1
|
Talkar T, Johnson KT, Narain J, Maes P, Picard R, Quatieri TF. Brief Report: Quantifying Speech Production Coordination from Non- and Minimally-Speaking Individuals. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-023-06206-0. [PMID: 38613592 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06206-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Non-verbal utterances are an important tool of communication for individuals who are non- or minimally-speaking. While these utterances are typically understood by caregivers, they can be challenging to interpret by their larger community. To date, there has been little work done to detect and characterize the vocalizations produced by non- or minimally-speaking individuals. This paper aims to characterize five categories of utterances across a set of 7 non- or minimally-speaking individuals. METHODS The characterization is accomplished using a correlation structure methodology, acting as a proxy measurement for motor coordination, to localize similarities and differences to specific speech production systems. RESULTS We specifically find that frustrated and dysregulated utterances show similar correlation structure outputs, especially when compared to self-talk, request, and delighted utterances. We additionally witness higher complexity of coordination between articulatory and respiratory subsystems and lower complexity of coordination between laryngeal and respiratory subsystems in frustration and dysregulation as compared to self-talk, request, and delight. Finally, we observe lower complexity of coordination across all three speech subsystems in the request utterances as compared to self-talk and delight. CONCLUSION The insights from this work aid in understanding of the modifications made by non- or minimally-speaking individuals to accomplish specific goals in non-verbal communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Talkar
- Human Health and Performance Systems, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA, USA.
- Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Kristina T Johnson
- MIT Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
| | - Jaya Narain
- MIT Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Pattie Maes
- MIT Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rosalind Picard
- MIT Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Thomas F Quatieri
- Human Health and Performance Systems, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA, USA
- Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cho JY, Rumschlag JA, Tsvetkov E, Proper DS, Lang H, Berto S, Assali A, Cowan CW. MEF2C Hypofunction in GABAergic Cells Alters Sociability and Prefrontal Cortex Inhibitory Synaptic Transmission in a Sex-Dependent Manner. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 4:100289. [PMID: 38390348 PMCID: PMC10881314 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2024.100289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Heterozygous mutations or deletions of MEF2C cause a neurodevelopmental disorder termed MEF2C haploinsufficiency syndrome (MCHS), characterized by autism spectrum disorder and neurological symptoms. In mice, global Mef2c heterozygosity has produced multiple MCHS-like phenotypes. MEF2C is highly expressed in multiple cell types of the developing brain, including GABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acidergic) inhibitory neurons, but the influence of MEF2C hypofunction in GABAergic neurons on MCHS-like phenotypes remains unclear. Methods We employed GABAergic cell type-specific manipulations to study mouse Mef2c heterozygosity in a battery of MCHS-like behaviors. We also performed electroencephalography, single-cell transcriptomics, and patch-clamp electrophysiology and optogenetics to assess the impact of Mef2c haploinsufficiency on gene expression and prefrontal cortex microcircuits. Results Mef2c heterozygosity in developing GABAergic cells produced female-specific deficits in social preference and altered approach-avoidance behavior. In female, but not male, mice, we observed that Mef2c heterozygosity in developing GABAergic cells produced 1) differentially expressed genes in multiple cell types, including parvalbumin-expressing GABAergic neurons, 2) baseline and social-related frontocortical network activity alterations, and 3) reductions in parvalbumin cell intrinsic excitability and inhibitory synaptic transmission onto deep-layer pyramidal neurons. Conclusions MEF2C hypofunction in female, but not male, developing GABAergic cells is important for typical sociability and approach-avoidance behaviors and normal parvalbumin inhibitory neuron function in the prefrontal cortex of mice. While there is no apparent sex bias in autism spectrum disorder symptoms of MCHS, our findings suggest that GABAergic cell-specific dysfunction in females with MCHS may contribute disproportionately to sociability symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Y. Cho
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Jeffrey A. Rumschlag
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Evgeny Tsvetkov
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Divya S. Proper
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Hainan Lang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Stefano Berto
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Ahlem Assali
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Christopher W. Cowan
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li WK, Zhang SQ, Peng WL, Shi YH, Yuan B, Yuan YT, Xue ZY, Wang JC, Han WJ, Chen ZF, Shan SF, Xue BQ, Chen JL, Zhang C, Zhu SJ, Tai YL, Cheng TL, Qiu ZL. Whole-brain in vivo base editing reverses behavioral changes in Mef2c-mutant mice. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:116-128. [PMID: 38012399 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01499-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Whole-brain genome editing to correct single-base mutations and reduce or reverse behavioral changes in animal models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has not yet been achieved. We developed an apolipoprotein B messenger RNA-editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-embedded cytosine base editor (AeCBE) system for converting C·G to T·A base pairs. We demonstrate its effectiveness by targeting AeCBE to an ASD-associated mutation of the MEF2C gene (c.104T>C, p.L35P) in vivo in mice. We first constructed Mef2cL35P heterozygous mice. Male heterozygous mice exhibited hyperactivity, repetitive behavior and social abnormalities. We then programmed AeCBE to edit the mutated C·G base pairs of Mef2c in the mouse brain through the intravenous injection of blood-brain barrier-crossing adeno-associated virus. This treatment successfully restored Mef2c protein levels in several brain regions and reversed the behavioral abnormalities in Mef2c-mutant mice. Our work presents an in vivo base-editing paradigm that could potentially correct single-base genetic mutations in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ke Li
- Songjiang Research Institute, Songjiang Hospital & MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Qian Zhang
- Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wan-Ling Peng
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Han Shi
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Yuan
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Ting Yuan
- Songjiang Research Institute, Songjiang Hospital & MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Xue
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin-Cheng Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Jian Han
- Songjiang Research Institute, Songjiang Hospital & MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Fang Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Fang Shan
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Bi-Qing Xue
- Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin-Long Chen
- Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Jia Zhu
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Lin Tai
- Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian-Lin Cheng
- Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zi-Long Qiu
- Songjiang Research Institute, Songjiang Hospital & MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- Clinical Neuroscience Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fahey L, Ali D, Donohoe G, Ó Broin P, Morris DW. Genes positively regulated by Mef2c in cortical neurons are enriched for common genetic variation associated with IQ and educational attainment. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:3194-3203. [PMID: 37672226 PMCID: PMC10630234 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The myocyte enhancer factor 2 C (MEF2C) gene encodes a transcription factor important for neurogenesis and synapse development and contains common variants associated with intelligence (IQ) and educational attainment (EA). Here, we took gene expression data from the mouse cortex of a Mef2c mouse model with a heterozygous DNA binding-deficient mutation of Mef2c (Mef2c-het) and combined these data with MEF2C ChIP-seq data from cortical neurons and single-cell data from the mouse brain. This enabled us to create a set of genes that were differentially regulated in Mef2c-het mice, represented direct target genes of MEF2C and had elevated in expression in cortical neurons. We found this gene-set to be enriched for genes containing common genetic variation associated with IQ and EA. Genes within this gene-set that were down-regulated, i.e. have reduced expression in Mef2c-het mice versus controls, were specifically significantly enriched for both EA and IQ associated genes. These down-regulated genes were enriched for functionality in the adenylyl cyclase signalling system, which is known to positively regulate synaptic transmission and has been linked to learning and memory. Within the adenylyl cyclase signalling system, three genes regulated by MEF2C, CRHR1, RGS6, and GABRG3, are associated at genome-wide significant levels with IQ and/or EA. Our results indicate that genetic variation in MEF2C and its direct target genes within cortical neurons contribute to variance in cognition within the general population, and the molecular mechanisms involved include the adenylyl cyclase signalling system's role in synaptic function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fahey
