1
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Kolvenbach CM, Shril S, Hildebrandt F. The genetics and pathogenesis of CAKUT. Nat Rev Nephrol 2023; 19:709-720. [PMID: 37524861 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00742-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) comprise a large variety of malformations that arise from defective kidney or urinary tract development and frequently lead to kidney failure. The clinical spectrum ranges from severe malformations, such as renal agenesis, to potentially milder manifestations, such as vesicoureteral reflux. Almost 50% of cases of chronic kidney disease that manifest within the first three decades of life are caused by CAKUT. Evidence suggests that a large number of CAKUT are genetic in origin. To date, mutations in ~54 genes have been identified as monogenic causes of CAKUT, contributing to 12-20% of the aetiology of the disease. Pathogenic copy number variants have also been shown to cause CAKUT and can be detected in 4-11% of patients. Furthermore, environmental and epigenetic factors can increase the risk of CAKUT. The discovery of novel CAKUT-causing genes is challenging owing to variable expressivity, incomplete penetrance and variable genotype-phenotype correlation. However, such a discovery could ultimately lead to improvements in the accurate molecular genetic diagnosis, assessment of prognosis and multidisciplinary clinical management of patients with CAKUT, potentially including personalized therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Kolvenbach
- Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shirlee Shril
- Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Friedhelm Hildebrandt
- Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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2
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Khan K, Ahram DF, Liu YP, Westland R, Sampogna RV, Katsanis N, Davis EE, Sanna-Cherchi S. Multidisciplinary approaches for elucidating genetics and molecular pathogenesis of urinary tract malformations. Kidney Int 2022; 101:473-484. [PMID: 34780871 PMCID: PMC8934530 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2021.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Advances in clinical diagnostics and molecular tools have improved our understanding of the genetically heterogeneous causes underlying congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). However, despite a sharp incline of CAKUT reports in the literature within the past 2 decades, there remains a plateau in the genetic diagnostic yield that is disproportionate to the accelerated ability to generate robust genome-wide data. Explanations for this observation include (i) diverse inheritance patterns with incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity, (ii) rarity of single-gene drivers such that large sample sizes are required to meet the burden of proof, and (iii) multigene interactions that might produce either intra- (e.g., copy number variants) or inter- (e.g., effects in trans) locus effects. These challenges present an opportunity for the community to implement innovative genetic and molecular avenues to explain the missing heritability and to better elucidate the mechanisms that underscore CAKUT. Here, we review recent multidisciplinary approaches at the intersection of genetics, genomics, in vivo modeling, and in vitro systems toward refining a blueprint for overcoming the diagnostic hurdles that are pervasive in urinary tract malformation cohorts. These approaches will not only benefit clinical management by reducing age at molecular diagnosis and prompting early evaluation for comorbid features but will also serve as a springboard for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Khan
- Center for Human Disease Modeling, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA (current address)
| | - Dina F. Ahram
- Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Yangfan P. Liu
- Center for Human Disease Modeling, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rik Westland
- Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, USA.,Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Amsterdam UMC- Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam, NL
| | | | - Nicholas Katsanis
- Center for Human Disease Modeling, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA (current address); Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Erica E. Davis
- Center for Human Disease Modeling, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA (current address).,Department of Pediatrics and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,To whom correspondence should be addressed: ADDRESS CORRESPONDENCE TO: Simone Sanna-Cherchi, MD, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA; Phone: 212-851-4925; Fax: 212-851-5461; . Erica E. Davis, PhD, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Phone: 312-503-7662; Fax: 312-503-7343; , Nicholas Katsanis, PhD, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Phone: 312-503-7339; Fax: 312-503-7343;
| | - Simone Sanna-Cherchi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
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3
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Knoers NVAM. The term CAKUT has outlived its usefulness: the case for the defense. Pediatr Nephrol 2022; 37:2793-2798. [PMID: 35867161 PMCID: PMC9489570 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-022-05678-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract form a spectrum of congenital structural disorders that are generally known under the term CAKUT. The term CAKUT was introduced 20 years ago and has been used extensively in literature since. Prof. Woolf has made a plea for abandoning this term in his "case for the prosecution." Here, I advocate for the continued use of CAKUT as an umbrella term for these related congenital kidney and urinary tract abnormalities. I explain why the term CAKUT accurately and usefully defines this group of related structural disorders with prenatal origin and why it makes sense to continue grouping these disorders given accumulating evidence for shared etiology of CAKUT phenotypes and the importance of grouping CAKUT phenotypes in genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nine V A M Knoers
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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4
