1
|
Uguen K, Michaud JL, Génin E. Short Tandem Repeats in the era of next-generation sequencing: from historical loci to population databases. Eur J Hum Genet 2024; 32:1037-1044. [PMID: 38982300 PMCID: PMC11369099 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-024-01666-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we explore the landscape of short tandem repeats (STRs) within the human genome through the lens of evolving technologies to detect genomic variations. STRs, which encompass approximately 3% of our genomic DNA, are crucial for understanding human genetic diversity, disease mechanisms, and evolutionary biology. The advent of high-throughput sequencing methods has revolutionized our ability to accurately map and analyze STRs, highlighting their significance in genetic disorders, forensic science, and population genetics. We review the current available methodologies for STR analysis, the challenges in interpreting STR variations across different populations, and the implications of STRs in medical genetics. Our findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive STR databases that reflect the genetic diversity of global populations, facilitating the interpretation of STR data in clinical diagnostics, genetic research, and forensic applications. This work sets the stage for future studies aimed at harnessing STR variations to elucidate complex genetic traits and diseases, reinforcing the importance of integrating STRs into genetic research and clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Uguen
- Univ Brest, Inserm, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB, Brest, France.
- Service de Génétique Médicale et Biologie de la Reproduction, CHU de Brest, Brest, France.
- CHU Sainte-Justine Azrieli Research Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada.
| | - Jacques L Michaud
- CHU Sainte-Justine Azrieli Research Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ding Q, Hofich CD, Kellogg TB, Kuennen RK, Paxton KN, Thieke SM, Rumilla KM, Hasadsri L. Accurate and Automated Genotyping of the CFTR Poly-T/TG Tract with CFTR-TIPS. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8533. [PMID: 39126101 PMCID: PMC11313279 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158533] [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: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis is caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in the CFTR gene, which contains a polymorphic (TG)mTn sequence (the "poly-T/TG tract") in intron 9. While T9 and T7 alleles are benign, T5 alleles with longer TG repeats, e.g., (TG)12T5 and (TG)13T5, are clinically significant. Thus, professional medical societies currently recommend reporting the TG repeat size when T5 is detected. Sanger sequencing is a cost-effective method of genotyping the (TG)mTn tract; however, its polymorphic length substantially complicates data analysis. We developed CFTR-TIPS, a freely available web-based software tool that infers the (TG)mTn genotype from Sanger sequencing data. This tool detects the (TG)mTn tract in the chromatograms, quantifies goodness of fit with expected patterns, and visualizes the results in a graphical user interface. It is broadly compatible with any Sanger chromatogram that contains the (TG)mTn tract ± 15 bp. We evaluated CFTR-TIPS using 835 clinical samples previously analyzed in a CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited laboratory. When operated fully automatically, CFTR-TIPS achieved 99.8% concordance with our clinically validated manual workflow, while generally taking less than 10 s per sample. There were two discordant samples: one due to a co-occurring heterozygous duplication that confounded the tool and the other due to incomplete (TG)mTn tract detection in the reverse chromatogram. No clinically significant misclassifications were observed. CFTR-TIPS is a free, accurate, and rapid tool for CFTR (TG)mTn tract genotyping using cost-effective Sanger sequencing. This tool is suitable both for automated use and as an aid to manual review to enhance accuracy and reduce analysis time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Linda Hasadsri
- Division of Laboratory Genetics and Genomics, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hendifar A, Hitchins M, Lauzon M, Hatchell KE, Heald B, Pandol S, Naren AP, Osipov A. High frequency of germline variants in CFTR identified in PDAC patients enrolled in an expanded panel multi-gene panel testing program. HPB (Oxford) 2024; 26:1082-1085. [PMID: 38825435 PMCID: PMC11317177 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Hendifar
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles CA, USA.
| | - Megan Hitchins
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles CA, USA
| | - Marie Lauzon
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Arsen Osipov
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Han Y, Zhao J, Liu W, Yang X, Zhang W, Xiao X, Liu X, Chen X, Tang L, Wang P, Ge W. Increased prevalence of CFTR variants and susceptibility to CRS: A real-world study based on Chinese children. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27681. [PMID: 38590877 PMCID: PMC10999871 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic Rhinosinusitis is a common disease in children. The main function of CFTR is to maintain the thickness of the mucous layer on the surface of the nasal mucosa. CFTR disease-causing variant can cause CFTR protein dysfunction and induce or aggravate chronic infection. However, the carrying status of the CFTR variants in the Chinese population is not clear. Objective To study the frequency and variants of CFTR in Chinese children with CRS and to analyze the CFTR variants and the clinical characteristics and susceptibility to CRS. Methods Whole Exome Sequencing was performed to analyze the CFTR genes in a total of 106 CRS children from the Chinese mainland area. The CFTR variants, frequency and clinical data were summarized and analyzed. Results A total of 31 CFTR variants were detected, of which the carrying rate of 7 sites was significantly higher than that of the population database. 88 patients carried more than 2 variants. 37 people carried variants (MAF < 0.05), of which 91.89% had a history of recurrent upper respiratory infections, 16 had nasal polyps, 5 had bronchiectasis, and 1 was diagnosed with CF-related disorders. Conclusion The carrying rate of CFTR variants in Chinese CRS children increased, and the highest rates of variants (MAF < 0.05) are p.I556V, p. E217G, c.1210-12[T]. Carrying multiple CFTR variants, especially p.E217G, p.I807 M, p.V920L and c.1210-12[T] may lead to increased susceptibility to CRS. There are CF-related disorders in patients with CRS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Han
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Jinhao Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Xiaojian Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Xiaoge Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Xiaoxu Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Lixing Tang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Pengpeng Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Wentong Ge
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Pediatric Diseases of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Petrova M, Margasyuk S, Vorobeva M, Skvortsov D, Dontsova O, Pervouchine DD. BRD2 and BRD3 genes independently evolved RNA structures to control unproductive splicing. NAR Genom Bioinform 2024; 6:lqad113. [PMID: 38226395 PMCID: PMC10789245 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqad113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The mammalian BRD2 and BRD3 genes encode structurally related proteins from the bromodomain and extraterminal domain protein family. The expression of BRD2 is regulated by unproductive splicing upon inclusion of exon 3b, which is located in the region encoding a bromodomain. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that BRD2 exon 3b inclusion is controlled by a pair of conserved complementary regions (PCCR) located in the flanking introns. Furthermore, we identified a highly conserved element encoding a cryptic poison exon 5b and a previously unknown PCCR in the intron between exons 5 and 6 of BRD3, however, outside of the homologous bromodomain. Minigene mutagenesis and blockage of RNA structure by antisense oligonucleotides demonstrated that RNA structure controls the rate of inclusion of poison exons. The patterns of BRD2 and BRD3 expression and splicing show downregulation upon inclusion of poison exons, which become skipped in response to transcription elongation slowdown, further confirming a role of PCCRs in unproductive splicing regulation. We conclude that BRD2 and BRD3 independently acquired poison exons and RNA structures to dynamically control unproductive splicing. This study describes a convergent evolution of regulatory unproductive splicing mechanisms in these genes, providing implications for selective modulation of their expression in therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Petrova
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Bulvar, 30, str. 1, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Sergey Margasyuk
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Bulvar, 30, str. 1, Moscow 121205, Russia
| | - Margarita Vorobeva
- Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow State University, GSP-1, 1-3 Leninskiye Gory, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Dmitry Skvortsov
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Bulvar, 30, str. 1, Moscow 121205, Russia
- Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow State University, GSP-1, 1-3 Leninskiye Gory, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Olga A Dontsova
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Bulvar, 30, str. 1, Moscow 121205, Russia
- Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow State University, GSP-1, 1-3 Leninskiye Gory, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Dmitri D Pervouchine
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Bulvar, 30, str. 1, Moscow 121205, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Escobar CA, Petersen RJ, Tonelli M, Fan L, Henzler-Wildman KA, Butcher SE. Solution Structure of Poly(UG) RNA. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168340. [PMID: 37924862 PMCID: PMC10841838 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Poly(UG) or "pUG" RNAs are UG or GU dinucleotide repeat sequences which are highly abundant in eukaryotes. Post-transcriptional addition of pUGs to RNA 3' ends marks mRNAs as vectors for gene silencing in C. elegans. We previously determined the crystal structure of pUG RNA bound to the ligand N-methyl mesoporphyrin IX (NMM), but the structure of free pUG RNA is unknown. Here we report the solution structure of the free pUG RNA (GU)12, as determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and small and wide-angle x-ray scattering (NMR-SAXS-WAXS). The low complexity sequence and 4-fold symmetry of the structure result in overlapped NMR signals that complicate chemical shift assignment. We therefore utilized single site-specific deoxyribose modifications which did not perturb the structure and introduced well-resolved methylene signals that are easily identified in NMR spectra. The solution structure ensemble has a root mean squared deviation (RMSD) of 0.62 Å and is a compact, left-handed quadruplex with a Z-form backbone, or "pUG fold." Overall, the structure agrees with the crystal structure of (GU)12 bound to NMM, indicating the pUG fold is unaltered by docking of the NMM ligand. The solution structure reveals conformational details that could not be resolved by x-ray crystallography, which explain how the pUG fold can form within longer RNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristian A Escobar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Riley J Petersen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Marco Tonelli
