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Cao W, Kuang L, Gan R, Huang T, Yan X. A novel compound heterozygous variant of MYO7A in Usher syndrome type 1. Exp Eye Res 2024; 247:110047. [PMID: 39151776 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.110047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH) is a recessive genetic disorder manifested by congenital sensorineural hearing loss and progressive retinitis pigmentosa, which leads to audiovisual impairment. We report a patient with Usher syndrome type 1 with new compound heterozygous MYO7A variants. A total of four members from the USH family were included. Medical history and retinal examinations were taken and genomic DNA from peripheral blood was extracted in the proband and other members. 381 retinal disease-associated genes were screened using targeted sequence capture array technology and Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the screening results. Scanning laser ophthalmoscope showed bone spicule pigmentary deposits in the mid-peripheral retina and whitish and thin retinal blood vessels especially in the arterioles. Optical coherence tomography showed that the centrality of the macular ellipsoid band disappeared in both eyes, and only remained near the fovea. Visual field examination showed a progressive loss of the visual field in a concentric pattern in both eyes. The electroretinography showed a significant decrease in the amplitudes of a- and b-waves in the scotopic and photopic condition. DNA sequencing identified the compound heterozygous variants including c.1003+1G > A: p. (?) and c.5957_5958del: p.G1987Lfs*50 of MYO7A, with the latter being novel. In this study, we found a novel compound heterozygous variant in MYO7A, which enriched the mutation spectrum and expanded our understanding of the heterogeneity of phenotype and genotype of Usher syndrome type 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Cao
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Longhao Kuang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Run Gan
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaohe Yan
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, China.
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Wang S, Xu CY, Zhu Y, Ding W, Hu J, Xu B, Guo Y, Liu X. A rare transcript homozygous variants in CLRN1(USH3A) causes Usher syndrome type 3 in a Chinese family. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:349. [PMID: 39304915 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03348-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Usher syndrome type 3 (USH3) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the CLRN1 gene. OBJECT To evaluate the genotype-phenotype correlation of Usher syndrome type 3 (USH3) in a deaf-blind Chinese family of 3 generations with 2 patients. METHODS We collected blood samples and clinical data from all of the pedigree family members. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral leukocytes using standard method. Targeted next generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed to find the pathogenic variants in this family. Digital PCR and plasmid overexpression assay were used to verify the pathogenicity of variant sites in different transcripts. RESULTS All patients developed bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SHL), progressive vision loss and nyctalopia. NGS of genes for Usher syndrome, deafness and retinal dystrophy identified a locus mutation in CLRN1 that caused completely different amino acid changes in different transcripts[CLRN1:c.474T > A(P.Cys158Ter) at NM_001256819.2 or c.302T > A(p.Val101Asp) at NM_174878.3], and plasmid overexpression experiments confirmed that the c.474T > A(P.Cys158Ter, NM_001256819.2) was a pathogenic variant which has never been associated with Usher syndrome in China, and the transcript of this mutation was not the version commonly found worldwide. CONCLUSIONS The CLRN1c.474T > A(NM_001256819.2) mutation is the causative variant in the Chinese family with USH3. The pathogenicity of different transcripts should be particularly considered in pathogenicity analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suyang Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, No. 82 Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, PR China
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chen Yang Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, No. 82 Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, PR China
| | - Yiming Zhu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Wenjuan Ding
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, No. 82 Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, PR China
| | - Jieyu Hu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Baicheng Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, No. 82 Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, PR China
| | - Yufen Guo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, No. 82 Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, PR China.
| | - Xiaowen Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, No. 82 Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, PR China.
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
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Tom WA, Chandel DS, Jiang C, Krzyzanowski G, Fernando N, Olou A, Fernando MR. Genotype Characterization and MiRNA Expression Profiling in Usher Syndrome Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9993. [PMID: 39337481 PMCID: PMC11432263 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25189993] [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: 08/05/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH) is an inherited disorder characterized by sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), retinitis pigmentosa (RP)-related vision loss, and vestibular dysfunction. USH presents itself as three distinct clinical types, 1, 2, and 3, with no biomarker for early detection. This study aimed to explore whether microRNA (miRNA) expression in USH cell lines is dysregulated compared to the miRNA expression pattern in a cell line derived from a healthy human subject. Lymphocytes from USH patients and healthy individuals were isolated and transformed into stable cell lines using Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). DNA from these cell lines was sequenced using a targeted panel to identify gene variants associated with USH types 1, 2, and 3. Microarray analysis was performed on RNA from both USH and control cell lines using NanoString miRNA microarray technology. Dysregulated miRNAs identified by the microarray were validated using droplet digital PCR technology. DNA sequencing revealed that two USH patients had USH type 1 with gene variants in USH1B (MYO7A) and USH1D (CDH23), while the other two patients were classified as USH type 2 (USH2A) and USH type 3 (CLRN-1), respectively. The NanoString miRNA microarray detected 92 differentially expressed miRNAs in USH cell lines compared to controls. Significantly altered miRNAs exhibited at least a twofold increase or decrease with a p value below 0.05. Among these miRNAs, 20 were specific to USH1, 14 to USH2, and 5 to USH3. Three miRNAs that are known as miRNA-183 family which are crucial for inner ear and retina development, have been significantly downregulated as compared to control cells. Subsequently, droplet digital PCR assays confirmed the dysregulation of the 12 most prominent miRNAs in USH cell lines. This study identifies several miRNA signatures in USH cell lines which may have potential utility in Usher syndrome identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley A Tom
- Molecular Diagnostic Research Laboratory, Center for Sensory Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE 68010, USA
| | - Dinesh S Chandel
- Molecular Diagnostic Research Laboratory, Center for Sensory Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE 68010, USA
| | - Chao Jiang
- Molecular Diagnostic Research Laboratory, Center for Sensory Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE 68010, USA
| | - Gary Krzyzanowski
- Molecular Diagnostic Research Laboratory, Center for Sensory Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE 68010, USA
| | - Nirmalee Fernando
- Molecular Diagnostic Research Laboratory, Center for Sensory Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE 68010, USA
| | - Appolinaire Olou
- Molecular Diagnostic Research Laboratory, Center for Sensory Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE 68010, USA
| | - M Rohan Fernando
- Molecular Diagnostic Research Laboratory, Center for Sensory Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE 68010, USA
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Holanda IP, Rim PHH, Guaragna MS, Gil-da-Silva-Lopes VL, Steiner CE. Syndromic Retinitis Pigmentosa: A 15-Patient Study. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:516. [PMID: 38674450 PMCID: PMC11050127 DOI: 10.3390/genes15040516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of genetically determined retinal dystrophies characterized by primary photoreceptor apoptosis and can occur in isolated or syndromic conditions. This study reviewed the clinical data of 15 patients with syndromic retinitis pigmentosa from a Rare Disease Reference Center in Brazil and the results of their next-generation sequencing tests. Five males and ten females participated, with the mean ages for ocular disease onset, fundoscopic diagnosis, and molecular evaluation being 9, 19, and 29 years, respectively. Bardet-Biedl syndrome (n = 5) and Usher syndrome (n = 3) were the most frequent diagnoses, followed by other rare conditions. Among the patients, fourteen completed molecular studies, with three negative results and eleven revealing findings in known genes, including novel variants in MKKS (c.432_435del, p.Phe144Leufs*14), USH2A (c.(7301+1_7302-1)_(9369+1_9370-1)del), and CEP250 (c.5383dup, p.Glu1795Glyfs*13, and c.5050del, p.Asp1684Thrfs*9). Except for Kearn-Sayre, all presented an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern with 64% homozygosity results. The long gap between symptom onset and diagnosis highlights the diagnostic challenges faced by the patients. This study reaffirms the clinical heterogeneity of syndromic retinitis pigmentosa and underscores the pivotal role of molecular analysis in advancing our understanding of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ianne Pessoa Holanda
- Genética Médica e Medicina Genômica, Departamento de Medicina Translacional, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas 13083-888, SP, Brazil; (I.P.H.); (M.S.G.); (V.L.G.-d.-S.-L.)
| | - Priscila Hae Hyun Rim
- Ambulatório de Genética Ocular, Departamento de Oftalmologia e Otorrinolaringologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas 13083-888, SP, Brazil;
| | - Rare Genomes Project Consortium
- Serviço de Genética Molecular, Departamento de Medicina Laboratorial, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (HIAE), São Paulo 05652-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Mara Sanches Guaragna
- Genética Médica e Medicina Genômica, Departamento de Medicina Translacional, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas 13083-888, SP, Brazil; (I.P.H.); (M.S.G.); (V.L.G.-d.-S.-L.)
| | - Vera Lúcia Gil-da-Silva-Lopes
- Genética Médica e Medicina Genômica, Departamento de Medicina Translacional, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas 13083-888, SP, Brazil; (I.P.H.); (M.S.G.); (V.L.G.-d.-S.-L.)
| | - Carlos Eduardo Steiner
- Genética Médica e Medicina Genômica, Departamento de Medicina Translacional, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas 13083-888, SP, Brazil; (I.P.H.); (M.S.G.); (V.L.G.-d.-S.-L.)
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Nonarath HJT, Simpson SL, Slobodianuk TL, Collery RF, Dinculescu A, Link BA. The USH3A causative gene clarin1 functions in Müller glia to maintain retinal photoreceptors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.29.582878. [PMID: 38464015 PMCID: PMC10925332 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.29.582878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Mutations in CLRN1 cause Usher syndrome type IIIA (USH3A), an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hearing and vision loss, and often accompanied by vestibular balance issues. The identity of the cell types responsible for the pathology and mechanisms leading to vision loss in USH3A remains elusive. To address this, we employed CRISPR/Cas9 technology to delete a large region in the coding and untranslated (UTR) region of zebrafish clrn1. Retina of clrn1 mutant larvae exhibited sensitivity to cell stress, along with age-dependent loss of function and degeneration in the photoreceptor layer. Investigation revealed disorganization in the outer retina in clrn1 mutants, including actin-based structures of the Müller glia and photoreceptor cells. To assess cell-specific contributions to USH3A pathology, we specifically re-expressed clrn1 in either Müller glia or photoreceptor cells. Müller glia re-expression of clrn1 prevented the elevated cell death observed in larval clrn1 mutant zebrafish exposed to high-intensity light. Notably, the degree of phenotypic rescue correlated with the level of Clrn1 re-expression. Surprisingly, high levels of Clrn1 expression enhanced cell death in both wild-type and clrn1 mutant animals. However, rod- or cone-specific Clrn1 re-expression did not rescue the extent of cell death. Taken together, our findings underscore three crucial insights. First, clrn1 mutant zebrafish exhibit key pathological features of USH3A; second, Clrn1 within Müller glia plays a pivotal role in photoreceptor maintenance, with its expression requiring controlled regulation; third, the reliance of photoreceptors on Müller glia suggests a structural support mechanism, possibly through direct interactions between Müller glia and photoreceptors mediated in part by Clrn1 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J. T. Nonarath
- Department Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226
| | - Samantha L. Simpson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226
| | - Tricia L. Slobodianuk
- Department Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226
| | - Ross F. Collery
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226
| | - Astra Dinculescu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Brian A. Link
- Department Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226
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Guimaraes TACD, Arram E, Shakarchi AF, Georgiou M, Michaelides M. Inherited causes of combined vision and hearing loss: clinical features and molecular genetics. Br J Ophthalmol 2023; 107:1403-1414. [PMID: 36162969 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2022-321790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Combined vision and hearing loss, also known as dual sensory impairment, can occur in several genetic conditions, including ciliopathies such as Usher and Bardet-Biedl syndrome, mitochondrial DNA disorders and systemic diseases, such as CHARGE, Stickler, Waardenburg, Alport and Alstrom syndrome. The retinal phenotype may point to the diagnosis of such disorders. Herein, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of the molecular genetics and clinical features of the most common non-chromosomal inherited disorders to cause dual sensory impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth Arram
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ahmed F Shakarchi
- Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Michalis Georgiou
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Michel Michaelides
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
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7
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Calcium signaling and genetic rare diseases: An auditory perspective. Cell Calcium 2023; 110:102702. [PMID: 36791536 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2023.102702] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Deafness is a highly heterogeneous disorder which stems, for 50%, from genetic origins. Sensory transduction relies mainly on sensory hair cells of the cochlea, in the inner ear. Calcium is key for the function of these cells and acts as a fundamental signal transduction. Its homeostasis depends on three factors: the calcium influx, through the mechanotransduction channel at the apical pole of the hair cell as well as the voltage-gated calcium channel at the base of the cells; the calcium buffering via Ca2+-binding proteins in the cytoplasm, but also in organelles such as mitochondria and the reticulum endoplasmic mitochondria-associated membranes with specialized proteins; and the calcium extrusion through the Ca-ATPase pump, located all over the plasma membrane. In addition, the synaptic transmission to the central nervous system is also controlled by calcium. Genetic studies of inherited deafness have tremendously helped understand the underlying molecular pathways of calcium signaling. In this review, we discuss these different factors in light of the associated genetic diseases (syndromic and non-syndromic deafness) and the causative genes.