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Kalantari S, Filges I. Gene Ontology Enrichment Analysis of Renal Agenesis: Improving Prenatal Molecular Diagnosis. Mol Syndromol 2021; 12:362-371. [PMID: 34899145 DOI: 10.1159/000518115] [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: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Uni- or bilateral renal agenesis (RA) is a commonly occurring major congenital anomaly impacting fetal and neonatal outcomes. Since the etiology is highly heterogeneous, our aim was to provide a logically structured approach by highlighting the genes in which variants have been identified to be associated with RA and to define the pathways involved in this type of abnormal kidney development. We used Phenolyzer to collect a list of all the genes known as causative for RA. Using ClueGO gene enrichment analysis, we classified the relationship between these genes and the biological processes defined by gene ontology. We identified 287 genes and 69 groups of enriched biological processes. About 50% included pathways directly related to the development of urogenital organ tissues. Several ciliary, axis specification, hindgut development, and endocrine pathways were enriched, which may relate to different clinical presentations of RA. Our gene ontology enrichment analysis shows that genes representing distinct biological pathways are significantly enriched. This knowledge will lead to an improved molecular diagnosis in clinical care when applying genome-wide sequencing approaches. The findings will also allow to further study the biological pathways involved in RA and to identify novel candidate genes and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Kalantari
- Medical Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Immunogenetics and Transplant Biology Service, Città della Salute e della Scienza University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Isabel Filges
- Medical Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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5
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Young JI, Slifer S, Hecht JT, Blanton SH. DNA Methylation Variation Is Identified in Monozygotic Twins Discordant for Non-syndromic Cleft Lip and Palate. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:656865. [PMID: 34055787 PMCID: PMC8149607 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.656865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCLP) is the most common craniofacial birth defect. The etiology of NSCLP is complex with multiple genes and environmental factors playing causal roles. Although studies have identified numerous genetic markers associated with NSCLP, the role of epigenetic variation remains relatively unexplored. Because of their identical DNA sequences, monozygotic (MZ) twins discordant for NSCLP are an ideal model for examining the potential contribution of DNA methylation to non-syndromic orofacial clefting. In this study, we compared the patterns of whole genome DNA methylation in six MZ twin pairs discordant for NSCLP. Differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and regions (DMRs) were identified in NSCLP candidate genes, including differential methylation in MAFB and ZEB2 in two independent MZ twin pairs. In addition to DNA methylation differences in NSCLP candidate genes, we found common differential methylation in genes belonging to the Hippo signaling pathway, implicating this mechanosensory pathway in the etiology of NSCLP. The results of this novel approach using MZ twins discordant for NSCLP suggests that differential methylation is one mechanism contributing to NSCLP, meriting future studies on the role of DNA methylation in familial and sporadic NSCLP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan I. Young
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Susan Slifer
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Jacqueline T. Hecht
- McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Susan H. Blanton
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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6
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Liu G, Zhao H, Yan Z, Zhao S, Niu Y, Li X, Wang S, Yang Y, Liu S, Zhang TJ, Wu Z, Wu N. Whole-genome methylation analysis reveals novel epigenetic perturbations of congenital scoliosis. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 23:1281-1287. [PMID: 33717649 PMCID: PMC7907230 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Congenital scoliosis (CS) is a congenital disease caused by malformations of vertebrae. Recent studies demonstrated that DNA modification could contribute to the pathogenesis of disease. This study aims to identify epigenetic perturbations that may contribute to the pathogenesis of CS. Four CS patients with hemivertebra were enrolled and underwent spine correction operations. DNA was extracted from the hemivertebrae and spinal process collected from the specimen during the hemivertebra resection. Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling was examined at base-pair resolution using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS). We identified 343 genes with hyper-differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and 222 genes with hypo-DMRs, respectively. These genes were enriched in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, and axon guidance in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways and were enriched in positive regulation of cell morphogenesis involved in differentiation, regulation of cell morphogenesis involved in differentiation, and regulation of neuron projection development in Biological Process of Gene Ontology (GO-BP) terms. Hyper-DMR-related genes, including IGHG1, IGHM, IGHG3, RNF213, and GSE1, and hypo DMR-related genes, including SORCS2, COL5A1, GRID1, RGS3, and ROBO2, may contribute to the pathogenesis of hemivertebra. The aberrant DNA methylation may be associated with the formation of hemivertebra and congenital scoliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Key Laboratory of Big Data for Spinal Deformities, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China.,Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Hengqiang Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Key Laboratory of Big Data for Spinal Deformities, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing 100730, China.,Medical Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Zihui Yan
