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Saint-Laurent C, Mazeyrie L, Yart A, Edouard T. Novel therapeutic perspectives in Noonan syndrome and RASopathies. Eur J Pediatr 2024; 183:1011-1019. [PMID: 37863846 PMCID: PMC10951041 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05263-y] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Noonan syndrome belongs to the family of RASopathies, a group of multiple congenital anomaly disorders caused by pathogenic variants in genes encoding components or regulators of the RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway. Collectively, all these pathogenic variants lead to increased RAS/MAPK activation. The better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the different manifestations of NS and RASopathies has led to the identification of molecular targets for specific pharmacological interventions. Many specific agents (e.g. SHP2 and MEK inhibitors) have already been developed for the treatment of RAS/MAPK-driven malignancies. In addition, other molecules with the property of modulating RAS/MAPK activation are indicated in non-malignant diseases (e.g. C-type natriuretic peptide analogues in achondroplasia or statins in hypercholesterolemia). Conclusion: Drug repositioning of these molecules represents a challenging approach to treat or prevent medical complications associated with RASopathies. What is Known: • Noonan syndrome and related disorders are caused by pathogenic variants in genes encoding components or regulators of the RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway, resulting in increased activation of this pathway. • This group of disorders is now known as RASopathies and represents one of the largest groups of multiple congenital anomaly diseases known. What is New: • The identification of pathophysiological mechanisms provides new insights into the development of specific therapeutic strategies, in particular treatment aimed at reducing RAS/MAPK hyperactivation. • Drug repositioning of specific agents already developed for the treatment of malignant (e.g. SHP2 and MEK inhibitors) or non-malignant diseases (e.g. C-type natriuretic peptide analogues in achondroplasia or statins in hypercholesterolaemia) represents a challenging approach to the treatment of RASopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Saint-Laurent
- RESTORE Research Center, Université de Toulouse, Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale 1301, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique 5070, Toulouse, France
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases, and Genetics Unit, Reference Center for Endocrine Diseases of Growth and Development, FIRENDO Network, Children's Hospital, Toulouse University Hospital, 330 Avenue de Grande-Bretagne TSA 70034, 31059, Toulouse Cedex 9, France
| | - Laurène Mazeyrie
- RESTORE Research Center, Université de Toulouse, Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale 1301, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique 5070, Toulouse, France
| | - Armelle Yart
- RESTORE Research Center, Université de Toulouse, Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale 1301, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique 5070, Toulouse, France
| | - Thomas Edouard
- RESTORE Research Center, Université de Toulouse, Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale 1301, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique 5070, Toulouse, France.
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases, and Genetics Unit, Reference Center for Endocrine Diseases of Growth and Development, FIRENDO Network, Children's Hospital, Toulouse University Hospital, 330 Avenue de Grande-Bretagne TSA 70034, 31059, Toulouse Cedex 9, France.
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2
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Shoji Y, Hata A, Maeyama T, Wada T, Hasegawa Y, Nishi E, Ida S, Etani Y, Niihori T, Aoki Y, Okamoto N, Kawai M. Genetic backgrounds and genotype-phenotype relationships in anthropometric parameters of 116 Japanese individuals with Noonan syndrome. Clin Pediatr Endocrinol 2024; 33:50-58. [PMID: 38572385 PMCID: PMC10985011 DOI: 10.1297/cpe.2024-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Noonan syndrome (NS) is caused by pathogenic variants in genes encoding components of the RAS/MAPK pathway and presents with a number of symptoms, including characteristic facial features, congenital heart diseases, and short stature. Advances in genetic analyses have contributed to the identification of pathogenic genes in NS as well as genotype-phenotype relationships; however, updated evidence for the detection rate of pathogenic genes with the inclusion of newly identified genes is lacking in Japan. Accordingly, we examined the genetic background of 116 individuals clinically diagnosed with NS and the frequency of short stature. We also investigated genotype-phenotype relationships in the context of body mass index (BMI). Genetic testing revealed the responsible variants in 100 individuals (86%), where PTPN11 variants were the most prevalent (43%) and followed by SOS1 (12%) and RIT1 (9%). The frequency of short stature was the lowest in subjects possessing RIT1 variants. No genotype-phenotype relationships in BMI were observed among the genotypes. In conclusion, this study provides evidence for the detection rate of pathogenic genes and genotype-phenotype relationships in Japanese patients with NS, which will be of clinical importance for accelerating our understanding of the genetic backgrounds of Japanese patients with NS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuko Shoji