- Centre for Neuroimaging, Cognition and Genomics (NICOG), School of Biological and Chemical Sciences and School of Psychology, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, H91 CF50, Ireland
- Discipline of Bioinformatics, School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, H91 CF50, Ireland
| | - Deema Ali
- Centre for Neuroimaging, Cognition and Genomics (NICOG), School of Biological and Chemical Sciences and School of Psychology, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, H91 CF50, Ireland
| | - Gary Donohoe
- Centre for Neuroimaging, Cognition and Genomics (NICOG), School of Biological and Chemical Sciences and School of Psychology, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, H91 CF50, Ireland
| | - Pilib Ó Broin
- Discipline of Bioinformatics, School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, H91 CF50, Ireland
| | - Derek W Morris
- Centre for Neuroimaging, Cognition and Genomics (NICOG), School of Biological and Chemical Sciences and School of Psychology, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, H91 CF50, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Martini AG, Smith JP, Medrano S, Finer G, Sheffield NC, Sequeira-Lopez MLS, Ariel Gomez R. Renin Cell Development: Insights From Chromatin Accessibility and Single-Cell Transcriptomics. Circ Res 2023; 133:369-371. [PMID: 37395102 PMCID: PMC10529662 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.322827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre G Martini
- Departments of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Jason P. Smith
- Departments of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Silvia Medrano
- Departments of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Gal Finer
- Division of Nephrology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
| | - Nathan C. Sheffield
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
- Departments of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | | | - R. Ariel Gomez
- Departments of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tamura T, Shimojima Yamamoto K, Imaizumi T, Yamamoto H, Miyamoto Y, Yagasaki H, Morioka I, Kanno H, Yamamoto T. Breakpoint analysis for cytogenetically balanced translocation revealed unexpected complex structural abnormalities and suggested the position effect for MEF2C. Am J Med Genet A 2023; 191:1632-1638. [PMID: 36916329 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63182] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Many disease-causing genes have been identified by determining the breakpoints of balanced chromosomal translocations. Recent progress in genomic analysis has accelerated the analysis of chromosomal translocation-breakpoints at the nucleotide level. Using a long-read whole-genome sequence, we analyzed the breakpoints of the cytogenetically balanced chromosomal translocation t(5;15)(q21;26.3), which was confirmed to be of de novo origin, in a patient with a neurodevelopmental disorder. The results showed complex rearrangements with seven fragments consisting of five breakpoint-junctions (BJs). Four of the five BJs showed microhomologies of 1-3-bp, and only one BJ displayed a signature of blunt-end ligation, indicating chromothripsis as the underlying mechanism. Although the BJs did not disrupt any disease-causing gene, the clinical features of the patient were compatible with MEF2C haploinsufficiency syndrome. Complex rearrangements were located approximately 2.5-Mb downstream of MEF2C. Therefore, position effects were considered the mechanism of the occurrence of MEF2C haploinsufficiency syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takeaki Tamura
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Gene Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cell Processing, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiko Shimojima Yamamoto
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cell Processing, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.,Institute of Medical Genetics, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taichi Imaizumi
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Hisako Yamamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Yusaku Miyamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yagasaki
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ichiro Morioka
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kanno
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cell Processing, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.,Institute of Medical Genetics, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Yamamoto
- Division of Gene Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.,Institute of Medical Genetics, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
The Role of MEF2 Transcription Factor Family in Neuronal Survival and Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043120. [PMID: 36834528 PMCID: PMC9963821 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043120] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The family of myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) transcription factors comprises four highly conserved members that play an important role in the nervous system. They appear in precisely defined time frames in the developing brain to turn on and turn off genes affecting growth, pruning and survival of neurons. MEF2s are known to dictate neuronal development, synaptic plasticity and restrict the number of synapses in the hippocampus, thus affecting learning and memory formation. In primary neurons, negative regulation of MEF2 activity by external stimuli or stress conditions is known to induce apoptosis, albeit the pro or antiapoptotic action of MEF2 depends on the neuronal maturation stage. By contrast, enhancement of MEF2 transcriptional activity protects neurons from apoptotic death both in vitro and in preclinical models of neurodegenerative diseases. A growing body of evidence places this transcription factor in the center of many neuropathologies associated with age-dependent neuronal dysfunctions or gradual but irreversible neuron loss. In this work, we discuss how the altered function of MEF2s during development and in adulthood affecting neuronal survival may be linked to neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
|
8
|
Martini AG, Smith JP, Medrano S, Sheffield NC, Sequeira-Lopez MLS, Gomez RA. Determinants of renin cell differentiation: a single cell epi-transcriptomics approach. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.18.524595. [PMID: 36711565 PMCID: PMC9882312 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.18.524595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Rationale Renin cells are essential for survival. They control the morphogenesis of the kidney arterioles, and the composition and volume of our extracellular fluid, arterial blood pressure, tissue perfusion, and oxygen delivery. It is known that renin cells and associated arteriolar cells descend from FoxD1 + progenitor cells, yet renin cells remain challenging to study due in no small part to their rarity within the kidney. As such, the molecular mechanisms underlying the differentiation and maintenance of these cells remain insufficiently understood. Objective We sought to comprehensively evaluate the chromatin states and transcription factors (TFs) that drive the differentiation of FoxD1 + progenitor cells into those that compose the kidney vasculature with a focus on renin cells. Methods and Results We isolated single nuclei of FoxD1 + progenitor cells and their descendants from FoxD1 cre/+ ; R26R-mTmG mice at embryonic day 12 (E12) (n cells =1234), embryonic day 18 (E18) (n cells =3696), postnatal day 5 (P5) (n cells =1986), and postnatal day 30 (P30) (n cells =1196). Using integrated scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq we established the developmental trajectory that leads to the mosaic of cells that compose the kidney arterioles, and specifically identified the factors that determine the elusive, myo-endocrine adult renin-secreting juxtaglomerular (JG) cell. We confirm the role of Nfix in JG cell development and renin expression, and identified the myocyte enhancer factor-2 (MEF2) family of TFs as putative drivers of JG cell differentiation. Conclusions We provide the first developmental trajectory of renin cell differentiation as they become JG cells in a single-cell atlas of kidney vascular open chromatin and highlighted novel factors important for their stage-specific differentiation. This improved understanding of the regulatory landscape of renin expressing JG cells is necessary to better learn the control and function of this rare cell population as overactivation or aberrant activity of the RAS is a key factor in cardiovascular and kidney pathologies.