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing 100730, China.,Medical Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Sen Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Key Laboratory of Big Data for Spinal Deformities, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yuchen Niu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing 100730, China.,Medical Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xiaoxin Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing 100730, China.,Medical Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Shengru Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Key Laboratory of Big Data for Spinal Deformities, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing 100730, China.,Key Laboratory of Big Data for Spinal Deformities, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Key Laboratory of Big Data for Spinal Deformities, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing 100730, China.,Key Laboratory of Big Data for Spinal Deformities, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Sen Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Key Laboratory of Big Data for Spinal Deformities, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing 100730, China.,Key Laboratory of Big Data for Spinal Deformities, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Terry Jianguo Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Key Laboratory of Big Data for Spinal Deformities, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing 100730, China.,Key Laboratory of Big Data for Spinal Deformities, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Zhihong Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing 100730, China.,Medical Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China.,Key Laboratory of Big Data for Spinal Deformities, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Nan Wu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Key Laboratory of Big Data for Spinal Deformities, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing 100730, China.,Key Laboratory of Big Data for Spinal Deformities, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
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7
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Liu G, Wang L, Wang X, Yan Z, Yang X, Lin M, Liu S, Zuo Y, Niu Y, Zhao S, Zhao Y, Zhang J, Shen J, Wang Y, Qiu G, Wu Z, Wu N. Whole-Genome Methylation Analysis of Phenotype Discordant Monozygotic Twins Reveals Novel Epigenetic Perturbation Contributing to the Pathogenesis of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:364. [PMID: 31921798 PMCID: PMC6914696 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex disease affecting a large number of teenagers, especially in female. This study reveals novel epigenetic perturbation to the pathogenesis of AIS. Methods: A female monozygotic (MZ) twin pair discordant for AIS were examined for whole-exome sequencing and epigenome difference. Sets of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were validated using MethylTarget™ method in 20 AIS female patients and 20 healthy female controls. Results: Few exome difference but several potential DMRs were found between the MZ twins. We identified 313 hypermethylated DMRs and 397 hypomethylated DMRs, respectively. Most of them were enriched in the MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, which may contribute to the discordance of AIS. Several DMRs related to scoliosis genes were tested, and the NDN: TSS-DMR (chr15:23932133-23932304, hg19) was confirmed in additional samples. The methylation level of this DMR was significantly higher in the AIS group than in the control group (p = 0.04). Conclusions: We described the epigenome difference in an AIS female discordant MZ twin pair using Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS). The NDN: TSS-DMR had higher methylation level in female AIS, which can help elucidate the potential etiology of AIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China
| | - Lianlei Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Big Data, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zihui Yan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China
| | - Xinzhuang Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China.,Department of Central Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mao Lin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China
| | - Sen Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China
| | - Yuzhi Zuo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China
| | - Yuchen Niu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China.,Department of Central Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sen Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China
| | - Yanxue Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China
| | - Jianguo Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China.,Medical Research Center of Orthopedics, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxiong Shen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China.,Medical Research Center of Orthopedics, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yipeng Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China.,Medical Research Center of Orthopedics, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guixing Qiu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China.,Medical Research Center of Orthopedics, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihong Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China.,Department of Central Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Medical Research Center of Orthopedics, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Wu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China.,Medical Research Center of Orthopedics, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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8