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; National Magnetic Resonance Facility at Madison, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lixin Fan
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, SAXS Core Facility of National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Katherine A Henzler-Wildman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; National Magnetic Resonance Facility at Madison, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Samuel E Butcher
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; National Magnetic Resonance Facility at Madison, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Margoliash J, Fuchs S, Li Y, Zhang X, Massarat A, Goren A, Gymrek M. Polymorphic short tandem repeats make widespread contributions to blood and serum traits. CELL GENOMICS 2023; 3:100458. [PMID: 38116119 PMCID: PMC10726533 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2023.100458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Short tandem repeats (STRs) are genomic regions consisting of repeated sequences of 1-6 bp in succession. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based genome-wide association studies (GWASs) do not fully capture STR effects. To study these effects, we imputed 445,720 STRs into genotype arrays from 408,153 White British UK Biobank participants and tested for association with 44 blood phenotypes. Using two fine-mapping methods, we identify 119 candidate causal STR-trait associations and estimate that STRs account for 5.2%-7.6% of causal variants identifiable from GWASs for these traits. These are among the strongest associations for multiple phenotypes, including a coding CTG repeat associated with apolipoprotein B levels, a promoter CGG repeat with platelet traits, and an intronic poly(A) repeat with mean platelet volume. Our study suggests that STRs make widespread contributions to complex traits, provides stringently selected candidate causal STRs, and demonstrates the need to consider a more complete view of genetic variation in GWASs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Margoliash
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Shai Fuchs
- Pediatric Endocrine and Diabetes Unit, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Arya Massarat
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alon Goren
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Melissa Gymrek
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang L, Yu L, Shu X, Ding J, Zhou J, Zhong C, Pan B, Guo W, Zhang C, Wang B. Whole exome sequencing reveal 83 novel Mendelian disorders carrier P/LP variants in Chinese adult patients. J Hum Genet 2023; 68:737-743. [PMID: 37386068 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-023-01179-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Carrier screening can identify people at risk of conceiving pregnancies affected with inherited genetic disorders or who have a genetic disorder with late or variable onset. Carrier screening based on whole exome sequencing (WES) data can offer more comprehensive assessment than on-target carrier screening tests. A total of 224 Chinese adult patients WES data was analyzed, except positive variants associated with the patients' major complaint, 378 pathogenic (P) and "likely pathogenic" (LP) variants from 175 adult patients were identified. Whole exome-wide frequency of carriers for Mendelian disorders in Chinese adult patients was about 78.13% in this study, which was lower than the previously reported carrier frequency in healthy population. Contrary to expectations, the number of P or LP variants did not increase with larger chromosome size or decrease with smaller chromosome size. Totally 83 novel P or LP variants were identified which could further expand the carrier variants spectrum of the Chinese population. GJB2: NM_004004.6:c.299_300delAT:p.His100fs*14 and C6:NM_000065.4:c.654T>A:p.Cys218* were found in two or more patients, which might be two underestimated carrier variants in Chinese population. We also found 9 late-onset or atypical symptoms autosomal/X-linked dominant Mendelian disorders causative genes, which were easily overlooked during pathogenicity analysis. These results can provide a strong basis for preventing and avoiding the prevalence rates of birth defects and reducing social and family burdens. By comparing with three different expanded carrier screening gene panels, we further confirmed carrier screening based on WES could offer more comprehensive assessment and WES was applicable for carrier screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianhong Shu
- Department of Echocardiography, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Ding
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingmin Zhou
- Department of Cardiology Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunjiu Zhong
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, State Key Laboratory, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baishen Pan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyan Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Beili Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Reinar WB, Tørresen OK, Nederbragt AJ, Matschiner M, Jentoft S, Jakobsen KS. Teleost genomic repeat landscapes in light of diversification rates and ecology. Mob DNA 2023; 14:14. [PMID: 37789366 PMCID: PMC10546739 DOI: 10.1186/s13100-023-00302-9] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Repetitive DNA make up a considerable fraction of most eukaryotic genomes. In fish, transposable element (TE) activity has coincided with rapid species diversification. Here, we annotated the repetitive content in 100 genome assemblies, covering the major branches of the diverse lineage of teleost fish. We investigated if TE content correlates with family level net diversification rates and found support for a weak negative correlation. Further, we demonstrated that TE proportion correlates with genome size, but not to the proportion of short tandem repeats (STRs), which implies independent evolutionary paths. Marine and freshwater fish had large differences in STR content, with the most extreme propagation detected in the genomes of codfish species and Atlantic herring. Such a high density of STRs is likely to increase the mutational load, which we propose could be counterbalanced by high fecundity as seen in codfishes and herring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ole K Tørresen
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alexander J Nederbragt
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Michael Matschiner
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- University of Oslo, Natural History Museum, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sissel Jentoft
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lutz MW, Chiba-Falek O. Bioinformatics pipeline to guide post-GWAS studies in Alzheimer's: A new catalogue of disease candidate short structural variants. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:4094-4109. [PMID: 37253165 PMCID: PMC10524333 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Short structural variants (SSVs), including insertions/deletions (indels), are common in the human genome and impact disease risk. The role of SSVs in late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) has been understudied. In this study, we developed a bioinformatics pipeline of SSVs within LOAD-genome-wide association study (GWAS) regions to prioritize regulatory SSVs based on the strength of their predicted effect on transcription factor (TF) binding sites. METHODS The pipeline utilized publicly available functional genomics data sources including candidate cis-regulatory elements (cCREs) from ENCODE and single-nucleus (sn)RNA-seq data from LOAD patient samples. RESULTS We catalogued 1581 SSVs in candidate cCREs in LOAD GWAS regions that disrupted 737 TF sites. That included SSVs that disrupted the binding of RUNX3, SPI1, and SMAD3, within the APOE-TOMM40, SPI1, and MS4A6A LOAD regions. CONCLUSIONS The pipeline developed here prioritized non-coding SSVs in cCREs and characterized their putative effects on TF binding. The approach integrates multiomics datasets for validation experiments using disease models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael W. Lutz
- Division of Translational Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Ornit Chiba-Falek
- Division of Translational Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Haerter CAG, Blanco DR, Traldi JB, Feldberg E, Margarido VP, Lui RL. Are scattered microsatellites weak chromosomal markers? Guided mapping reveals new insights into Trachelyopterus (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae) diversity. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285388. [PMID: 37310952 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The scattered distribution pattern of microsatellites is a challenging problem in fish cytogenetics. This type of array hinders the identification of useful patterns and the comparison between species, often resulting in over-limited interpretations that only label it as "scattered" or "widely distributed". However, several studies have shown that the distribution pattern of microsatellites is non-random. Thus, here we tested whether a scattered microsatellite could have distinct distribution patterns on homeologous chromosomes of closely related species. The clustered sites of 18S and 5S rDNA, U2 snRNA and H3/H4 histone genes were used as a guide to compare the (GATA)n microsatellite distribution pattern on the homeologous chromosomes of six Trachelyopterus species: T. coriaceus and Trachelyopterus aff. galeatus from the Araguaia River basin; T. striatulus, T. galeatus and T. porosus from the Amazonas River basin; and Trachelyopterus aff. coriaceus from the Paraguay River basin. Most species had similar patterns of the (GATA)n microsatellite in the histone genes and 5S rDNA carriers. However, we have found a chromosomal polymorphism of the (GATA)n sequence in the 18S rDNA carriers of Trachelyopterus galeatus, which is in Hard-Weinberg equilibrium and possibly originated through amplification events; and a chromosome polymorphism in Trachelyopterus aff. galeatus, which combined with an inversion polymorphism of the U2 snRNA in the same chromosome pair resulted in six possible cytotypes, which are in Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium. Therefore, comparing the distribution pattern on homeologous chromosomes across the species, using gene clusters as a guide to identify it, seems to be an effective way to further the analysis of scattered microsatellites in fish cytogenetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Josiane Baccarin Traldi
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Brasil
| | | | - Vladimir Pavan Margarido
- Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Cascavel, Paraná, Brasil
| | - Roberto Laridondo Lui
- Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Cascavel, Paraná, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lefferts JW, Boersma V, Nieuwenhuijze NDA, Suen SWF, Hajo K, Collantes NS, Vermeulen C, Groeneweg T, Hagemeijer MC, de Jonge HR, van der Ent CK, Splinter E, Beekman JM. Targeted locus amplification reveals heterogeneity between and within CFTR genotypes and association with CFTR function in patient-derived intestinal organoids. J Cyst Fibros 2023; 22:538-547. [PMID: 37100706 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cystic fibrosis (CF) disease severity can be highly variable, even between people with CF (pwCF) with similar genotypes. Here we use patient-derived intestinal organoids to study the influence of genetic variation within the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene on CFTR function. METHODS Organoids of F508del/class I, F508del/S1251N and pwCF with only one detected CF-causing mutation were cultured. Allele-specific CFTR variation was investigated using targeted locus amplification (TLA), CFTR function was measured using the forskolin-induced swelling assay and mRNA levels were quantified using RT-qPCR. RESULTS We were able to distinguish CFTR genotypes based on TLA data. Additionally, we observed heterogeneity within genotypes, which we were able to link to CFTR function for S1251N alleles. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that the paired analysis of CFTR intragenic variation and CFTR function can gain insights in the underlying CFTR defect for individuals where the disease phenotype does not match the CFTR mutations detected during diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J W Lefferts