Collapse
|
9
|
Underwood A, Rasicci DT, Hinds D, Mitchell JT, Zieba JK, Mills J, Arnold NE, Cook TW, Moustaqil M, Gambin Y, Sierecki E, Fontaine F, Vanderweele S, Das AS, Cvammen W, Sirpilla O, Soehnlen X, Bricker K, Alokaili M, Green M, Heeringa S, Wilstermann AM, Freeland TM, Qutob D, Milsted A, Jauch R, Triche TJ, Krawczyk CM, Bupp CP, Rajasekaran S, Francois M, Prokop JW. Evolutionary Landscape of SOX Genes to Inform Genotype-to-Phenotype Relationships. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:222. [PMID: 36672963 PMCID: PMC9859272 DOI: 10.3390/genes14010222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The SOX transcription factor family is pivotal in controlling aspects of development. To identify genotype-phenotype relationships of SOX proteins, we performed a non-biased study of SOX using 1890 open-reading frame and 6667 amino acid sequences in combination with structural dynamics to interpret 3999 gnomAD, 485 ClinVar, 1174 Geno2MP, and 4313 COSMIC human variants. We identified, within the HMG (High Mobility Group)- box, twenty-seven amino acids with changes in multiple SOX proteins annotated to clinical pathologies. These sites were screened through Geno2MP medical phenotypes, revealing novel SOX15 R104G associated with musculature abnormality and SOX8 R159G with intellectual disability. Within gnomAD, SOX18 E137K (rs201931544), found within the HMG box of ~0.8% of Latinx individuals, is associated with seizures and neurological complications, potentially through blood-brain barrier alterations. A total of 56 highly conserved variants were found at sites outside the HMG-box, including several within the SOX2 HMG-box-flanking region with neurological associations, several in the SOX9 dimerization region associated with Campomelic Dysplasia, SOX14 K88R (rs199932938) flanking the HMG box associated with cardiovascular complications within European populations, and SOX7 A379V (rs143587868) within an SOXF conserved far C-terminal domain heterozygous in 0.716% of African individuals with associated eye phenotypes. This SOX data compilation builds a robust genotype-to-phenotype association for a gene family through more robust ortholog data integration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Underwood
- Division of Mathematics and Science, Walsh University, North Canton, OH 44720, USA
| | - Daniel T Rasicci
- Division of Mathematics and Science, Walsh University, North Canton, OH 44720, USA
| | - David Hinds
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL 35806, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Jackson T Mitchell
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Jacob K Zieba
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Joshua Mills
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Nicholas E Arnold
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Taylor W Cook
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Mehdi Moustaqil
- Single Molecule Science, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Yann Gambin
- Single Molecule Science, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Emma Sierecki
- Single Molecule Science, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Frank Fontaine
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Sophie Vanderweele
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Akansha S Das
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - William Cvammen
- Division of Mathematics and Science, Walsh University, North Canton, OH 44720, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Olivia Sirpilla
- Division of Mathematics and Science, Walsh University, North Canton, OH 44720, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Xavier Soehnlen
- Division of Mathematics and Science, Walsh University, North Canton, OH 44720, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Kristen Bricker
- Division of Mathematics and Science, Walsh University, North Canton, OH 44720, USA
| | - Maram Alokaili
- Division of Mathematics and Science, Walsh University, North Canton, OH 44720, USA
| | - Morgan Green
- Department of Chemistry, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI 49401, USA
| | - Sadie Heeringa
- Department of Biology, Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, USA
| | - Amy M Wilstermann
- Department of Biology, Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, USA
| | - Thomas M. Freeland
- Division of Mathematics and Science, Walsh University, North Canton, OH 44720, USA
| | - Dinah Qutob
- Division of Mathematics and Science, Walsh University, North Canton, OH 44720, USA
| | - Amy Milsted
- Division of Mathematics and Science, Walsh University, North Canton, OH 44720, USA
| | - Ralf Jauch
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 518057, China
| | - Timothy J Triche
- Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Connie M Krawczyk
- Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Caleb P Bupp
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
- Division of Medical Genetics, Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Surender Rajasekaran
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
- Office of Research, Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Mathias Francois
- The Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jeremy W. Prokop
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
- Office of Research, Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fu X, Yao T, Chen X, Li H, Wu J. MEF2C gene variations are associated with ADHD in the Chinese Han population: a case-control study. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2022; 129:431-439. [PMID: 35357565 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02490-9] [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: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) is associated with hyperactivity and might be a novel risk gene for susceptibility to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Therefore, this study aimed to explore the association between MEF2C genetic variants and ADHD in the Chinese Han population. A total of 215 patients with ADHD and 233 controls were recruited for this study. The Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham version IV questionnaire was used to evaluate the clinical features of ADHD. In silico analysis was used to annotate the biological functions of the promising single nucleotide polymorphisms. Our findings indicated that MEF2C rs587490 was significantly associated with ADHD in the multiplicative model (OR = 0.640, p = 0.002). Participants with the rs587490 TT allele exhibited less hyperactivity/impulsivity than those with the rs587490 CC allele. Furthermore, the expression quantitative trait loci analysis suggested that rs587490 could regulate the gene expression of MEF2C in the hippocampus, putamen, thalamus, and frontal white matter. Our study concluded that the MEF2C rs587490 T allele is significantly associated with a reduced risk of ADHD in the Chinese Han population, which provides new insight into the genetic etiology of ADHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xihang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environmental Protection, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13, Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Yao
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environmental Protection, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13, Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinzhen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environmental Protection, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13, Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiru Li
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environmental Protection, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13, Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environmental Protection, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13, Hangkong Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Loers G, Kleene R, Girbes Minguez M, Schachner M. The Cell Adhesion Molecule L1 Interacts with Methyl CpG Binding Protein 2 via Its Intracellular Domain. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073554. [PMID: 35408913 PMCID: PMC8998178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell adhesion molecule L1 regulates multiple cell functions, and L1 deficiency is linked to several neural diseases. Recently, we have identified methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) as a potential binding partner of the intracellular L1 domain. By ELISA we show here that L1's intracellular domain binds directly to MeCP2 via the sequence motif KDET. Proximity ligation assay with cultured cerebellar and cortical neurons suggests a close association between L1 and MeCP2 in nuclei of neurons. Immunoprecipitation using MeCP2 antibodies and nuclear mouse brain extracts indicates that MeCP2 interacts with an L1 fragment of ~55 kDa (L1-55). Proximity ligation assay indicates that metalloproteases, β-site of amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme (BACE1) and ɣ-secretase, are involved in the generation of L1-55. Reduction in MeCP2 expression by siRNA decreases L1-dependent neurite outgrowth from cultured cortical neurons as well as the migration of L1-expressing HEK293 cells. Moreover, L1 siRNA, MeCP2 siRNA, or a cell-penetrating KDET-containing L1 peptide leads to reduced levels of myocyte enhancer factor 2C (Mef2c) mRNA and protein in cortical neurons, suggesting that the MeCP2/L1 interaction regulates Mef2c expression. Altogether, the present findings indicate that the interaction of the novel fragment L1-55 with MeCP2 affects L1-dependent functions, such as neurite outgrowth and neuronal migration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Loers
- Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (G.L.); (R.K.); (M.G.M.)
| | - Ralf Kleene
- Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (G.L.); (R.K.); (M.G.M.)
| | - Maria Girbes Minguez
- Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (G.L.); (R.K.); (M.G.M.)
| | - Melitta Schachner
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-848-445-1780
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhang Z, Zhao Y. Progress on the roles of MEF2C in neuropsychiatric diseases. Mol Brain 2022; 15:8. [PMID: 34991657 PMCID: PMC8740500 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00892-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2 C (MEF2C), one of the transcription factors of the MADS-BOX family, is involved in embryonic brain development, neuronal formation and differentiation, as well as in the growth and pruning of axons and dendrites. MEF2C is also involved in the development of various neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), epilepsy, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, we review the relationship between MEF2C and neuropsychiatric disorders, and provide further insights into the mechanism of these diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhikun Zhang
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.,Department of Mental Health, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China
| | - Yongxiang Zhao
- National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sunderaraman P, Cosentino S, Schupf N, Manly J, Gu Y, Barral S. MEF2C Common Genetic Variation Is Associated With Different Aspects of Cognition in Non-Hispanic White and Caribbean Hispanic Non-demented Older Adults. Front Genet 2021; 12:642327. [PMID: 34386032 PMCID: PMC8353395 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.642327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2C (MEF2C) is identified as a candidate gene contributing to the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. However, little is known about whether MEF2C plays a role in specific aspects of cognition among older adults. The current study investigated the association of common variants in the MEF2C gene with four cognitive domains including memory, visuospatial functioning, processing speed and language among non-demented individuals. METHOD Participants from two ethnic groups, Non-Hispanic White (NHW; n = 537) and Caribbean Hispanic (CH; n = 1,197) from the Washington Heights-Inwood Community Aging Project (WHICAP) study, were included. Genetic association analyses using WHICAP imputed genome-wide data (GWAS) were conducted for the various cognition domains. RESULTS Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) variants in the MEF2C gene showed nominally significant associations in all cognitive domains but for different SNPs across both the ethnic groups. In NHW participants, the strongest associations were present for memory (rs302484), language (rs619584), processing speed (rs13159808), and visuospatial functioning (several SNPs). In CH, strongest associations were observed for memory (rs34822815), processing speed (rs304141), visuospatial functioning (rs10066711 and rs10038371), and language (rs304153). DISCUSSION MEF2C variant-cognitive associations shed light on an apparent role for MEF2C in both memory and non-memory aspects of cognition in individuals from NHW and CH ancestries. However, the little overlap in the specific SNP-cognition associations in CH versus NHW highlights the differences in genetic architectural variations among those from different ancestries that should be considered while studying the MEF2C gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Sunderaraman