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Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenesis Underlying Inherited Retinal Dystrophies. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020271. [PMID: 36830640 PMCID: PMC9953031 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are congenital retinal degenerative diseases that have various inheritance patterns, including dominant, recessive, X-linked, and mitochondrial. These diseases are most often the result of defects in rod and/or cone photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium function, development, or both. The genes associated with these diseases, when mutated, produce altered protein products that have downstream effects in pathways critical to vision, including phototransduction, the visual cycle, photoreceptor development, cellular respiration, and retinal homeostasis. The aim of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive review of the underlying molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis of IRDs by delving into many of the genes associated with IRD development, their protein products, and the pathways interrupted by genetic mutation.
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Li J. Liquid-liquid phase separation in hair cell stereocilia development and maintenance. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:1738-1745. [PMID: 36890881 PMCID: PMC9986246 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.02.040] [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: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
As an emerging concept, liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in biological systems has shed light on the formation mechanisms of membrane-less compartments in cells. The process is driven by multivalent interactions of biomolecules such as proteins and/or nucleic acids, allowing them to form condensed structures. In the inner ear hair cells, LLPS-based biomolecular condensate assembly plays a vital role in the development and maintenance of stereocilia, the mechanosensing organelles located at the apical surface of hair cells. This review aims to summarize recent findings on the molecular basis governing the LLPS of Usher syndrome-related gene-encoding proteins and their binding partners, which may ultimately result in the formation of upper tip-link density and tip complex density in hair cell stereocilia, offering a better understanding of this severe inherited disease that causes deaf-blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianchao Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, China.,Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
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10
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Das A, Imanishi Y. Drug Discovery Strategies for Inherited Retinal Degenerations. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:1338. [PMID: 36138817 PMCID: PMC9495580 DOI: 10.3390/biology11091338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Inherited retinal degeneration is a group of blinding disorders afflicting more than 1 in 4000 worldwide. These disorders frequently cause the death of photoreceptor cells or retinal ganglion cells. In a subset of these disorders, photoreceptor cell death is a secondary consequence of retinal pigment epithelial cell dysfunction or degeneration. This manuscript reviews current efforts in identifying targets and developing small molecule-based therapies for these devastating neuronal degenerations, for which no cures exist. Photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells are metabolically demanding owing to their unique structures and functional properties. Modulations of metabolic pathways, which are disrupted in most inherited retinal degenerations, serve as promising therapeutic strategies. In monogenic disorders, great insights were previously obtained regarding targets associated with the defective pathways, including phototransduction, visual cycle, and mitophagy. In addition to these target-based drug discoveries, we will discuss how phenotypic screening can be harnessed to discover beneficial molecules without prior knowledge of their mechanisms of action. Because of major anatomical and biological differences, it has frequently been challenging to model human inherited retinal degeneration conditions using small animals such as rodents. Recent advances in stem cell-based techniques are opening new avenues to obtain pure populations of human retinal ganglion cells and retinal organoids with photoreceptor cells. We will discuss concurrent ideas of utilizing stem-cell-based disease models for drug discovery and preclinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arupratan Das
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Yoshikazu Imanishi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Maudoux A, Vitry S, El-Amraoui A. Vestibular Deficits in Deafness: Clinical Presentation, Animal Modeling, and Treatment Solutions. Front Neurol 2022; 13:816534. [PMID: 35444606 PMCID: PMC9013928 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.816534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The inner ear is responsible for both hearing and balance. These functions are dependent on the correct functioning of mechanosensitive hair cells, which convert sound- and motion-induced stimuli into electrical signals conveyed to the brain. During evolution of the inner ear, the major changes occurred in the hearing organ, whereas the structure of the vestibular organs remained constant in all vertebrates over the same period. Vestibular deficits are highly prevalent in humans, due to multiple intersecting causes: genetics, environmental factors, ototoxic drugs, infections and aging. Studies of deafness genes associated with balance deficits and their corresponding animal models have shed light on the development and function of these two sensory systems. Bilateral vestibular deficits often impair individual postural control, gaze stabilization, locomotion and spatial orientation. The resulting dizziness, vertigo, and/or falls (frequent in elderly populations) greatly affect patient quality of life. In the absence of treatment, prosthetic devices, such as vestibular implants, providing information about the direction, amplitude and velocity of body movements, are being developed and have given promising results in animal models and humans. Novel methods and techniques have led to major progress in gene therapies targeting the inner ear (gene supplementation and gene editing), 3D inner ear organoids and reprograming protocols for generating hair cell-like cells. These rapid advances in multiscale approaches covering basic research, clinical diagnostics and therapies are fostering interdisciplinary research to develop personalized treatments for vestibular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Maudoux
- Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy, Institut Pasteur, Institut de l'Audition, Université de Paris, INSERM-UMRS1120, Paris, France
- Center for Balance Evaluation in Children (EFEE), Otolaryngology Department, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Vitry
- Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy, Institut Pasteur, Institut de l'Audition, Université de Paris, INSERM-UMRS1120, Paris, France
| | - Aziz El-Amraoui
- Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy, Institut Pasteur, Institut de l'Audition, Université de Paris, INSERM-UMRS1120, Paris, France
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Smirnov VM, Nassisi M, Mohand-Saïd S, Bonnet C, Aubois A, Devisme C, Dib T, Zeitz C, Loundon N, Marlin S, Petit C, Bodaghi B, Sahel JA, Audo I. Retinal Phenotype of Patients with CLRN1-Associated Usher 3A Syndrome in French Light4Deaf Cohort. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:25. [PMID: 35481838 PMCID: PMC9055553 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.4.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Biallelic variants in CLRN1 are responsible for Usher syndrome 3A and non-syndromic rod–cone dystrophy (RCD). Retinal findings in Usher syndrome 3A have not been well defined. We report the detailed phenotypic description of RCD associated with CLRN1 variants in a prospective cohort. Methods Patients were clinically investigated at the National Reference Center for rare ocular diseases at the Quinze-Vingts Hospital, Paris, France. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) tests, Goldmann perimetry, full-field electroretinography (ffERG), retinal photography, near-infrared reflectance, short-wavelength and near-infrared autofluorescence, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed for all patients. Results Four patients from four unrelated families were recruited. Mean follow-up was 11 years for three patients, and only baseline data were available for one subject. Median BCVA at baseline was 0.2 logMAR (range, 0.3–0). ffERG responses were undetectable in all subjects. The III4e isopter of the Goldmann visual field was constricted to 10°. The retinal phenotype was consistent in all patients: small whitish granular atrophic areas were organized in a network pattern around the macula and in the midperiphery. OCT showed intraretinal microcysts in all patients. Upon follow-up, all patients experienced a progressive BCVA loss and further visual field constriction. Four distinct pathogenic variants were identified in our patients: two missense (c.144T>G, p.(Asn48Lys) and c.368C>A, p.(Ala123Asp)) and two frameshift variants (c.176del, p.(Gly59Valfs*13) and c.230dup, p.(Ala78Serfs*52)). Conclusions RCD in Usher 3A syndrome has some distinctive features. It is a severe photoreceptor dystrophy with whitish granular posterior pole appearance and cystic maculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasily M Smirnov
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,Université de Lille, Faculté de Médecine, Lille, France
| | - Marco Nassisi
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Saddek Mohand-Saïd
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares REFERET and DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DGOS CIC1423, Paris, France
| | - Crystel Bonnet
- Unité de Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche en Santé 1120, INSERM, Paris, France.,Institut de l'Audition, Paris, France
| | - Anne Aubois
- CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares REFERET and DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DGOS CIC1423, Paris, France
| | - Céline Devisme
- CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares REFERET and DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DGOS CIC1423, Paris, France
| | - Thilissa Dib
- CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares REFERET and DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DGOS CIC1423, Paris, France
| | - Christina Zeitz
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Natalie Loundon
- Otorhinolaryngologie Pédiatrique, APHP Hôpital Necker, Paris, France.,Centre de référence des Surdités Génétiques, Service de Génétique, APHP Hôpital Necker, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Marlin
- Centre de référence des Surdités Génétiques, Service de Génétique, APHP Hôpital Necker, Paris, France
| | - Christine Petit
- Unité de Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche en Santé 1120, INSERM, Paris, France.,Institut de l'Audition, Paris, France.,Collège de France, Paris, France
| | | | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares REFERET and DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DGOS CIC1423, Paris, France.,Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, France.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,Académie des Sciences-Institut de France, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Audo
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.,CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares REFERET and DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DGOS CIC1423, Paris, France.,Institute of Ophthalmology, University College of London, London, United Kingdom
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13
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The genetic and phenotypic landscapes of Usher syndrome: from disease mechanisms to a new classification. Hum Genet 2022; 141:709-735. [PMID: 35353227 PMCID: PMC9034986 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-022-02448-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH) is the most common cause of deaf–blindness in humans, with a prevalence of about 1/10,000 (~ 400,000 people worldwide). Cochlear implants are currently used to reduce the burden of hearing loss in severe-to-profoundly deaf patients, but many promising treatments including gene, cell, and drug therapies to restore the native function of the inner ear and retinal sensory cells are under investigation. The traditional clinical classification of Usher syndrome defines three major subtypes—USH1, 2 and 3—according to hearing loss severity and onset, the presence or absence of vestibular dysfunction, and age at onset of retinitis pigmentosa. Pathogenic variants of nine USH genes have been initially reported: MYO7A, USH1C, PCDH15, CDH23, and USH1G for USH1, USH2A, ADGRV1, and WHRN for USH2, and CLRN1 for USH3. Based on the co-occurrence of hearing and vision deficits, the list of USH genes has been extended to few other genes, but with limited supporting information. A consensus on combined criteria for Usher syndrome is crucial for the development of accurate diagnosis and to improve patient management. In recent years, a wealth of information has been obtained concerning the properties of the Usher proteins, related molecular networks, potential genotype–phenotype correlations, and the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the impairment or loss of hearing, balance and vision. The advent of precision medicine calls for a clear and more precise diagnosis of Usher syndrome, exploiting all the existing data to develop a combined clinical/genetic/network/functional classification for Usher syndrome.