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Center, Center for Living Technologies, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - V Boersma
- Cergentis BV., Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - N D A Nieuwenhuijze
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Center, Center for Living Technologies, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S W F Suen
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Center, Center for Living Technologies, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Xilis BV, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - K Hajo
- Cergentis BV., Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - N Sanchez Collantes
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - C Vermeulen
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - T Groeneweg
- Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M C Hagemeijer
- Current affiliation: Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - H R de Jonge
- Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C K van der Ent
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - J M Beekman
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Center, Center for Living Technologies, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Center for Living Technologies, Eindhoven-Wageningen-Utrecht Alliance, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Trizna L, Osif B, Víglaský V. G-QINDER Tool: Bioinformatically Predicted Formation of Different Four-Stranded DNA Motifs from (GT) n and (GA) n Repeats. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087565. [PMID: 37108727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087565] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The recently introduced semi-orthogonal system of nucleic acid imaging offers a greatly improved method of identifying DNA sequences that are capable of adopting noncanonical structures. This paper uses our newly developed G-QINDER tool to identify specific repeat sequences that adopt unique structural motifs in DNA: TG and AG repeats. The structures were found to adopt a left-handed G-quadruplex form under extreme crowding conditions and a unique tetrahelical motif under certain other conditions. The tetrahelical structure likely consists of stacked AGAG-tetrads but, unlike G-quadruplexes, their stability does not appear to be dependent on the type of monovalent cation present. The occurrence of TG and AG repeats in genomes is not rare, and they are also found frequently in the regulatory regions of nucleic acids, so it is reasonable to assume that putative structural motifs, like other noncanonical forms, could play an important regulatory role in cells. This hypothesis is supported by the structural stability of the AGAG motif; its unfolding can occur even at physiological temperatures since the melting temperature is primarily dependent on the number of AG repeats in the sequence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukáš Trizna
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 04001 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Branislav Osif
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 04001 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Viktor Víglaský
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 04001 Košice, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Fan C, Chen K, Wang Y, Ball EV, Stenson PD, Mort M, Bacolla A, Kehrer-Sawatzki H, Tainer JA, Cooper DN, Zhao H. Profiling human pathogenic repeat expansion regions by synergistic and multi-level impacts on molecular connections. Hum Genet 2023; 142:245-274. [PMID: 36344696 PMCID: PMC10290229 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-022-02500-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Whilst DNA repeat expansions cause numerous heritable human disorders, their origins and underlying pathological mechanisms are often unclear. We collated a dataset comprising 224 human repeat expansions encompassing 203 different genes, and performed a systematic analysis with respect to key topological features at the DNA, RNA and protein levels. Comparison with controls without known pathogenicity and genomic regions lacking repeats, allowed the construction of the first tool to discriminate repeat regions harboring pathogenic repeat expansions (DPREx). At the DNA level, pathogenic repeat expansions exhibited stronger signals for DNA regulatory factors (e.g. H3K4me3, transcription factor-binding sites) in exons, promoters, 5'UTRs and 5'genes but were not significantly different from controls in introns, 3'UTRs and 3'genes. Additionally, pathogenic repeat expansions were also found to be enriched in non-B DNA structures. At the RNA level, pathogenic repeat expansions were characterized by lower free energy for forming RNA secondary structure and were closer to splice sites in introns, exons, promoters and 5'genes than controls. At the protein level, pathogenic repeat expansions exhibited a preference to form coil rather than other types of secondary structure, and tended to encode surface-located protein domains. Guided by these features, DPREx ( http://biomed.nscc-gz.cn/zhaolab/geneprediction/# ) achieved an Area Under the Curve (AUC) value of 0.88 in a test on an independent dataset. Pathogenic repeat expansions are thus located such that they exert a synergistic influence on the gene expression pathway involving inter-molecular connections at the DNA, RNA and protein levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cong Fan
- Department of Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 500001, People's Republic of China
| | - Ken Chen
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 500001, China
| | - Yukai Wang
- School of Life Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 500001, China
| | - Edward V Ball
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Peter D Stenson
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Matthew Mort
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Albino Bacolla
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 6767 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - John A Tainer
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 6767 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - David N Cooper
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Huiying Zhao
- Department of Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 500001, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Jackson JJ, Mao Y, White TR, Foye C, Oliver KE. Features of CFTR mRNA and implications for therapeutics development. Front Genet 2023; 14:1166529. [PMID: 37168508 PMCID: PMC10165737 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1166529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease impacting ∼100,000 people worldwide. This lethal disorder is caused by mutation of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which encodes an ATP-binding cassette-class C protein. More than 2,100 variants have been identified throughout the length of CFTR. These defects confer differing levels of severity in mRNA and/or protein synthesis, folding, gating, and turnover. Drug discovery efforts have resulted in recent development of modulator therapies that improve clinical outcomes for people living with CF. However, a significant portion of the CF population has demonstrated either no response and/or adverse reactions to small molecules. Additional therapeutic options are needed to restore underlying genetic defects for all patients, particularly individuals carrying rare or refractory CFTR variants. Concerted focus has been placed on rescuing variants that encode truncated CFTR protein, which also harbor abnormalities in mRNA synthesis and stability. The current mini-review provides an overview of CFTR mRNA features known to elicit functional consequences on final protein conformation and function, including considerations for RNA-directed therapies under investigation. Alternative exon usage in the 5'-untranslated region, polypyrimidine tracts, and other sequence elements that influence splicing are discussed. Additionally, we describe mechanisms of CFTR mRNA decay and post-transcriptional regulation mediated through interactions with the 3'-untranslated region (e.g. poly-uracil sequences, microRNAs). Contributions of synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms to CFTR transcript utilization are also examined. Comprehensive understanding of CFTR RNA biology will be imperative for optimizing future therapeutic endeavors intended to address presently untreatable forms of CF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- JaNise J. Jackson
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Airways Disease Research, Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Yiyang Mao
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Airways Disease Research, Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Tyshawn R. White
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Airways Disease Research, Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Catherine Foye
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Airways Disease Research, Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Kathryn E. Oliver
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Airways Disease Research, Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States
- *Correspondence: Kathryn E. Oliver,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
An atypical RNA quadruplex marks RNAs as vectors for gene silencing. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2022; 29:1113-1121. [PMID: 36352138 PMCID: PMC10092862 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-022-00854-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The addition of poly(UG) ('pUG') repeats to 3' termini of mRNAs drives gene silencing and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in the metazoan Caenorhabditis elegans. pUG tails promote silencing by recruiting an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) that synthesizes small interfering RNAs. Here we show that active pUG tails require a minimum of 11.5 repeats and adopt a quadruplex (G4) structure we term the pUG fold. The pUG fold differs from known G4s in that it has a left-handed backbone similar to Z-RNA, no consecutive guanosines in its sequence, and three G quartets and one U quartet stacked non-sequentially. The compact pUG fold binds six potassium ions and brings the RNA ends into close proximity. The biological importance of the pUG fold is emphasized by our observations that porphyrin molecules bind to the pUG fold and inhibit both gene silencing and binding of RdRP. Moreover, specific 7-deaza substitutions that disrupt the pUG fold neither bind RdRP nor induce RNA silencing. These data define the pUG fold as a previously unrecognized RNA structural motif that drives gene silencing. The pUG fold can also form internally within larger RNA molecules. Approximately 20,000 pUG-fold sequences are found in noncoding regions of human RNAs, suggesting that the fold probably has biological roles beyond gene silencing.