- Cognitive Neuroscience Division of the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, G.H. Sergievsky Center, and the Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cooley Coleman JA, Sarasua SM, Boccuto L, Moore HW, Skinner SA, DeLuca JM. Comprehensive investigation of the phenotype of MEF2C-related disorders in human patients: A systematic review. Am J Med Genet A 2021; 185:3884-3894. [PMID: 34184825 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
MEF2C-related disorders (aka MEF2C-haploinsufficiency) are caused by variations in or involving the MEF2C gene and are characterized by intellectual disability, developmental delay, lack of speech, limited walking, and seizures. Despite these findings, the disorder is not easily recognized clinically. We performed a systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to assemble the most comprehensive list of patients and their phenotypes. Through searching PubMed, Web of Science, and MEDLINE, 43 articles met the inclusion criteria and were fully reviewed. One hundred and seventeen patients were identified from these publications with most having a phenotype of intellectual disability, developmental delay, seizures, hypotonia, absent speech, inability to walk, stereotypic movements, and MRI abnormalities. Nonclassical findings included one patient with a question mark ear, two patients with a jugular pit, one patient with a unique neuroendocrine finding, and nine patients that did not have MEF2C deletions or disruptions but may be affected due to a positional effect on MEF2C. This systematic review characterizes the phenotype of MEF2C-related disorders, documents the severity of this condition, and will help providers to better diagnose and care for patients and their families. Additionally, this compiled information provides a comprehensive resource for investigators interested in pursuing specific genotype-phenotype correlations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Cooley Coleman
- School of Nursing, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA.,Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
| | - Sara M Sarasua
- School of Nursing, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Luigi Boccuto
- School of Nursing, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Jane M DeLuca
- School of Nursing, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA.,Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wright CF, Quaife NM, Ramos-Hernández L, Danecek P, Ferla MP, Samocha KE, Kaplanis J, Gardner EJ, Eberhardt RY, Chao KR, Karczewski KJ, Morales J, Gallone G, Balasubramanian M, Banka S, Gompertz L, Kerr B, Kirby A, Lynch SA, Morton JEV, Pinz H, Sansbury FH, Stewart H, Zuccarelli BD, Cook SA, Taylor JC, Juusola J, Retterer K, Firth HV, Hurles ME, Lara-Pezzi E, Barton PJR, Whiffin N. Non-coding region variants upstream of MEF2C cause severe developmental disorder through three distinct loss-of-function mechanisms. Am J Hum Genet 2021; 108:1083-1094. [PMID: 34022131 PMCID: PMC8206381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2021.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical genetic testing of protein-coding regions identifies a likely causative variant in only around half of developmental disorder (DD) cases. The contribution of regulatory variation in non-coding regions to rare disease, including DD, remains very poorly understood. We screened 9,858 probands from the Deciphering Developmental Disorders (DDD) study for de novo mutations in the 5' untranslated regions (5' UTRs) of genes within which variants have previously been shown to cause DD through a dominant haploinsufficient mechanism. We identified four single-nucleotide variants and two copy-number variants upstream of MEF2C in a total of ten individual probands. We developed multiple bespoke and orthogonal experimental approaches to demonstrate that these variants cause DD through three distinct loss-of-function mechanisms, disrupting transcription, translation, and/or protein function. These non-coding region variants represent 23% of likely diagnoses identified in MEF2C in the DDD cohort, but these would all be missed in standard clinical genetics approaches. Nonetheless, these variants are readily detectable in exome sequence data, with 30.7% of 5' UTR bases across all genes well covered in the DDD dataset. Our analyses show that non-coding variants upstream of genes within which coding variants are known to cause DD are an important cause of severe disease and demonstrate that analyzing 5' UTRs can increase diagnostic yield. We also show how non-coding variants can help inform both the disease-causing mechanism underlying protein-coding variants and dosage tolerance of the gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline F Wright
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Exeter Medical School, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Nicholas M Quaife
- National Heart & Lung Institute and MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; Cardiovascular Research Centre, Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals NHS Trust, London SW3 6NP, UK
| | - Laura Ramos-Hernández
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Petr Danecek
- Human Genetics Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1RQ, UK
| | - Matteo P Ferla
- National Institute for Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Kaitlin E Samocha
- Human Genetics Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1RQ, UK
| | - Joanna Kaplanis
- Human Genetics Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1RQ, UK
| | - Eugene J Gardner
- Human Genetics Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1RQ, UK
| | - Ruth Y Eberhardt
- Human Genetics Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1RQ, UK
| | - Katherine R Chao
- Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Konrad J Karczewski
- Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Joannella Morales
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Giuseppe Gallone
- Human Genetics Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1RQ, UK
| | - Meena Balasubramanian
- Sheffield Clinical Genetics Service, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield S10 2TH, UK; Academic Unit of Child Health, Department of Oncology & Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TH, UK
| | - Siddharth Banka
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, UK; Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Lianne Gompertz
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Bronwyn Kerr
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Amelia Kirby
- Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Sally A Lynch
- UCD Academic Centre on Rare Diseases, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University College Dublin, and Clinical Genetics, Temple Street Children's University Hospital, Dublin D01 XD99, Ireland
| | - Jenny E V Morton
- West Midlands Regional Clinical Genetics Service and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B4 6NH, UK
| | - Hailey Pinz
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Francis H Sansbury
- All Wales Medical Genomics Service, NHS Wales Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Institute of Medical Genetics, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff CF14 4AY, UK
| | - Helen Stewart
- Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Britton D Zuccarelli
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Salina Campus, Salina, KS 67401, USA
| | - Stuart A Cook
- National Heart & Lung Institute and MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Jenny C Taylor
- National Institute for Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | | | | | - Helen V Firth
- Human Genetics Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1RQ, UK; East Anglian Medical Genetics Service, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Matthew E Hurles
- Human Genetics Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1RQ, UK
| | - Enrique Lara-Pezzi
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain; CIBER de enfermedades CardioVasculares (CIBERCV), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paul J R Barton
- National Heart & Lung Institute and MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; Cardiovascular Research Centre, Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals NHS Trust, London SW3 6NP, UK
| | - Nicola Whiffin
- Human Genetics Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1RQ, UK; Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Adrião A, Santana I, Ribeiro C, Cancela ML, Conceição N, Grazina M. Identification of a novel mutation in MEF2C gene in an atypical patient with frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Neurol Sci 2021; 43:319-326. [PMID: 33999292 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05269-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The MEF2C gene encodes a transcription factor known to play a crucial role in molecular pathways affecting neuronal development. MEF2C mutations were described as a genetic cause of developmental disease (MRD20), and several reports sustain its involvement in dementia-related conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. These pathologies and frontotemporal degeneration (FTLD) are thought to share common physiopathological pathways. In this exploratory study, we searched for alterations in the DNA sequence of exons and boundaries, including 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions (5'UTR, 3'UTR), of MEF2C gene in 11 patients with clinical phenotypes related with MRD20 or FTLD. We identified a heterozygous deletion of 13 nucleotides in the 5'UTR region of a 69 years old FTLD patient. This alteration was absent in 200 healthy controls, suggesting a contribution to this patient's disease phenotype. In silico analysis of the mutated sequence indicated changes in mRNA secondary structure and stability, thus potentially affecting MEF2C protein levels. Furthermore, in vitro functional analysis of this mutation revealed that the presence of this deletion abolished the transcriptional activity of the gene in human embryonic cells and rat brain neurons, probably by modifying MEF2C expression. Altogether, our results provide evidence for the involvement of MEF2C in FTLD manifesting with seizures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Adrião
- Centre of Marine Sciences/CCMAR, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal.,PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Isabel Santana
- Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Pólo III - Subunit I, Azinhaga de Sta. Comba Celas PT, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carolina Ribeiro
- CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra - Laboratory of Mitochondrial BioMedicine and Theranostics, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - M Leonor Cancela
- Centre of Marine Sciences/CCMAR, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and Algarve Biomedical Centre, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas PT, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Natércia Conceição
- Centre of Marine Sciences/CCMAR, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal. .,Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and Algarve Biomedical Centre, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas PT, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.