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14
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Usher syndrome IIIA: a review of the disorder and preclinical research advances in therapeutic approaches. Hum Genet 2022; 141:759-783. [PMID: 35320418 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-022-02446-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by sensorineural hearing loss, progressive pigmentary retinopathy, and vestibular dysfunction. The degree and onset of hearing loss vary among subtypes I, II, and III, while blindness often occurs in the second to fourth decades of life. Usher type III (USH3), characterized by postlingual progressive sensorineural hearing loss, varying levels of vestibular dysfunction, and varying degrees of visual impairment, typically manifests in the first to second decades of life. While USH3 is rare, it is highly prevalent in certain populations. RP61, USH3, and USH3A symbolize the same disorder, with the latter symbol used more frequently in recent literature. This review focuses on the clinical features, epidemiology, molecular genetics, treatment, and research advances for sensory deficits in USH3A.
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15
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Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH) is the most common genetic condition responsible for combined loss of hearing and vision. Balance disorders and bilateral vestibular areflexia are also observed in some cases. The syndrome was first described by Albrecht von Graefe in 1858, but later named by Charles Usher, who presented a large number of cases with hearing loss and retinopathy in 1914. USH has been grouped into three main clinical types: 1, 2, and 3, which are caused by mutations in different genes and are further divided into different subtypes. To date, nine causative genes have been identified and confirmed as responsible for the syndrome when mutated: MYO7A, USH1C, CDH23, PCDH15, and USH1G (SANS) for Usher type 1; USH2A, ADGRV1, and WHRN for Usher type 2; CLRN1 for Usher type 3. USH is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. Digenic, bi-allelic, and polygenic forms have also been reported, in addition to dominant or nonsyndromic forms of genetic mutations. This narrative review reports the causative forms, diagnosis, prognosis, epidemiology, rehabilitation, research, and new treatments of USH.
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16
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Dinculescu A, Link BA, Saperstein DA. Retinal Gene Therapy for Usher Syndrome: Current Developments, Challenges, and Perspectives. Int Ophthalmol Clin 2021; 61:109-124. [PMID: 34584048 PMCID: PMC8478317 DOI: 10.1097/iio.0000000000000378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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17
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Iannaccone A, Brewer CC, Cheng P, Duncan JL, Maguire MG, Audo I, Ayala AR, Bernstein PS, Bidelman GM, Cheetham JK, Doty RL, Durham TA, Hufnagel RB, Myers MH, Stingl K, Zein WM. Auditory and olfactory findings in patients with USH2A-related retinal degeneration-Findings at baseline from the rate of progression in USH2A-related retinal degeneration natural history study (RUSH2A). Am J Med Genet A 2021; 185:3717-3727. [PMID: 34331386 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is characteristic of Usher syndrome type 2 (USH2), but less is known about SNHL in nonsyndromic autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (ARRP) and olfaction in USH2A-associated retinal degeneration. The Rate of Progression of USH2A-related Retinal Degeneration (RUSH2A) is a natural history study that enrolled 127 participants, 80 with USH2 and 47 with ARRP. Hearing was measured by pure-tone thresholds and word recognition scores, and olfaction by the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). SNHL was moderate in 72% of USH2 participants and severe or profound in 25%, while 9% of ARRP participants had moderate adult-onset SNHL. Pure-tone thresholds worsened with age in ARRP but not in USH2 participants. The degree of SNHL was not associated with other participant characteristics in either USH2 or ARRP. Median pure-tone thresholds in ARRP participants were significantly higher than the normative population (p < 0.001). Among 14 USH2 participants reporting newborn hearing screening results, 7 reported passing. Among RUSH2A participants, 7% had mild microsmia and 5% had moderate or severe microsmia. Their mean (±SD) UPSIT score was 35 (±3), similar to healthy controls (34 [±3]; p = 0.39). Olfaction differed by country (p = 0.02), but was not significantly associated with clinical diagnosis, age, gender, race/ethnicity, smoking status, visual measures, or hearing. Hearing loss in USH2A-related USH2 did not progress with age. ARRP patients had higher pure-tone thresholds than normal. Newborn hearing screening did not identify all USH2A-related hearing loss. Olfaction was not significantly worse than normal in participants with USH2A-related retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Iannaccone
- Duke Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Carmen C Brewer
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Peiyao Cheng
- Jaeb Center for Health Research, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jacque L Duncan
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Isabelle Audo
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC1423, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Richard L Doty
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Todd A Durham
- Foundation Fighting Blindness, Columbia, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Mark H Myers
- University of Tennessee Health and Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Katarina Stingl
- University Eye Hospital, Center for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Center for Rare Eye Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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18
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Mullin NK, Voigt AP, Cooke JA, Bohrer LR, Burnight ER, Stone EM, Mullins RF, Tucker BA. Patient derived stem cells for discovery and validation of novel pathogenic variants in inherited retinal disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 83:100918. [PMID: 33130253 PMCID: PMC8559964 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of inherited retinal disease has benefited immensely from molecular genetic analysis over the past several decades. New technologies that allow for increasingly detailed examination of a patient's DNA have expanded the catalog of genes and specific variants that cause retinal disease. In turn, the identification of pathogenic variants has allowed the development of gene therapies and low-cost, clinically focused genetic testing. Despite this progress, a relatively large fraction (at least 20%) of patients with clinical features suggestive of an inherited retinal disease still do not have a molecular diagnosis today. Variants that are not obviously disruptive to the codon sequence of exons can be difficult to distinguish from the background of benign human genetic variations. Some of these variants exert their pathogenic effect not by altering the primary amino acid sequence, but by modulating gene expression, isoform splicing, or other transcript-level mechanisms. While not discoverable by DNA sequencing methods alone, these variants are excellent targets for studies of the retinal transcriptome. In this review, we present an overview of the current state of pathogenic variant discovery in retinal disease and identify some of the remaining barriers. We also explore the utility of new technologies, specifically patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based modeling, in further expanding the catalog of disease-causing variants using transcriptome-focused methods. Finally, we outline bioinformatic analysis techniques that will allow this new method of variant discovery in retinal disease. As the knowledge gleaned from previous technologies is informing targets for therapies today, we believe that integrating new technologies, such as iPSC-based modeling, into the molecular diagnosis pipeline will enable a new wave of variant discovery and expanded treatment of inherited retinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel K Mullin
- The Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Andrew P Voigt
- The Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jessica A Cooke
- The Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Laura R Bohrer
- The Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Erin R Burnight
- The Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Edwin M Stone
- The Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Robert F Mullins
- The Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Budd A Tucker
- The Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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19
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Davies C, Bergman J, Misztal C, Ramchandran R, Mittal J, Bulut E, Shah V, Mittal R, Eshraghi AA. The Outcomes of Cochlear Implantation in Usher Syndrome: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10132915. [PMID: 34209904 PMCID: PMC8267700 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10132915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To systematically appraise the implementation of cochlear implantation (CI) in Usher Syndrome (USH) Types 1, 2, and 3 patients, and analyze who would benefit from CI. Data Sources: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library electronic databases from inception through June 2020 was performed. There were no language restrictions. Study Selection: The PRISMA strategy was followed. Included studies discuss USH patients who underwent CI regardless of age, nationality, or clinical subtype. All included studies report post-implantation functional, cognitive, or quality of life outcomes. Only reviews were excluded. Results: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. USH patients experienced improvements in PTA and speech perception and expression outcomes after CI, as well as improvements in phonological memory and quality of life measures. Overall, patients implanted at younger ages outperformed older patients in audiological testing. Similarly, patients with prolonged auditory deprivation had relatively poor performance outcomes in sentence recognition and speech detection following CI. Conclusions: Most USH patients benefit from CI. USH patients who undergo CI at younger ages generally achieve better hearing, speech, and cognitive outcomes. CI at older ages can still prove beneficial if appropriate auditory amplification is started at the right time. Further research is warranted to fill the gap in understanding regarding the gene mutations underlying the pathophysiology of USH that have favorable CI outcomes as well as the optimal time to perform CI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camron Davies
- Cochlear Implant and Hearing Research Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (C.D.); (J.B.); (C.M.); (R.R.); (J.M.); (E.B.); (V.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Jenna Bergman
- Cochlear Implant and Hearing Research Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (C.D.); (J.B.); (C.M.); (R.R.); (J.M.); (E.B.); (V.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Carly Misztal
- Cochlear Implant and Hearing Research Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (C.D.); (J.B.); (C.M.); (R.R.); (J.M.); (E.B.); (V.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Renuka Ramchandran
- Cochlear Implant and Hearing Research Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (C.D.); (J.B.); (C.M.); (R.R.); (J.M.); (E.B.); (V.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Jeenu Mittal
- Cochlear Implant and Hearing Research Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (C.D.); (J.B.); (C.M.); (R.R.); (J.M.); (E.B.); (V.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Erdogan Bulut
- Cochlear Implant and Hearing Research Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (C.D.); (J.B.); (C.M.); (R.R.); (J.M.); (E.B.); (V.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Viraj Shah
- Cochlear Implant and Hearing Research Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (C.D.); (J.B.); (C.M.); (R.R.); (J.M.); (E.B.); (V.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Rahul Mittal
- Cochlear Implant and Hearing Research Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (C.D.); (J.B.); (C.M.); (R.R.); (J.M.); (E.B.); (V.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Adrien A. Eshraghi
- Cochlear Implant and Hearing Research Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (C.D.); (J.B.); (C.M.); (R.R.); (J.M.); (E.B.); (V.S.); (R.M.)
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Correspondence:
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20
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Fuster-García C, García-Bohórquez B, Rodríguez-Muñoz A, Aller E, Jaijo T, Millán JM, García-García G. Usher Syndrome: Genetics of a Human Ciliopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6723. [PMID: 34201633 PMCID: PMC8268283 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH) is an autosomal recessive syndromic ciliopathy characterized by sensorineural hearing loss, retinitis pigmentosa and, sometimes, vestibular dysfunction. There are three clinical types depending on the severity and age of onset of the symptoms; in addition, ten genes are reported to be causative of USH, and six more related to the disease. These genes encode proteins of a diverse nature, which interact and form a dynamic protein network called the "Usher interactome". In the organ of Corti, the USH proteins are essential for the correct development and maintenance of the structure and cohesion of the stereocilia. In the retina, the USH protein network is principally located in the periciliary region of the photoreceptors, and plays an important role in the maintenance of the periciliary structure and the trafficking of molecules between the inner and the outer segments of photoreceptors. Even though some genes are clearly involved in the syndrome, others are controversial. Moreover, expression of some USH genes has been detected in other tissues, which could explain their involvement in additional mild comorbidities. In this paper, we review the genetics of Usher syndrome and the spectrum of mutations in USH genes. The aim is to identify possible mutation associations with the disease and provide an updated genotype-phenotype correlation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Fuster-García
- Molecular, Cellular and Genomics Biomedicine Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (C.F.-G.); (B.G.-B.); (A.R.-M.); (E.A.); (T.J.); (G.G.-G.)
- Unidad Mixta de Enfermedades Raras IIS La Fe-Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Network for Rare Diseases, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Belén García-Bohórquez
- Molecular, Cellular and Genomics Biomedicine Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (C.F.-G.); (B.G.-B.); (A.R.-M.); (E.A.); (T.J.); (G.G.-G.)
- Unidad Mixta de Enfermedades Raras IIS La Fe-Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Rodríguez-Muñoz
- Molecular, Cellular and Genomics Biomedicine Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (C.F.-G.); (B.G.-B.); (A.R.-M.); (E.A.); (T.J.); (G.G.-G.)