Collapse
|
17
|
Kelley CM, Ginsberg SD, Liang WS, Counts SE, Mufson EJ. Posterior cingulate cortex reveals an expression profile of resilience in cognitively intact elders. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac162. [PMID: 35813880 PMCID: PMC9263888 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The posterior cingulate cortex, a key hub of the default mode network, underlies autobiographical memory retrieval and displays hypometabolic changes early in Alzheimer disease. To obtain an unbiased understanding of the molecular pathobiology of the aged posterior cingulate cortex, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) on tissue obtained from 26 participants of the Rush Religious Orders Study (11 males/15 females; aged 76-96 years) with a pre-mortem clinical diagnosis of no cognitive impairment and post-mortem neurofibrillary tangle Braak Stages I/II, III, and IV. Transcriptomic data were gathered using next-generation sequencing of RNA extracted from posterior cingulate cortex generating an average of 60 million paired reads per subject. Normalized expression of RNA-seq data was calculated using a global gene annotation and a microRNA profile. Differential expression (DESeq2, edgeR) using Braak staging as the comparison structure isolated genes for dimensional scaling, associative network building and functional clustering. Curated genes were correlated with the Mini-Mental State Examination and semantic, working and episodic memory, visuospatial ability, and a composite Global Cognitive Score. Regulatory mechanisms were determined by co-expression networks with microRNAs and an overlap of transcription factor binding sites. Analysis revealed 750 genes and 12 microRNAs significantly differentially expressed between Braak Stages I/II and III/IV and an associated six groups of transcription factor binding sites. Inputting significantly different gene/network data into a functional annotation clustering model revealed elevated presynaptic, postsynaptic and ATP-related expression in Braak Stages III and IV compared with Stages I/II, suggesting these pathways are integral for cognitive resilience seen in unimpaired elderly subjects. Principal component analysis and Kruskal-Wallis testing did not associate Braak stage with cognitive function. However, Spearman correlations between genes and cognitive test scores followed by network analysis revealed upregulation of classes of synaptic genes positively associated with performance on the visuospatial perceptual orientation domain. Upregulation of key synaptic genes suggests a role for these transcripts and associated synaptic pathways in cognitive resilience seen in elders despite Alzheimer disease pathology and dementia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christy M Kelley
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Stephen D Ginsberg
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Winnie S Liang
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Scott E Counts
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Elliott J Mufson
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Mei H, Zhao T, Dong Z, Han J, Xu B, Chen R, Zhang J, Zhang J, Hu Y, Zhang T, Fang L. Population-Scale Polymorphic Short Tandem Repeat Provides an Alternative Strategy for Allele Mining in Cotton. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:916830. [PMID: 35599867 PMCID: PMC9120961 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.916830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Short tandem repeats (STRs), which vary in size due to featuring variable numbers of repeat units, are present throughout most eukaryotic genomes. To date, few population-scale studies identifying STRs have been reported for crops. Here, we constructed a high-density polymorphic STR map by investigating polymorphic STRs from 911 Gossypium hirsutum accessions. In total, we identified 556,426 polymorphic STRs with an average length of 21.1 bp, of which 69.08% were biallelic. Moreover, 7,718 (1.39%) were identified in the exons of 6,021 genes, which were significantly enriched in transcription, ribosome biogenesis, and signal transduction. Only 5.88% of those exonic STRs altered open reading frames, of which 97.16% were trinucleotide. An alternative strategy STR-GWAS analysis revealed that 824 STRs were significantly associated with agronomic traits, including 491 novel alleles that undetectable by previous SNP-GWAS methods. For instance, a novel polymorphic STR consisting of GAACCA repeats was identified in GH_D06G1697, with its (GAACCA)5 allele increasing fiber length by 1.96-4.83% relative to the (GAACCA)4 allele. The database CottonSTRDB was further developed to facilitate use of STR datasets in breeding programs. Our study provides functional roles for STRs in influencing complex traits, an alternative strategy STR-GWAS for allele mining, and a database serving the cotton community as a valuable resource.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Mei
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, Institute of Crop Science, Plant Precision Breeding Academy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ting Zhao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, Institute of Crop Science, Plant Precision Breeding Academy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zeyu Dong
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, Institute of Crop Science, Plant Precision Breeding Academy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jin Han
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, Institute of Crop Science, Plant Precision Breeding Academy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Biyu Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, Institute of Crop Science, Plant Precision Breeding Academy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, Institute of Crop Science, Plant Precision Breeding Academy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, Institute of Crop Science, Plant Precision Breeding Academy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Juncheng Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, Institute of Crop Science, Plant Precision Breeding Academy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Hu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, Institute of Crop Science, Plant Precision Breeding Academy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, China
| | - Tianzhen Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, Institute of Crop Science, Plant Precision Breeding Academy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, China
| | - Lei Fang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Resources, Institute of Crop Science, Plant Precision Breeding Academy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Boiko S. Design of microsatellite markers for Schizophyllum commune (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) based on analysis of its genome. UKRAINIAN BOTANICAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.15407/ukrbotj79.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple sequence repeats of DNA (SSRs) are the most popular source of genetic markers used in population genetics, phylogenetics, and genetic mapping. A large number of nucleotide repeats enriched in G and C were identified. 336 mononucleotide motifs with more than ten repeats were recorded. 2020 nucleotide repeats were identified, of which 97.4% are di- (68.2%) and trinucleotides (29.2%). The total number of unique SSR loci, to which primers pairs were developed, was 1920. PCR primer sequences for unique SSR loci of the S. commune genome are presented. Of the twenty-two SSR markers synthesized for the S. commune genome, amplicons formed 64% on freshly isolated DNA samples.
Collapse
|
20
|
Lineages Derived from Cryptococcus neoformans Type Strain H99 Support a Link between the Capacity to Be Pleomorphic and Virulence. mBio 2022; 13:e0028322. [PMID: 35258331 PMCID: PMC9040854 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00283-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans causes nearly 200,000 deaths annually in immunocompromised individuals. Cryptococcus cells can undergo substantial morphological change during mammalian infection, including increased capsule and cell size, the release of shed capsule, and the production of titan (>10 μm), micro (<2 μm)-, and irregular cells. We examined phenotypic variation under conditions designed to simulate in vivo stress in a collection of nine lineages derived from the C. neoformans type strain H99. These lineages are highly genetically similar but have a range of virulence levels. Strains from hypervirulent lineages had a larger average capsule size, greater variation in cell size, and an increased production of microcells and shed capsule. We tested whether disruption of SGF29, which encodes a component of the SAGA histone acetylation complex that has previously been implicated in the hypervirulence of some lineages, also has a role in the production of morphological variants. Deletion of SGF29 in a lineage with intermediate virulence substantially increased its production of microcells and released capsule, consistent with a switch to hypervirulence. We further examined SGF29 in a set of 52 clinical isolates and found loss-of-function mutations were significantly correlated with patient death. Expansion of a TA repeat in the second intron of SGF29 was positively correlated with cell and capsule size, suggesting it also affects Sgf29 function. This study extends the evidence for a link between pleomorphism and virulence in Cryptococcus, with a likely role for epigenetic mechanisms mediated by SAGA-induced histone acetylation.
Collapse
|
21
|
Sergeeva OV, Shcherbinina EY, Shomron N, Zatsepin TS. Modulation of RNA Splicing by Oligonucleotides: Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Implications. Nucleic Acid Ther 2022; 32:123-138. [PMID: 35166605 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2021.0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of RNA splicing causes many diseases and disorders. Several therapeutic approaches have been developed to correct aberrant alternative splicing events for the treatment of cancers and hereditary diseases, including gene therapy and redirecting splicing, using small molecules or splice switching oligonucleotides (SSO). Significant advances in the chemistry and pharmacology of nucleic acid have led to the development of clinically approved SSO drugs for the treatment of spinal muscular dystrophy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of SSO action with emphasis on "less common" approaches to modulate alternative splicing, including bipartite and bifunctional SSO, oligonucleotide decoys for splice factors and SSO-mediated mRNA degradation via AS-NMD and NGD pathways. We briefly discuss the current progress and future perspectives of SSO therapy for rare and ultrarare diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga V Sergeeva
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Noam Shomron
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Timofei S Zatsepin
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Chemistry, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Xiao X, Zhang CY, Zhang Z, Hu Z, Li M, Li T. Revisiting tandem repeats in psychiatric disorders from perspectives of genetics, physiology, and brain evolution. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:466-475. [PMID: 34650204 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01329-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have revealed substantial genetic components comprised of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the heritable risk of psychiatric disorders. However, genetic risk factors not covered by GWAS also play pivotal roles in these illnesses. Tandem repeats, which are likely functional but frequently overlooked by GWAS, may account for an important proportion in the "missing heritability" of psychiatric disorders. Despite difficulties in characterizing and quantifying tandem repeats in the genome, studies have been carried out in an attempt to describe impact of tandem repeats on gene regulation and human phenotypes. In this review, we have introduced recent research progress regarding the genomic distribution and regulatory mechanisms of tandem repeats. We have also summarized the current knowledge of the genetic architecture and biological underpinnings of psychiatric disorders brought by studies of tandem repeats. These findings suggest that tandem repeats, in candidate psychiatric risk genes or in different levels of linkage disequilibrium (LD) with psychiatric GWAS SNPs and haplotypes, may modulate biological phenotypes related to psychiatric disorders (e.g., cognitive function and brain physiology) through regulating alternative splicing, promoter activity, enhancer activity and so on. In addition, many tandem repeats undergo tight natural selection in the human lineage, and likely exert crucial roles in human brain evolution. Taken together, the putative roles of tandem repeats in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders is strongly implicated, and using examples from previous literatures, we wish to call for further attention to tandem repeats in the post-GWAS era of psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Chu-Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhuohua Zhang
- Institute of Molecular Precision Medicine and Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Center for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhonghua Hu
- Institute of Molecular Precision Medicine and Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,Center for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,Department of Critical Care Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital and Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Ming Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China. .,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China. .,KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Tao Li
- Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. .,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Raraigh KS, Aksit MA, Hetrick K, Pace RG, Ling H, O'Neal W, Blue E, Zhou YH, Bamshad MJ, Blackman SM, Gibson RL, Knowles MR, Cutting GR. Complete CFTR gene sequencing in 5,058 individuals with cystic fibrosis informs variant-specific treatment. J Cyst Fibros 2021; 21:463-470. [PMID: 34782259 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2021.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a recessive condition caused by variants in each CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) allele. Clinically affected individuals without two identified causal variants typically have no further interrogation of CFTR beyond examination of coding regions, but the development of variant-specific CFTR-targeted treatments necessitates complete understanding of CFTR genotype. METHODS Whole genome sequences were analyzed on 5,058 individuals with CF. We focused on the full CFTR gene sequence and identified disease-causing variants in three phases: screening for known and structural variants; discovery of novel loss-of-function variants; and investigation of remaining variants. RESULTS All variants identified in the first two phases and coding region variants found in the third phase were interpreted according to CFTR2 or ACMG criteria (n = 371; 16 [4.3%] previously unreported). Full gene sequencing enabled delineation of 18 structural variants (large insertions or deletions), of which two were novel. Additional CFTR variants of uncertain effect were found in 76 F508del homozygotes and in 21 individuals with other combinations of CF-causing variants. Both causative variants were identified in 98.1% (n = 4,960) of subjects, an increase of 2.3 percentage points from the 95.8% (n = 4,847) who had a registry- or chart-reported disease-causing CFTR genotype. Of the remaining 98 individuals, 78 carried one variant that has been associated with CF (CF-causing [n = 70] or resulting in varying clinical consequences n = 8]). CONCLUSIONS Complete CFTR gene sequencing in 5,058 individuals with CF identified at least one DNA variant in 99.6% of the cohort that is targetable by current molecular or emerging gene-based therapeutic technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen S Raraigh
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States
| | - Melis A Aksit
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States
| | - Kurt Hetrick
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States
| | - Rhonda G Pace
- Marsico Lung Institute/UNC CF Research Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Hua Ling
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States
| | - Wanda O'Neal
- Marsico Lung Institute/UNC CF Research Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Elizabeth Blue
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Yi-Hui Zhou
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Michael J Bamshad
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States; Brotman-Baty Institute, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Scott M Blackman
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States
| | - Ronald L Gibson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Michael R Knowles
- Marsico Lung Institute/UNC CF Research Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Garry R Cutting
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bright F, Chan G, van Hummel A, Ittner LM, Ke YD. TDP-43 and Inflammation: Implications for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157781. [PMID: 34360544 PMCID: PMC8346169 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The abnormal mislocalisation and ubiquitinated protein aggregation of the TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) within the cytoplasm of neurons and glia in the central nervous system (CNS) is a pathological hallmark of early-onset neurodegenerative disorders amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The pathomechanisms underlying abnormal mislocalisation and aggregation of TDP-43 remain unknown. However, there is a growing body of evidence implicating neuroinflammation and immune-mediated mechanisms in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration. Importantly, most of the evidence for an active role of immunity and inflammation in the pathogenesis of ALS and FTD relates specifically to TDP-43, posing the question as to whether immune-mediated mechanisms could hold the key to understanding TDP-43’s underlying role in neurodegeneration in both diseases. Therefore, this review aims to piece together key lines of evidence for the specific association of TDP-43 with key immune and inflammatory pathways to explore the nature of this relationship and the implications for potential pathomechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in ALS and FTD.