| | - Manuela Grazina
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Pólo III - Subunit I, Azinhaga de Sta. Comba Celas PT, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal. .,CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal. .,CNC- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra - Laboratory of Mitochondrial BioMedicine and Theranostics, Coimbra, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sinnett SE, Boyle E, Lyons C, Gray SJ. Engineered microRNA-based regulatory element permits safe high-dose miniMECP2 gene therapy in Rett mice. Brain 2021; 144:3005-3019. [PMID: 33950254 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MECP2 gene transfer has been shown to extend the survival of Mecp2-/y knockout (KO) mice modeling Rett syndrome (RTT), an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder. However, controlling deleterious overexpression of MeCP2 remains the critical unmet obstacle towards a safe and effective gene therapy approach for RTT. A recently developed truncated miniMECP2 gene has also been shown to be therapeutic after AAV9-mediated gene transfer in KO neonates. We show that AAV9/miniMECP2 has a similar dose-dependent toxicity profile to that of a published second-generation AAV9/MECP2 vector after treatment in adolescent mice. To overcome that toxicity, we developed a risk-driven viral genome design strategy rooted in high-throughput profiling and genome mining to rationally develop a compact, synthetic miRNA target panel (miR-Responsive Auto-Regulatory Element, "miRARE") to minimize the possibility of miniMECP2 transgene overexpression in the context of RTT gene therapy. The goal of miRARE is to have a built-in inhibitory element responsive to MeCP2 overexpression. The data provided herein show that insertion of miRARE into the miniMECP2 gene expression cassette greatly improved the safety of miniMECP2 gene transfer without compromising efficacy. Importantly, this built-in regulation system does not require any additional exogenous drug application, and no miRNAs are expressed from the transgene cassette. Although broad applications of miRARE have yet to be determined, the design of miRARE suggests a potential use in gene therapy approaches for other dose-sensitive genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Sinnett
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.,Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Emily Boyle
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Christopher Lyons
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Steven J Gray
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.,Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Chaudhary R, Agarwal V, Kaushik AS, Rehman M. Involvement of myocyte enhancer factor 2c in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06854. [PMID: 33981903 PMCID: PMC8082549 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2), a family of transcription factor of MADS (minichromosome maintenance 1, agamous, deficiens and serum response factor)-box family needed in the growth and differentiation of a variety of human cells, such as neural, immune, endothelial, and muscles. As per existing literature, MEF2 transcription factors have also been associated with synaptic plasticity, the developmental mechanisms governing memory and learning, and several neurologic conditions, like autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Recent genomic findings have ascertained a link between MEF2 defects, particularly in the MEF2C isoform and the ASD. In this review, we summarized a concise overview of the general regulation, structure and functional roles of the MEF2C transcription factor. We further outlined the potential role of MEF2C as a risk factor for various neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ASD, MEF2C Haploinsufficiency Syndrome and Fragile X syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rishabh Chaudhary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India
| | - Vipul Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India
| | - Arjun Singh Kaushik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India
| | - Mujeeba Rehman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Raviglione F, Douzgou S, Scala M, Mingarelli A, D'Arrigo S, Freri E, Darra F, Giglio S, Bonaglia MC, Pantaleoni C, Mastrangelo M, Epifanio R, Elia M, Saletti V, Morlino S, Vari MS, De Liso P, Pavaine J, Spaccini L, Cattaneo E, Gardella E, Møller RS, Marchese F, Colonna C, Gandioli C, Gobbi G, Ram D, Palumbo O, Carella M, Germano M, Tonduti D, De Angelis D, Caputo D, Bergonzini P, Novara F, Zuffardi O, Verrotti A, Orsini A, Bonuccelli A, De Muto MC, Trivisano M, Vigevano F, Granata T, Bernardina BD, Tranchina A, Striano P. Electroclinical features of MEF2C haploinsufficiency-related epilepsy: A multicenter European study. Seizure 2021; 88:60-72. [PMID: 33831796 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Epilepsy is a main manifestation in the autosomal dominant mental retardation syndrome caused by heterozygous variants in MEF2C. We aimed to delineate the electro-clinical features and refine the genotype-phenotype correlations in patients with MEF2C haploinsufficiency. METHODS We thoroughly investigated 25 patients with genetically confirmed MEF2C-syndrome across 12 different European Genetics and Epilepsy Centers, focusing on the epileptic phenotype. Clinical features (seizure types, onset, evolution, and response to therapy), EEG recordings during waking/sleep, and neuroimaging findings were analyzed. We also performed a detailed literature review using the terms "MEF2C", "seizures", and "epilepsy". RESULTS Epilepsy was diagnosed in 19 out of 25 (~80%) subjects, with age at onset <30 months. Ten individuals (40%) presented with febrile seizures and myoclonic seizures occurred in ~50% of patients. Epileptiform abnormalities were observed in 20/25 patients (80%) and hypoplasia/partial agenesis of the corpus callosum was detected in 12/25 patients (~50%). Nine patients harbored a 5q14.3 deletion encompassing MEF2C and at least one other gene. In 7 out of 10 patients with myoclonic seizures, MIR9-2 and LINC00461 were also deleted, whereas ADGRV1 was involved in 3/4 patients with spasms. CONCLUSION The epileptic phenotype of MEF2C-syndrome is variable. Febrile and myoclonic seizures are the most frequent, usually associated with a slowing of the background activity and irregular diffuse discharges of frontally dominant, symmetric or asymmetric, slow theta waves with interposed spike-and-waves complexes. The haploinsufficiency of ADGRV1, MIR9-2, and LINC00461 likely contributes to myoclonic seizures and spasms in patients with MEF2C syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sofia Douzgou
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicines and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; Member of ERN-ITHACA
| | - Marcello Scala
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Stefano D'Arrigo
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Freri
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Member of ERN EpiCARE
| | - Francesca Darra
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Life and Reproduction Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Sabrina Giglio
- Department of Biomedical Experimental and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria C Bonaglia
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Chiara Pantaleoni
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Mastrangelo
- Paediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Vittore Buzzi, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Epifanio
- Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, IRCCS, E Medea Scientific Institute, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | | | - Veronica Saletti
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Morlino
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Poliambulatorio "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Padre Pio, snc, San Giovanni Rotondo 71013, Italy
| | - Maria Stella Vari
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola De Liso
- Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRRCS, Rome, Italy; Member of ERN EpiCARE
| | - Julija Pavaine
- Academic Unit of Paediatric Radiology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Luigina Spaccini
- Clinical Genetics Service, Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Cattaneo
- Clinical Genetics Service, Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Gardella
- The Danish Epilepsy Centre Filadelfia, Dianalund, Denmark; Institute for Regional Health Services, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Member of ERN EpiCARE
| | - Rikke S Møller
- The Danish Epilepsy Centre Filadelfia, Dianalund, Denmark; Institute for Regional Health Services, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Member of ERN EpiCARE
| | - Francesca Marchese
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Clara Colonna
- Hospital Neuropsychiatry Service, ASST Rhodense, Rho, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Gandioli
- Hospital Neuropsychiatry Service, ASST Rhodense, Rho, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gobbi
- Child Neurology Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche, Bologna, Italy
| | - Dipak Ram
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Orazio Palumbo
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Poliambulatorio "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Padre Pio, snc, San Giovanni Rotondo 71013, Italy
| | - Massimo Carella
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Poliambulatorio "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Padre Pio, snc, San Giovanni Rotondo 71013, Italy
| | - Michele Germano
- Maternal and Pediatric Department, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Poliambulatorio "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Padre Pio, snc, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG) 71013, Italy
| | - Davide Tonduti
- Paediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Vittore Buzzi, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego De Angelis
- Pediatric Department, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Davide Caputo
- Department of Health Sciences, Child Neuropsychiatry Unit - Epilepsy Center, San Paolo Hospital, University of Medicine, Milan, Italy; Member of ERN EpiCARE
| | | | - Francesca Novara
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Orsetta Zuffardi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Pediatrics, San Salvatore Hospital, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandro Orsini
- Pediatric Neurology Santa Chiara Hospital, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alice Bonuccelli
- Pediatric Neurology Santa Chiara Hospital, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Marina Trivisano
- Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRRCS, Rome, Italy; Member of ERN EpiCARE
| | - Federico Vigevano
- Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRRCS, Rome, Italy; Member of ERN EpiCARE
| | - Tiziana Granata
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Member of ERN EpiCARE
| | - Bernardo Dalla Bernardina
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Life and Reproduction Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Antonia Tranchina
