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Xie Y, Su T, Liu Y, Xu S. ATN1-related infantile developmental and epileptic encephalopathy responding to Ketogenic diet. Seizure 2024; 117:1-5. [PMID: 38262122 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.01.012] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has shown gene ATN1 to be associated with the nuclear receptor signaling. Its mutations in an evolutionarily conserved histidine-rich motif may cause CHEDDA, short for congenital hypotonia, epilepsy, developmental delay and digital anomalies, a recently identified neurodevelopmental syndrome that could evolve into developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). Up to date, there have been reported less than 20 cases, whose clinical features and treatment are worth in-depth exploring. METHODS The clinical characteristics and genetic data of an infant with CHEDDA and further DEE were analyzed, who carried a de novo ATN1 variant identified by trio whole-exome sequencing. The alike patients with such a neurodevelopmental syndrome and epileptic seizures were reviewed on the literature. RESULTS The infant harboring a de novo missense mutation in ATN1 (c.3155A>C; p.His1052Pro) held almost all features of CHEDDA and presented with drug-resistant epileptic spasms, differing from one case previously reported with the same gene variant exhibiting milder seizures controlled easily. We further reviewed 11 CHEDDA patients with epileptic seizures in the literature and compared the correlation between abnormal cerebral structure and the incidence of intractable epilepsy among CHEDDA patients. Fortunately, this patient's seizures decreased remarkably after administering ketogenic diet (KD). CONCLUSION CHEDDA patients have significant phenotypic differences, especially in the epilepsy severity and their drug resistance, even if they carry the same mutation hotspot. Ketogenic diet and other treatments like Topiramate should be recommended for ATN1-related refractory epilepsy based on their regulation on expression of cation-chloride cotransporters and cellular hyperpolarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xie
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, Province of Hubei, China
| | - Tangfeng Su
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, Province of Hubei, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, Province of Hubei, China
| | - Sanqing Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, Province of Hubei, China.
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2
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Drastichova Z, Trubacova R, Novotny J. Regulation of phosphosignaling pathways involved in transcription of cell cycle target genes by TRH receptor activation in GH1 cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115830. [PMID: 37931515 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115830] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is known to activate several cellular signaling pathway, but the activation of the TRH receptor (TRH-R) has not been reported to regulate gene transcription. The aim of this study was to identify phosphosignaling pathways and phosphoprotein complexes associated with gene transcription in GH1 pituitary cells treated with TRH or its analog, taltirelin (TAL), using label-free bottom-up mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Our detailed analysis provided insight into the mechanism through which TRH-R activation may regulate the transcription of genes related to the cell cycle and proliferation. It involves control of the signaling pathways for β-catenin/Tcf, Notch/RBPJ, p53/p21/Rbl2/E2F, Myc, and YY1/Rb1/E2F through phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of their key components. In many instances, the phosphorylation patterns of differentially phosphorylated phosphoproteins in TRH- or TAL-treated cells were identical or displayed a similar trend in phosphorylation. However, some phosphoproteins, especially components of the Wnt/β-catenin/Tcf and YY1/Rb1/E2F pathways, exhibited different phosphorylation patterns in TRH- and TAL-treated cells. This supports the notion that TRH and TAL may act, at least in part, as biased agonists. Additionally, the deficiency of β-arrestin2 resulted in a reduced number of alterations in phosphorylation, highlighting the critical role of β-arrestin2 in the signal transduction from TRH-R in the plasma membrane to transcription factors in the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdenka Drastichova
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czechia
| | - Radka Trubacova
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czechia; Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czechia
| | - Jiri Novotny
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czechia.
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3
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Felício D, du Mérac TR, Amorim A, Martins S. Functional implications of paralog genes in polyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias. Hum Genet 2023; 142:1651-1676. [PMID: 37845370 PMCID: PMC10676324 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02607-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) comprise a group of autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorders caused by (CAG/CAA)n expansions. The elongated stretches of adjacent glutamines alter the conformation of the native proteins inducing neurotoxicity, and subsequent motor and neurological symptoms. Although the etiology and neuropathology of most polyQ SCAs have been extensively studied, only a limited selection of therapies is available. Previous studies on SCA1 demonstrated that ATXN1L, a human duplicated gene of the disease-associated ATXN1, alleviated neuropathology in mice models. Other SCA-associated genes have paralogs (i.e., copies at different chromosomal locations derived from duplication of the parental gene), but their functional relevance and potential role in disease pathogenesis remain unexplored. Here, we review the protein homology, expression pattern, and molecular functions of paralogs in seven polyQ dominant ataxias-SCA1, SCA2, MJD/SCA3, SCA6, SCA7, SCA17, and DRPLA. Besides ATXN1L, we highlight ATXN2L, ATXN3L, CACNA1B, ATXN7L1, ATXN7L2, TBPL2, and RERE as promising functional candidates to play a role in the neuropathology of the respective SCA, along with the parental gene. Although most of these duplicates lack the (CAG/CAA)n region, if functionally redundant, they may compensate for a partial loss-of-function or dysfunction of the wild-type genes in SCAs. We aim to draw attention to the hypothesis that paralogs of disease-associated genes may underlie the complex neuropathology of dominant ataxias and potentiate new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Felício
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Tanguy Rubat du Mérac
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - António Amorim
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Martins
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
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4
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Nowak B, Kozlowska E, Pawlik W, Fiszer A. Atrophin-1 Function and Dysfunction in Dentatorubral-Pallidoluysian Atrophy. Mov Disord 2023; 38:526-536. [PMID: 36809552 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29355] [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: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) is a rare, incurable genetic disease that belongs to the group of polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases. DRPLA is the most common in the Japanese population; however, its global prevalence is also increasing due to better clinical recognition. It is characterized by cerebellar ataxia, myoclonus, epilepsy, dementia, and chorea. DRPLA is caused by dynamic mutation of CAG repeat expansion in ATN1 gene encoding the atrophin-1 protein. In the cascade of molecular disturbances, the pathological form of atrophin-1 is the initial factor, which has not been precisely characterized so far. Reports indicate that DRPLA is associated with disrupted protein-protein interactions (in which an expanded polyQ tract plays a crucial role), as well as gene expression deregulation. There is a great need to design efficient therapy that would address the underlying neurodegenerative process and thus prevent or alleviate DRPLA symptoms. An in-depth understanding of the normal atrophin-1 function and mutant atrophin-1 dysfunction is crucial for this purpose. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartosz Nowak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Emilia Kozlowska
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Weronika Pawlik
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Fiszer
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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5