Collapse
|
25
|
Nykamp K, Truty R, Riethmaier D, Wilkinson J, Bristow SL, Aguilar S, Neitzel D, Faulkner N, Aradhya S. Elucidating clinical phenotypic variability associated with the polyT tract and TG repeats in CFTR. Hum Mutat 2021; 42:1165-1172. [PMID: 34196078 PMCID: PMC9292755 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Biallelic pathogenic variants in CFTR manifest as cystic fibrosis (CF) or other CFTR-related disorders (CFTR-RDs). The 5T allele, causing alternative splicing and reduced protein activity, is modulated by the adjacent TG repeat element, though previous data have been limited to small, selective cohorts. Here, the risk and spectrum of phenotypes associated with the CFTR TG-T5 haplotype variants (TG11T5, TG12T5, and TG13T5) in the absence of the p.Arg117His variant are evaluated. Individuals who received physician-ordered next-generation sequencing of CFTR were included. TG[11-13]T5 variant frequencies (biallelic or with another CF-causing variant [CFvar]) were calculated. Clinical information reported by the ordering provider or the individual was examined. Among 548,300 individuals, the T5 minor allele frequency (MAF) was 4.2% (TG repeat distribution: TG11 = 68.1%, TG12 = 29.5%, TG13 = 2.4%). When present with a CFvar, each TG[11-13]T5 variant was significantly enriched in individuals with a high suspicion of CF or CFTR-RD (personal/family history of CF/CFTR-RD) compared to those with a low suspicion for CF or CFTR-RD (hereditary cancer screening, CFTR not requisitioned). Compared to CFvar/CFvar individuals, those with TG[11-13]T5/CFvar generally had single-organ involvement, milder symptoms, variable expressivity, and reduced penetrance. These data improve our understanding of disease risks associated with TG[11-13]T5 variants and have important implications for reproductive genetic counseling.
Collapse
|
26
|
Khedri A, Farahmandi AY, Moghaveleh M, Baghbani KA, Khoob SN, Moghbelinejad S, Asadi F. TG12-T5-V470 haplotype in the CFTR gene is associated with non-obstructive azoospermia in Iranian infertile men. GENE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2021.101095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
27
|
Pan X, Hu H. Development and Characterization of Novel EST-SSR Markers in Masson Pine (Pinus massoniana) Based on Transcriptome Data. RUSS J GENET+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795421050070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
28
|
Characterization of microsatellites in the endangered snow leopard based on the chromosome-level genome. MAMMAL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-021-00563-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
29
|
Kalinina M, Skvortsov D, Kalmykova S, Ivanov T, Dontsova O, Pervouchine D. Multiple competing RNA structures dynamically control alternative splicing in the human ATE1 gene. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:479-490. [PMID: 33330934 PMCID: PMC7797038 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian Ate1 gene encodes an arginyl transferase enzyme with tumor suppressor function that depends on the inclusion of one of the two mutually exclusive exons (MXE), exons 7a and 7b. We report that the molecular mechanism underlying MXE splicing in Ate1 involves five conserved regulatory intronic elements R1-R5, of which R1 and R4 compete for base pairing with R3, while R2 and R5 form an ultra-long-range RNA structure spanning 30 Kb. In minigenes, single and double mutations that disrupt base pairings in R1R3 and R3R4 lead to the loss of MXE splicing, while compensatory triple mutations that restore RNA structure revert splicing to that of the wild type. In the endogenous Ate1 pre-mRNA, blocking the competing base pairings by LNA/DNA mixmers complementary to R3 leads to the loss of MXE splicing, while the disruption of R2R5 interaction changes the ratio of MXE. That is, Ate1 splicing is controlled by two independent, dynamically interacting, and functionally distinct RNA structure modules. Exon 7a becomes more included in response to RNA Pol II slowdown, however it fails to do so when the ultra-long-range R2R5 interaction is disrupted, indicating that exon 7a/7b ratio depends on co-transcriptional RNA folding. In sum, these results demonstrate that splicing is coordinated both in time and in space over very long distances, and that the interaction of these components is mediated by RNA structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Kalinina
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Center of Life Sciences, Moscow 143026, Russia
| | - Dmitry Skvortsov
- Moscow State University, Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Svetlana Kalmykova
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Center of Life Sciences, Moscow 143026, Russia
| | - Timofei Ivanov
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Center of Life Sciences, Moscow 143026, Russia
| | - Olga Dontsova
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Center of Life Sciences, Moscow 143026, Russia
- Moscow State University, Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Dmitri D Pervouchine
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Center of Life Sciences, Moscow 143026, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
McAlary L, Chew YL, Lum JS, Geraghty NJ, Yerbury JJ, Cashman NR. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Proteins, Proteostasis, Prions, and Promises. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:581907. [PMID: 33328890 PMCID: PMC7671971 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.581907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the progressive degeneration of the motor neurons that innervate muscle, resulting in gradual paralysis and culminating in the inability to breathe or swallow. This neuronal degeneration occurs in a spatiotemporal manner from a point of onset in the central nervous system (CNS), suggesting that there is a molecule that spreads from cell-to-cell. There is strong evidence that the onset and progression of ALS pathology is a consequence of protein misfolding and aggregation. In line with this, a hallmark pathology of ALS is protein deposition and inclusion formation within motor neurons and surrounding glia of the proteins TAR DNA-binding protein 43, superoxide dismutase-1, or fused in sarcoma. Collectively, the observed protein aggregation, in conjunction with the spatiotemporal spread of symptoms, strongly suggests a prion-like propagation of protein aggregation occurs in ALS. In this review, we discuss the role of protein aggregation in ALS concerning protein homeostasis (proteostasis) mechanisms and prion-like propagation. Furthermore, we examine the experimental models used to investigate these processes, including in vitro assays, cultured cells, invertebrate models, and murine models. Finally, we evaluate the therapeutics that may best prevent the onset or spread of pathology in ALS and discuss what lies on the horizon for treating this currently incurable disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke McAlary
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Yee Lian Chew
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeremy Stephen Lum
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicholas John Geraghty
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Justin John Yerbury
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Neil R. Cashman
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Xu B, Meng Y, Jin Y. RNA structures in alternative splicing and back-splicing. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2020; 12:e1626. [PMID: 32929887 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alternative splicing greatly expands the transcriptomic and proteomic diversities related to physiological and developmental processes in higher eukaryotes. Splicing of long noncoding RNAs, and back- and trans- splicing further expanded the regulatory repertoire of alternative splicing. RNA structures were shown to play an important role in regulating alternative splicing and back-splicing. Application of novel sequencing technologies made it possible to identify genome-wide RNA structures and interaction networks, which might provide new insights into RNA splicing regulation in vitro to in vivo. The emerging transcription-folding-splicing paradigm is changing our understanding of RNA alternative splicing regulation. Here, we review the insights into the roles and mechanisms of RNA structures in alternative splicing and back-splicing, as well as how disruption of these structures affects alternative splicing and then leads to human diseases. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Xu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yijun Meng
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongfeng Jin
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
McAlary L, Yerbury JJ, Cashman NR. The prion-like nature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 175:261-296. [PMID: 32958236 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The misfolding, aggregation, and deposition of specific proteins is the key hallmark of most progressive neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is characterized by the rapid and progressive degenerations of motor neurons in the spinal cord and motor cortex, resulting in paralysis of those who suffer from it. Pathologically, there are three major aggregating proteins associated with ALS, including TAR DNA-binding protein of 43kDa (TDP-43), superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1), and fused in sarcoma (FUS). While there are ALS-associated mutations found in each of these proteins, the most prevalent aggregation pathology is that of wild-type TDP-43 (97% of cases), with the remaining split between mutant forms of SOD1 (~2%) and FUS (~1%). Considering the progressive nature of ALS and its association with the aggregation of specific proteins, a growing notion is that the spread of pathology and symptoms can be explained by a prion-like mechanism. Prion diseases are a group of highly infectious neurodegenerative disorders caused by the misfolding, aggregation, and spread of a transmissible conformer of prion protein (PrP). Pathogenic PrP is capable of converting healthy PrP into a toxic form through template-directed misfolding. Application of this finding to other neurodegenerative disorders, and in particular ALS, has revolutionized our understanding of cause and progression of these disorders. In this chapter, we first provide a background on ALS pathology and genetic origin. We then detail and discuss the evidence supporting a prion-like propagation of protein misfolding and aggregation in ALS with a particular focus on SOD1 and TDP-43 as these are the most well-established models in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L McAlary
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - J J Yerbury
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - N R Cashman
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
