1
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Rraku E, Kerstjens-Frederikse WS, Swertz MA, Dijkhuizen T, van Ravenswaaij-Arts CMA, Engwerda A. The phenotypic spectrum of terminal and subterminal 6p deletions based on a social media-derived cohort and literature review. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:68. [PMID: 36964621 PMCID: PMC10039519 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02670-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Terminal 6p deletions are rare, and information on their clinical consequences is scarce, which impedes optimal management and follow-up by clinicians. The parent-driven Chromosome 6 Project collaborates with families of affected children worldwide to better understand the clinical effects of chromosome 6 aberrations and to support clinical guidance. A microarray report is required for participation, and detailed phenotype information is collected directly from parents through a multilingual web-based questionnaire. Information collected from parents is then combined with case data from literature reports. Here, we present our findings on 13 newly identified patients and 46 literature cases with genotypically well-characterised terminal and subterminal 6p deletions. We provide phenotype descriptions for both the whole group and for subgroups based on deletion size and HI gene content. RESULTS The total group shared a common phenotype characterised by ocular anterior segment dysgenesis, vision problems, brain malformations, congenital defects of the cardiac septa and valves, mild to moderate hearing impairment, eye movement abnormalities, hypotonia, mild developmental delay and dysmorphic features. These characteristics were observed in all subgroups where FOXC1 was included in the deletion, confirming a dominant role for this gene. Additional characteristics were seen in individuals with terminal deletions exceeding 4.02 Mb, namely complex heart defects, corpus callosum abnormalities, kidney abnormalities and orofacial clefting. Some of these additional features may be related to the loss of other genes in the terminal 6p region, such as RREB1 for the cardiac phenotypes and TUBB2A and TUBB2B for the cerebral phenotypes. In the newly identified patients, we observed previously unreported features including gastrointestinal problems, neurological abnormalities, balance problems and sleep disturbances. CONCLUSIONS We present an overview of the phenotypic characteristics observed in terminal and subterminal 6p deletions. This reveals a common phenotype that can be highly attributable to haploinsufficiency of FOXC1, with a possible additional effect of other genes in the 6p25 region. We also delineate the developmental abilities of affected individuals and report on previously unrecognised features, showing the added benefit of collecting information directly from parents. Based on our overview, we provide recommendations for clinical surveillance to support clinicians, patients and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleana Rraku
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Morris A Swertz
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Trijnie Dijkhuizen
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Conny M A van Ravenswaaij-Arts
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- ATN/Jonx, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Aafke Engwerda
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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2
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Rowton M, Perez-Cervantes C, Hur S, Jacobs-Li J, Lu E, Deng N, Guzzetta A, Hoffmann AD, Stocker M, Steimle JD, Lazarevic S, Oubaha S, Yang XH, Kim C, Yu S, Eckart H, Koska M, Hanson E, Chan SSK, Garry DJ, Kyba M, Basu A, Ikegami K, Pott S, Moskowitz IP. Hedgehog signaling activates a mammalian heterochronic gene regulatory network controlling differentiation timing across lineages. Dev Cell 2022; 57:2181-2203.e9. [PMID: 36108627 PMCID: PMC10506397 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Many developmental signaling pathways have been implicated in lineage-specific differentiation; however, mechanisms that explicitly control differentiation timing remain poorly defined in mammals. We report that murine Hedgehog signaling is a heterochronic pathway that determines the timing of progenitor differentiation. Hedgehog activity was necessary to prevent premature differentiation of second heart field (SHF) cardiac progenitors in mouse embryos, and the Hedgehog transcription factor GLI1 was sufficient to delay differentiation of cardiac progenitors in vitro. GLI1 directly activated a de novo progenitor-specific network in vitro, akin to that of SHF progenitors in vivo, which prevented the onset of the cardiac differentiation program. A Hedgehog signaling-dependent active-to-repressive GLI transition functioned as a differentiation timer, restricting the progenitor network to the SHF. GLI1 expression was associated with progenitor status across germ layers, and it delayed the differentiation of neural progenitors in vitro, suggesting a broad role for Hedgehog signaling as a heterochronic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Rowton
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Carlos Perez-Cervantes
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Suzy Hur
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jessica Jacobs-Li
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emery Lu
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nikita Deng
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alexander Guzzetta
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andrew D Hoffmann
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Matthew Stocker
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Steimle
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sonja Lazarevic
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sophie Oubaha
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xinan H Yang
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chul Kim
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shuhan Yu
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Heather Eckart
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mervenaz Koska
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Erika Hanson
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sunny S K Chan
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Daniel J Garry
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Michael Kyba
- Lillehei Heart Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Anindita Basu
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kohta Ikegami
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sebastian Pott
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ivan P Moskowitz
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Human Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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3
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Mutations in MINAR2 encoding membrane integral NOTCH2-associated receptor 2 cause deafness in humans and mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2204084119. [PMID: 35727972 PMCID: PMC9245706 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2204084119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Discovery of deafness genes and elucidating their functions have substantially contributed to our understanding of hearing physiology and its pathologies. Here we report on DNA variants in MINAR2, encoding membrane integral NOTCH2-associated receptor 2, in four families underlying autosomal recessive nonsyndromic deafness. Neurologic evaluation of affected individuals at ages ranging from 4 to 80 y old does not show additional abnormalities. MINAR2 is a recently annotated gene with limited functional understanding. We detected three MINAR2 variants, c.144G > A (p.Trp48*), c.412_419delCGGTTTTG (p.Arg138Valfs*10), and c.393G > T, in 13 individuals with congenital- or prelingual-onset severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss (HL). The c.393G > T variant is shown to disrupt a splice donor site. We show that Minar2 is expressed in the mouse inner ear, with the protein localizing mainly in the hair cells, spiral ganglia, the spiral limbus, and the stria vascularis. Mice with loss of function of the Minar2 protein (Minar2tm1b/tm1b) present with rapidly progressive sensorineural HL associated with a reduction in outer hair cell stereocilia in the shortest row and degeneration of hair cells at a later age. We conclude that MINAR2 is essential for hearing in humans and mice and its disruption leads to sensorineural HL. Progressive HL observed in mice and in some affected individuals and as well as relative preservation of hair cells provides an opportunity to interfere with HL using genetic therapies.