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Medda E, Vigone MC, Cassio A, Calaciura F, Costa P, Weber G, de Filippis T, Gelmini G, Di Frenna M, Caiulo S, Ortolano R, Rotondi D, Bartolucci M, Gelsomino R, De Angelis S, Gabbianelli M, Persani L, Olivieri A. Neonatal Screening for Congenital Hypothyroidism: What Can We Learn From Discordant Twins? J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:5765-5779. [PMID: 31287502 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2019-00900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Newborn screening program for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) adopting rescreening in at-risk neonates. OBJECTIVES To estimate the concordance rate for CH in twin pairs discordant at the first screening; to verify whether long-term follow-up of healthy cotwins belonging to CH discordant pairs may be useful to diagnose thyroid hypofunction during development; to evaluate the importance of genetic and environmental influences on liability to permanent and transient CH. DESIGN AND PATIENTS Forty-seven screening discordant twin pairs were investigated. Proband was defined as the twin in the pair with a positive test at the first screening and a confirmed diagnosis of CH. RESULTS Seven screening discordant twin pairs became concordant for CH within the first month of life (pairwise concordance of 14.9%) because seven screening negative cotwins showed high TSH values when retested. During long-term follow-up (range, 3 to 21 years), hypothyroidism was diagnosed in two monozygotic screening negative cotwins at the age of 9 months and 12 years, respectively. Furthermore, the twin analysis showed that 95% of liability to transient CH was explained by genetic factors and 5% by environmental (unshared) factors, whereas 64% of phenotypic variance of permanent CH was explained by common environmental factors (shared during the fetal life) and 36% by unshared environmental factors. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that the introduction of rescreening permits the diagnosis of CH in a greater number of twins. It also showed the importance of long-term follow-up in both twins in the pair, and the role of nongenetic factors in the etiology of permanent CH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Medda
- Reference Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Vigone
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cassio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Calaciura
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Pietro Costa
- Department of Maternal and Child Sciences and Urology, University "La Sapienza," Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Weber
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana de Filippis
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Gelmini
- Department of Maternal and Child Sciences and Urology, University "La Sapienza," Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Di Frenna
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvana Caiulo
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Rita Ortolano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniela Rotondi
- Department of Cardiovascular and Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases and Aging, National Institutes of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Bartolucci
- Department of Maternal and Child Sciences and Urology, University "La Sapienza," Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Gelsomino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Simona De Angelis
- Department of Cardiovascular and Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases and Aging, National Institutes of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Gabbianelli
- Department of Cardiovascular and Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases and Aging, National Institutes of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Persani
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Olivieri
- Department of Cardiovascular and Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases and Aging, National Institutes of Health, Rome, Italy
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9
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Kerr K, McAneney H, Flanagan C, Maxwell AP, McKnight AJ. Differential methylation as a diagnostic biomarker of rare renal diseases: a systematic review. BMC Nephrol 2019; 20:320. [PMID: 31419951 PMCID: PMC6697952 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-019-1517-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The challenges in diagnosis of rare renal conditions can negatively impact patient prognosis, quality of life and result in significant healthcare costs. Differential methylation is emerging as an important biomarker for rare diseases and should be evaluated for rare renal conditions. METHODS A comprehensive systematic review of methylation and rare renal disorders was conducted by searching the electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, alongside grey literature from GreyLit and OpenGrey databases, for publications published before September 2018. Additionally, the reference lists of the included papers were searched. Data was extracted and appraised including the primary focus, measurement and methodological rigour of the source. Eligibility criteria were adapted using the inclusion criteria from 'The 100,000 Genomes Project' and The National Registry of Rare Kidney Diseases, with additional focus on methylation. RESULTS Thirteen full text articles were included in the review. Diseases analysed for differential methylation included glomerular disease, IgA nephropathy, ADPKD, rare causes of proteinuria, congenital renal agenesis, and membranous nephropathy. CONCLUSIONS Differential methylation has been observed for several rare renal diseases, highlighting its potential for improving molecular characterisation of these disorders. Further investigation of methylation following a standardised reporting structure is necessary to improve research quality. Multi-omic data will provide insights for improved diagnosis, prognosis and support for individuals living and working with rare renal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Kerr
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, c/o Regional Genetics Centre, Level A, Tower Block, Belfast City Hospital, Lisburn Road, BT9 7AB, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Helen McAneney
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, c/o Regional Genetics Centre, Level A, Tower Block, Belfast City Hospital, Lisburn Road, BT9 7AB, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Cheryl Flanagan
- 100,000 Genomes Project Team, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | | | - Amy Jayne McKnight
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, c/o Regional Genetics Centre, Level A, Tower Block, Belfast City Hospital, Lisburn Road, BT9 7AB, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
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10