McAlary L, Plotkin SS, Yerbury JJ, Cashman NR. Prion-Like Propagation of Protein Misfolding and Aggregation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:262. [PMID: 31736708 PMCID: PMC6838634 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery that prion protein can misfold into a pathological conformation that encodes structural information capable of both propagation and inducing severe neuropathology has revolutionized our understanding of neurodegenerative disease. Many neurodegenerative diseases with a protein misfolding component are now classified as “prion-like” owing to the propagation of both symptoms and protein aggregation pathology in affected individuals. The neuromuscular disorder amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by protein inclusions formed by either TAR DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43), Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), or fused in sarcoma (FUS), in both upper and lower motor neurons. Evidence from in vitro, cell culture, and in vivo studies has provided strong evidence to support the involvement of a prion-like mechanism in ALS. In this article, we review the evidence suggesting that prion-like propagation of protein aggregation is a primary pathomechanism in ALS, focusing on the key proteins and genes involved in disease (TDP-43, SOD1, FUS, and C9orf72). In each case, we discuss the evidence ranging from biophysical studies to in vivo examinations of prion-like spreading. We suggest that the idiopathic nature of ALS may stem from its prion-like nature and that elucidation of the specific propagating protein assemblies is paramount to developing effective therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke McAlary
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Steven S Plotkin
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Genome Sciences and Technology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Justin J Yerbury
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.,Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Neil R Cashman
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Li D, Zhang H, Peng S, Pan S, Tan Z. Conserved microsatellites may contribute to stem-loop structures in 5', 3' terminals of Ebolavirus genomes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 514:726-733. [PMID: 31078274 PMCID: PMC7092875 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.04.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Microsatellites (SSRs) are ubiquitous in coding and non-coding regions of the Ebolavirus genomes. We synthetically analyzed the microsatellites in whole-genome and terminal regions of 219 Ebolavirus genomes from five species. The Ebolavirus sequences were observed with small intraspecies variations and large interspecific variations, especially in the terminal non-coding regions. Only five conserved microsatellites were detected in the complete genomes, and four of them which well base-paired to help forming conserved stem-loop structures mainly appeared in the terminal non-coding regions. These results suggest that the conserved microsatellites may be evolutionary selected to form conserved secondary structures in 5′, 3′ terminals of Ebolavirus genomes. It may help to understand the biological significance of microsatellites in Ebolavirus and also other virus genomes. Conserved microsatellites mainly occurred in 5′, 3′ terminal non-coding regions. Conserved microsatellites may contribute to conserved stem-loop structures. Conserved microsatellites might be preserved under greater evolutionary pressure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Douyue Li
- Bioinformatics Center, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongxi Zhang
- Bioinformatics Center, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Shan Peng
- Bioinformatics Center, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Saichao Pan
- Bioinformatics Center, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhongyang Tan
- Bioinformatics Center, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Saini S, Mitra I, Mousavi N, Fotsing SF, Gymrek M. A reference haplotype panel for genome-wide imputation of short tandem repeats. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4397. [PMID: 30353011 PMCID: PMC6199332 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06694-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Short tandem repeats (STRs) are involved in dozens of Mendelian disorders and have been implicated in complex traits. However, genotyping arrays used in genome-wide association studies focus on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and do not readily allow identification of STR associations. We leverage next-generation sequencing (NGS) from 479 families to create a SNP + STR reference haplotype panel. Our panel enables imputing STR genotypes into SNP array data when NGS is not available for directly genotyping STRs. Imputed genotypes achieve mean concordance of 97% with observed genotypes in an external dataset compared to 71% expected under a naive model. Performance varies widely across STRs, with near perfect concordance at bi-allelic STRs vs. 70% at highly polymorphic repeats. Imputation increases power over individual SNPs to detect STR associations with gene expression. Imputing STRs into existing SNP datasets will enable the first large-scale STR association studies across a range of complex traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shubham Saini
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ileena Mitra
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Nima Mousavi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Stephanie Feupe Fotsing
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Melissa Gymrek
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Moya L, Lai J, Hoffman A, Srinivasan S, Panchadsaram J, Chambers S, Clements JA, Batra J. Association Analysis of a Microsatellite Repeat in the TRIB1 Gene With Prostate Cancer Risk, Aggressiveness and Survival. Front Genet 2018; 9:428. [PMID: 30337939 PMCID: PMC6180282 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
With an estimated 1.1 million men worldwide diagnosed with prostate cancer yearly, effective and more specific biomarkers for early diagnosis could lead to better patient outcome. As such, novel genetic markers are sought for this purpose. The tribbles homologue 1 gene (TRIB1) has recently shown to have a role in prostate tumorigenesis and data-mining of prostate cancer expression data confirmed clinical significance of TRIB1 in prostate cancer. For the first time, a polymorphic microsatellite in this gene was studied for its potential association with prostate cancer risk and aggressiveness. Genomic DNA was extracted from a cohort of 1,152 prostate cancer patients and 1,196 cancer-free controls and the TTTTG-TRIB1 microsatellite was genotyped. The socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed using the non-parametric t-test and two-way ANOVA. Association of the TTTTG-TRIB1 microsatellite and prostate cancer risk and aggressiveness were analyzed by binary logistic regression and confirmed by bootstrapping. Total and prostate cancer mortality was analyzed using the Kaplan Meier test. Genotype and allele correlation with TRIB1 mRNA levels was analyzed using the non-parametric Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. To predict the effect that the TTTTG-TRIB1 polymorphisms had on the mRNA structure, the in silico RNA folding predictor tool, mfold, was used. By analyzing the publicly available data, we confirmed a significant over-expression of TRIB1 in prostate cancer compared to other cancer types, and an over-expression in prostate cancerous tissue compared to adjacent benign. Three alleles (three-five repeats) were observed for TTTTG-TRIB1. The three-repeat allele was associated with prostate cancer risk at the allele (OR = 1.16; P = 0.044) and genotypic levels (OR = 1.70; P = 0.006) and this association was age-independent. The four-repeat allele was inversely associated with prosatet cancer risk (OR = 0.57; P < 0.0001). TRIB1 expression was upregulated in tumors when compared to adjacent cancer-free tissue but was not allele specific. In silico analysis suggested that the TTTTG-TRIB1 alleles may alter TRIB1 mRNA structure. In summary, the three-repeat allele was significantly associated with prostate cancer risk, suggesting a biomarker potential for this microsatellite to predict prostate cancer. Further studies are needed to elucidate the functional role of this microsatellite in regulating TRIB1 expression, perhaps by affecting the TRIB1 mRNA structure and stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leire Moya
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre – Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Cancer Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - John Lai
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre – Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Cancer Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrea Hoffman
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre – Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Cancer Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Srilakshmi Srinivasan
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre – Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Cancer Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Janaththani Panchadsaram
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre – Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Cancer Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Suzanne Chambers
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
- Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Judith A. Clements
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre – Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Cancer Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jyotsna Batra
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre – Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Cancer Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Forensic characterization and genetic polymorphisms of 19 X-chromosomal STRs in 1344 Han Chinese individuals and comprehensive population relationship analyses among 20 Chinese groups. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204286. [PMID: 30235314 PMCID: PMC6147642 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
X-chromosomal short tandem repeats (X-STRs) may assist resolution of complex forensic kinship cases and complement autosomal and Y-chromosomal STRs in routine forensic practice and population genetics. In the present study, we investigated the allele/haplotype diversity and forensic genetic characteristics of 19 X- STRs in 206 Guizhou Han and 1344 Meta-Han Chinese individuals using AGCU X19 PCR amplification system. Population relationships within five Han Chinese population groups (1344 individuals), between Guizhou Han and other 19 Chinese reference populations belonging to four language families (5074 individuals), as well as between Meta-Han Chinese and other 15 minorities (3730 individuals) were performed using Reynolds’s, Nei’s and Fst genetic distances, principal component analysis (PCA), multidimensional scaling (MDS), Structure and Neighbor-Joining tree. Mean paternity exclusion chance (MEC) in Duos > 0.99999999453588 and in trios > 0.99999999999781, as well as power of discrimination (PD) > 0.99999999999980 in Guizhou Han on the basis of allele frequencies. Consistent high MECs and PDs can be observed in Meta-Han Chinese population based on both allele diversities of 19 markers and haplotype diversities of seven linkage groups (LG). DXS10135 and LG1 are the most informative and polymorphic in Han Chinese group. The comprehensive population comparisons reveal that Han Chinese is a homogenous population and has the genetically closer relationship with Hmong-Mien-speaking groups than Tibetan-Burman-speaking and Turkic-speaking populations. In summary, AGCU X19 PCR amplification system is highly polymorphic and informative in Guizhou Han and Han Chinese populations. The comprehensive population data from 20 Chinese populations analyzed in this study may be used as a reference Chinese frequency database of X-STRs for forensic casework applications.