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Luo S, Hu Y, Xiong P, Tan L, Zhao P, Huang Y, Xiao C, Zhu H, He X. A novel variant in the HX repeat motif of ATN1 in a Chinese patient with CHEDDA syndrome and literature review. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2022; 10:e2068. [PMID: 36251950 PMCID: PMC9747544 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CHEDDA syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental syndrome caused by heterozygous missense or indel variants in the HX repeat motif of ATN1 gene. To date, CHEDDA has been identified in a few ethnic groups, and only 17 patients have been reported in literature, and no case has been reported in any country or region in Asia. METHODS Trio-exome sequencing (Trio-ES) examination was conducted in a Chinese girl with global developmental delay and in her parents. Sanger sequencing was performed to confirm the candidate variant. RESULTS This patient presented with mental and motor developmental delay, speech delay, and mild dysmorphic facial features, and had no epilepsy and visual impairment. Brain MRI did not show obvious structural abnormality. Through ES we identified a novel and de novo variant, c.3176_c.3177insGCACCT (p.Ser1059_His1060insHisLeu), within the HX motif of ATN1. No other pathogenic variant in another gene was found to support an alternative clinical and molecular diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS This is the first described case of CHEDDA from China. Together with the available literature data, we found that either disruption of HX motif or alteration of the HX repeat number would lead to ATN1-associated CHEDDA. We also noted that CHEDDA is a clinical heterogenous syndrome, and patients carrying the same or similar variant might have different clinical manifestations and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukun Luo
- Precision Medical CenterWuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Yanqiu Hu
- Precision Medical CenterWuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Ping Xiong
- Rehabilitation DepartmentWuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Li Tan
- Precision Medical CenterWuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Peiwei Zhao
- Precision Medical CenterWuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Yufeng Huang
- Precision Medical CenterWuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Cuiping Xiao
- Precision Medical CenterWuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Hongmin Zhu
- Rehabilitation DepartmentWuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Xuelian He
- Precision Medical CenterWuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & TechnologyWuhanChina
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Palmer EE, Whitton C, Hashem MO, Clark RD, Ramanathan S, Starr LJ, Velasco D, De Dios JK, Singh E, Cormier-Daire V, Chopra M, Rodan LH, Nellaker C, Lakhani S, Mallack EJ, Panzer K, Sidhu A, Wentzensen IM, Lacombe D, Michaud V, Alkuraya FS. CHEDDA syndrome is an underrecognized neurodevelopmental disorder with a highly restricted ATN1 mutation spectrum. Clin Genet 2021; 100:468-477. [PMID: 34212383 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14022] [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: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We describe the clinical features of nine unrelated individuals with rare de novo missense or in-frame deletions/duplications within the "HX motif" of exon 7 of ATN1. We previously proposed that individuals with such variants should be considered as being affected by the syndromic condition of congenital hypotonia, epilepsy, developmental delay, and digital anomalies (CHEDDA), distinct from dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) secondary to expansion variants in exon 5 of ATN1. We confirm that the universal phenotypic features of CHEDDA are distinctive facial features and global developmental delay. Infantile hypotonia and minor hand and feet differences are common and can present as arthrogryposis. Common comorbidities include severe feeding difficulties, often requiring gastrostomy support, as well as visual and hearing impairments. Epilepsy and congenital malformations of the brain, heart, and genitourinary systems are frequent but not universal. Our study confirms the clinical entity of CHEDDA secondary to a mutational signature restricted to exon 7 of ATN1. We propose a clinical schedule for assessment upon diagnosis, surveillance, and early intervention including the potential of neuroimaging for prognostication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth E Palmer
- Centre for Clinical Genetics, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chloe Whitton
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mais O Hashem
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Robin D Clark
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Subhadra Ramanathan
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Lois J Starr
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Danita Velasco
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - John Karl De Dios
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Dayton Children's Hospital, Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Emily Singh
- Division of Genetics, Medical College of Wisconsin with Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Valerie Cormier-Daire
- Service de Génétique Clinique, INSERM UMR 1163, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Institut IMAGINE, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Maya Chopra
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lance H Rodan
- Department of Neurology, Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christoffer Nellaker
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Shenela Lakhani
- Centre for Neurogenetics, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric J Mallack
- Centre for Neurogenetics, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Karin Panzer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Alpa Sidhu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | | | - Didier Lacombe
- Service de Génétique Médicale, Centre de Référence Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.,Maladies Rares, Génétique et Métabolisme (MRGM), U 1211 INSERM/Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Vincent Michaud
- Service de Génétique Médicale, Centre de Référence Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.,Maladies Rares, Génétique et Métabolisme (MRGM), U 1211 INSERM/Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Fowzan S Alkuraya
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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7
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Palmer EE, Hong S, Al Zahrani F, Hashem MO, Aleisa FA, Ahmed HMJ, Kandula T, Macintosh R, Minoche AE, Puttick C, Gayevskiy V, Drew AP, Cowley MJ, Dinger M, Rosenfeld JA, Xiao R, Cho MT, Yakubu SF, Henderson LB, Guillen Sacoto MJ, Begtrup A, Hamad M, Shinawi M, Andrews MV, Jones MC, Lindstrom K, Bristol RE, Kayani S, Snyder M, Villanueva MM, Schteinschnaider A, Faivre L, Thauvin C, Vitobello A, Roscioli T, Kirk EP, Bye A, Merzaban J, Jaremko Ł, Jaremko M, Sachdev RK, Alkuraya FS, Arold ST. De Novo Variants Disrupting the HX Repeat Motif of ATN1 Cause a Recognizable Non-Progressive Neurocognitive Syndrome. Am J Hum Genet 2019; 104:542-552. [PMID: 30827498 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2019.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine expansions in the transcriptional co-repressor Atrophin-1, encoded by ATN1, cause the neurodegenerative condition dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) via a proposed novel toxic gain of function. We present detailed phenotypic information on eight unrelated individuals who have de novo missense and insertion variants within a conserved 16-amino-acid "HX repeat" motif of ATN1. Each of the affected individuals has severe cognitive impairment and hypotonia, a recognizable facial gestalt, and variable congenital anomalies. However, they lack the progressive symptoms typical of DRPLA neurodegeneration. To distinguish this subset of affected individuals from the DRPLA diagnosis, we suggest using the term CHEDDA (congenital hypotonia, epilepsy, developmental delay, digit abnormalities) to classify the condition. CHEDDA-related variants alter the particular structural features of the HX repeat motif, suggesting that CHEDDA results from perturbation of the structural and functional integrity of the HX repeat. We found several non-homologous human genes containing similar motifs of eight to 10 HX repeat sequences, including RERE, where disruptive variants in this motif have also been linked to a separate condition that causes neurocognitive and congenital anomalies. These findings suggest that perturbation of the HX motif might explain other Mendelian human conditions.