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Homatter C, Robillard PY, Omarjee A, Schweizer C, Boukerrou M, Cuillier F, Doray B, Randrianaivo H, Bertaut-Nativel B, Dumont C. Discordant malformations in monochorionic twins: a retrospective cohort study in La Reunion Island. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019; 33:4069-4075. [PMID: 30880510 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1594767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: Discordant malformation between monochorionic twins is a rare and unknown phenomenon.Objectives: To estimate the incidence of discordant monochorionic twins and to describe their characteristics.Study design: A retrospective multicenter cohort of pregnancies between 2002 and 2015 in La Reunion Island was analyzed, thanks to a population-based register. Only monochorionic pregnancies were included in order to analyze specifically monozygotic twins. We defined as discordant twin pairs those in which different malformations were identified for each twin and those with only one fetus showing a malformation.Results: During the study period, 203,807 births occurred, including 410 monochorionic twin pairs. Congenital anomalies rate for monochorionic twin pairs was 10.7%. We included 38 monochorionic twin pairs with discordant phenotypes, which represent 9.3% of monochorionic twin pairs and 86.4% of monochorionic twin pairs affected by congenital anomalies. Among them, both twins were affected by different congenital anomalies in 7 pairs (18.4%), and only one twin was affected in 31 pairs (81.6%). We identified 20 congenital heart anomalies (44.4%), 5 brain anomalies (11.1%), 5 genital anomalies (11.1%), 4 axial bones and skull anomalies (8.9%), 4 limb anomalies (8.9%), 4 facial anomalies (8.9%), 3 urological anomalies (6.6%), 2 thoracic anomalies (4.4%), 1 bile duct anomaly (2,2%), 1 abdominal parietal defect (2.2%), and 1 aneuploidy (2.2%). Among them, 3 (6.6%) fetuses had an association of malformations. Among the 45 fetuses with malformations, 37 fetuses (82.2%) were born alive and 21 (46.6%) had postnatal surgery.Conclusions: Despite a supposed identical genome, discordant congenital anomalies in monochorionic twin pregnancies are not exceptional and related to genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Sonographers and pediatricians should know that in monochorionic twin a pair, the occurrence of discordant phenotypes is high (9.3%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Homatter
- Service de Gynécologie - Obstétrique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sud-Réunion, Saint-Pierre, France
| | - Pierre-Yves Robillard
- Service de Réanimation Néonatale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sud-Réunion, Saint-Pierre, France.,Centre d'Études Périnatales Océan Indien, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sud-Réunion, Saint-Pierre, France
| | - Asma Omarjee
- Service de Gynécologie - Obstétrique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sud-Réunion, Saint-Pierre, France
| | - Chloé Schweizer
- Service de Gynécologie - Obstétrique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sud-Réunion, Saint-Pierre, France
| | - Malik Boukerrou
- Service de Gynécologie - Obstétrique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sud-Réunion, Saint-Pierre, France.,Centre d'Études Périnatales Océan Indien, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sud-Réunion, Saint-Pierre, France
| | - Fabrice Cuillier
- Service de Gynécologie - Obstétrique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Félix Guyon, Bellepierre, France
| | - Bérénice Doray
- Service de Génétique Médicale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Félix Guyon, Bellepierre, France.,CIC-EC Inserm CIC1410, Centre de Recherche Médicale et en Santé, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sud-Réunion, Saint-Pierre, France
| | - Hanitra Randrianaivo
- Registre des malformations congénitales de l'Ile de la Réunion, REMACOR, Saint-Pierre, France
| | | | - Coralie Dumont
- Service de Gynécologie - Obstétrique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sud-Réunion, Saint-Pierre, France.,Centre d'Études Périnatales Océan Indien, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sud-Réunion, Saint-Pierre, France
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11
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Woolf AS, Lopes FM, Ranjzad P, Roberts NA. Congenital Disorders of the Human Urinary Tract: Recent Insights From Genetic and Molecular Studies. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:136. [PMID: 31032239 PMCID: PMC6470263 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The urinary tract comprises the renal pelvis, the ureter, the urinary bladder, and the urethra. The tract acts as a functional unit, first propelling urine from the kidney to the bladder, then storing it at low pressure inside the bladder which intermittently and completely voids urine through the urethra. Congenital diseases of these structures can lead to a range of diseases sometimes associated with fetal losses or kidney failure in childhood and later in life. In some of these disorders, parts of the urinary tract are severely malformed. In other cases, the organs appear grossly intact yet they have functional deficits that compromise health. Human studies are beginning to indicate monogenic causes for some of these diseases. Here, the implicated genes can encode smooth muscle, neural or urothelial molecules, or transcription factors that regulate their expression. Furthermore, certain animal models are informative about how such molecules control the development and functional differentiation of the urinary tract. In future, novel therapies, including those based on gene transfer and stem cell technologies, may be used to treat these diseases to complement conventional pharmacological and surgical clinical therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian S Woolf
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Filipa M Lopes
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Parisa Ranjzad
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Neil A Roberts
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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12