Collapse
|
38
|
Wang NL, Qiu YL, Guan WC, Li G, Lu Y, Zhang MH, Luan WS, Wang JS. Splicing analysis of rare/novel synonymous or intronic variants identified in ABCB11 heterozygotes presenting as progressive intrahepatic cholestasis with low γ-glutamyltransferase. Hepatol Res 2018; 48:574-584. [PMID: 29316097 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to analyze the pathogenicity of rare/novel synonymous or intronic variants identified in ABCB11 heterozygotes presenting as progressive intrahepatic cholestasis with low γ-glutamyltransferase. METHODS The enrolled variants were identified in ABCB11 between October 2009 and June 2016. The effects on pre-RNA splicing were analyzed by in silico tools and minigene splicing assay. RESULTS There were three intronic (c.908 + 5G > A, c.2815-8A > G, and c.612-15_-6del10bp) and two synonymous (c.1809G > A, p.K603 K and c.2418C > T, p.G806G) variants with unknown significance identified in ABCB11 of five ABCB11 heterozygotes. Parental studies were carried out for four patients, and revealed that the variants with unknown significance were compound heterozygous with other pathogenic variants. The five variants with unknown significance had minor allele frequency <0.1% or were absent from controls, and had positive prediction results by in silico tools. The effects on pre-RNA splicing were further confirmed by minigene splicing assay. c.908 + 5A caused abnormal splicing in at least 78.5 ± 3.8% of products using a cryptic splice site (ss) 22 nucleotides (nt) upstream of the wild-type (WT) 5'ss. Seven nucleotides of intron 22 upstream of the WT 3'ss was retained for all products from c.2815-8G. c.612-15_-6del caused exon 8 skipping in 24.8 ± 7.7% of products, and 55 nt of exon 8 downstream of the WT 3'ss removal in remaining products. c.1809A led to exon 15 skipping. c.2418 T removed exon 20 and 62 nt of exon 21 downstream of the WT 3'ss by using a cryptic ss. CONCLUSIONS We successfully identified five pathogenic synonymous or intronic variants with some common features. These features might help to choose the right variant for further functional assay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neng-Li Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,The Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Ling Qiu
- The Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Cai Guan
- The Central Laboratory, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Li
- The Molecular Genetic Diagnosis Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Pediatrics Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Lu
- The Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei-Hong Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Sha Luan
- Department of Pediatrics, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-She Wang
- The Center for Pediatric Liver Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Afek A, Tagliafierro L, Glenn OC, Lukatsky DB, Gordan R, Chiba-Falek O. Toward deciphering the mechanistic role of variations in the Rep1 repeat site in the transcription regulation of SNCA gene. Neurogenetics 2018; 19:135-144. [PMID: 29730780 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-018-0546-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Short structural variants-variants other than single nucleotide polymorphisms-are hypothesized to contribute to many complex diseases, possibly by modulating gene expression. However, the molecular mechanisms by which noncoding short structural variants exert their effects on gene regulation have not been discovered. Here, we study simple sequence repeats (SSRs), a common class of short structural variants. Previously, we showed that repetitive sequences can directly influence the binding of transcription factors to their proximate recognition sites, a mechanism we termed non-consensus binding. In this study, we focus on the SSR termed Rep1, which was associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) and has been implicated in the cis-regulation of the PD-risk SNCA gene. We show that Rep1 acts via the non-consensus binding mechanism to affect the binding of transcription factors from the GATA and ELK families to their specific sites located right next to the Rep1 repeat. Next, we performed an expression analysis to further our understanding regarding the GATA and ELK family members that are potentially relevant for SNCA transcriptional regulation in health and disease. Our analysis indicates a potential role for GATA2, consistent with previous reports. Our study proposes non-consensus transcription factor binding as a potential mechanism through which noncoding repeat variants could exert their pathogenic effects by regulating gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Afek
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.,Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - L Tagliafierro
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.,Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - O C Glenn
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.,Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - D B Lukatsky
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Beersheba, Israel
| | - R Gordan
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA. .,Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA. .,Department of Computer Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
| | - O Chiba-Falek
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA. .,Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Guan WJ, Li JC, Liu F, Zhou J, Liu YP, Ling C, Gao YH, Li HM, Yuan JJ, Huang Y, Chen CL, Chen RC, Zhang X, Zhong NS. Next-generation sequencing for identifying genetic mutations in adults with bronchiectasis. J Thorac Dis 2018; 10:2618-2630. [PMID: 29997923 PMCID: PMC6006054 DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2018.04.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Defective airway host-defense (e.g., altered mucus properties, ciliary defects) contributes to the pathogenesis of bronchiectasis. This study aims to determine whether genetic mutations associated with defective airway host-defense are implicated in the pathogenesis of bronchiectasis. METHODS Based on the systematic screening of 32 frequently reported bronchiectasis-associated genes, we performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) on peripheral blood samples from 192 bronchiectasis patients and 100 healthy subjects. The variant distribution frequency and pathogenicity of mutations were analyzed. RESULTS We identified 162 rare variants in 192 bronchiectasis patients, and 85 rare variants among 100 healthy subjects. Among bronchiectasis patients, 25 (15.4%), 117 (72.2%) and 18 (11.1%) rare variants were associated with cystic fibrosis transmembrane receptor (CFTR), epithelial sodium channel, and primary ciliary dyskinesia genes, respectively. Biallelic CFTR variants were detected in four bronchiectasis patients but none of the healthy subjects. Carriers of homozygous p.M470 plus at least one CFTR rare variant were detected in 6.3% of bronchiectasis patients (n=12) and in 1.0% of healthy subjects (n=1, P=0.039). Twenty-six patients (16 with idiopathic and 6 with post-infectious bronchiectasis) harbored biallelic variants. Bronchiectasis patients with biallelic DNAH5 variants, or biallelic CFTR variants plus an epithelial sodium channel variant, tended to have greater disease severity. CONCLUSIONS Genetic mutations leading to impaired host-defense might have implicated in the pathogenesis of bronchiectasis. Genetic screening may be a useful tool for unraveling the underlying causes of bronchiectasis, and offers molecular information which is complementary to conventional etiologic assessment for bronchiectasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Jie Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Jia-Cheng Li
- McKusick-Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Fang Liu
- McKusick-Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- McKusick-Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Ya-Ping Liu
- McKusick-Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Chao Ling
- Laboratory of Clinical Genetics, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yong-Hua Gao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Hui-Min Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Jing-Jing Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Yan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Chun-Lan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Rong-Chang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- McKusick-Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Nan-Shan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Intron retention induced by microsatellite expansions as a disease biomarker. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:4234-4239. [PMID: 29610297 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1716617115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Expansions of simple sequence repeats, or microsatellites, have been linked to ∼30 neurological-neuromuscular diseases. While these expansions occur in coding and noncoding regions, microsatellite sequence and repeat length diversity is more prominent in introns with eight different trinucleotide to hexanucleotide repeats, causing hereditary diseases such as myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2), Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), and C9orf72 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (C9-ALS/FTD). Here, we test the hypothesis that these GC-rich intronic microsatellite expansions selectively trigger host intron retention (IR). Using DM2, FECD, and C9-ALS/FTD as examples, we demonstrate that retention is readily detectable in affected tissues and peripheral blood lymphocytes and conclude that IR screening constitutes a rapid and inexpensive biomarker for intronic repeat expansion disease.