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8
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Carroll LS, Massey TH, Wardle M, Peall KJ. Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian Atrophy: An Update. TREMOR AND OTHER HYPERKINETIC MOVEMENTS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2018; 8:577. [PMID: 30410817 PMCID: PMC6222020 DOI: 10.7916/d81n9hst] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) is a rare, autosomal dominantly inherited disorder characterized by myoclonus, epilepsy, ataxia, and dementia. Diagnosis is challenging due to the heterogeneous presentation and symptomatic overlap with other spinocerebellar ataxias. Symptoms vary according to age of onset, with a mean age at onset of 31 years. A CAG repeat expansion in the ATN1 gene results in neuronal intranuclear inclusions, variable neuronal loss, and astrocytosis in the globus pallidus, dentate and red nuclei. No disease-modifying or curative treatments are currently available Methods We performed an online literature search using PubMed for all articles published in an English Language format on the topics of DRPLA or ATN1 over the last 10 years. Where these articles cited other research as support for findings, or statements, these articles were also reviewed. Contemporary articles from related research fields (e.g., Huntington’s Disease) were also included to support statements. Results Forty-seven articles were identified, 10 were unobtainable and 10 provided no relevant information. The remaining 27 articles were then used for the review template: seven case reports, seven case series, six model system articles (one review article), four population clinical and genetic studies (one review article), two general review articles, and one human gene expression study. Other cited articles or research from related fields gave a further 42 articles, producing a total of 69 articles cited: 15 case series (including eight family studies), 14 model systems (one review article), 14 population clinical and genetic studies (two review articles), 10 case reports, eight clinical trials/guidelines, four genetic methodology articles, three general review articles, and one human gene expression study. Discussion DRPLA remains an intractable, progressive, neurodegenerative disorder without effective treatment. Early recognition of the disorder may improve patient understanding, and access to services and treatments. Large-scale studies are lacking, but are required to characterize the full allelic architecture of the disorder in all populations and the heterogeneous phenotypic spectrum, including neuroimaging findings, possible biomarkers, and responses to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam S Carroll
- Department of Neurology, Wessex Neurological Centre, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Thomas H Massey
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Mark Wardle
- University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Health Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Kathryn J Peall
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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9
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The CAG-polyglutamine repeat diseases: a clinical, molecular, genetic, and pathophysiologic nosology. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2018; 147:143-170. [PMID: 29325609 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63233-3.00011-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Throughout the genome, unstable tandem nucleotide repeats can expand to cause a variety of neurologic disorders. Expansion of a CAG triplet repeat within a coding exon gives rise to an elongated polyglutamine (polyQ) tract in the resultant protein product, and accounts for a unique category of neurodegenerative disorders, known as the CAG-polyglutamine repeat diseases. The nine members of the CAG-polyglutamine disease family include spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), Huntington disease, dentatorubral pallidoluysian atrophy, and six spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 17). All CAG-polyglutamine diseases are dominantly inherited, with the exception of SBMA, which is X-linked, and many CAG-polyglutamine diseases display anticipation, which is defined as increasing disease severity in successive generations of an affected kindred. Despite widespread expression of the different polyQ-expanded disease proteins throughout the body, each CAG-polyglutamine disease strikes a particular subset of neurons, although the mechanism for this cell-type selectivity remains poorly understood. While the different genes implicated in these disorders display amino acid homology only in the repeat tract domain, certain pathologic molecular processes have been implicated in almost all of the CAG-polyglutamine repeat diseases, including protein aggregation, proteolytic cleavage, transcription dysregulation, autophagy impairment, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Here we highlight the clinical and molecular genetic features of each distinct disorder, and then discuss common themes in CAG-polyglutamine disease pathogenesis, closing with emerging advances in therapy development.