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Hurtado Del Pozo C, Garreta E, Izpisúa Belmonte JC, Montserrat N. Modeling epigenetic modifications in renal development and disease with organoids and genome editing. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:dmm035048. [PMID: 30459215 PMCID: PMC6262817 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.035048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding epigenetic mechanisms is crucial to our comprehension of gene regulation in development and disease. In the past decades, different studies have shown the role of epigenetic modifications and modifiers in renal disease, especially during its progression towards chronic and end-stage renal disease. Thus, the identification of genetic variation associated with chronic kidney disease has resulted in better clinical management of patients. Despite the importance of these findings, the translation of genotype-phenotype data into gene-based medicine in chronic kidney disease populations still lacks faithful cellular or animal models that recapitulate the key aspects of the human kidney. The latest advances in the field of stem cells have shown that it is possible to emulate kidney development and function with organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells. These have successfully recapitulated not only kidney differentiation, but also the specific phenotypical traits related to kidney function. The combination of this methodology with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has already helped researchers to model different genetic kidney disorders. Nowadays, CRISPR/Cas9-based approaches also allow epigenetic modifications, and thus represent an unprecedented tool for the screening of genetic variants, epigenetic modifications or even changes in chromatin structure that are altered in renal disease. In this Review, we discuss these technical advances in kidney modeling, and offer an overview of the role of epigenetic regulation in kidney development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Hurtado Del Pozo
- Pluripotency for organ regeneration. Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), the Barcelona Institute of Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Garreta
- Pluripotency for organ regeneration. Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), the Barcelona Institute of Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Nuria Montserrat
- Pluripotency for organ regeneration. Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), the Barcelona Institute of Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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13
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Impact of next generation sequencing on our understanding of CAKUT. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 91:104-110. [PMID: 30172048 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.08.013] [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] [Received: 12/25/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) form the leading cause of pediatric end-stage renal disease. Knowledge on the molecular mechanisms that underlie CAKUT leads to the improvement of DNA diagnostics and counseling regarding prognosis and recurrence risk estimation for CAKUT patients and their relatives. Implementation of next generation sequencing in research and diagnostic settings has led to the identification of the molecular basis of many developmental diseases. In this review, we summarize the efforts on next generation sequencing in CAKUT research and we discuss how next generation sequencing added to our understanding of CAKUT genetics. Although next generation sequencing has certainly proven to be a game changer in the field of disease gene identification and novel CAKUT-causing gene variants have been identified, most CAKUT cases still remain unsolved. Occurring with genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity along with incomplete penetrance, the identification of CAKUT etiology poses many challenges. We see great potential for combined -omics approaches that include next generation sequencing in the identification of CAKUT-specific biomarkers, which is necessary to optimize the care for CAKUT patients.
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14
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Copy Number Variants and Exome Sequencing Analysis in Six Pairs of Chinese Monozygotic Twins Discordant for Congenital Heart Disease. Twin Res Hum Genet 2018; 20:521-532. [PMID: 29192580 PMCID: PMC5729853 DOI: 10.1017/thg.2017.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common birth defects. More than 200 susceptibility loci have been identified for CHDs, yet a large part of the genetic risk factors remain unexplained. Monozygotic (MZ) twins are thought to be completely genetically identical; however, discordant phenotypes have been found in MZ twins. Recent studies have demonstrated genetic differences between MZ twins. We aimed to test whether copy number variants (CNVs) and/or genetic mutation differences play a role in the etiology of CHDs by using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping arrays and whole exome sequencing of twin pairs discordant for CHDs. Our goal was to identify mutations present only in the affected twins, which could identify novel candidates for CHD susceptibility loci. We present a comprehensive analysis for the CNVs and genetic mutation results of the selected individuals but detected no consistent differences within the twin pairs. Our study confirms that chromosomal structure or genetic mutation differences do not seem to play a role in the MZ twins discordant for CHD.
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15
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Exomic and Epigenomic Analyses in a Pair of Monozygotic Twins Discordant for Cryptorchidism. Twin Res Hum Genet 2017; 20:349-354. [PMID: 28606200 DOI: 10.1017/thg.2017.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cryptorchidism represents one of the most common human congenital anomalies. In most cases, its etiology remains unclear and seems to be multifactorial. In the present study, a pair of monozygotic twins discordant for cryptorchidism was identified. Twin zygosity was confirmed by microsatellite genotyping. Whole exome sequencing and methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeDIP-Seq) of DNA extract from leucocytes were performed to, respectively, evaluate their exomes and epigenomes. No differences in exome sequencing data were found between the twins after validation. MeDIP-Seq analysis detected 5,410 differentially hypermethylated genes and 2,383 differentially hypomethylated genes. Bioinformatic analysis showed that these genes belonged to several biological processes and signaling pathways, including regulation of actin cytoskeleton, which has been previously implicated in the etiology of cryptorchidism. The findings of the present study suggest that non-genetic factors might contribute to the pathogenesis of cryptorchidism.