Collapse
|
42
|
Zhang X, Huang D, Jia X, Zou Z, Wang Y, Zhang Z. Functional analysis of the promoter of the molt-inhibiting hormone (mih) gene in mud crab Scylla paramamosain. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 259:131-140. [PMID: 29170022 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 10/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the 5'-flanking region of molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH) gene was cloned by Tail-PCR. It is 2024 bp starting from the translation initiation site, and 1818 bp starting from the predicted transcription start site. Forecast analysis results by the bioinformatics software showed that the transcription start site is located at 207 bp upstream of the start codon ATG, and TATA box is located at 240 bp upstream of the start codon ATG. Potential transcription factor binding sites include Sp1, NF-1, Oct-1, Sox-2, RAP1, and so on. There are two CpG islands, located at -25- +183 bp and -1451- -1316 bp respectively. The transfection results of luciferase reporter constructs showed that the core promoter region was located in the fragment -308 bp to -26 bp. NF-kappaB and RAP1 were essential for mih basal transcriptional activity. There are three kinds of polymorphism CA in the 5'-flanking sequence, and they can influence mih promoter activity. These findings provide a genetic foundation of the further research of mih transcription regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Danping Huang
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Xiwei Jia
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Zhihua Zou
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Yilei Wang
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Ziping Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Landefeld CC, Hodgkinson CA, Spagnolo PA, Marietta CA, Shen PH, Sun H, Zhou Z, Lipska BK, Goldman D. Effects on gene expression and behavior of untagged short tandem repeats: the case of arginine vasopressin receptor 1a (AVPR1a) and externalizing behaviors. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:72. [PMID: 29581423 PMCID: PMC5913313 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0120-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of complex, heritable, behavioral phenotypes have yielded an incomplete accounting of the genetic influences. The identified loci explain only a portion of the observed heritability, and few of the loci have been shown to be functional. It is clear that current GWAS techniques overlook key components of phenotypically relevant genetic variation, either because of sample size, as is frequently asserted, or because of methodology. Here we use arginine vasopressin receptor 1a (AVPR1a) as an in-depth model of a methodologic limitation of GWAS: the functional genetic variation (in the form of short tandem repeats) of this key gene involved in affiliative behavior cannot be captured by current GWAS methodologies. Importantly, we find evidence of differential allele expression, twofold or more, in at least a third of human brain samples heterozygous for a reporter SNP in the AVPR1a transcript. We also show that this functional effect and a downstream phenotype, externalizing behavior, are predicted by AVPR1a STRs but not SNPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clare C Landefeld
- 0000 0004 0435 0569grid.254293.bCleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195 USA ,0000 0001 2297 5165grid.94365.3dLaboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852 USA
| | - Colin A Hodgkinson
- 0000 0001 2297 5165grid.94365.3dLaboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852 USA
| | - Primavera A Spagnolo
- 0000 0001 2297 5165grid.94365.3dOffice of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20852 USA
| | - Cheryl A Marietta
- 0000 0001 2297 5165grid.94365.3dLaboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852 USA
| | - Pei-Hong Shen
- 0000 0001 2297 5165grid.94365.3dLaboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852 USA
| | - Hui Sun
- 0000 0001 2297 5165grid.94365.3dLaboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852 USA
| | - Zhifeng Zhou
- 0000 0001 2297 5165grid.94365.3dLaboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852 USA
| | - Barbara K Lipska
- 0000 0001 2297 5165grid.94365.3dHuman Brain Collection Core, National Institutes of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
| | - David Goldman
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA. .,Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Gao J, Wang L, Huntley ML, Perry G, Wang X. Pathomechanisms of TDP-43 in neurodegeneration. J Neurochem 2018; 146:10.1111/jnc.14327. [PMID: 29486049 PMCID: PMC6110993 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegeneration, a term that refers to the progressive loss of structure and function of neurons, is a feature of many neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Huntington's disease (HD). There is no cure or treatment available that can prevent or reverse neurodegenerative conditions. The causes of neurodegeneration in these diseases remain largely unknown; yet, an extremely small proportion of these devastating diseases are associated with genetic mutations in proteins involved in a wide range of cellular pathways and processes. Over the past decade, it has become increasingly clear that the most notable neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS, FTLD, and AD, share a common prominent pathological feature known as TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) proteinopathy, which is usually characterized by the presence of aberrant phosphorylation, ubiquitination, cleavage and/or nuclear depletion of TDP-43 in neurons and glial cells. The role of TDP-43 as a neurotoxicity trigger has been well documented in different in vitro and in vivo experimental models. As such, the investigation of TDP-43 pathomechanisms in various major neurodegenerative diseases is on the rise. Here, after a discussion of stages of TDP-43 proteinopathy during disease progression in various major neurodegenerative diseases, we review previous and most recent studies about the potential pathomechanisms with a particular emphasis on ALS, FTLD, and AD, and discuss the possibility of targeting TDP-43 as a common therapeutic approach to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ju Gao
- Departments of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Luwen Wang
- Departments of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Mikayla L. Huntley
- Departments of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - George Perry
- College of Sciences, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Xinglong Wang
- Departments of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that many classes of DNA repeats exhibit attributes that distinguish them from other genetic variants, including the fact that they are more liable to mutation; this enables them to mediate genetic plasticity. The expansion of tandem repeats, particularly of short tandem repeats, can cause a range of disorders (including Huntington disease, various ataxias, motor neuron disease, frontotemporal dementia, fragile X syndrome and other neurological disorders), and emerging data suggest that tandem repeat polymorphisms (TRPs) can also regulate gene expression in healthy individuals. TRPs in human genomes may also contribute to the missing heritability of polygenic disorders. A better understanding of tandem repeats and their associated repeatome, as well as their capacity for genetic plasticity via both germline and somatic mutations, is needed to transform our understanding of the role of TRPs in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne.,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Bagshaw AT. Functional Mechanisms of Microsatellite DNA in Eukaryotic Genomes. Genome Biol Evol 2017; 9:2428-2443. [PMID: 28957459 PMCID: PMC5622345 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evx164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsatellite repeat DNA is best known for its length mutability, which is implicated in several neurological diseases and cancers, and often exploited as a genetic marker. Less well-known is the body of work exploring the widespread and surprisingly diverse functional roles of microsatellites. Recently, emerging evidence includes the finding that normal microsatellite polymorphism contributes substantially to the heritability of human gene expression on a genome-wide scale, calling attention to the task of elucidating the mechanisms involved. At present, these are underexplored, but several themes have emerged. I review evidence demonstrating roles for microsatellites in modulation of transcription factor binding, spacing between promoter elements, enhancers, cytosine methylation, alternative splicing, mRNA stability, selection of transcription start and termination sites, unusual structural conformations, nucleosome positioning and modification, higher order chromatin structure, noncoding RNA, and meiotic recombination hot spots.
Collapse
|
47
|
Yu L, Lutz MW, Wilson RS, Burns DK, Roses AD, Saunders AM, Yang J, Gaiteri C, De Jager PL, Barnes LL, Bennett DA. APOE ε4-TOMM40 '523 haplotypes and the risk of Alzheimer's disease in older Caucasian and African Americans. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180356. [PMID: 28672022 PMCID: PMC5495438 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Patterns of linkage between the ε4 allele of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) and '523 poly-T alleles in the adjacent gene, TOMM40, differ between Caucasian and African Americans. The extent to which this difference affects the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is unclear. We compared the APOE ε4-TOMM40 '523 haplotypes between older Caucasian and African Americans, and examined their relationship with AD dementia. Data came from three community based cohort studies of diverse participants. APOE genotypes were determined by polymorphisms of rs429358 and rs7412. TOMM40 '523 genotypes were defined by the poly-T repeat length of rs10524523 (short ['523-S]: poly-T ≤ 19, long ['523-L]: 20 ≤ poly-T ≤ 29, and very long ['523-VL]: poly-T ≥ 30). Cox proportional hazards models examined the effect of haplotype variation on the risk of incident AD dementia. A total of 1,848 Caucasian and 540 African American individuals were included in the study. In Caucasians, nearly none (0.8%) of the non-ε4 carriers and almost all (94.2%) of the ε4 carriers had '523-L. The classification was highly concordant. Each ε4 allele doubled the risk for AD dementia and the dose effect was evident. Almost identical effect size and effect pattern were observed for TOMM40 '523-L. In African Americans, nearly none (1.1%) of the non-ε4 carriers had '523-L, but only 47.8% of the ε4 carriers had '523-L. The concordance was weaker compared with Caucasians. The effect patterns on incident AD dementia differed distinctively between ε4 and '523-L carriers. Further, both genotypic and allelic data support that among African Americans the ε4-'523-L haplotype had stronger effect on risk of AD dementia than other ε4-'523 haplotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yu
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Michael W. Lutz
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Robert S. Wilson
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Daniel K. Burns
- Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Allen D. Roses
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Ann M. Saunders
- Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jingyun Yang
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Chris Gaiteri
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Philip L. De Jager
- Center for Translational and Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lisa L. Barnes
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - David A. Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Characterization of porcine simple sequence repeat variation on a population scale with genome resequencing data. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2376. [PMID: 28539617 PMCID: PMC5443785 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02600-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are used as polymorphic molecular markers in many species. They contribute very important functional variations in a range of complex traits; however, little is known about the variation of most SSRs in pig populations. Here, using genome resequencing data, we identified ~0.63 million polymorphic SSR loci from more than 100 individuals. Through intensive analysis of this dataset, we found that the SSR motif composition, motif length, total length of alleles and distribution of alleles all contribute to SSR variability. Furthermore, we found that CG-containing SSRs displayed significantly lower polymorphism and higher cross-species conservation. With a rigorous filter procedure, we provided a catalogue of 16,527 high-quality polymorphic SSRs, which displayed reliable results for the analysis of phylogenetic relationships and provided valuable summary statistics for 30 individuals equally selected from eight local Chinese pig breeds, six commercial lean pig breeds and Chinese wild boars. In addition, from the high-quality polymorphic SSR catalogue, we identified four loci with potential loss-of-function alleles. Overall, these analyses provide a valuable catalogue of polymorphic SSRs to the existing pig genetic variation database, and we believe this catalogue could be used for future genome-wide genetic analysis.
Collapse
|
49
|
Genome-wide profiling of heritable and de novo STR variations. Nat Methods 2017; 14:590-592. [PMID: 28436466 PMCID: PMC5482724 DOI: 10.1038/nmeth.4267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Short tandem repeats (STRs) are highly variable elements that play a
pivotal role in multiple genetic diseases, population genetics applications, and
forensic casework. However, STRs have proven problematic to genotype from
high-throughput sequencing data. Here, we describe HipSTR, a novel
haplotype-based method for robustly genotyping and phasing STRs from Illumina
sequencing data and report a genome-wide analysis and validation of de
novo STR mutations.
Collapse
|
50
|
Structural variants in SNCA gene and the implication to synucleinopathies. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2017; 44:110-116. [PMID: 28319736 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2017.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative diseases that share a common pathological lesion of intracellular protein inclusions largely composed of aggregates of alpha-synuclein protein. Accumulating evidence, including genome-wide association studies, has implicated the alpha-synuclein (SNCA) gene in the etiology of synucleinopathies and it has been suggested that SNCA expression levels are critical for the development of these diseases. This review focuses on genetic variants from the class of structural variants (SVs), including multiplication of large genomic segments and short (<50bp) genomic variants such as simple sequence repeats (SSRs), within the SNCA locus. We provide evidence that SNCA-SVs play a key role in the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies via their effects on gene expression and on regulatory mechanisms including transcription and splicing.
Collapse
|