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10
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Wang H, Gui H, Rallo MS, Xu Z, Matise MP. Atrophin protein RERE positively regulates Notch targets in the developing vertebrate spinal cord. J Neurochem 2017; 141:347-357. [PMID: 28144959 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway controls cell fate decision, proliferation, and other biological functions in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Precise regulation of the canonical Notch pathway ensures robustness of the signal throughout development and adult tissue homeostasis. Aberrant Notch signaling results in profound developmental defects and is linked to many human diseases. In this study, we identified the Atrophin family protein RERE (also called Atro2) as a positive regulator of Notch target Hes genes in the developing vertebrate spinal cord. Prior studies have shown that during early embryogenesis in mouse and zebrafish, deficit of RERE causes various patterning defects in multiple organs including the neural tube. Here, we detected the expression of RERE in the developing chick spinal cord, and found that normal RERE activity is needed for proper neural progenitor proliferation and neuronal differentiation possibly by affecting Notch-mediated Hes expression. In mammalian cells, RERE co-immunoprecipitates with CBF1 and Notch intracellular domain (NICD), and is recruited to nuclear foci formed by over-expressed NICD1. RERE is also necessary for NICD to activate the expression of Notch target genes. Our findings suggest that RERE stimulates Notch target gene expression by preventing degradation of NICD protein, thereby facilitating the assembly of a transcriptional activating complex containing NICD, CBF1/RBPjκ in vertebrate, Su(H) in Drosophila melanogaster, Lag1 in C. elegans, and other coactivators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School of Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Hongxing Gui
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School of Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Michael S Rallo
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School of Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Zhiyan Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Michael P Matise
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School of Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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11
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Davis SM, Thomas AL, Nomie KJ, Huang L, Dierick HA. Tailless and Atrophin control Drosophila aggression by regulating neuropeptide signalling in the pars intercerebralis. Nat Commun 2016; 5:3177. [PMID: 24495972 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms4177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggressive behaviour is widespread throughout the animal kingdom. However, its mechanisms are poorly understood, and the degree of molecular conservation between distantly related species is unknown. Here we show that knockdown of tailless (tll) increases aggression in Drosophila, similar to the effect of its mouse orthologue Nr2e1. Tll localizes to the adult pars intercerebralis (PI), which shows similarity to the mammalian hypothalamus. Knockdown of tll in the PI is sufficient to increase aggression and is rescued by co-expressing human NR2E1. Knockdown of Atrophin, a Tll co-repressor, also increases aggression, and both proteins physically interact in the PI. tll knockdown-induced aggression is fully suppressed by blocking neuropeptide processing or release from the PI. In addition, genetically activating PI neurons increases aggression, mimicking the aggression-inducing effect of hypothalamic stimulation. Together, our results suggest that a transcriptional control module regulates neuropeptide signalling from the neurosecretory cells of the brain to control aggressive behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun M Davis
- 1] Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA [2]
| | - Amanda L Thomas
- 1] Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA [2]
| | - Krystle J Nomie
- 1] Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA [2]
| | - Longwen Huang
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Herman A Dierick
- 1] Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA [2] Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA [3] Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA [4] Program in Developmental Biology, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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12
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Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are heritable dominant neurological disorders, caused by abnormal CAG tri-nucleotide expansion in the coding sequence of affected genes. Extension of CAG repeats results in the production of aberrant gene products that are deleterious to neurons, such as transcripts with a CAG stem-loop secondary structure, and proteins containing a long stretch of polyQ residues. Thus, determining methods for the prevention or elimination of these mutant gene products from neuronal cells and translating this knowledge to clinical application are currently important goals in the fields of neurology and neurogenetics. Recently, several studies have revealed intriguing findings related to the allele-selective regulation of CAG-expanded genes, and have proposed novel designs to selectively diminish the mutant polyQ proteins. In this review, we focus on the genes, genetically engineered proteins, and oligonucleotides that show potential to modulate the expression of mutant genes. We also discuss their respective molecular functions at the levels of transcription, translation, and post-translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Rung Liu
- a Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University , Taipei , Taiwan , Republic of China
| | - Tzu-Hao Cheng
- a Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University , Taipei , Taiwan , Republic of China.,b Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University , Taipei , Taiwan , Republic of China
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13
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Protein mutated in paroxysmal dyskinesia interacts with the active zone protein RIM and suppresses synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:2935-41. [PMID: 25730884 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1501364112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia (PNKD) is an autosomal dominant episodic movement disorder precipitated by coffee, alcohol, and stress. We previously identified the causative gene but the function of the encoded protein remains unknown. We also generated a PNKD mouse model that revealed dysregulated dopamine signaling in vivo. Here, we show that PNKD interacts with synaptic active zone proteins Rab3-interacting molecule (RIM)1 and RIM2, localizes to synapses, and modulates neurotransmitter release. Overexpressed PNKD protein suppresses release, and mutant PNKD protein is less effective than wild-type at inhibiting exocytosis. In PNKD KO mice, RIM1/2 protein levels are reduced and synaptic strength is impaired. Thus, PNKD is a novel synaptic protein with a regulatory role in neurotransmitter release.
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14
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Epigenetic regulation of Atrophin1 by lysine-specific demethylase 1 is required for cortical progenitor maintenance. Nat Commun 2014; 5:5815. [PMID: 25519973 PMCID: PMC4284801 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is involved in gene regulation and development; however, its precise function, molecular targets and underlying mechanisms during development are poorly understood. Here we show that LSD1 is required for neuronal progenitor cell (NPC) maintenance during cortical development. A ChIP-seq analysis identified a LSD1-binding site (LBAL) downstream of Atrophin1 (ATN1). Surprisingly, tranylcypromine (LSD1 inhibitor) treatment increased H3K4 methylation at LBAL, leading to ATN1 repression and NPC differentiation. Knockdown of LSD1 and ATN1 phenocopied each other in inducing NPC premature differentiation and depletion, which could be rescued by ATN1 overexpression, suggesting that LSD1 controls NPC differentiation via regulation of ATN1 methylation status and expression. The involvement of LSD1 in ATN1 expression and NPC maintenance were confirmed in knockout mice. These findings hint at the potential application for the clinical drug, tranylcypromine, in the prevention and/or treatment of ATN1-associated degenerative disease, dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy. Histone modification is critical for gene expression regulation during development. Here, the authors show that the demethylase LSD1 and its target gene ATN1 are responsible for maintenance of neural progenitor cells during mouse cortical development.
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15
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Hu J, Liu J, Narayanannair KJ, Lackey JG, Kuchimanchi S, Rajeev KG, Manoharan M, Swayze EE, Lima WF, Prakash TP, Xiang Q, Martinez C, Corey DR. Allele-selective inhibition of mutant atrophin-1 expression by duplex and single-stranded RNAs. Biochemistry 2014; 53:4510-8. [PMID: 24981774 PMCID: PMC4108179 DOI: 10.1021/bi500610r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian
atrophy (DRPLA) is a progressive neurodegenerative
disorder that currently has no curative treatments. DRPLA is caused
by an expansion of a CAG trinucleotide repeat region within the protein-encoding
sequence of the atrophin-1 (ATN-1) gene. Inhibition
of mutant ATN-1 protein expression is one strategy for treating DRPLA,
and allele-selective gene silencing agents that block mutant expression
over wild-type expression would be lead compounds for therapeutic
development. Here we develop an assay for distinguishing mutant from
wild-type ATN-1 protein by gel electrophoresis. We use this assay
to evaluate duplex RNAs and single-stranded silencing RNAs (ss-siRNAs)
for allele-selective inhibition of ATN-1 protein expression. We observed
potent and allele-selective inhibition by RNA duplexes that contain
mismatched bases relative to the CAG target and have the potential
to form miRNA-like complexes. ss-siRNAs that contained mismatches
were as selective as mismatch-containing duplexes. We also report
allele-selective inhibition by duplex RNAs containing unlocked nucleic
acids or abasic substitutions, although selectivities are not as high.