- Unidad Mixta de Enfermedades Raras IIS La Fe-Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Elena Aller
- Molecular, Cellular and Genomics Biomedicine Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (C.F.-G.); (B.G.-B.); (A.R.-M.); (E.A.); (T.J.); (G.G.-G.)
- Unidad Mixta de Enfermedades Raras IIS La Fe-Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Network for Rare Diseases, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Genetics Unit, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Teresa Jaijo
- Molecular, Cellular and Genomics Biomedicine Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (C.F.-G.); (B.G.-B.); (A.R.-M.); (E.A.); (T.J.); (G.G.-G.)
- Unidad Mixta de Enfermedades Raras IIS La Fe-Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Network for Rare Diseases, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Genetics Unit, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - José M. Millán
- Molecular, Cellular and Genomics Biomedicine Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (C.F.-G.); (B.G.-B.); (A.R.-M.); (E.A.); (T.J.); (G.G.-G.)
- Unidad Mixta de Enfermedades Raras IIS La Fe-Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Network for Rare Diseases, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Gema García-García
- Molecular, Cellular and Genomics Biomedicine Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (C.F.-G.); (B.G.-B.); (A.R.-M.); (E.A.); (T.J.); (G.G.-G.)
- Unidad Mixta de Enfermedades Raras IIS La Fe-Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Network for Rare Diseases, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
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de Joya EM, Colbert BM, Tang PC, Lam BL, Yang J, Blanton SH, Dykxhoorn DM, Liu X. Usher Syndrome in the Inner Ear: Etiologies and Advances in Gene Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3910. [PMID: 33920085 PMCID: PMC8068832 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hearing loss is the most common sensory disorder with ~466 million people worldwide affected, representing about 5% of the population. A substantial portion of hearing loss is genetic. Hearing loss can either be non-syndromic, if hearing loss is the only clinical manifestation, or syndromic, if the hearing loss is accompanied by a collage of other clinical manifestations. Usher syndrome is a syndromic form of genetic hearing loss that is accompanied by impaired vision associated with retinitis pigmentosa and, in many cases, vestibular dysfunction. It is the most common cause of deaf-blindness. Currently cochlear implantation or hearing aids are the only treatments for Usher-related hearing loss. However, gene therapy has shown promise in treating Usher-related retinitis pigmentosa. Here we review how the etiologies of Usher-related hearing loss make it a good candidate for gene therapy and discuss how various forms of gene therapy could be applied to Usher-related hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan M. de Joya
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (E.M.J.); (B.M.C.); (P.-C.T.); (S.H.B.)
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Brett M. Colbert
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (E.M.J.); (B.M.C.); (P.-C.T.); (S.H.B.)
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Pei-Ciao Tang
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (E.M.J.); (B.M.C.); (P.-C.T.); (S.H.B.)
| | - Byron L. Lam
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Jun Yang
- John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA;
| | - Susan H. Blanton
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (E.M.J.); (B.M.C.); (P.-C.T.); (S.H.B.)
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Derek M. Dykxhoorn
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Xuezhong Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (E.M.J.); (B.M.C.); (P.-C.T.); (S.H.B.)
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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22
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Bankoti K, Generotti C, Hwa T, Wang L, O'Malley BW, Li D. Advances and challenges in adeno-associated viral inner-ear gene therapy for sensorineural hearing loss. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 21:209-236. [PMID: 33850952 PMCID: PMC8010215 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
There is growing attention and effort focused on treating the root cause of sensorineural hearing loss rather than managing associated secondary characteristic features. With recent substantial advances in understanding sensorineural hearing-loss mechanisms, gene delivery has emerged as a promising strategy for the biological treatment of hearing loss associated with genetic dysfunction. There are several successful and promising proof-of-principle examples of transgene deliveries in animal models; however, there remains substantial further progress to be made in these avenues before realizing their clinical application in humans. Herein, we review different aspects of development, ongoing preclinical studies, and challenges to the clinical transition of transgene delivery of the inner ear toward the restoration of lost auditory and vestibular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamakshi Bankoti
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Charles Generotti
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Tiffany Hwa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lili Wang
- Department of Medicine, Gene Therapy Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Bert W O'Malley
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Daqing Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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23
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Spectrum of MYO7A Mutations in an Indigenous South African Population Further Elucidates the Nonsyndromic Autosomal Recessive Phenotype of DFNB2 to Include Both Homozygous and Compound Heterozygous Mutations. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12020274. [PMID: 33671976 PMCID: PMC7919343 DOI: 10.3390/genes12020274] [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: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MYO7A gene encodes unconventional myosin VIIA, which, when mutated, causes a phenotypic spectrum ranging from recessive hearing loss DFNB2 to deaf-blindness, Usher Type 1B (USH1B). MYO7A mutations are reported in nine DFNB2 families to date, none from sub-Saharan Africa.In DNA, from a cohort of 94 individuals representing 92 families from the Limpopo province of South Africa, eight MYO7A variations were detected among 10 individuals. Family studies identified homozygous and compound heterozygous mutations in 17 individuals out of 32 available family members. Four mutations were novel, p.Gly329Asp, p.Arg373His, p.Tyr1780Ser, and p.Pro2126Leufs*5. Two variations, p.Ser617Pro and p.Thr381Met, previously listed as of uncertain significance (ClinVar), were confirmed to be pathogenic. The identified mutations are predicted to interfere with the conformational properties of myosin VIIA through interruption or abrogation of multiple interactions between the mutant and neighbouring residues. Specifically, p.Pro2126Leufs*5, is predicted to abolish the critical site for the interactions between the tail and the motor domain essential for the autoregulation, leaving a non-functional, unregulated protein that causes hearing loss. We have identified MYO7A as a possible key deafness gene among indigenous sub-Saharan Africans. The spectrum of MYO7A mutations in this South African population points to DFNB2 as a specific entity that may occur in a homozygous or in a compound heterozygous state.
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24
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Vona B, Mazaheri N, Lin SJ, Dunbar LA, Maroofian R, Azaiez H, Booth KT, Vitry S, Rad A, Rüschendorf F, Varshney P, Fowler B, Beetz C, Alagramam KN, Murphy D, Shariati G, Sedaghat A, Houlden H, Petree C, VijayKumar S, Smith RJH, Haaf T, El-Amraoui A, Bowl MR, Varshney GK, Galehdari H. A biallelic variant in CLRN2 causes non-syndromic hearing loss in humans. Hum Genet 2021; 140:915-931. [PMID: 33496845 PMCID: PMC8099798 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-020-02254-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Deafness, the most frequent sensory deficit in humans, is extremely heterogeneous with hundreds of genes involved. Clinical and genetic analyses of an extended consanguineous family with pre-lingual, moderate-to-profound autosomal recessive sensorineural hearing loss, allowed us to identify CLRN2, encoding a tetraspan protein, as a new deafness gene. Homozygosity mapping followed by exome sequencing identified a 14.96 Mb locus on chromosome 4p15.32p15.1 containing a likely pathogenic missense variant in CLRN2 (c.494C > A, NM_001079827.2) segregating with the disease. Using in vitro RNA splicing analysis, we show that the CLRN2 c.494C > A variant leads to two events: (1) the substitution of a highly conserved threonine (uncharged amino acid) to lysine (charged amino acid) at position 165, p.(Thr165Lys), and (2) aberrant splicing, with the retention of intron 2 resulting in a stop codon after 26 additional amino acids, p.(Gly146Lysfs*26). Expression studies and phenotyping of newly produced zebrafish and mouse models deficient for clarin 2 further confirm that clarin 2, expressed in the inner ear hair cells, is essential for normal organization and maintenance of the auditory hair bundles, and for hearing function. Together, our findings identify CLRN2 as a new deafness gene, which will impact future diagnosis and treatment for deaf patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Vona
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. .,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Neda Mazaheri
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Sheng-Jia Lin
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Lucy A Dunbar
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Reza Maroofian
- Department of Neuromuscular Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Hela Azaiez
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology and Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kevin T Booth
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology and Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sandrine Vitry
- Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy Institut Pasteur, Institut de L'Audition, INSERM-UMRS1120, Sorbonne Université, 63 rue de Charenton, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Aboulfazl Rad
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Franz Rüschendorf
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pratishtha Varshney
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Ben Fowler
- Imaging & Histology Core, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | | | - Kumar N Alagramam
- Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.,Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.,Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - David Murphy
- Department of Neuromuscular Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Gholamreza Shariati
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur, University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Narges Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnostics Laboratory, East Mihan Ave, Kianpars, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Alireza Sedaghat
- Diabetes Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Henry Houlden
- Department of Neuromuscular Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Cassidy Petree
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Shruthi VijayKumar
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Richard J H Smith
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology and Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Thomas Haaf
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Aziz El-Amraoui
- Unit Progressive Sensory Disorders, Pathophysiology and Therapy Institut Pasteur, Institut de L'Audition, INSERM-UMRS1120, Sorbonne Université, 63 rue de Charenton, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Michael R Bowl
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0RD, UK. .,UCL Ear Institute, University College London, 332 Gray's Inn Road, London, WC1X 8EE, UK.