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Policy, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Ayaha Hata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takatoshi Maeyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tamaki Wada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuiko Hasegawa
- Department of Genetics, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Eriko Nishi
- Department of Genetics, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shinobu Ida
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuri Etani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Niihori
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yoko Aoki
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Okamoto
- Department of Genetics, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masanobu Kawai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Bone and Mineral Research, Research Institute, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
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3
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Scorrano G, David E, Calì E, Chimenz R, La Bella S, Di Ludovico A, Di Rosa G, Gitto E, Mankad K, Nardello R, Mangano GD, Leoni C, Ceravolo G. The Cardiofaciocutaneous Syndrome: From Genetics to Prognostic-Therapeutic Implications. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2111. [PMID: 38136934 PMCID: PMC10742720 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiofaciocutaneous (CFC) syndrome is one of the rarest RASopathies characterized by multiple congenital ectodermal, cardiac and craniofacial abnormalities with a mild to severe ocular, gastrointestinal and neurological involvement. It is an autosomal dominant syndrome, with complete penetrance, caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants in the genes BRAF, MAP2K1/MEK1, MAP2K2/MEK2, KRAS or, rarely, YWHAZ, all part of the RAS-MAPK pathway. This pathway is a signal transduction cascade that plays a crucial role in normal cellular processes such as cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, survival, metabolism and migration. CFC syndrome overlaps with Noonan syndrome, Costello syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1 and Legius syndrome, therefore making the diagnosis challenging. Neurological involvement in CFC is more severe than in other RASopathies. Phenotypic variability in CFC patients is related to the specific gene affected, without a recognized genotype-phenotype correlation for distinct pathogenic variants. Currently, there is no specific treatment for CFC syndrome. Encouraging zebrafish model system studies suggested that, in the future, MEK inhibitors could be a suitable treatment of progressive phenotypes of CFC in children. A multidisciplinary care is necessary for appropriate medical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Scorrano
- Department of Pediatrics, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.S.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Emanuele David
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elisa Calì
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK; (E.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Roberto Chimenz
- Pediatric Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, University Hospital “G. Martino”, 98124 Messina, Italy;
| | - Saverio La Bella
- Department of Pediatrics, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.S.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Armando Di Ludovico
- Department of Pediatrics, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.S.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Gabriella Di Rosa
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy;
| | - Eloisa Gitto
- Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Kshitij Mankad
- Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 3JH, UK;
| | - Rosaria Nardello
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, “G. D’Alessandro” University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (R.N.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Donato Mangano
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, “G. D’Alessandro” University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (R.N.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Chiara Leoni
- Center for Rare Diseases and Birth Defects, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Ceravolo
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK; (E.C.); (G.C.)
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Expanding horizons of achondroplasia treatment: current options and future developments. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2022; 30:535-544. [PMID: 34864168 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2021.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Activating mutations in the FGFR3 receptor tyrosine kinase lead to most prevalent form of genetic dwarfism in humans, the achondroplasia. Many features of the complex function of FGFR3 in growing skeleton were characterized, which facilitated identification of therapy targets, and drove progress toward treatment. In August 2021, the vosoritide was approved for treatment of achondroplasia, which is based on a stable variant of the C-natriuretic peptide. Other drugs may soon follow, as several conceptually different inhibitors of FGFR3 signaling progress through clinical trials. Here, we review the current achondroplasia therapeutics, describe their mechanisms, and illuminate motivations leading to their development. We also discuss perspectives of curing achondroplasia, and options for repurposing achondroplasia drugs for dwarfing conditions unrelated to FGFR3.