Five compounds that showed >8-fold allele selectivity for mutant ATN-1 were also selective for inhibiting the expression
of two other trinucleotide repeat disease genes, ataxin-3 (ATXN-3) and huntingtin (HTT). These data
demonstrate that the expanded trinucleotide repeat within ATN-1 mRNA is a potential target for compounds designed
to achieve allele-selective inhibition of ATN-1 protein, and one agent
may allow the targeting of multiple disease genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Hu
- Departments of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , 6001 Forest Park Road, Dallas, Texas 75390-9041, United States
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16
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Islam MM, Zhang CL. TLX: A master regulator for neural stem cell maintenance and neurogenesis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2014; 1849:210-6. [PMID: 24930777 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2014.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2014] [Revised: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The orphan nuclear receptor TLX, also known as NR2E1, is an essential regulator of neural stem cell (NSC) self-renewal, maintenance, and neurogenesis. In vertebrates, TLX is specifically localized to the neurogenic regions of the forebrain and retina throughout development and adulthood. TLX regulates the expression of genes involved in multiple pathways, such as the cell cycle, DNA replication, and cell adhesion. These roles are primarily performed through the transcriptional repression or activation of downstream target genes. Emerging evidence suggests that the misregulation of TLX might play a role in the onset and progression of human neurological disorders making this factor an ideal therapeutic target. Here, we review the current understanding of TLX function, expression, regulation, and activity significant to NSC maintenance, adult neurogenesis, and brain plasticity. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Nuclear receptors in animal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed M Islam
- Department of Molecular Biology, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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17
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Matilla-Dueñas A, Ashizawa T, Brice A, Magri S, McFarland KN, Pandolfo M, Pulst SM, Riess O, Rubinsztein DC, Schmidt J, Schmidt T, Scoles DR, Stevanin G, Taroni F, Underwood BR, Sánchez I. Consensus paper: pathological mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in spinocerebellar ataxias. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2014; 13:269-302. [PMID: 24307138 PMCID: PMC3943639 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-013-0539-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Intensive scientific research devoted in the recent years to understand the molecular mechanisms or neurodegeneration in spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are identifying new pathways and targets providing new insights and a better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis in these diseases. In this consensus manuscript, the authors discuss their current views on the identified molecular processes causing or modulating the neurodegenerative phenotype in spinocerebellar ataxias with the common opinion of translating the new knowledge acquired into candidate targets for therapy. The following topics are discussed: transcription dysregulation, protein aggregation, autophagy, ion channels, the role of mitochondria, RNA toxicity, modulators of neurodegeneration and current therapeutic approaches. Overall point of consensus includes the common vision of neurodegeneration in SCAs as a multifactorial, progressive and reversible process, at least in early stages. Specific points of consensus include the role of the dysregulation of protein folding, transcription, bioenergetics, calcium handling and eventual cell death with apoptotic features of neurons during SCA disease progression. Unresolved questions include how the dysregulation of these pathways triggers the onset of symptoms and mediates disease progression since this understanding may allow effective treatments of SCAs within the window of reversibility to prevent early neuronal damage. Common opinions also include the need for clinical detection of early neuronal dysfunction, for more basic research to decipher the early neurodegenerative process in SCAs in order to give rise to new concepts for treatment strategies and for the translation of the results to preclinical studies and, thereafter, in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Matilla-Dueñas
- Health Sciences Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Ctra. de Can Ruti, Camí de les Escoles s/n, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain,
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18
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Saburi S, Hester I, Goodrich L, McNeill H. Functional interactions between Fat family cadherins in tissue morphogenesis and planar polarity. Development 2012; 139:1806-20. [PMID: 22510986 DOI: 10.1242/dev.077461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The atypical cadherin fat (ft) was originally discovered as a tumor suppressor in Drosophila and later shown to regulate a form of tissue patterning known as planar polarity. In mammals, four ft homologs have been identified (Fat1-4). Recently, we demonstrated that Fat4 plays a role in vertebrate planar polarity. Fat4 has the highest homology to ft, whereas other Fat family members are homologous to the second ft-like gene, ft2. Genetic studies in flies and mice imply significant functional differences between the two groups of Fat cadherins. Here, we demonstrate that Fat family proteins act both synergistically and antagonistically to influence multiple aspects of tissue morphogenesis. We find that Fat1 and Fat4 cooperate during mouse development to control renal tubular elongation, cochlear extension, cranial neural tube formation and patterning of outer hair cells in the cochlea. Similarly, Fat3 and Fat4 synergize to drive vertebral arch fusion at the dorsal midline during caudal vertebra morphogenesis. We provide evidence that these effects depend on conserved interactions with planar polarity signaling components. In flies, the transcriptional co-repressor Atrophin (Atro) physically interacts with Ft and acts as a component of Fat signaling for planar polarity. We find that the mammalian orthologs of atro, Atn1 and Atn2l, modulate Fat4 activity during vertebral arch fusion and renal tubular elongation, respectively. Moreover, Fat4 morphogenetic defects are enhanced by mutations in Vangl2, a 'core' planar cell polarity gene. These studies highlight the wide range and complexity of Fat activities and suggest that a Fat-Atrophin interaction is a conserved element of planar polarity signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakura Saburi
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada.