| | - Gaurav K Varshney
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Hamid Galehdari
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
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25
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Ramos-Vicente D, Bayés À. AMPA receptor auxiliary subunits emerged during early vertebrate evolution by neo/subfunctionalization of unrelated proteins. Open Biol 2020; 10:200234. [PMID: 33108974 PMCID: PMC7653359 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammalian synapses, the function of ionotropic glutamate receptors is critically modulated by auxiliary subunits. Most of these specifically regulate the synaptic localization and electrophysiological properties of AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs). Here, we comprehensively investigated the animal evolution of the protein families that contain AMPAR auxiliary subunits (ARASs). We observed that, on average, vertebrates have four times more ARASs than other animal species. We also demonstrated that ARASs belong to four unrelated protein families: CACNG-GSG1, cornichon, shisa and Dispanin C. Our study demonstrates that, despite the ancient origin of these four protein families, the majority of ARASs emerged during vertebrate evolution by independent but convergent processes of neo/subfunctionalization that resulted in the multiple ARASs found in present vertebrate genomes. Importantly, although AMPARs appeared and diversified in the ancestor of bilateral animals, the ARAS expansion did not occur until much later, in early vertebrate evolution. We propose that the surge in ARASs and consequent increase in AMPAR functionalities, contributed to the increased complexity of vertebrate brains and cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Ramos-Vicente
- Molecular Physiology of the Synapse Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Àlex Bayés
- Molecular Physiology of the Synapse Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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26
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Whatley M, Francis A, Ng ZY, Khoh XE, Atlas MD, Dilley RJ, Wong EYM. Usher Syndrome: Genetics and Molecular Links of Hearing Loss and Directions for Therapy. Front Genet 2020; 11:565216. [PMID: 33193648 PMCID: PMC7642844 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.565216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH) is an autosomal recessive (AR) disorder that permanently and severely affects the senses of hearing, vision, and balance. Three clinically distinct types of USH have been identified, decreasing in severity from Type 1 to 3, with symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and vestibular dysfunction. There are currently nine confirmed and two suspected USH-causative genes, and a further three candidate loci have been mapped. The proteins encoded by these genes form complexes that play critical roles in the development and maintenance of cellular structures within the inner ear and retina, which have minimal capacity for repair or regeneration. In the cochlea, stereocilia are located on the apical surface of inner ear hair cells (HC) and are responsible for transducing mechanical stimuli from sound pressure waves into chemical signals. These signals are then detected by the auditory nerve fibers, transmitted to the brain and interpreted as sound. Disease-causing mutations in USH genes can destabilize the tip links that bind the stereocilia to each other, and cause defects in protein trafficking and stereocilia bundle morphology, thereby inhibiting mechanosensory transduction. This review summarizes the current knowledge on Usher syndrome with a particular emphasis on mutations in USH genes, USH protein structures, and functional analyses in animal models. Currently, there is no cure for USH. However, the genetic therapies that are rapidly developing will benefit from this compilation of detailed genetic information to identify the most effective strategies for restoring functional USH proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meg Whatley
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Abbie Francis
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Emergency Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Zi Ying Ng
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Xin Ee Khoh
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Marcus D. Atlas
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Rodney J. Dilley
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Elaine Y. M. Wong
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
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27
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Toms M, Pagarkar W, Moosajee M. Usher syndrome: clinical features, molecular genetics and advancing therapeutics. Ther Adv Ophthalmol 2020; 12:2515841420952194. [PMID: 32995707 PMCID: PMC7502997 DOI: 10.1177/2515841420952194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome has three subtypes, each being clinically and genetically heterogeneous characterised by sensorineural hearing loss and retinitis pigmentosa (RP), with or without vestibular dysfunction. It is the most common cause of deaf–blindness worldwide with a prevalence of between 4 and 17 in 100 000. To date, 10 causative genes have been identified for Usher syndrome, with MYO7A accounting for >50% of type 1 and USH2A contributing to approximately 80% of type 2 Usher syndrome. Variants in these genes can also cause non-syndromic RP and deafness. Genotype–phenotype correlations have been described for several of the Usher genes. Hearing loss is managed with hearing aids and cochlear implants, which has made a significant improvement in quality of life for patients. While there is currently no available approved treatment for the RP, various therapeutic strategies are in development or in clinical trials for Usher syndrome, including gene replacement, gene editing, antisense oligonucleotides and small molecule drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Toms
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK; The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Waheeda Pagarkar
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
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28
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Nolen RM, Hufnagel RB, Friedman TB, Turriff AE, Brewer CC, Zalewski CK, King KA, Wafa TT, Griffith AJ, Brooks BP, Zein WM. Atypical and ultra-rare Usher syndrome: a review. Ophthalmic Genet 2020; 41:401-412. [PMID: 32372680 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2020.1747090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Usher syndrome has classically been described as a combination of hearing loss and rod-cone dystrophy; vestibular dysfunction is present in many patients. Three distinct clinical subtypes were documented in the late 1970s. Genotyping efforts have led to the identification of several genes associated with the disease. Recent literature has seen multiple publications referring to "atypical" Usher syndrome presentations. This manuscript reviews the molecular etiology of Usher syndrome, highlighting rare presentations and molecular causes. Reports of "atypical" disease are summarized noting the wide discrepancy in the spectrum of phenotypic deviations from the classical presentation. Guidelines for establishing a clear nomenclature system are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalie M Nolen
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Robert B Hufnagel
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Thomas B Friedman
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amy E Turriff
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carmen C Brewer
- Otolaryngology Branch, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christopher K Zalewski
- Otolaryngology Branch, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kelly A King
- Otolaryngology Branch, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Talah T Wafa
- Otolaryngology Branch, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andrew J Griffith
- Otolaryngology Branch, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Brian P Brooks
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Wadih M Zein
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
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29
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Orozco LD, Chen HH, Cox C, Katschke KJ, Arceo R, Espiritu C, Caplazi P, Nghiem SS, Chen YJ, Modrusan Z, Dressen A, Goldstein LD, Clarke C, Bhangale T, Yaspan B, Jeanne M, Townsend MJ, van Lookeren Campagne M, Hackney JA. Integration of eQTL and a Single-Cell Atlas in the Human Eye Identifies Causal Genes for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Cell Rep 2020; 30:1246-1259.e6. [PMID: 31995762 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.12.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss. To better understand disease pathogenesis and identify causal genes in GWAS loci for AMD risk, we present a comprehensive database of human retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Our database comprises macular and non-macular RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) profiles from 129 donors, a genome-wide expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) dataset that includes macula-specific retina and RPE/choroid, and single-nucleus RNA-seq (NucSeq) from human retina and RPE with subtype resolution from more than 100,000 cells. Using NucSeq, we find enriched expression of AMD candidate genes in RPE cells. We identify 15 putative causal genes for AMD on the basis of co-localization of genetic association signals for AMD risk and eye eQTL, including the genes TSPAN10 and TRPM1. These results demonstrate the value of our human eye database for elucidating genetic pathways and potential therapeutic targets for ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz D Orozco
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Hsu-Hsin Chen
- Department of Biomarker Discovery OMNI, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Christian Cox
- Department of Immunology Discovery, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Kenneth J Katschke
- Department of Immunology Discovery, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Rommel Arceo
- Department of Pathology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Carmina Espiritu
- Department of Pathology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Patrick Caplazi
- Department of Pathology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | | | - Ying-Jiun Chen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Zora Modrusan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Amy Dressen
- Department of Human Genetics, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Leonard D Goldstein
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Christine Clarke
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Tushar Bhangale
- Department of Human Genetics, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Brian Yaspan
- Department of Human Genetics, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Marion Jeanne
- Department of Immunology Discovery, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Michael J Townsend
- Department of Biomarker Discovery OMNI, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| | | | - Jason A Hackney
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
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30
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Abu-Ameerh M, Mohammad H, Dardas Z, Barham R, Ali D, Bijawi M, Tawalbeh M, Amr S, Hatmal MM, Al-Bdour M, Awidi A, Azab B. Extending the spectrum of CLRN1- and ABCA4-associated inherited retinal dystrophies caused by novel and recurrent variants using exome sequencing. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2020; 8:e1123. [PMID: 31968401 PMCID: PMC7057102 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are characterized by extreme genetic and clinical heterogeneity. There are many genes that are known to cause IRD which makes the identification of the underlying genetic causes quite challenging. And in view of the emergence of therapeutic options, it is essential to combine molecular and clinical data to correctly diagnose IRD patients. In this study, we aimed to identify the disease‐causing variants (DCVs) in four consanguineous Jordanian families with IRDs and describe genotype–phenotype correlations. Methods Exome sequencing (ES) was employed on the proband patients of each family, followed by segregation analysis of candidate variants in affected and unaffected family members by Sanger sequencing. Simulation analysis was done on one novel CLRN1 variant to characterize its effect on mRNA processing. Clinical evaluation included history, slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Results We identified two novel variants in CLRN1 [(c.433+1G>A) and (c.323T>C, p.Leu108Pro)], and two recurrent variants in ABCA4 [(c.1648G>A, p.Gly550Arg) and (c.5460+1G>A)]. Two families with the same DCV were found to have different phenotypes and another family was shown to have sector RP. Moreover, simulation analysis for the CLRN1 splice donor variant (c.433+1G>A) showed that the variant might affect mRNA processing resulting in the formation of an abnormal receptor. Also, a family that was previously diagnosed with nonsyndromic RP was found to have Usher syndrome based on their genetic assessment and audiometry. Conclusion Our findings extend the spectrum of CLRN1‐ and ABCA4‐associated IRDs and describe new phenotypes for these genes. We also highlighted the importance of combining molecular and clinical data to correctly diagnose IRDs and the utility of simulation analysis to predict the effect of splice donor variants on protein formation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Abu-Ameerh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jordan University Hospital, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Zain Dardas
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Raghda Barham
- Cell Therapy Center, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Dema Ali
- Cell Therapy Center, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Maysa Bijawi
- Cell Therapy Center, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohamed Tawalbeh
- Department of Otolaryngology, Jordan University Hospital, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Sami Amr
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ma'mon M Hatmal
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Muawyah Al-Bdour
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jordan University Hospital, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Abdalla Awidi
- Cell Therapy Center, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.,Department of Medicine and Hematology, Jordan University Hospital, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Belal Azab
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.,Human and Molecular Genetics, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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31
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Xu L, Bolch SN, Santiago CP, Dyka FM, Akil O, Lobanova ES, Wang Y, Martemyanov KA, Hauswirth WW, Smith WC, Handa JT, Blackshaw S, Ash JD, Dinculescu A. Clarin-1 expression in adult mouse and human retina highlights a role of Müller glia in Usher syndrome. J Pathol 2019; 250:195-204. [PMID: 31625146 PMCID: PMC7003947 DOI: 10.1002/path.5360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Usher syndrome type 3 (USH3) is an autosomal recessively inherited disorder caused by mutations in the gene clarin‐1 (CLRN1), leading to combined progressive hearing loss and retinal degeneration. The cellular distribution of CLRN1 in the retina remains uncertain, either because its expression levels are low or because its epitopes are masked. Indeed, in the adult mouse retina, Clrn1 mRNA is developmentally downregulated, detectable only by RT‐PCR. In this study we used the highly sensitive RNAscope in situ hybridization assay and single‐cell RNA‐sequencing techniques to investigate the distribution of Clrn1 and CLRN1 in mouse and human retina, respectively. We found that Clrn1 transcripts in mouse tissue are localized to the inner retina during postnatal development and in adult stages. The pattern of Clrn1 mRNA cellular expression is similar in both mouse and human adult retina, with CLRN1 transcripts being localized in Müller glia, and not photoreceptors. We generated a novel knock‐in mouse with a hemagglutinin (HA) epitope‐tagged CLRN1 and showed that CLRN1 is expressed continuously at the protein level in the retina. Following enzymatic deglycosylation and immunoblotting analysis, we detected a single CLRN1‐specific protein band in homogenates of mouse and human retina, consistent in size with the main CLRN1 isoform. Taken together, our results implicate Müller glia in USH3 pathology, placing this cell type to the center of future mechanistic and therapeutic studies to prevent vision loss in this disease. © 2019 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Susan N Bolch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Clayton P Santiago
- Solomon H Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Frank M Dyka
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Omar Akil
- Department of Otolaryngology-HNS, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Yuchen Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | | | | | - W Clay Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - James T Handa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Solomon H Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Center for Human Systems Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John D Ash
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Astra Dinculescu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Wells HRR, Freidin MB, Zainul Abidin FN, Payton A, Dawes P, Munro KJ, Morton CC, Moore DR, Dawson SJ, Williams FMK. GWAS Identifies 44 Independent Associated Genomic Loci for Self-Reported Adult Hearing Difficulty in UK Biobank. Am J Hum Genet 2019; 105:788-802. [PMID: 31564434 PMCID: PMC6817556 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2019.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related hearing impairment (ARHI) is the most common sensory impairment in the aging population; a third of individuals are affected by disabling hearing loss by the age of 65. It causes social isolation and depression and has recently been identified as a risk factor for dementia. The genetic risk factors and underlying pathology of ARHI are largely unknown, meaning that targets for new therapies remain elusive, yet heritability estimates range between 35% and 55%. We performed genome-wide association studies (GWASs) for two self-reported hearing phenotypes, using more than 250,000 UK Biobank (UKBB) volunteers aged between 40 and 69 years. Forty-four independent genome-wide significant loci (p < 5E-08) were identified, considerably increasing the number of established trait loci. Thirty-four loci are novel associations with hearing loss of any form, and only one of the ten known hearing loci has a previously reported association with an ARHI-related trait. Gene sets from these loci are enriched in auditory processes such as synaptic activities, nervous system processes, inner ear morphology, and cognition, while genetic correlation analysis revealed strong positive correlations with multiple personality and psychological traits for the first time. Immunohistochemistry for protein localization in adult mouse cochlea implicate metabolic, sensory, and neuronal functions for NID2, CLRN2, and ARHGEF28. These results provide insight into the genetic landscape underlying ARHI, opening up novel therapeutic targets for further investigation. In a wider context, our study also highlights the viability of using self-report phenotypes for genetic discovery in very large samples when deep phenotyping is unavailable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena R R Wells
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 7EH, UK; UCL Ear Institute, University College London, London WC1X 8EE, UK
| | - Maxim B Freidin
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Fatin N Zainul Abidin
- UCL Ear Institute, University College London, London WC1X 8EE, UK; Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Antony Payton
- Division of Informatics, Imaging & Data Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Piers Dawes
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Kevin J Munro
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Cynthia C Morton
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02115, USA
| | - David R Moore
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Sally J Dawson
- UCL Ear Institute, University College London, London WC1X 8EE, UK.
| | - Frances M K Williams
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 7EH, UK.