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Willems M, Amouroux C, Barat-Houari M, Salles JP, Edouard T. Exploring the genetic causes of isolated short stature. What has happened to idiopathic short stature? Arch Pediatr 2022; 28:8S27-8S32. [PMID: 37870530 DOI: 10.1016/s0929-693x(22)00040-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Statural growth is underpinned by development of the growth plate during the process of endochondral ossification, which is strongly regulated by numerous local factors (intracellular, paracrine and extracellular matrix factors) and systemic factors (nutrition, hormones, proinflammatory cytokines and extracellular fluids). This explains why growth retardation can be associated with numerous pathologies, particularly genetic syndromes, hormonal or inflammatory conditions, or gastrointestinal disorders having a nutritional impact. However, in most cases (80%), no specific aetiology is found after clinical investigation and conventional additional tests have been carried out. In such cases, "idiopathic" short stature is diagnosed, which includes patients presenting with constitutional delay of growth and development and familial short stature, but also patients with very subtle constitutional skeletal dysplasia which are not easily identifiable. In recent years, new methods of genetic investigation (e.g. gene panels, exome or genome sequencing) have made it possible to identify many genetic variants associated with apparently isolated short stature. Indeed, it is still difficult to estimate the proportion of patients presenting with idiopathic short stature for which a molecular diagnosis of monogenic conditions could be made. This estimate varies hugely depending on the thoroughness of the clinical, laboratory and radiological assessments performed prior to molecular analysis, since retrospective analysis of positive cases usually reveals subtle signs of underlying syndromes or rare skeletal disorders. Molecular diagnosis in children is important to be able to offer genetic counselling and to organise patient management. Moreover, improved understanding of the molecular basis of these cases of short stature opens up numerous possibilities for more specific treatments targeting the growth plate. © 2022 French Society of Pediatrics. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Willems
- Medical Genetic Department for Rare Diseases and Personalised Medicine, Reference Centre AD SOOR, AnDDI-RARE, Competence Centre for Rare Skeletal Disorders, OSCAR Network, Inserm U1298, INM, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital and University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - C Amouroux
- Paediatric Endocrine Unit, Competence Centre for Rare Diseases of Calcium and Phosphate Metabolism, OSCAR Network, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital and University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - M Barat-Houari
- Molecular Biology Unit, Competence Centre for Rare Skeletal Disorders, OSCAR Network, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital and University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - J-P Salles
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases and Genetics Unit, Reference Centre for Rare Diseases of Calcium and Phosphate Metabolism and Competence Centre for Rare Skeletal Disorders, ERN BOND, OSCAR Network, Children's Hospital, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - T Edouard
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases and Genetics Unit, Reference Centre for Rare Diseases of Calcium and Phosphate Metabolism and Competence Centre for Rare Skeletal Disorders, ERN BOND, OSCAR Network, Children's Hospital, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France.
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6
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Siano MA, Pivonello R, Salerno M, Falco M, Mauro C, De Brasi D, Klain A, Sestito S, De Luca A, Pinna V, Simeoli C, Concolino D, Mainolfi CG, Mannarino T, Strisciuglio P, Tartaglia M, Melis D. Endocrine system involvement in patients with RASopathies: A case series. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1030398. [PMID: 36483002 PMCID: PMC9724702 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1030398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Endocrine complications have been described in patients affected by RASopathies but no systematic assessment has been reported. In this study, we investigate the prevalence of endocrine disorders in a consecutive unselected cohort of patients with RASopathies. STUDY DESIGN 72 patients with a genetically confirmed RASopathy (Noonan syndrome [NS], N=53; 29 LEOPARD syndrome [LS], N=2; cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome [CFCS], N=14; subjects showing co-occurring pathogenic variants in PTPN11 and NF1, N=3) and an age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Endocrine system involvement was investigated by assessing the thyroid function, pubertal development, auxological parameters, adrenal function and bone metabolism. RESULTS Short stature was detected in 40% and 64% of the NS and CFCS subcohorts, respectively. Patients showed lower Z-scores at DXA than controls (p<0.05) when considering the entire case load and both NS and CFCS groups. Vitamin D and Calcitonin levels were significantly lower (p< 0.01), Parathormone levels significantly higher (p<0.05) in patients compared to the control group (p<0.05). Patients with lower BMD showed reduced physical activity and joint pain. Finally, anti-TPO antibody levels were significantly higher in patients than in controls when considering the entire case load and both NS and CFCS groups. CONCLUSIONS The collected data demonstrate a high prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity, confirming an increased risk to develop autoimmune disorders both in NS and CFCS. Reduced BMD, probably associated to reduced physical activity and inflammatory cytokines, also occurs. These findings are expected to have implications for the follow-up and prevention of osteopenia/osteoporosis in both NS and CFCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. A. Siano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Università di Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - R. Pivonello
- Dipartmento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - M. Salerno
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Napoli, Italy
| | - M. Falco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Università di Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - C. Mauro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Università di Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - D. De Brasi
- Dipartimento di Pediatria, Azienda Ospedaliera di rilievo Nazionale (A.O.R.N). “Santobono-Pausillipon”, Napoli, Italy
| | - A. Klain
- Dipartimento di Pediatria, Azienda Ospedaliera di rilievo Nazionale (A.O.R.N). “Santobono-Pausillipon”, Napoli, Italy
| | - S. Sestito
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università “Magna Graecia” di Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - A. De Luca
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Fondazione Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - V. Pinna
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Fondazione Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - C. Simeoli
- Dipartmento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - D. Concolino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università “Magna Graecia” di Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ciro Gabriele Mainolfi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - T. Mannarino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - P. Strisciuglio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Napoli, Italy
| | - M. Tartaglia
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - D. Melis
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Università di Salerno, Salerno, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Napoli, Italy
- *Correspondence: D. Melis,
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7
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Fowlkes JL, Thrailkill KM, Bunn RC. RASopathies: The musculoskeletal consequences and their etiology and pathogenesis. Bone 2021; 152:116060. [PMID: 34144233 PMCID: PMC8316423 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2021.116060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The RASopathies comprise an ever-growing number of clinical syndromes resulting from germline mutations in components of the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway. While multiple organs and tissues may be affected by these mutations, this review will focus on how these mutations specifically impact the musculoskeletal system. Herein, we review the genetics and musculoskeletal phenotypes of these syndromes in humans. We discuss how mutations in the RASopathy syndromes have been studied in translational mouse models. Finally, we discuss how signaling molecules within the RAS/MAPK pathway are involved in normal and abnormal bone biology in the context of osteoblasts, osteoclasts and chondrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John L Fowlkes
- University of Kentucky Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, United States of America.