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19
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Estruch SB, Buzón V, Carbó LR, Schorova L, Lüders J, Estébanez-Perpiñá E. The oncoprotein BCL11A binds to orphan nuclear receptor TLX and potentiates its transrepressive function. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37963. [PMID: 22675500 PMCID: PMC3366998 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2011] [Accepted: 05/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear orphan receptor TLX (NR2E1) functions primarily as a transcriptional repressor and its pivotal role in brain development, glioblastoma, mental retardation and retinopathologies make it an attractive drug target. TLX is expressed in the neural stem cells (NSCs) of the subventricular zone and the hippocampus subgranular zone, regions with persistent neurogenesis in the adult brain, and functions as an essential regulator of NSCs maintenance and self-renewal. Little is known about the TLX social network of interactors and only few TLX coregulators are described. To identify and characterize novel TLX-binders and possible coregulators, we performed yeast-two-hybrid (Y2H) screens of a human adult brain cDNA library using different TLX constructs as baits. Our screens identified multiple clones of Atrophin-1 (ATN1), a previously described TLX interactor. In addition, we identified an interaction with the oncoprotein and zinc finger transcription factor BCL11A (CTIP1/Evi9), a key player in the hematopoietic system and in major blood-related malignancies. This interaction was validated by expression and coimmunoprecipitation in human cells. BCL11A potentiated the transrepressive function of TLX in an in vitro reporter gene assay. Our work suggests that BCL11A is a novel TLX coregulator that might be involved in TLX-dependent gene regulation in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara B. Estruch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Institute of Biomedicine from the University of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Víctor Buzón
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Institute of Biomedicine from the University of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia R. Carbó
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Institute of Biomedicine from the University of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lenka Schorova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Institute of Biomedicine from the University of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jens Lüders
- Cell and Developmental Biology Programme, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Estébanez-Perpiñá
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Institute of Biomedicine from the University of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Suzuki K, Zhou J, Sato T, Takao K, Miyagawa T, Oyake M, Yamada M, Takahashi H, Takahashi Y, Goto J, Tsuji S. DRPLA transgenic mouse substrains carrying single copy of full-length mutant human DRPLA gene with variable sizes of expanded CAG repeats exhibit CAG repeat length- and age-dependent changes in behavioral abnormalities and gene expression profiles. Neurobiol Dis 2012; 46:336-50. [PMID: 22342974 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2012.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Revised: 12/31/2011] [Accepted: 01/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) is an autosomal dominant progressive neurodegenerative disorder with intellectual deterioration and various motor deficits including ataxia, choreoathetosis, and myoclonus, caused by an abnormal expansion of CAG repeats in the DRPLA gene. Longer expanded CAG repeats contribute to an earlier age of onset, faster progression, and more severe neurological symptoms in DRPLA patients. In this study, we have established DRPLA transgenic mouse lines (sublines) harboring a single copy of the full-length mutant human DRPLA gene carrying various lengths of expanded CAG repeats (Q76, Q96, Q113, and Q129), which have clearly shown motor deficits and memory disturbance whose severity increases with the length of expanded CAG repeats and age, and successfully replicated the CAG repeat length- and age-dependent features of DRPLA patients. Neuronal intranuclear accumulation of the mutant DRPLA protein has been suggested to cause transcriptional dysregulation, leading to alteration in gene expression and neuronal dysfunction. In this study, we have conducted a comprehensive analysis of gene expression profiles in the cerebrum and cerebellum of transgenic mouse lines at 4, 8, and 12 weeks using multiple microarray platforms, and demonstrated that both the number and expression levels of the altered genes are highly dependent on CAG repeat length and age in both brain regions. Specific groups of genes and their function categories were identified by further agglomerative cluster analysis and gene functional annotation analysis. Calcium signaling and neuropeptide signaling, among others, were implicated in the pathophysiology of DRPLA. Our study provides unprecedented CAG-repeat-length-dependent mouse models of DRPLA, which are highly valuable not only for elucidating the CAG-repeat-length-dependent pathophysiology of DRPLA but also for developing therapeutic strategies for DRPLA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazushi Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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21
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Abstract
Polyglutamine neurodegenerative diseases result from the expansion of a trinucleotide CAG repeat, encoding a polyglutamine tract in the disease-causing protein. The process by which each polyglutamine protein exerts its toxicity is complex, involving a variety of mechanisms including transcriptional dysregulation, proteasome impairment and mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, the most effective and widely applicable therapies are likely to be those designed to eliminate production of the mutant protein upstream of these deleterious effects. RNA-based approaches represent promising therapeutic strategies for polyglutamine diseases, offering the potential to suppress gene expression in a sequence-specific manner at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. In particular, gene silencing therapies capable of discrimination between mutant and wildtype alleles, based on disease-linked polymorphisms or CAG repeat length, might prove crucial in cases where a loss of wild type function is deleterious. Novel methods, such as gene knockdown and replacement, seek to eliminate the technical difficulties associated with allele-specific silencing by avoiding the need to target specific mutations. With a variety of RNA technologies currently being developed to target multiple facets of polyglutamine pathogenesis, the emergence of an effective therapy seems imminent. However, numerous technical obstacles associated with design, discrimination and delivery must be overcome before RNA therapy can be effectively applied in the clinical setting.
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22
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Hoffner G, Vanhoutteghem A, André W, Djian P. Transglutaminase in epidermis and neurological disease or what makes a good cross-linking substrate. ADVANCES IN ENZYMOLOGY AND RELATED AREAS OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2011; 78:97-160. [PMID: 22220473 DOI: 10.1002/9781118105771.ch3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guylaine Hoffner
- Unité Propre de Recherche 2228 du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Régulation de la Transcription et Maladies Génétiques, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
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23