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wan L, Liu X, Hu L, Chen H, Sun Y, Li Z, Wang Z, Lin Z, Zou L, Yang G. Genotypes and Phenotypes of MEF2C Haploinsufficiency Syndrome: New Cases and Novel Point Mutations. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:664449. [PMID: 34055696 PMCID: PMC8155578 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.664449] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: MEF2C haploinsufficiency syndrome (MCHS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder. We describe the clinical phenotypes and genotypes of seven patients with MCHS to enhance the understanding of clinical manifestations and genetic alterations associated with MCHS. Method: Seven patients (6 females and 1 male, aged between 2 years 5 months and 6 years) who had MEF2C mutations, and their parents underwent trio-based whole-exome sequencing; subsequently, their clinical features were assessed. A literature review of patients with MCHS was performed by searching the PubMed and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man databases. Results: Seven mutations were identified, of which six were unreported in the past; of the reported cases, five patients had de novo mutations but two had an undefined inheritance pattern. All patients presented delays in developmental milestones, severe intellectual disabilities and lack of speech. Six patients exhibited infantile hypotonia, five patients experienced stereotypic movements and were unable to walk, four patients exhibited poor eye contact indicative of autism and two showed poor performance. While six patients experienced seizure, five among them became seizure free after receiving anti-seizure medicine. Three patients showed a regression in their development, whereas the mothers of two patients exhibited mosaicism but were healthy without any abovementioned symptoms. Interpretation: Regression was not a common phenomenon but occurred in MCHS. The prognosis of MCHS patients with epilepsy was good, but most patients can achieve a seizure-free status. Healthy people may have low-level mosaicism and carry a pathogenic MEF2C mutation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wan
- Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China.,Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinting Liu
- Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China.,Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Linyan Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huimin Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yulin Sun
- Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China.,Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhichao Li
- Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China.,Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenfang Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children Hospital of Shanxi, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhi Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liping Zou
- Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China.,Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China.,The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China.,Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China.,The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Harrington AJ, Bridges CM, Berto S, Blankenship K, Cho JY, Assali A, Siemsen BM, Moore HW, Tsvetkov E, Thielking A, Konopka G, Everman DB, Scofield MD, Skinner SA, Cowan CW. MEF2C Hypofunction in Neuronal and Neuroimmune Populations Produces MEF2C Haploinsufficiency Syndrome-like Behaviors in Mice. Biol Psychiatry 2020; 88:488-499. [PMID: 32418612 PMCID: PMC7483399 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microdeletions of the MEF2C gene are linked to a syndromic form of autism termed MEF2C haploinsufficiency syndrome (MCHS). MEF2C hypofunction in neurons is presumed to underlie most of the symptoms of MCHS. However, it is unclear in which cell populations MEF2C functions to regulate neurotypical development. METHODS Multiple biochemical, molecular, electrophysiological, behavioral, and transgenic mouse approaches were used to characterize MCHS-relevant synaptic, behavioral, and gene expression changes in mouse models of MCHS. RESULTS We showed that MCHS-associated missense mutations cluster in the conserved DNA binding domain and disrupt MEF2C DNA binding. DNA binding-deficient global Mef2c heterozygous mice (Mef2c-Het) displayed numerous MCHS-related behaviors, including autism-related behaviors, changes in cortical gene expression, and deficits in cortical excitatory synaptic transmission. We detected hundreds of dysregulated genes in Mef2c-Het cortex, including significant enrichments of autism risk and excitatory neuron genes. In addition, we observed an enrichment of upregulated microglial genes, but this was not due to neuroinflammation in the Mef2c-Het cortex. Importantly, conditional Mef2c heterozygosity in forebrain excitatory neurons reproduced a subset of the Mef2c-Het phenotypes, while conditional Mef2c heterozygosity in microglia reproduced social deficits and repetitive behavior. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our findings show that mutations found in individuals with MCHS disrupt the DNA-binding function of MEF2C, and DNA binding-deficient Mef2c global heterozygous mice display numerous MCHS-related phenotypes, including excitatory neuron and microglia gene expression changes. Our findings suggest that MEF2C regulates typical brain development and function through multiple cell types, including excitatory neuronal and neuroimmune populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam J. Harrington
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Catherine M. Bridges
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC;,Medical Scientist Training Program, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Stefano Berto
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Kayla Blankenship
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Jennifer Y. Cho
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC;,Medical Scientist Training Program, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Ahlem Assali
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Benjamin M. Siemsen
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC;,Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | | | - Evgeny Tsvetkov
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Acadia Thielking
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Genevieve Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | | | - Michael D. Scofield
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC;,Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | | | - Christopher W. Cowan
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC;,Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
D'haene E, Bar-Yaacov R, Bariah I, Vantomme L, Van Loo S, Cobos FA, Verboom K, Eshel R, Alatawna R, Menten B, Birnbaum RY, Vergult S. A neuronal enhancer network upstream of MEF2C is compromised in patients with Rett-like characteristics. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:818-827. [PMID: 30445463 PMCID: PMC6381311 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C), an important transcription factor in neurodevelopment, are associated with a Rett-like syndrome. Structural variants (SVs) upstream of MEF2C, which do not disrupt the gene itself, have also been found in patients with a similar phenotype, suggesting that disruption of MEF2C regulatory elements can also cause a Rett-like phenotype. To characterize those elements that regulate MEF2C during neural development and that are affected by these SVs, we used genomic tools coupled with both in vitro and in vivo functional assays. Through circularized chromosome conformation capture sequencing
(4C-seq) and the assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing
(ATAC-seq), we revealed a complex interaction network in which the MEF2C promoter physically contacts several distal enhancers that are deleted or translocated by disease-associated SVs. A total of 16 selected candidate regulatory sequences were tested for enhancer activity in vitro, with 14 found to be functional enhancers. Further analyses of their in vivo activity in zebrafish showed that each of these enhancers has a distinct activity pattern during development, with eight enhancers displaying neuronal activity. In summary, our results disentangle a complex regulatory network governing neuronal MEF2C expression that involves multiple distal enhancers. In addition, the characterized neuronal enhancers pose as novel candidates to screen for mutations in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Rett-like syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva D'haene
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Reut Bar-Yaacov
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel.,Center of Evolutionary Genomics and Medicine, The Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
| | - Inbar Bariah
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel.,Center of Evolutionary Genomics and Medicine, The Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
| | - Lies Vantomme
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sien Van Loo
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Francisco Avila Cobos
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium.,Bioinformatics Institute Ghent from Nucleotides to Networks (BIG N2N), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karen Verboom
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Reut Eshel
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel.,Center of Evolutionary Genomics and Medicine, The Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
| | - Rawan Alatawna
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel.,Center of Evolutionary Genomics and Medicine, The Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
| | - Björn Menten
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ramon Y Birnbaum
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel.,Center of Evolutionary Genomics and Medicine, The Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
| | - Sarah Vergult
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
TGF-β3/Smad3 Contributes to Isoflurane Postconditioning Against Cerebral Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury by Upregulating MEF2C. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2020; 40:1353-1365. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00822-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
24
|