| | - Kathryn M Thrailkill
- University of Kentucky Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, United States of America
| | - R Clay Bunn
- University of Kentucky Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, United States of America
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8
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Gualtieri A, Kyprianou N, Gregory LC, Vignola ML, Nicholson JG, Tan R, Inoue SI, Scagliotti V, Casado P, Blackburn J, Abollo-Jimenez F, Marinelli E, Besser REJ, Högler W, Karen Temple I, Davies JH, Gagunashvili A, Robinson ICAF, Camper SA, Davis SW, Cutillas PR, Gevers EF, Aoki Y, Dattani MT, Gaston-Massuet C. Activating mutations in BRAF disrupt the hypothalamo-pituitary axis leading to hypopituitarism in mice and humans. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2028. [PMID: 33795686 PMCID: PMC8016902 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21712-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Germline mutations in BRAF and other components of the MAPK pathway are associated with the congenital syndromes collectively known as RASopathies. Here, we report the association of Septo-Optic Dysplasia (SOD) including hypopituitarism and Cardio-Facio-Cutaneous (CFC) syndrome in patients harbouring mutations in BRAF. Phosphoproteomic analyses demonstrate that these genetic variants are gain-of-function mutations leading to activation of the MAPK pathway. Activation of the MAPK pathway by conditional expression of the BrafV600E/+ allele, or the knock-in BrafQ241R/+ allele (corresponding to the most frequent human CFC-causing mutation, BRAF p.Q257R), leads to abnormal cell lineage determination and terminal differentiation of hormone-producing cells, causing hypopituitarism. Expression of the BrafV600E/+ allele in embryonic pituitary progenitors leads to an increased expression of cell cycle inhibitors, cell growth arrest and apoptosis, but not tumour formation. Our findings show a critical role of BRAF in hypothalamo-pituitary-axis development both in mouse and human and implicate mutations found in RASopathies as a cause of endocrine deficiencies in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Gualtieri
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Nikolina Kyprianou
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Louise C Gregory
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, UCL, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Maria Lillina Vignola
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - James G Nicholson
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Rachael Tan
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Shin-Ichi Inoue
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Valeria Scagliotti
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Pedro Casado
- Integrative Cell Signalling and Proteomics, Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - James Blackburn
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Fernando Abollo-Jimenez
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Eugenia Marinelli
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Rachael E J Besser
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, UCL, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Wolfgang Högler
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - I Karen Temple
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Justin H Davies
- Child Health Directorate, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine University of Southampton and Wessex Clinical Genetics Service, Southampton, UK
| | - Andrey Gagunashvili
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Children NHS Foundation Trust and UCL, London, UK
| | | | - Sally A Camper
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shannon W Davis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Pedro R Cutillas
- Integrative Cell Signalling and Proteomics, Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Evelien F Gevers
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Yoko Aoki
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Mehul T Dattani
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, UCL, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Carles Gaston-Massuet
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
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9
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Castel P, Rauen KA, McCormick F. The duality of human oncoproteins: drivers of cancer and congenital disorders. Nat Rev Cancer 2020; 20:383-397. [PMID: 32341551 PMCID: PMC7787056 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-020-0256-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Human oncoproteins promote transformation of cells into tumours by dysregulating the signalling pathways that are involved in cell growth, proliferation and death. Although oncoproteins were discovered many years ago and have been widely studied in the context of cancer, the recent use of high-throughput sequencing techniques has led to the identification of cancer-associated mutations in other conditions, including many congenital disorders. These syndromes offer an opportunity to study oncoprotein signalling and its biology in the absence of additional driver or passenger mutations, as a result of their monogenic nature. Moreover, their expression in multiple tissue lineages provides insight into the biology of the proto-oncoprotein at the physiological level, in both transformed and unaffected tissues. Given the recent paradigm shift in regard to how oncoproteins promote transformation, we review the fundamentals of genetics, signalling and pathogenesis underlying oncoprotein duality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pau Castel
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Katherine A Rauen
- MIND Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Frank McCormick
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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