Huang HY, Cho YC, Yeh TK, Chang CY. Association of CaMK2A and MeCP2 signaling pathways with cognitive ability in adolescents. Mol Brain 2021; 14:152. [PMID: 34607601 PMCID: PMC8491411 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00858-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The glutamatergic signaling pathway is involved in molecular learning and human cognitive ability. Specific single variants (SNVs, formerly single-nucleotide polymorphisms) in the genes encoding N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor subunits have been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders by altering glutamate transmission. However, these variants associated with cognition and mental activity have rarely been explored in healthy adolescents. In this study, we screened for SNVs in the glutamatergic signaling pathway to identify genetic variants associated with cognitive ability. We found that SNVs in the subunits of ionotropic glutamate receptors, including GRIA1, GRIN1, GRIN2B, GRIN2C, GRIN3A, GRIN3B, and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIα (CaMK2A) are associated with cognitive function. Plasma CaMK2A level was correlated positively with the cognitive ability of Taiwanese senior high school students. We demonstrated that elevating CaMK2A increased its autophosphorylation at T286 and increased the expression of its downstream targets, including GluA1 and phosphor- GluA1 in vivo. Additionally, methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2), a downstream target of CaMK2A, was found to activate the expression of CaMK2A, suggesting that MeCP2 and CaMK2A can form a positive feedback loop. In summary, two members of the glutamatergic signaling pathway, CaMK2A and MeCP2, are implicated in the cognitive ability of adolescents; thus, altering the expression of CaMK2A may affect cognitive ability in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ching Lee
- Science Education Center and Graduate Institute of Science Education, National Taiwan Normal University, No. 88, Sec. 4, Ting-Chou Rd., Taipei, 11677, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ming-Tsan Su
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Ying Huang
- Science Education Center and Graduate Institute of Science Education, National Taiwan Normal University, No. 88, Sec. 4, Ting-Chou Rd., Taipei, 11677, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ying-Chun Cho
- Science Education Center and Graduate Institute of Science Education, National Taiwan Normal University, No. 88, Sec. 4, Ting-Chou Rd., Taipei, 11677, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ting-Kuang Yeh
- Science Education Center and Graduate Institute of Science Education, National Taiwan Normal University, No. 88, Sec. 4, Ting-Chou Rd., Taipei, 11677, Taiwan, Republic of China. .,Institute of Marine Environment Science and Technology, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Earth Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chun-Yen Chang
- Science Education Center and Graduate Institute of Science Education, National Taiwan Normal University, No. 88, Sec. 4, Ting-Chou Rd., Taipei, 11677, Taiwan, Republic of China. .,Department of Earth Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Lizárraga D, García-Gasca A. The Placenta as a Target of Epigenetic Alterations in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Potential Implications for the Offspring. EPIGENOMES 2021; 5:epigenomes5020013. [PMID: 34968300 PMCID: PMC8594713 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes5020013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a pregnancy complication first detected in the second or third trimester in women that did not show evident glucose intolerance or diabetes before gestation. In 2019, the International Diabetes Federation reported that 15.8% of live births were affected by hyperglycemia during pregnancy, of which 83.6% were due to gestational diabetes mellitus, 8.5% were due to diabetes first detected in pregnancy, and 7.9% were due to diabetes detected before pregnancy. GDM increases the susceptibility to developing chronic diseases for both the mother and the baby later in life. Under GDM conditions, the intrauterine environment becomes hyperglycemic, while also showing high concentrations of fatty acids and proinflammatory cytokines, producing morphological, structural, and molecular modifications in the placenta, affecting its function; these alterations may predispose the baby to disease in adult life. Molecular alterations include epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA and RNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, histone modifications, and expression of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). The placenta is a unique organ that originates only in pregnancy, and its main function is communication between the mother and the fetus, ensuring healthy development. Thus, this review provides up-to-date information regarding two of the best-documented (epigenetic) mechanisms (DNA methylation and miRNA expression) altered in the human placenta under GDM conditions, as well as potential implications for the offspring.
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D'Mello SR. MECP2 and the Biology of MECP2 Duplication Syndrome. J Neurochem 2021; 159:29-60. [PMID: 33638179 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS), a rare X-linked genomic disorder affecting predominantly males, is caused by duplication of the chromosomal region containing the methyl CpG binding protein-2 (MECP2) gene, which encodes methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2), a multi-functional protein required for proper brain development and maintenance of brain function during adulthood. Disease symptoms include severe motor and cognitive impairment, delayed or absent speech development, autistic features, seizures, ataxia, recurrent respiratory infections and shortened lifespan. The cellular and molecular mechanisms by which a relatively modest increase in MECP2 protein causes such severe disease symptoms are poorly understood and consequently there are no treatments available for this fatal disorder. This review summarizes what is known to date about the structure and complex regulation of MECP2 and its many functions in the developing and adult brain. Additionally, recent experimental findings on the cellular and molecular underpinnings of MDS based on cell culture and mouse models of the disorder are reviewed. The emerging picture from these studies is that MDS is a neurodegenerative disorder in which neurons die in specific parts of the central nervous system, including the cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum and spinal cord. Neuronal death likely results from astrocytic dysfunction, including a breakdown of glutamate homeostatic mechanisms. The role of elevations in the expression of glial acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP) in astrocytes and the microtubule-associated protein, Tau, in neurons to the pathogenesis of MDS is discussed. Lastly, potential therapeutic strategies to potentially treat MDS are discussed.
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