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33
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Dunbar LA, Patni P, Aguilar C, Mburu P, Corns L, Wells HRR, Delmaghani S, Parker A, Johnson S, Williams D, Esapa CT, Simon MM, Chessum L, Newton S, Dorning J, Jeyarajan P, Morse S, Lelli A, Codner GF, Peineau T, Gopal SR, Alagramam KN, Hertzano R, Dulon D, Wells S, Williams FM, Petit C, Dawson SJ, Brown SDM, Marcotti W, El‐Amraoui A, Bowl MR. Clarin-2 is essential for hearing by maintaining stereocilia integrity and function. EMBO Mol Med 2019; 11:e10288. [PMID: 31448880 PMCID: PMC6728604 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201910288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hearing relies on mechanically gated ion channels present in the actin-rich stereocilia bundles at the apical surface of cochlear hair cells. Our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the formation and maintenance of the sound-receptive structure is limited. Utilizing a large-scale forward genetic screen in mice, genome mapping and gene complementation tests, we identified Clrn2 as a new deafness gene. The Clrn2clarinet/clarinet mice (p.Trp4* mutation) exhibit a progressive, early-onset hearing loss, with no overt retinal deficits. Utilizing data from the UK Biobank study, we could show that CLRN2 is involved in human non-syndromic progressive hearing loss. Our in-depth morphological, molecular and functional investigations establish that while it is not required for initial formation of cochlear sensory hair cell stereocilia bundles, clarin-2 is critical for maintaining normal bundle integrity and functioning. In the differentiating hair bundles, lack of clarin-2 leads to loss of mechano-electrical transduction, followed by selective progressive loss of the transducing stereocilia. Together, our findings demonstrate a key role for clarin-2 in mammalian hearing, providing insights into the interplay between mechano-electrical transduction and stereocilia maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy A Dunbar
- Mammalian Genetics UnitMRC Harwell InstituteHarwellUK
| | - Pranav Patni
- Déficits Sensoriels ProgressifsInstitut PasteurINSERM UMR‐S 1120Sorbonne UniversitésParisFrance
| | | | | | - Laura Corns
- Department of Biomedical ScienceUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Helena RR Wells
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic EpidemiologyKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Sedigheh Delmaghani
- Déficits Sensoriels ProgressifsInstitut PasteurINSERM UMR‐S 1120Sorbonne UniversitésParisFrance
| | - Andrew Parker
- Mammalian Genetics UnitMRC Harwell InstituteHarwellUK
| | - Stuart Johnson
- Department of Biomedical ScienceUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Susan Morse
- Mammalian Genetics UnitMRC Harwell InstituteHarwellUK
| | - Andrea Lelli
- Génétique et Physiologie de l'AuditionInstitut PasteurINSERM UMR‐S 1120Collège de FranceSorbonne UniversitésParisFrance
| | | | - Thibault Peineau
- Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie de la Synapse AuditiveUniversité de BordeauxBordeauxFrance
| | - Suhasini R Gopal
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical CenterCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOHUSA
| | - Kumar N Alagramam
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical CenterCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOHUSA
| | - Ronna Hertzano
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Anatomy and Neurobiology and Institute for Genome SciencesUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Didier Dulon
- Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie de la Synapse AuditiveUniversité de BordeauxBordeauxFrance
| | - Sara Wells
- Mary Lyon CentreMRC Harwell InstituteHarwellUK
| | - Frances M Williams
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic EpidemiologyKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Christine Petit
- Génétique et Physiologie de l'AuditionInstitut PasteurINSERM UMR‐S 1120Collège de FranceSorbonne UniversitésParisFrance
| | | | | | - Walter Marcotti
- Department of Biomedical ScienceUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Aziz El‐Amraoui
- Déficits Sensoriels ProgressifsInstitut PasteurINSERM UMR‐S 1120Sorbonne UniversitésParisFrance
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34
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Unconventional secretory pathway activation restores hair cell mechanotransduction in an USH3A model. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:11000-11009. [PMID: 31097578 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1817500116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic variant c.144T>G (p.N48K) in the clarin1 gene (CLRN1) results in progressive loss of vision and hearing in Usher syndrome IIIA (USH3A) patients. CLRN1 is predicted to be an essential protein in hair bundles, the mechanosensory structure of hair cells critical for hearing and balance. When expressed in animal models, CLRN1 localizes to the hair bundle, whereas glycosylation-deficient CLRN1N48K aggregates in the endoplasmic reticulum, with only a fraction reaching the bundle. We hypothesized that the small amount of CLRN1N48K that reaches the hair bundle does so via an unconventional secretory pathway and that activation of this pathway could be therapeutic. Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we find that clarin1 knockout (clrn1 KO/KO ) zebrafish that express the CLRN1 c.144T>G pathogenic variant display progressive hair cell dysfunction, and that CLRN1N48K is trafficked to the hair bundle via the GRASP55 cargo-dependent unconventional secretory pathway (GCUSP). On expression of GRASP55 mRNA, or on exposure to the drug artemisinin (which activates GCUSP), the localization of CLRN1N48K to the hair bundles was enhanced. Artemisinin treatment also effectively restored hair cell mechanotransduction and attenuated progressive hair cell dysfunction in clrn1 KO/KO larvae that express CLRN1 c.144T>G , highlighting the potential of artemisinin to prevent sensory loss in CLRN1 c.144T>G patients.
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35
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DiStefano MT, Hemphill SE, Cushman BJ, Bowser MJ, Hynes E, Grant AR, Siegert RK, Oza AM, Gonzalez MA, Amr SS, Rehm HL, Abou Tayoun AN. Curating Clinically Relevant Transcripts for the Interpretation of Sequence Variants. J Mol Diagn 2018; 20:789-801. [PMID: 30096381 PMCID: PMC6204605 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Variant interpretation depends on accurate annotations using biologically relevant transcripts. We have developed a systematic strategy for designating primary transcripts and have applied it to 109 hearing loss-associated genes that were divided into three categories. Category 1 genes (n = 38) had a single transcript; category 2 genes (n = 33) had multiple transcripts, but a single transcript was sufficient to represent all exons; and category 3 genes (n = 38) had multiple transcripts with unique exons. Transcripts were curated with respect to gene expression reported in the literature and the Genotype-Tissue Expression Project. In addition, high-frequency loss-of-function variants in the Genome Aggregation Database and disease-causing variants in ClinVar and the Human Gene Mutation Database across the 109 genes were queried. These data were used to classify exons as clinically significant, insignificant, or of uncertain significance. Interestingly, 6% of all exons, containing 124 reportedly disease-causing variants, were of uncertain significance. Finally, we used exon-level next-generation sequencing quality metrics generated at two clinical laboratories and identified a total of 43 technically challenging exons in 20 different genes that had inadequate coverage and/or homology issues that might lead to false-variant calls. We have demonstrated that transcript analysis plays a critical role in accurate clinical variant interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina T DiStefano
- Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Partners Healthcare Personalized Medicine, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Sarah E Hemphill
- Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Partners Healthcare Personalized Medicine, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Brandon J Cushman
- Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Partners Healthcare Personalized Medicine, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Mark J Bowser
- Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Partners Healthcare Personalized Medicine, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth Hynes
- Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Partners Healthcare Personalized Medicine, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Andrew R Grant
- Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Partners Healthcare Personalized Medicine, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Rebecca K Siegert
- Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Partners Healthcare Personalized Medicine, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Andrea M Oza
- Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Partners Healthcare Personalized Medicine, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Michael A Gonzalez
- Division of Genomic Diagnostics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sami S Amr
- Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Partners Healthcare Personalized Medicine, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Heidi L Rehm
- Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Partners Healthcare Personalized Medicine, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Medical and Population Genetics, The Broad Institute of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Ahmad N Abou Tayoun
- Division of Genomic Diagnostics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Genetics Department, Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
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36
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Lee JH, Lee MY, Lim Y, Knowles J, Kim HW. Auditory disorders and future therapies with delivery systems. J Tissue Eng 2018; 9:2041731418808455. [PMID: 30397431 PMCID: PMC6207966 DOI: 10.1177/2041731418808455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Auditory function takes a major part in human life. While sensorineural hearing loss is related with many factors including genetic disorders, age and noise, the clear causes are not well understood. Even more, the currently available treatments with drugs cause side effects, which thus are considered suboptimal. Here, we communicate the delivery systems with biomaterials that can be possible therapeutic options to restore hearing and vestibular functions. We introduce briefly the various pathological factors related with hearing loss and the limitation of current therapies, detail the recent studies on delivery systems including nanoparticles and hydrogels and discuss future clinical availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hwan Lee
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomaterials Science, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea.,UCL Eastman - Korea Dental Medicine Innovation Center, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Young Lee
- Beckman Laser Institute Korea, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yohan Lim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonathan Knowles
- UCL Eastman - Korea Dental Medicine Innovation Center, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea.,Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 PLUS NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea.,Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Research Department, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, London, UK.,The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, London, UK
| | - Hae-Won Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomaterials Science, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea.,UCL Eastman - Korea Dental Medicine Innovation Center, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea.,Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 PLUS NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
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37
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Mastrangelo S, Sottile G, Sutera AM, Di Gerlando R, Tolone M, Moscarelli A, Sardina MT, Portolano B. Genome-wide association study reveals the locus responsible for microtia in Valle del Belice sheep breed. Anim Genet 2018; 49:636-640. [PMID: 30160299 DOI: 10.1111/age.12719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Microtia is a congenital deformity of the outer ear with phenotypes varying from a small auricle to total absence (anotia). The genetic basis is still poorly understood, and very few studies have been performed in sheep. Valle del Belice sheep is a breed showing microtia. The aim of this study was to identify the potential genomic regions involved in microtia in sheep. A total of 40 individuals, 20 with microtia and 20 normal, were genotyped with the Illumina OvineSNP50 BeadChip. The comparison among the results from a genome-wide association study, Fisher's exact test and FST analysis revealed a single strong association signal: rs419889303 on chromosome 1, located within intron 3 of the CLRN1 gene. Our study suggests for the first time that this novel candidate gene is responsible for microtia in sheep. Additional analysis based on the sequencing would help confirm our findings and allow for the proposal of a precise genetic basis for microtia in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mastrangelo
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - G Sottile
- Dipartimento Scienze Economiche, Aziendali e Statistiche, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - A M Sutera
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - R Di Gerlando
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - M Tolone
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - A Moscarelli
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - M T Sardina
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - B Portolano
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
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38
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Wang L, Kempton JB, Brigande JV. Gene Therapy in Mouse Models of Deafness and Balance Dysfunction. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:300. [PMID: 30210291 PMCID: PMC6123355 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic strategies to restore hearing and balance in mouse models of inner ear disease aim to rescue sensory function by gene replacement, augmentation, knock down or knock out. Modalities to achieve therapeutic effects have utilized virus-mediated transfer of wild type genes and small interfering ribonucleic acids; systemic and focal administration of antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) and designer small molecules; and lipid-mediated transfer of Cas 9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. This work has established that gene or drug administration to the structurally and functionally immature, early neonatal mouse inner ear prior to hearing onset is a prerequisite for the most robust therapeutic responses. These observations may have significant implications for translating mouse inner ear gene therapies to patients. The human fetus hears by gestational week 19, suggesting that a corollary window of therapeutic efficacy closes early in the second trimester of pregnancy. We hypothesize that fetal therapeutics deployed prior to hearing onset may be the most effective approach to preemptively manage genetic mutations that cause deafness and vestibular dysfunction. We assert that gene therapy studies in higher vertebrate model systems with fetal hearing onset and a comparable acoustic range and sensitivity to that of humans are an essential step to safely and effectively translate murine gene therapies to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyan Wang