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Evers MM, Pepers BA, van Deutekom JCT, Mulders SAM, den Dunnen JT, Aartsma-Rus A, van Ommen GJB, van Roon-Mom WMC. Targeting several CAG expansion diseases by a single antisense oligonucleotide. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24308. [PMID: 21909428 PMCID: PMC3164722 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2011] [Accepted: 08/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To date there are 9 known diseases caused by an expanded polyglutamine repeat, with the most prevalent being Huntington's disease. Huntington's disease is a progressive autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder for which currently no therapy is available. It is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the HTT gene, which results in an expansion of a glutamine stretch at the N-terminal end of the huntingtin protein. This polyglutamine expansion plays a central role in the disease and results in the accumulation of cytoplasmic and nuclear aggregates. Here, we make use of modified 2'-O-methyl phosphorothioate (CUG)n triplet-repeat antisense oligonucleotides to effectively reduce mutant huntingtin transcript and protein levels in patient-derived Huntington's disease fibroblasts and lymphoblasts. The most effective antisense oligonucleotide, (CUG)(7), also reduced mutant ataxin-1 and ataxin-3 mRNA levels in spinocerebellar ataxia 1 and 3, respectively, and atrophin-1 in dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy patient derived fibroblasts. This antisense oligonucleotide is not only a promising therapeutic tool to reduce mutant huntingtin levels in Huntington's disease but our results in spinocerebellar ataxia and dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy cells suggest that this could also be applicable to other polyglutamine expansion disorders as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melvin M. Evers
- Center for Human and Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Barry A. Pepers
- Center for Human and Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Johan T. den Dunnen
- Center for Human and Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Genome Technology Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Center for Human and Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gert-Jan B. van Ommen
- Center for Human and Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Napoletano F, Occhi S, Calamita P, Volpi V, Blanc E, Charroux B, Royet J, Fanto M. Polyglutamine Atrophin provokes neurodegeneration in Drosophila by repressing fat. EMBO J 2011; 30:945-58. [PMID: 21278706 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2011.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2010] [Accepted: 12/22/2010] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Large alterations in transcription accompany neurodegeneration in polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases. These pathologies manifest both general polyQ toxicity and mutant protein-specific effects. In this study, we report that the fat tumour suppressor gene mediates neurodegeneration induced by the polyQ protein Atrophin. We have monitored early transcriptional alterations in a Drosophila model of Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian Atrophy and found that polyQ Atrophins downregulate fat. Fat protects from neurodegeneration and Atrophin toxicity through the Hippo kinase cascade. Fat/Hippo signalling does not provoke neurodegeneration by stimulating overgrowth; rather, it alters the autophagic flux in photoreceptor neurons, thereby affecting cell homeostasis. Our data thus provide a crucial insight into the specific mechanism of a polyQ disease and reveal an unexpected neuroprotective role of the Fat/Hippo pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Napoletano
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute and Division of Neuroscience, DIBIT-San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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25
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Pan ZQ, Fang ZQ, Lu WL, Liang C, Wu ZH, Liu XM, Hou L, Zhang H, Zhuo SY, Liao MJ, Gao BF. [Differentially expressed genes in adrenal gland of H22 liver cancer mice with different syndromes and in different stages]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 6:843-51. [PMID: 18664355 DOI: 10.3736/jcim20080814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To reveal the characteristics of gene expression in adrenal gland of H22 tumor mice with typical syndromes and in different liver cancer stages. METHODS By the quantitative four diagnosis and syndrome differentiation methods and GeneChip Mouse Exon 1.0 ST Array, we observed adrenal gland gene expression in H22 tumor mice with pathogenic factor-toxin predominance syndrome and qi deficiency syndrome in the earlier stage, yang-qi deficiency syndrome in the intermediate stage, and qi-yin-yang deficiency syndrome in the advanced stage. Genes highly expressed and remarkably different were analyzed in this study. RESULTS A total of seventy-three up-regulated coincident genes and twenty-six down-regulated coincident genes in different stages were investigated in the study. Up-regulated coincident genes included Hp, C3, Anxa1, Procr, C2, Il4ra, Cd14, Ptprc, Cd52, C4b, Eno3, Xdh, Gpx3, and so on. Down-regulated coincident genes included nervous system function-related genes such as Plp1, Mbp, Aldh1a1, Cck, Atn1, genes associated with electrolyte metabolism such as Aldh1a1 and Slc22a17, genes related to signal transduction such as Cxcr4, Spag5 and Stmn3, etc, and genes related to transcriptional control and protein biosynthesis such as Hspa1a, Dnajb1, Thra, Hhex and so on. CONCLUSION With the development of the tumorigenesis, the symptoms and signs and differentially expressed genes in adrenal gland of H22 tumor mice can be measured. Up-regulated and down-regulated coincident genes may be the features of H22 tumor mice different from those of normal mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-qiang Pan
- School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
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26
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Rere controls retinoic acid signalling and somite bilateral symmetry. Nature 2010; 463:953-7. [PMID: 20164929 DOI: 10.1038/nature08763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2008] [Accepted: 12/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
One of the most notable features of the vertebrate body plan organization is its bilateral symmetry, evident at the level of vertebrae and skeletal muscles. Here we show that a mutation in Rere (also known as atrophin2) leads to the formation of asymmetrical somites in mouse embryos, similar to embryos deprived of retinoic acid. Furthermore, we also demonstrate that Rere controls retinoic acid signalling, which is required to maintain somite symmetry by interacting with Fgf8 in the left-right signalling pathway. Rere forms a complex with Nr2f2, p300 (also known as Ep300) and a retinoic acid receptor, which is recruited to the retinoic acid regulatory element of retinoic acid targets, such as the Rarb promoter. Furthermore, the knockdown of Nr2f2 and/or Rere decreases retinoic acid signalling, suggesting that this complex is required to promote transcriptional activation of retinoic acid targets. The asymmetrical expression of Nr2f2 in the presomitic mesoderm overlaps with the asymmetry of the retinoic acid signalling response, supporting its implication in the control of somitic symmetry. Misregulation of this mechanism could be involved in symmetry defects of the human spine, such as those observed in patients with scoliosis.
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Nisoli I, Chauvin JP, Napoletano F, Calamita P, Zanin V, Fanto M, Charroux B. Neurodegeneration by polyglutamine Atrophin is not rescued by induction of autophagy. Cell Death Differ 2010; 17:1577-87. [DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2010.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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28
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Yu J, Ying M, Zhuang Y, Xu T, Han M, Wu X, Xu R. C-terminal deletion of the atrophin-1 protein results in growth retardation but not neurodegeneration in mice. Dev Dyn 2010; 238:2471-8. [PMID: 19681162 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.22063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) is a dominant hereditary neurodegenerative disorder caused by the expansion of a poly-glutamine (poly-Q) repeat in Atrophin-1 protein. Ectopic expression of a poly-Q expanded human Atrophin-1 is sufficient to induce DRPLA phenotypes in mice. However, it is still unclear whether the dominant effect of poly-Q expansion is due to the functional interference with wild-type Atrophin-1 proteins, which exist in both patients and transgenic mice. Here we report the generation and analysis of an Atrophin-1 targeting allele that expresses a truncated protein lacking both the poly-Q repeat and following C-terminal peptides. Homozygous mutants exhibit growth retardation and progressive male infertility, but no obvious signs of neurodegeneration. Moreover, the mutant allele neither blocked nor enhanced the neurodegenerative phenotypes caused by a poly-Q expanded transgene. These results support the model that poly-Q expanded Atrophin-1 proteins cause DRPLA in a manner independent of any functional interaction with wild-type Atrophin-1 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juehua Yu