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16
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Abstract
By definition, monozygotic (MZ) twins carry an identical set of genetic information. The observation of early post-twinning mutational events was shown to cause phenotypic discordance among MZ twin pairs. These mutational events comprise genomic alterations at different scales, ranging from single nucleotide changes to larger copy-number variations (CNVs) of varying sizes, as well as epigenetic changes. Here, we performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) in nine discordant MZ twins to identify somatic mutational events in the affected twin that might exert a dominant negative effect. Five of these MZ twin pairs were discordant for congenital heart defects (CHD), two for endocrine disorders, one for omphalocele, and one for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Analysis of WES data from all nine MZ twin pairs using the de novo probability tool DeNovoGear detected only one apparent de novo variation in TMPRSS13 in one of the CHD-affected twins. Analysis of WES data from all nine MZ twin pairs by using standard filter criteria without the de novo probability tool DeNovoGear revealed a total of 6,657 variations in which both the twin pairs differed. After filtering for variations only present in the affected twins and absent in in-house controls, 722 variations remained. Visual inspection for read quality decreased this number to 12, present only in the affected twin. However, Sanger sequencing of the overall 13 variations failed to confirm the variation in the affected twin. These results suggest that somatic mutational events in coding regions do not seem to play a major role in the phenotypic expression of MZ discordant twin pairs.
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17
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Abstract
Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) refer to a spectrum of structural renal malformations and are the leading cause of end-stage renal disease in children. The genetic diagnosis of CAKUT has proven to be challenging due to genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity and incomplete genetic penetrance. Monogenic causes of CAKUT have been identified using different approaches, including single gene screening, and gene panel and whole exome sequencing. The majority of the identified mutations, however, lack substantial evidence to support a pathogenic role in CAKUT. Copy number variants or single nucleotide variants that are associated with CAKUT have also been identified. Numerous studies support the influence of epigenetic and environmental factors on kidney development and the natural history of CAKUT, suggesting that the pathogenesis of this syndrome is multifactorial. In this Review we describe the current knowledge regarding the genetic susceptibility underlying CAKUT and the approaches used to investigate the genetic basis of CAKUT. We outline the associated environmental risk factors and epigenetic influences on CAKUT and discuss the challenges and strategies used to fully address the involvement and interplay of these factors in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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18
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Renkema KY, Verhaar MC, Knoers NVAM. Diabetes-Induced Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT): Nurture and Nature at Work? Am J Kidney Dis 2015; 65:644-6. [PMID: 25919497 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2015.02.320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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19
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Webber DM, MacLeod SL, Bamshad MJ, Shaw GM, Finnell RH, Shete SS, Witte JS, Erickson SW, Murphy LD, Hobbs C. Developments in our understanding of the genetic basis of birth defects. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 103:680-91. [PMID: 26033863 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Birth defects are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There has been much progress in understanding the genetic basis of familial and syndromic forms of birth defects. However, the etiology of nonsydromic birth defects is not well-understood. Although there is still much work to be done, we have many of the tools needed to accomplish the task. Advances in next-generation sequencing have introduced a sea of possibilities, from disease-gene discovery to clinical screening and diagnosis. These advances have been fruitful in identifying a host of candidate disease genes, spanning the spectrum of birth defects. With the advent of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, researchers now have a precise tool for characterizing this genetic variation in model systems. Work in model organisms has also illustrated the importance of epigenetics in human development and birth defects etiology. Here we review past and current knowledge in birth defects genetics. We describe genotyping and sequencing methods for the detection and analysis of rare and common variants. We remark on the utility of model organisms and explore epigenetics in the context of structural malformation. We conclude by highlighting approaches that may provide insight into the complex genetics of birth defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Webber
- Division of Birth Defects Research, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Stewart L MacLeod
- Division of Birth Defects Research, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Michael J Bamshad
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Gary M Shaw
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Richard H Finnell
- Dell Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Nutritional Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Sanjay S Shete
- Department of Epidemiology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - John S Witte
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Stephen W Erickson
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Linda D Murphy
- Division of Birth Defects Research, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Charlotte Hobbs
- Division of Birth Defects Research, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
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20
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Genetic mosaics and the germ line lineage. Genes (Basel) 2015; 6:216-37. [PMID: 25898403 PMCID: PMC4488662 DOI: 10.3390/genes6020216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic mosaics provide information about cellular lineages that is otherwise difficult to obtain, especially in humans. De novo mutations act as cell markers, allowing the tracing of developmental trajectories of all descendants of the cell in which the new mutation arises. De novo mutations may arise at any time during development but are relatively rare. They have usually been observed through medical ascertainment, when the mutation causes unusual clinical signs or symptoms. Mutational events can include aneuploidies, large chromosomal rearrangements, copy number variants, or point mutations. In this review we focus primarily on the analysis of point mutations and their utility in addressing questions of germ line versus somatic lineages. Genetic mosaics demonstrate that the germ line and soma diverge early in development, since there are many examples of combined somatic and germ line mosaicism for de novo mutations. The occurrence of simultaneous mosaicism in both the germ line and soma also shows that the germ line is not strictly clonal but arises from at least two, and possibly multiple, cells in the embryo with different ancestries. Whole genome or exome DNA sequencing technologies promise to expand the range of studies of genetic mosaics, as de novo mutations can now be identified through sequencing alone in the absence of a medical ascertainment. These technologies have been used to study mutation patterns in nuclear families and in monozygotic twins, and in animal model developmental studies, but not yet for extensive cell lineage studies in humans.