- Oregon Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - J Beth Kempton
- Oregon Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - John V Brigande
- Oregon Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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39
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Michel V, Booth KT, Patni P, Cortese M, Azaiez H, Bahloul A, Kahrizi K, Labbé M, Emptoz A, Lelli A, Dégardin J, Dupont T, Aghaie A, Oficjalska-Pham D, Picaud S, Najmabadi H, Smith RJ, Bowl MR, Brown SD, Avan P, Petit C, El-Amraoui A. CIB2, defective in isolated deafness, is key for auditory hair cell mechanotransduction and survival. EMBO Mol Med 2018; 9:1711-1731. [PMID: 29084757 PMCID: PMC5709726 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201708087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Defects of CIB2, calcium‐ and integrin‐binding protein 2, have been reported to cause isolated deafness, DFNB48 and Usher syndrome type‐IJ, characterized by congenital profound deafness, balance defects and blindness. We report here two new nonsense mutations (pGln12* and pTyr110*) in CIB2 patients displaying nonsyndromic profound hearing loss, with no evidence of vestibular or retinal dysfunction. Also, the generated CIB2−/− mice display an early onset profound deafness and have normal balance and retinal functions. In these mice, the mechanoelectrical transduction currents are totally abolished in the auditory hair cells, whilst they remain unchanged in the vestibular hair cells. The hair bundle morphological abnormalities of CIB2−/− mice, unlike those of mice defective for the other five known USH1 proteins, begin only after birth and lead to regression of the stereocilia and rapid hair‐cell death. This essential role of CIB2 in mechanotransduction and cell survival that, we show, is restricted to the cochlea, probably accounts for the presence in CIB2−/− mice and CIB2 patients, unlike in Usher syndrome, of isolated hearing loss without balance and vision deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Michel
- Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris06, Paris, France
| | - Kevin T Booth
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Pranav Patni
- Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris06, Paris, France
| | - Matteo Cortese
- Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris06, Paris, France
| | - Hela Azaiez
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Amel Bahloul
- Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris06, Paris, France
| | - Kimia Kahrizi
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ménélik Labbé
- Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris06, Paris, France
| | - Alice Emptoz
- Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris06, Paris, France
| | - Andrea Lelli
- Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris06, Paris, France
| | - Julie Dégardin
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris06, Paris, France.,Retinal information processing - Pharmacology and Pathology, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Typhaine Dupont
- Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris06, Paris, France
| | - Asadollah Aghaie
- Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris06, Paris, France.,Syndrome de Usher et Autres Atteintes Rétino-Cochléaires, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Danuta Oficjalska-Pham
- Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris06, Paris, France
| | - Serge Picaud
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris06, Paris, France.,Retinal information processing - Pharmacology and Pathology, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Hossein Najmabadi
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Richard J Smith
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Michael R Bowl
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Paul Avan
- Laboratoire de Biophysique Sensorielle, Faculté de Médecine, Biophysique Médicale, Centre Jean Perrin, Université d'Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Christine Petit
- Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris06, Paris, France.,Collège de France, Paris, France
| | - Aziz El-Amraoui
- Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France .,Unité Mixte de Recherche- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris06, Paris, France
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40
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Dulon D, Papal S, Patni P, Cortese M, Vincent PF, Tertrais M, Emptoz A, Tlili A, Bouleau Y, Michel V, Delmaghani S, Aghaie A, Pepermans E, Alegria-Prevot O, Akil O, Lustig L, Avan P, Safieddine S, Petit C, El-Amraoui A. Clarin-1 gene transfer rescues auditory synaptopathy in model of Usher syndrome. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:3382-3401. [PMID: 29985171 DOI: 10.1172/jci94351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Clarin-1, a tetraspan-like membrane protein defective in Usher syndrome type IIIA (USH3A), is essential for hair bundle morphogenesis in auditory hair cells. We report a new synaptic role for clarin-1 in mouse auditory hair cells elucidated by characterization of Clrn1 total (Clrn1ex4-/-) and postnatal hair cell-specific conditional (Clrn1ex4fl/fl Myo15-Cre+/-) knockout mice. Clrn1ex4-/- mice were profoundly deaf, whereas Clrn1ex4fl/fl Myo15-Cre+/- mice displayed progressive increases in hearing thresholds, with, initially, normal otoacoustic emissions and hair bundle morphology. Inner hair cell (IHC) patch-clamp recordings for the 2 mutant mice revealed defective exocytosis and a disorganization of synaptic F-actin and CaV1.3 Ca2+ channels, indicative of a synaptopathy. Postsynaptic defects were also observed, with an abnormally broad distribution of AMPA receptors associated with a loss of afferent dendrites and defective electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses. Protein-protein interaction assays revealed interactions between clarin-1 and the synaptic CaV1.3 Ca2+ channel complex via the Cavβ2 auxiliary subunit and the PDZ domain-containing protein harmonin (defective in Usher syndrome type IC). Cochlear gene therapy in vivo, through adeno-associated virus-mediated Clrn1 transfer into hair cells, prevented the synaptic defects and durably improved hearing in Clrn1ex4fl/fl Myo15-Cre+/- mice. Our results identify clarin-1 as a key organizer of IHC ribbon synapses, and suggest new treatment possibilities for USH3A patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier Dulon
- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris, France.,Université de Bordeaux, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie de la Synapse Auditive, Bordeaux Neurocampus, Bordeaux, France
| | - Samantha Papal
- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris, France.,Unité de Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Complexité du Vivant, Paris, France
| | - Pranav Patni
- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris, France.,Unité de Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Complexité du Vivant, Paris, France
| | - Matteo Cortese
- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris, France.,Unité de Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Complexité du Vivant, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Fy Vincent
- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris, France.,Université de Bordeaux, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie de la Synapse Auditive, Bordeaux Neurocampus, Bordeaux, France
| | - Margot Tertrais
- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris, France.,Université de Bordeaux, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie de la Synapse Auditive, Bordeaux Neurocampus, Bordeaux, France
| | - Alice Emptoz
- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris, France.,Unité de Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Complexité du Vivant, Paris, France
| | - Abdelaziz Tlili
- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris, France.,Unité de Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Complexité du Vivant, Paris, France
| | - Yohan Bouleau
- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris, France.,Université de Bordeaux, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie de la Synapse Auditive, Bordeaux Neurocampus, Bordeaux, France
| | - Vincent Michel
- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris, France.,Unité de Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Complexité du Vivant, Paris, France
| | - Sedigheh Delmaghani
- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris, France.,Unité de Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Complexité du Vivant, Paris, France
| | - Alain Aghaie
- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris, France.,Unité de Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Complexité du Vivant, Paris, France
| | - Elise Pepermans
- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris, France.,Unité de Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Complexité du Vivant, Paris, France
| | - Olinda Alegria-Prevot
- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris, France.,Unité de Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Complexité du Vivant, Paris, France
| | - Omar Akil
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lawrence Lustig
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Paul Avan
- Laboratoire de Biophysique Sensorielle, Faculté de Médecine, Université d'Auvergne; Biophysique Médicale, Centre Jean Perrin, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Saaid Safieddine
- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris, France.,Unité de Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Complexité du Vivant, Paris, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France
| | - Christine Petit
- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris, France.,Unité de Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Complexité du Vivant, Paris, France.,Collège de France, Paris, France
| | - Aziz El-Amraoui
- UMRS 1120, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris, France.,Unité de Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Complexité du Vivant, Paris, France
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41
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Li T, Bellen HJ, Groves AK. Using Drosophila to study mechanisms of hereditary hearing loss. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:11/6/dmm031492. [PMID: 29853544 PMCID: PMC6031363 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.031492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Johnston's organ - the hearing organ of Drosophila - has a very different structure and morphology to that of the hearing organs of vertebrates. Nevertheless, it is becoming clear that vertebrate and invertebrate auditory organs share many physiological, molecular and genetic similarities. Here, we compare the molecular and cellular features of hearing organs in Drosophila with those of vertebrates, and discuss recent evidence concerning the functional conservation of Usher proteins between flies and mammals. Mutations in Usher genes cause Usher syndrome, the leading cause of human deafness and blindness. In Drosophila, some Usher syndrome proteins appear to physically interact in protein complexes that are similar to those described in mammals. This functional conservation highlights a rational role for Drosophila as a model for studying hearing, and for investigating the evolution of auditory organs, with the aim of advancing our understanding of the genes that regulate human hearing and the pathogenic mechanisms that lead to deafness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongchao Li
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Andrew K Groves
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA .,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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42
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Geng R, Omar A, Gopal SR, Chen DHC, Stepanyan R, Basch ML, Dinculescu A, Furness DN, Saperstein D, Hauswirth W, Lustig LR, Alagramam KN. Modeling and Preventing Progressive Hearing Loss in Usher Syndrome III. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13480. [PMID: 29044151 PMCID: PMC5647385 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13620-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome type III (USH3) characterized by progressive loss of vision and hearing is caused by mutations in the clarin-1 gene (CLRN1). Clrn1 knockout (KO) mice develop hair cell defects by postnatal day 2 (P2) and are deaf by P21-P25. Early onset profound hearing loss in KO mice and lack of information about the cochlear cell type that requires Clrn1 expression pose challenges to therapeutic investigation. We generated KO mice harboring a transgene, TgAC1, consisting of Clrn1-UTR (Clrn1 cDNA including its 5' and 3' UTR) under the control of regulatory elements (Atoh1 3' enhancer/β-globin basal promoter) to direct expression of Clrn1 in hair cells during development and down regulate it postnatally. The KO-TgAC1 mice displayed delayed onset progressive hearing loss associated with deterioration of the hair bundle structure, leading to the hypothesis that hair cell expression of Clrn1 is essential for postnatal preservation of hair cell structure and hearing. Consistent with that hypothesis, perinatal transfection of hair cells in KO-TgAC1 mice with a single injection of AAV-Clrn1-UTR vector showed correlative preservation of the hair bundle structure and hearing through adult life. Further, the efficacy of AAV-Clrn1 vector was significantly attenuated, revealing the potential importance of UTR in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruishuang Geng
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, 44016, USA
| | - Akil Omar
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Suhasini R Gopal
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, 44016, USA
| | - Daniel H-C Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, 44016, USA
| | - Ruben Stepanyan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, 44016, USA
| | - Martin L Basch
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, 44016, USA
| | - Astra Dinculescu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - David N Furness
- School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
| | | | - William Hauswirth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Lawrence R Lustig
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Kumar N Alagramam
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, 44016, USA.
- Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, 44016, USA.
- Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, 44016, USA.