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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29
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Therapeutic gene silencing strategies for polyglutamine disorders. Trends Genet 2010; 26:29-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2009.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2009] [Revised: 11/05/2009] [Accepted: 11/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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30
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Hou R, Sibinga NES. Atrophin proteins interact with the Fat1 cadherin and regulate migration and orientation in vascular smooth muscle cells. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:6955-65. [PMID: 19131340 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m809333200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fat1, an atypical cadherin induced robustly after arterial injury, has significant effects on mammalian vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) growth and migration. The related Drosophila protein Fat interacts genetically and physically with Atrophin, a protein essential for development and control of cell polarity. We hypothesized that interactions between Fat1 and mammalian Atrophin (Atr) proteins might contribute to Fat1 effects on VSMCs. Like Fat1, mammalian Atr expression increased after arterial injury and in VSMCs stimulated with growth and chemotactic factors including angiotensin II, basic fibroblast growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor BB. Two distinct Atr2 transcripts, atr2L and atr2S, were identified by Northern analysis; in VSMCs, atr2S mRNA expression was more responsive to stimuli. By immunocytochemistry, Fat1 and Atrs colocalized at cell-cell junctions, in the perinuclear area, and in the nucleus. In coimmunoprecipitation studies, Fat1 interacted with both Atr1 and Atr2; these interactions required Fat1 amino acids 4300-4400 and an intact Atro-box in the Atrs. Knock-down of Atrs by small interfering RNA did not affect VSMC growth but had complex effects on migration, which was impaired by Atr1 knockdown, enhanced by Atr2L knockdown, and unchanged when both Atr2S and Atr2L were depleted. Enhanced migration caused by Atr2L knockdown required Fat1 expression. Similarly, orientation of cells after monolayer denudation was impaired in cells with Atr1 knockdown but enhanced in cells selectively depleted of Atr2L. Together these findings suggest that Fat1 and Atrs act in concert after vascular injury but show further that distinct Atr isoforms have disparate effects on VSMC directional migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Hou
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461-1602, USA
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31
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Wang L, Tsai CC. Atrophin proteins: an overview of a new class of nuclear receptor corepressors. NUCLEAR RECEPTOR SIGNALING 2008; 6:e009. [PMID: 19043594 PMCID: PMC2586093 DOI: 10.1621/nrs.06009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2008] [Accepted: 09/22/2008] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The normal development and physiological functions of multicellular organisms are regulated by complex gene transcriptional networks that include myriad transcription factors, their associating coregulators, and multiple chromatin-modifying factors. Aberrant gene transcriptional regulation resulting from mutations among these elements often leads to developmental defects and diseases. This review article concentrates on the Atrophin family proteins, including vertebrate Atrophin-1 (ATN1), vertebrate arginine-glutamic acid dipeptide repeats protein (RERE), and Drosophila Atrophin (Atro), which we recently identified as nuclear receptor corepressors. Disruption of Atrophin-mediated pathways causes multiple developmental defects in mouse, zebrafish, and Drosophila, while an aberrant form of ATN1 and altered expression levels of RERE are associated with neurodegenerative disease and cancer in humans, respectively. We here provide an overview of current knowledge about these Atrophin proteins. We hope that this information on Atrophin proteins may help stimulate fresh ideas about how this newly identified class of nuclear receptor corepressors aids specific nuclear receptors and other transcriptional factors in regulating gene transcription, manifesting physiological effects, and causing diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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32
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Atrophin recruits HDAC1/2 and G9a to modify histone H3K9 and to determine cell fates. EMBO Rep 2008; 9:555-62. [PMID: 18451879 DOI: 10.1038/embor.2008.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2008] [Revised: 03/27/2008] [Accepted: 03/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrophin family proteins, including the vertebrate arginine-glutamic acid dipeptide repeats protein (RERE) and Drosophila Atrophin (Atro), constitute a new class of nuclear receptor corepressors. Both RERE and Atro share the ELM2 (EGL-27 and MTA1 homology 2) and SANT (SWI3/ADA2/N-CoR/TFIII-B) domains, which are also present in other important transcriptional cofactors. Here, we report that the SANT domain in RERE binds to the histone methyltransferase G9a, and that both the ELM2 and SANT domains orchestrate molecular events that lead to a stable methylation of histone H3-lysine 9. We establish the physiological relevance of these interactions among Atrophin, G9a, and histone deacetylases 1 and 2 in Drosophila by showing that these proteins localize to overlapping chromosomal loci, and act together to suppress wing vein and melanotic-mass formation. This study not only shows a new function of the SANT domain and establishes its connection with the ELM2 domain, but also implies that a similar strategy is used by other ELM2-SANT proteins to repress gene transcription and to exert biological effects.
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33
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Haecker A, Qi D, Lilja T, Moussian B, Andrioli LP, Luschnig S, Mannervik M. Drosophila brakeless interacts with atrophin and is required for tailless-mediated transcriptional repression in early embryos. PLoS Biol 2007; 5:e145. [PMID: 17503969 PMCID: PMC1868043 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.0050145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2006] [Accepted: 03/26/2007] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Complex gene expression patterns in animal development are generated by the interplay of transcriptional activators and repressors at cis-regulatory DNA modules (CRMs). How repressors work is not well understood, but often involves interactions with co-repressors. We isolated mutations in the brakeless gene in a screen for maternal factors affecting segmentation of the Drosophila embryo. Brakeless, also known as Scribbler, or Master of thickveins, is a nuclear protein of unknown function. In brakeless embryos, we noted an expanded expression pattern of the Krüppel (Kr) and knirps (kni) genes. We found that Tailless-mediated repression of kni expression is impaired in brakeless mutants. Tailless and Brakeless bind each other in vitro and interact genetically. Brakeless is recruited to the Kr and kni CRMs, and represses transcription when tethered to DNA. This suggests that Brakeless is a novel co-repressor. Orphan nuclear receptors of the Tailless type also interact with Atrophin co-repressors. We show that both Drosophila and human Brakeless and Atrophin interact in vitro, and propose that they act together as a co-repressor complex in many developmental contexts. We discuss the possibility that human Brakeless homologs may influence the toxicity of polyglutamine-expanded Atrophin-1, which causes the human neurodegenerative disease dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Achim Haecker
- Developmental Biology, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dai Qi
- Developmental Biology, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tobias Lilja
- Developmental Biology, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bernard Moussian
- Abteilung Genetik, Max-Planck Institut für Entwicklungsbiologie, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Luiz Paulo Andrioli
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stefan Luschnig
- Abteilung Genetik, Max-Planck Institut für Entwicklungsbiologie, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Mattias Mannervik
- Developmental Biology, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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