Straub J, Gregor A, Sauerer T, Fliedner A, Distel L, Suchy C, Ekici AB, Ferrazzi F, Zweier C. Genetic interaction screen for severe neurodevelopmental disorders reveals a functional link between Ube3a and Mef2 in Drosophila melanogaster. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1204. [PMID: 31988313 PMCID: PMC6985129 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58182-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are clinically and genetically extremely heterogeneous with shared phenotypes often associated with genes from the same networks. Mutations in TCF4, MEF2C, UBE3A, ZEB2 or ATRX cause phenotypically overlapping, syndromic forms of NDDs with severe intellectual disability, epilepsy and microcephaly. To characterize potential functional links between these genes/proteins, we screened for genetic interactions in Drosophila melanogaster. We induced ubiquitous or tissue specific knockdown or overexpression of each single orthologous gene (Da, Mef2, Ube3a, Zfh1, XNP) and in pairwise combinations. Subsequently, we assessed parameters such as lethality, wing and eye morphology, neuromuscular junction morphology, bang sensitivity and climbing behaviour in comparison between single and pairwise dosage manipulations. We found most stringent evidence for genetic interaction between Ube3a and Mef2 as simultaneous dosage manipulation in different tissues including glia, wing and eye resulted in multiple phenotype modifications. We subsequently found evidence for physical interaction between UBE3A and MEF2C also in human cells. Systematic pairwise assessment of the Drosophila orthologues of five genes implicated in clinically overlapping, severe NDDs and subsequent confirmation in a human cell line revealed interactions between UBE3A/Ube3a and MEF2C/Mef2, thus contributing to the characterization of the underlying molecular commonalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Straub
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anne Gregor
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tatjana Sauerer
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anna Fliedner
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Laila Distel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christine Suchy
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arif B Ekici
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fulvia Ferrazzi
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christiane Zweier
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Heimer G, van Woerden GM, Barel O, Marek-Yagel D, Kol N, Munting JB, Borghei M, Atawneh OM, Nissenkorn A, Rechavi G, Anikster Y, Elgersma Y, Kushner SA, Ben Zeev B. Netrin-G2 dysfunction causes a Rett-like phenotype with areflexia. Hum Mutat 2019; 41:476-486. [PMID: 31692205 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
We describe the underlying genetic cause of a novel Rett-like phenotype accompanied by areflexia in three methyl-CpG-binding protein 2-negative individuals from two unrelated families. Discovery analysis was performed using whole-exome sequencing followed by Sanger sequencing for validation and segregation. Functional studies using short-hairpin RNA for targeted gene knockdown were implemented by the transfection of mouse cultured primary hippocampal neurons and in vivo by in utero electroporation. All patients shared a common homozygous frameshift mutation (chr9:135073515, c.376dupT, p.(Ser126PhefsTer241)) in netrin-G2 (NTNG2, NM_032536.3) with predicted nonsense-mediated decay. The mutation fully segregated with the disease in both families. The knockdown of either NTNG2 or the related netrin-G family member NTNG1 resulted in severe neurodevelopmental defects of neuronal morphology and migration. While NTNG1 has previously been linked to a Rett syndrome (RTT)-like phenotype, this is the first description of a RTT-like phenotype caused by NTNG2 mutation. Netrin-G proteins have been shown to be required for proper axonal guidance during early brain development and involved in N-methyl- d-aspartate-mediated synaptic transmission. Our results demonstrating that knockdown of murine NTNG2 causes severe impairments of neuronal morphology and cortical migration are consistent with those of RTT animal models and the shared neurodevelopmental phenotypes between the individuals described here and typical RTT patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gali Heimer
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel.,The Pinchas Borenstein Talpiot Medical Leadership Program, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel.,The Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Geeske M van Woerden
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ortal Barel
- The Genomic Unit, Sheba Cancer Research Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Wohl Institute for Translational Medicine, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Dina Marek-Yagel
- Metabolic Disease Unit, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Nitzan Kol
- The Genomic Unit, Sheba Cancer Research Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Wohl Institute for Translational Medicine, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Johannes B Munting
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Minoeshka Borghei
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Andreea Nissenkorn
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel.,The Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Gideon Rechavi
- The Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The Genomic Unit, Sheba Cancer Research Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Wohl Institute for Translational Medicine, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Yair Anikster
- The Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Metabolic Disease Unit, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Ype Elgersma
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Steven A Kushner
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bruria Ben Zeev
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel.,The Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Wang J, Zhang Q, Chen Y, Yu S, Wu X, Bao X. Rett and Rett-like syndrome: Expanding the genetic spectrum to KIF1A and GRIN1 gene. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2019; 7:e968. [PMID: 31512412 PMCID: PMC6825848 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to investigate the new genetic etiologies of Rett syndrome (RTT) or Rett‐like phenotypes. Methods Targeted next‐generation sequencing (NGS) was performed on 44 Chinese patients with RTT or Rett‐like phenotypes, in whom genetic analysis of MECP2, CDKL5, and FOXG1 was negative. Results The detection rate was 31.8% (14/44). A de novo pathogenic variant (c.275_276ins AA, p. Cys92*) of KIF1A was identified in a girl with all core features of typical RTT. A patient with atypical RTT was detected having de novo GRIN1 pathogenic variant (c.2337C > A, p. Val793Phe). Additionally, compound heterozygous pathogenic variants of PPT1 gene were detected in a girl, who initially displayed typical RTT features, but progressed into neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL) afterwards. Pathogenic variants in KCNQ2, MEF2C, WDR45, TCF4, IQSEC2, and SDHA were also found in our cohort. Conclusions It is the first time that pathogenic variants of GRIN1 and KIF1A were linked to RTT and Rett‐like profiles. Our findings expanded the genetic heterogeneity of Chinese RTT or Rett‐like patients, and also suggest that some patients with genetic metabolic disease such as NCL, might displayed Rett features initially, and clinical follow‐up is essential for the diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaping Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qingping Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shujie Yu
- Department of Neurology, Harbin Children's Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Xiru Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinhua Bao
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Beygo J, Buiting K, Ramsden SC, Ellis R, Clayton-Smith J, Kanber D. Update of the EMQN/ACGS best practice guidelines for molecular analysis of Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes. Eur J Hum Genet 2019; 27:1326-1340. [PMID: 31235867 PMCID: PMC6777528 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-019-0435-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This article is an update of the best practice guidelines for the molecular analysis of Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes published in 2010 in BMC Medical Genetics [1]. The update takes into account developments in terms of techniques, differential diagnoses and (especially) reporting standards. It highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each method and moreover, is meant to facilitate the interpretation of the obtained results - leading to improved standardised reports.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Beygo
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Karin Buiting
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Simon C Ramsden
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Rachael Ellis
- Department of Medical Genetics, Yorkhill NHS Trust, Yorkhill Hospital, Glasgow, G3 8SJ, UK
| | - Jill Clayton-Smith
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences School of Biological Sciences University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Deniz Kanber
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Yauy K, Schneider A, Ng BL, Gaillard JB, Sati S, Coubes C, Wells C, Tournaire M, Guignard T, Bouret P, Geneviève D, Puechberty J, Pellestor F, Gatinois V. Disruption of chromatin organisation causes MEF2C gene overexpression in intellectual disability: a case report. BMC Med Genomics 2019; 12:116. [PMID: 31375103 PMCID: PMC6679470 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-019-0558-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Balanced structural variants are mostly described in disease with gene disruption or subtle rearrangement at breakpoints. CASE PRESENTATION Here we report a patient with mild intellectual deficiency who carries a de novo balanced translocation t(3;5). Breakpoints were fully explored by microarray, Array Painting and Sanger sequencing. No gene disruption was found but the chromosome 5 breakpoint was localized 228-kb upstream of the MEF2C gene. The predicted Topologically Associated Domains analysis shows that it contains only the MEF2C gene and a long non-coding RNA LINC01226. RNA studies looking for MEF2C gene expression revealed an overexpression of MEF2C in the lymphoblastoid cell line of the patient. CONCLUSIONS Pathogenicity of MEF2C overexpression is still unclear as only four patients with mild intellectual deficiency carrying 5q14.3 microduplications containing MEF2C are described in the literature. The microduplications in these individuals also contain other genes expressed in the brain. The patient presented the same phenotype as 5q14.3 microduplication patients. We report the first case of a balanced translocation leading to an overexpression of MEF2C similar to a functional duplication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Yauy
- Unité de Génétique Chromosomique, Département de Génétique Médicale, Maladies Rares et Médecine Personnalisée, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Anouck Schneider
- Unité de Génétique Chromosomique, Département de Génétique Médicale, Maladies Rares et Médecine Personnalisée, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Bee Ling Ng
- Cytometry Core Facility, The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jean-Baptiste Gaillard
- Unité de Génétique Chromosomique, Département de Génétique Médicale, Maladies Rares et Médecine Personnalisée, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Satish Sati
- Chromatin and Cell Biology Group, CNRS-Institute of Human Genetics, Montpellier, France
| | - Christine Coubes
- Service de Génétique Clinique, Département de Génétique Médicale, Maladies Rares et Médecine Personnalisée, Centre de Référence Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Constance Wells