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43
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Ahmed H, Shubina-Oleinik O, Holt JR. Emerging Gene Therapies for Genetic Hearing Loss. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2017; 18:649-670. [PMID: 28815315 PMCID: PMC5612923 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-017-0634-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy, or the treatment of human disease using genetic material, for inner ear dysfunction is coming of age. Recent progress in developing gene therapy treatments for genetic hearing loss has demonstrated tantalizing proof-of-principle in animal models. While successful translation of this progress into treatments for humans awaits, there is growing interest from patients, scientists, clinicians, and industry. Nonetheless, it is clear that a number of hurdles remain, and expectations for total restoration of auditory function should remain tempered until these challenges have been overcome. Here, we review progress, prospects, and challenges for gene therapy in the inner ear. We focus on technical aspects, including routes of gene delivery to the inner ear, choice of vectors, promoters, inner ear targets, therapeutic strategies, preliminary success stories, and points to consider for translating of these successes to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hena Ahmed
- Departments of Otolaryngology and Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Olga Shubina-Oleinik
- Departments of Otolaryngology and Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Holt
- Departments of Otolaryngology and Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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44
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Genetic characterization and disease mechanism of retinitis pigmentosa; current scenario. 3 Biotech 2017; 7:251. [PMID: 28721681 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-017-0878-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of genetically transmitted disorders affecting 1 in 3000-8000 individual people worldwide ultimately affecting the quality of life. Retinitis pigmentosa is characterized as a heterogeneous genetic disorder which leads by progressive devolution of the retina leading to a progressive visual loss. It can occur in syndromic (with Usher syndrome and Bardet-Biedl syndrome) as well as non-syndromic nature. The mode of inheritance can be X-linked, autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive manner. To date 58 genes have been reported to associate with retinitis pigmentosa most of them are either expressed in photoreceptors or the retinal pigment epithelium. This review focuses on the disease mechanisms and genetics of retinitis pigmentosa. As retinitis pigmentosa is tremendously heterogeneous disorder expressing a multiplicity of mutations; different variations in the same gene might induce different disorders. In recent years, latest technologies including whole-exome sequencing contributing effectively to uncover the hidden genesis of retinitis pigmentosa by reporting new genetic mutations. In future, these advancements will help in better understanding the genotype-phenotype correlations of disease and likely to develop new therapies.
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45
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A deep intronic CLRN1 (USH3A) founder mutation generates an aberrant exon and underlies severe Usher syndrome on the Arabian Peninsula. Sci Rep 2017; 7:1411. [PMID: 28469144 PMCID: PMC5431179 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01577-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Deafblindness is mostly due to Usher syndrome caused by recessive mutations in the known genes. Mutation-negative patients therefore either have distinct diseases, mutations in yet unknown Usher genes or in extra-exonic parts of the known genes – to date a largely unexplored possibility. In a consanguineous Saudi family segregating Usher syndrome type 1 (USH1), NGS of genes for Usher syndrome, deafness and retinal dystrophy and subsequent whole-exome sequencing each failed to identify a mutation. Genome-wide linkage analysis revealed two small candidate regions on chromosome 3, one containing the USH3A gene CLRN1, which has never been associated with Usher syndrome in Saudi Arabia. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) identified a homozygous deep intronic mutation, c.254–649T > G, predicted to generate a novel donor splice site. CLRN1 minigene-based analysis confirmed the splicing of an aberrant exon due to usage of this novel motif, resulting in a frameshift and a premature termination codon. We identified this mutation in an additional two of seven unrelated mutation-negative Saudi USH1 patients. Locus-specific markers indicated that c.254–649T > GCLRN1 represents a founder allele that may significantly contribute to deafblindness in this population. Our finding underlines the potential of WGS to uncover atypically localized, hidden mutations in patients who lack exonic mutations in the known disease genes.
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46
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Alagramam KN, Gopal SR, Geng R, Chen DHC, Nemet I, Lee R, Tian G, Miyagi M, Malagu KF, Lock CJ, Esmieu WRK, Owens AP, Lindsay NA, Ouwehand K, Albertus F, Fischer DF, Bürli RW, MacLeod AM, Harte WE, Palczewski K, Imanishi Y. A small molecule mitigates hearing loss in a mouse model of Usher syndrome III. Nat Chem Biol 2016; 12:444-51. [PMID: 27110679 PMCID: PMC4871731 DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.2069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Usher syndrome type III (USH3), characterized by progressive deafness, variable balance disorder and blindness, is caused by destabilizing mutations in the gene encoding the clarin-1 (CLRN1) protein. Here we report a new strategy to mitigate hearing loss associated with a common USH3 mutation CLRN1(N48K) that involves cell-based high-throughput screening of small molecules capable of stabilizing CLRN1(N48K), followed by a secondary screening to eliminate general proteasome inhibitors, and finally an iterative process to optimize structure-activity relationships. This resulted in the identification of BioFocus 844 (BF844). To test the efficacy of BF844, we developed a mouse model that mimicked the progressive hearing loss associated with USH3. BF844 effectively attenuated progressive hearing loss and prevented deafness in this model. Because the CLRN1(N48K) mutation causes both hearing and vision loss, BF844 could in principle prevent both sensory deficiencies in patients with USH3. Moreover, the strategy described here could help identify drugs for other protein-destabilizing monogenic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar N Alagramam
- Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Suhasini R Gopal
- Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ruishuang Geng
- Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Daniel H-C Chen
- Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ina Nemet
- Pharmacology and Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Richard Lee
- Pharmacology and Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Guilian Tian
- Pharmacology and Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Masaru Miyagi
- Center for Proteomics and Bioinformatics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Karine F Malagu
- BioFocus, a Charles River company, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden, UK
| | - Christopher J Lock
- BioFocus, a Charles River company, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden, UK
| | - William R K Esmieu
- BioFocus, a Charles River company, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden, UK
| | - Andrew P Owens
- BioFocus, a Charles River company, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden, UK
| | - Nicola A Lindsay
- BioFocus, a Charles River company, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden, UK
| | | | | | | | - Roland W Bürli
- BioFocus, a Charles River company, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden, UK
| | - Angus M MacLeod
- BioFocus, a Charles River company, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden, UK
| | - William E Harte
- Office of Translation and Innovation, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Pharmacology and Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Yoshikazu Imanishi
- Pharmacology and Cleveland Center for Membrane and Structural Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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47
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Soh YQ, Peh GSL, Mehta JS. Translational issues for human corneal endothelial tissue engineering. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2016; 11:2425-2442. [DOI: 10.1002/term.2131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Qiang Soh
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group; Singapore Eye Research Institute; Singapore
- Singapore National Eye Centre; Singapore
| | - Gary S. L. Peh
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group; Singapore Eye Research Institute; Singapore
- Ophthalmology Academic Clinical Programme; Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School; Singapore
| | - Jodhbir S. Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group; Singapore Eye Research Institute; Singapore
- Singapore National Eye Centre; Singapore
- Ophthalmology Academic Clinical Programme; Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School; Singapore
- Department of Clinical Sciences; Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School; Singapore
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48
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Dinculescu A, Stupay RM, Deng WT, Dyka FM, Min SH, Boye SL, Chiodo VA, Abrahan CE, Zhu P, Li Q, Strettoi E, Novelli E, Nagel-Wolfrum K, Wolfrum U, Smith WC, Hauswirth WW. AAV-Mediated Clarin-1 Expression in the Mouse Retina: Implications for USH3A Gene Therapy. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0148874. [PMID: 26881841 PMCID: PMC4755610 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome type III (USH3A) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in clarin-1 (CLRN1) gene, leading to progressive retinal degeneration and sensorineural deafness. Efforts to develop therapies for preventing photoreceptor cell loss are hampered by the lack of a retinal phenotype in the existing USH3 mouse models and by conflicting reports regarding the endogenous retinal localization of clarin-1, a transmembrane protein of unknown function. In this study, we used an AAV-based approach to express CLRN1 in the mouse retina in order to determine the pattern of its subcellular localization in different cell types. We found that all major classes of retinal cells express AAV-delivered CLRN1 driven by the ubiquitous, constitutive small chicken β-actin promoter, which has important implications for the design of future USH3 gene therapy studies. Within photoreceptor cells, AAV-expressed CLRN1 is mainly localized at the inner segment region and outer plexiform layer, similar to the endogenous expression of other usher proteins. Subretinal delivery using a full strength viral titer led to significant loss of retinal function as evidenced by ERG analysis, suggesting that there is a critical limit for CLRN1 expression in photoreceptor cells. Taken together, these results suggest that CLRN1 expression is potentially supported by a variety of retinal cells, and the right combination of AAV vector dose, promoter, and delivery method needs to be selected to develop safe therapies for USH3 disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astra Dinculescu
- Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Rachel M. Stupay
- Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Wen-Tao Deng
- Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Frank M. Dyka
- Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Seok-Hong Min
- Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Sanford L. Boye
- Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Vince A. Chiodo
- Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Carolina E. Abrahan
- Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Ping Zhu
- Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Qiuhong Li
- Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | | | | | - Kerstin Nagel-Wolfrum
- Cell and Matrix Biology, Institute of Zoology, Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Uwe Wolfrum
- Cell and Matrix Biology, Institute of Zoology, Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - W. Clay Smith
- Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
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Abstract
Hearing loss (HL) is one of the most common birth defects in developed countries and is a diverse pathologic condition with different classifications. One of these is based on the association with other clinical features, defined as syndromic hearing loss (SHL). Determining the cause of the HL in these patients is extremely beneficial as it enables a personalized approach to caring for the individual. Early screening can further aid in optimal rehabilitation for a child's development and growth. The advancement of high-throughput sequencing technology is facilitating rapid and low-cost diagnostics for patients with SHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Koffler
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Kathy Ushakov
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Karen B Avraham
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
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50
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Zebrafish Models for the Mechanosensory Hair Cell Dysfunction in Usher Syndrome 3 Reveal That Clarin-1 Is an Essential Hair Bundle Protein. J Neurosci 2015; 35:10188-201. [PMID: 26180195 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1096-15.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Usher syndrome type III (USH3) is characterized by progressive loss of hearing and vision, and varying degrees of vestibular dysfunction. It is caused by mutations that affect the human clarin-1 protein (hCLRN1), a member of the tetraspanin protein family. The missense mutation CLRN1(N48K), which affects a conserved N-glycosylation site in hCLRN1, is a common causative USH3 mutation among Ashkenazi Jews. The affected individuals hear at birth but lose that function over time. Here, we developed an animal model system using zebrafish transgenesis and gene targeting to provide an explanation for this phenotype. Immunolabeling demonstrated that Clrn1 localized to the hair cell bundles (hair bundles). The clrn1 mutants generated by zinc finger nucleases displayed aberrant hair bundle morphology with diminished function. Two transgenic zebrafish that express either hCLRN1 or hCLRN1(N48K) in hair cells were produced to examine the subcellular localization patterns of wild-type and mutant human proteins. hCLRN1 localized to the hair bundles similarly to zebrafish Clrn1; in contrast, hCLRN1(N48K) largely mislocalized to the cell body with a small amount reaching the hair bundle. We propose that this small amount of hCLRN1(N48K) in the hair bundle provides clarin-1-mediated function during the early stages of life; however, the presence of hCLRN1(N48K) in the hair bundle diminishes over time because of intracellular degradation of the mutant protein, leading to progressive loss of hair bundle integrity and hair cell function. These findings and genetic tools provide an understanding and path forward to identify therapies to mitigate hearing loss linked to the CLRN1 mutation. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Mutations in the clarin-1 gene affect eye and ear function in humans. Individuals with the CLRN1(N48K) mutation are born able to hear but lose that function over time. Here, we develop an animal model system using zebrafish transgenesis and gene targeting to provide an explanation for this phenotype. This approach illuminates the role of clarin-1 and the molecular mechanism linked to the CLRN1(N48K) mutation in sensory hair cells of the inner ear. Additionally, the investigation provided an in vivo model to guide future drug discovery to rescue the hCLRN1(N48K) in hair cells.
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