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21
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Magne F, Serpa R, Van Vliet G, Samuels ME, Deladoëy J. Somatic mutations are not observed by exome sequencing of lymphocyte DNA from monozygotic twins discordant for congenital hypothyroidism due to thyroid dysgenesis. Horm Res Paediatr 2015; 83:79-85. [PMID: 25277881 PMCID: PMC5050031 DOI: 10.1159/000365393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Congenital primary hypothyroidism (CH) is a rare pediatric disorder estimated to occur in about 1:2,500 live births. Approximately half of these cases entail ectopic thyroid tissue, which is believed to result from a migration defect during embryogenesis. Approximately 3% of CH cases are explained by mutation(s) in known genes, most of which are transcription factors implicated in the embryology of the thyroid gland. Surprisingly, monozygotic (MZ) twins are usually discordant for CH due to thyroid dysgenesis, suggesting that most cases are not caused by transmitted genetic variation. One possible explanation is somatic mutation in genes involved in thyroid migration occurring after zygotic twinning. Such mutations should be observed only in the affected twin. METHODS To test the hypothesis of somatic mutation, we performed whole exome sequencing of DNA from three pairs of MZ twins discordant for CH with ectopic glands. RESULTS We found no somatic mutations exclusive to any of the three affected twins or in any of the unaffected twins. CONCLUSION Either somatic mutations are not significant for the etiology of CH or else such mutations lie outside regions of the genome accessible by exome sequencing technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Magne
- Endocrinology Service and Research Center, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Montreal, Montreal, Que., Canada,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Montreal, Montreal, Que., Canada
| | - Roman Serpa
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Montreal, Montreal, Que., Canada
| | - Guy Van Vliet
- Endocrinology Service and Research Center, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Montreal, Montreal, Que., Canada
| | - Mark E. Samuels
- Endocrinology Service and Research Center, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Montreal, Montreal, Que., Canada,Department of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Que., Canada
| | - Johnny Deladoëy
- Endocrinology Service and Research Center, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Montreal, Montreal, Que., Canada,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Montreal, Montreal, Que., Canada,Department of Biochemistry, University of Montreal, Montreal, Que., Canada
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22
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Castillo-Fernandez JE, Spector TD, Bell JT. Epigenetics of discordant monozygotic twins: implications for disease. Genome Med 2014; 6:60. [PMID: 25484923 PMCID: PMC4254430 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-014-0060-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Monozygotic (MZ) twins share nearly all of their genetic variants and many similar environments before and after birth. However, they can also show phenotypic discordance for a wide range of traits. Differences at the epigenetic level may account for such discordances. It is well established that epigenetic states can contribute to phenotypic variation, including disease. Epigenetic states are dynamic and potentially reversible marks involved in gene regulation, which can be influenced by genetics, environment, and stochastic events. Here, we review advances in epigenetic studies of discordant MZ twins, focusing on disease. The study of epigenetics and disease using discordant MZ twins offers the opportunity to control for many potential confounders encountered in general population studies, such as differences in genetic background, early-life environmental exposure, age, gender, and cohort effects. Recently, analysis of disease-discordant MZ twins has been successfully used to study epigenetic mechanisms in aging, cancer, autoimmune disease, psychiatric, neurological, and multiple other traits. Epigenetic aberrations have been found in a range of phenotypes, and challenges have been identified, including sampling time, tissue specificity, validation, and replication. The results have relevance for personalized medicine approaches, including the identification of prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic targets. The findings also help to identify epigenetic markers of environmental risk and molecular mechanisms involved in disease and disease progression, which have implications both for understanding disease and for future medical research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tim D Spector
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, Kings College London, London, SE1 7EH UK
| | - Jordana T Bell
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, Kings College London, London, SE1 7EH UK
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