- Service de Génétique Clinique, Département de Génétique Médicale, Maladies Rares et Médecine Personnalisée, Centre de Référence Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Magali Tournaire
- Unité de Génétique Chromosomique, Département de Génétique Médicale, Maladies Rares et Médecine Personnalisée, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Thomas Guignard
- Unité de Génétique Chromosomique, Département de Génétique Médicale, Maladies Rares et Médecine Personnalisée, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Pauline Bouret
- Unité de Génétique Chromosomique, Département de Génétique Médicale, Maladies Rares et Médecine Personnalisée, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - David Geneviève
- Service de Génétique Clinique, Département de Génétique Médicale, Maladies Rares et Médecine Personnalisée, Centre de Référence Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jacques Puechberty
- Service de Génétique Clinique, Département de Génétique Médicale, Maladies Rares et Médecine Personnalisée, Centre de Référence Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Franck Pellestor
- Unité de Génétique Chromosomique, Département de Génétique Médicale, Maladies Rares et Médecine Personnalisée, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Vincent Gatinois
- Unité de Génétique Chromosomique, Département de Génétique Médicale, Maladies Rares et Médecine Personnalisée, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Vidal S, Brandi N, Pacheco P, Maynou J, Fernandez G, Xiol C, Pascual-Alonso A, Pineda M, Armstrong J, Garcia-Cazorla À, del Carmen Serrano Munuera M, García SC, Troncoso M, Fariña G, García Peñas JJ, Fournier BG, León SR, Guitart M, Baena N, de Nanclares GP, Oci IO, Gutiérrez-Delicado E, Abarrategui B, Barroso E, Santos-Simarro F, Lapunzina P, García FJ, Acedo JM, García A, Martinez MA, Martínez-Bermejo A. The most recurrent monogenic disorders that overlap with the phenotype of Rett syndrome. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2019; 23:609-620. [PMID: 31105003 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is an early-onset neurodevelopmental disorder that is caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene; however, defects in other genes (CDKL5 and FOXG1) can lead to presentations that resemble classic RTT, although they are not completely identical. Here, we attempted to identify other monogenic disorders that share features of RTT. A total of 437 patients with a clinical diagnosis of RTT-like were studied; in 242 patients, a custom panel with 17 genes related to an RTT-like phenotype was run via a HaloPlex-Target-Enrichment-System. In the remaining 195 patients, a commercial TruSight-One-Sequencing-Panel was analysed. A total of 40 patients with clinical features of RTT had variants which affect gene function in six genes associated with other monogenic disorders. Twelve patients had variants in STXBP1, nine in TCF4, six in SCN2A, five in KCNQ2, four in MEF2C and four in SYNGAP1. Genetic studies using next generation sequencing (NGS) allowed us to study a larger number of genes associated with RTT-like simultaneously, providing a genetic diagnosis for a wider group of patients. These new findings provide the clinician with more information and clues that could help in the prevention of future symptoms or in pharmacologic therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Vidal
- Sant Joan de Déu Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - N Brandi
- School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - P Pacheco
- Molecular and Genetics Medicine Section, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Maynou
- Molecular and Genetics Medicine Section, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - G Fernandez
- Molecular and Genetics Medicine Section, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Xiol
- Sant Joan de Déu Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Pascual-Alonso
- Sant Joan de Déu Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Pineda
- Sant Joan de Déu Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - J Armstrong
- Molecular and Genetics Medicine Section, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER-ER (Biomedical Network Research Center for Rare Diseases), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Emerging roles for MEF2 in brain development and mental disorders. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2019; 59:49-58. [PMID: 31129473 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The MEF2 family of transcription factors regulate large programs of gene expression important for the development and maintenance of many tissues, including the brain. MEF2 proteins are regulated by neuronal synaptic activity, and they recruit several epigenetic enzymes to influence chromatin structure and gene expression during development and throughout adulthood. Here, we provide a brief review of the recent literature reporting important roles for MEF2 during early brain development and function, and we highlight emerging roles for MEF2 as a risk factor for multiple neurodevelopmental disorders and mental illnesses, such as autism, intellectual disability, and schizophrenia.
Collapse
|
31
|
Borlot F, Whitney R, Cohn RD, Weiss SK. MEF2C-related epilepsy: Delineating the phenotypic spectrum from a novel mutation and literature review. Seizure 2019; 67:86-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2019.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
|
32
|
Brueggeman L, Sturgeon ML, Martin RM, Grossbach AJ, Nagahama Y, Zhang A, Howard MA, Kawasaki H, Wu S, Cornell RA, Michaelson JJ, Bassuk AG. Drug repositioning in epilepsy reveals novel antiseizure candidates. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2019; 6:295-309. [PMID: 30847362 PMCID: PMC6389756 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Epilepsy treatment falls short in ~30% of cases. A better understanding of epilepsy pathophysiology can guide rational drug development in this difficult to treat condition. We tested a low-cost, drug-repositioning strategy to identify candidate epilepsy drugs that are already FDA-approved and might be immediately tested in epilepsy patients who require new therapies. Methods Biopsies of spiking and nonspiking hippocampal brain tissue from six patients with unilateral mesial temporal lobe epilepsy were analyzed by RNA-Seq. These profiles were correlated with transcriptomes from cell lines treated with FDA-approved drugs, identifying compounds which were tested for therapeutic efficacy in a zebrafish seizure assay. Results In spiking versus nonspiking biopsies, RNA-Seq identified 689 differentially expressed genes, 148 of which were previously cited in articles mentioning seizures or epilepsy. Differentially expressed genes were highly enriched for protein-protein interactions and formed three clusters with associated GO-terms including myelination, protein ubiquitination, and neuronal migration. Among the 184 compounds, a zebrafish seizure model tested the therapeutic efficacy of doxycycline, metformin, nifedipine, and pyrantel tartrate, with metformin, nifedipine, and pyrantel tartrate all showing efficacy. Interpretation This proof-of-principle analysis suggests our powerful, rapid, cost-effective approach can likely be applied to other hard-to-treat diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leo Brueggeman
- Department of PsychiatryCarver College of MedicineUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowa
| | - Morgan L. Sturgeon
- The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Molecular MedicineCarver College of MedicineUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowa
| | | | | | | | - Angela Zhang
- Department of BiostatisticsUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashington
| | | | | | - Shu Wu
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowa
| | - Robert A. Cornell
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowa
| | - Jacob J. Michaelson
- Department of PsychiatryCarver College of MedicineUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowa
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Wang J, Zhang Q, Chen Y, Yu S, Wu X, Bao X, Wen Y. Novel MEF2C point mutations in Chinese patients with Rett (-like) syndrome or non-syndromic intellectual disability: insights into genotype-phenotype correlation. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2018; 19:191. [PMID: 30376817 PMCID: PMC6208086 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-018-0699-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MEF2C (Myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2C) has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. This study aimed at delineating the clinical profiles of MEF2C gene mutations. METHODS In total, 112 Chinese patients with intellectual disability (ID) were recruited, including 44 patients presented with Rett syndrome (RTT) or RTT-like syndrome, and 68 patients with non-syndromic ID. Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed. Detailed clinical information was collected. RESULTS Five heterozygous MEF2C gene mutations were identified, of which three were novel. The MEF2C mutant rate was 4.5% (5/112) in total, and 6.8% (3/44) in the RTT (-like) cohort. All patients with MEF2C gene mutation presented with cognitive impairment, gross motor delay, speech disorder and autistic features. Four patients had epilepsy, which responded well to antiepileptic drugs. One female was diagnosed with classical RTT, two females with RTT-like syndrome, and two males with non-syndromic ID. Generally, the phenotype of two males with relatively downstream mutations (c.565C > T, p.Arg 189*; c.766C > T, p.Arg 256*) was milder than that of three females with upstream mutations (c.48C > G, p.Asn16Lys; c.334G > T, p.Glu112* and c.403-1G > T). CONCLUSIONS Our findings expanded the current understanding of the consequences of MEF2C dysfunctions, especially MEF2C point mutations. MEF2C mutations are associated with a broad clinical spectrum, ranged from classical RTT to non-syndromic ID. Through our study, it can be inferred that there is correlation between the phenotype and MEF2C-genotype, the mutation site. Overall, the MEF2C gene mutational analysis should be performed in ID cohort, especially in patients with features overlapped with RTT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaping Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, No 1, Xi'anmen Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Qingping Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, No 1, Xi'anmen Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, No 1, Xi'anmen Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Shujie Yu
- Department of neurology, Harbin children's hospital, Harbin, 150010, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xiru Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, No 1, Xi'anmen Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Xinhua Bao
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, No 1, Xi'anmen Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100034, China.
| | - Yongxin Wen
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, No 1, Xi'anmen Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100034, China
| |
Collapse
|