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4
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Cirnaru MD, Song S, Tshilenge KT, Corwin C, Mleczko J, Galicia Aguirre C, Benlhabib H, Bendl J, Apontes P, Fullard J, Creus-Muncunill J, Reyahi A, Nik AM, Carlsson P, Roussos P, Mooney SD, Ellerby LM, Ehrlich ME. Unbiased identification of novel transcription factors in striatal compartmentation and striosome maturation. eLife 2021; 10:e65979. [PMID: 34609283 PMCID: PMC8492065 DOI: 10.7554/elife.65979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Many diseases are linked to dysregulation of the striatum. Striatal function depends on neuronal compartmentation into striosomes and matrix. Striatal projection neurons are GABAergic medium spiny neurons (MSNs), subtyped by selective expression of receptors, neuropeptides, and other gene families. Neurogenesis of the striosome and matrix occurs in separate waves, but the factors regulating compartmentation and neuronal differentiation are largely unidentified. We performed RNA- and ATAC-seq on sorted striosome and matrix cells at postnatal day 3, using the Nr4a1-EGFP striosome reporter mouse. Focusing on the striosome, we validated the localization and/or role of Irx1, Foxf2, Olig2, and Stat1/2 in the developing striosome and the in vivo enhancer function of a striosome-specific open chromatin region 4.4 Kb downstream of Olig2. These data provide novel tools to dissect and manipulate the networks regulating MSN compartmentation and differentiation, including in human iPSC-derived striatal neurons for disease modeling and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Daniela Cirnaru
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Sicheng Song
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | | | - Chuhyon Corwin
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Justyna Mleczko
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | | | - Houda Benlhabib
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Jaroslav Bendl
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Pasha Apontes
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - John Fullard
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Jordi Creus-Muncunill
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Azadeh Reyahi
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Ali M Nik
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Peter Carlsson
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Panos Roussos
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (VISN 2 South)BronxUnited States
| | - Sean D Mooney
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | | | - Michelle E Ehrlich
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
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5
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Warnecke A, Giesemann A. Embryology, Malformations, and Rare Diseases of the Cochlea. Laryngorhinootologie 2021; 100:S1-S43. [PMID: 34352899 PMCID: PMC8354575 DOI: 10.1055/a-1349-3824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite the low overall prevalence of individual rare diseases, cochlear
dysfunction leading to hearing loss represents a symptom in a large
proportion. The aim of this work was to provide a clear overview of rare
cochlear diseases, taking into account the embryonic development of the
cochlea and the systematic presentation of the different disorders. Although
rapid biotechnological and bioinformatic advances may facilitate the
diagnosis of a rare disease, an interdisciplinary exchange is often required
to raise the suspicion of a rare disease. It is important to recognize that
the phenotype of rare inner ear diseases can vary greatly not only in
non-syndromic but also in syndromic hearing disorders. Finally, it becomes
clear that the phenotype of the individual rare diseases cannot be
determined exclusively by classical genetics even in monogenetic
disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasia Warnecke
- Klinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover.,Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft Exzellenzcluster"Hearing4all" - EXC 2177/1 - Project ID 390895286
| | - Anja Giesemann
- Institut für Neuroradiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover
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6
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Identification of Novel Candidate Genes and Variants for Hearing Loss and Temporal Bone Anomalies. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12040566. [PMID: 33924653 PMCID: PMC8069784 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hearing loss remains an important global health problem that is potentially addressed through early identification of a genetic etiology, which helps to predict outcomes of hearing rehabilitation such as cochlear implantation and also to mitigate the long-term effects of comorbidities. The identification of variants for hearing loss and detailed descriptions of clinical phenotypes in patients from various populations are needed to improve the utility of clinical genetic screening for hearing loss. Methods: Clinical and exome data from 15 children with hearing loss were reviewed. Standard tools for annotating variants were used and rare, putatively deleterious variants were selected from the exome data. Results: In 15 children, 21 rare damaging variants in 17 genes were identified, including: 14 known hearing loss or neurodevelopmental genes, 11 of which had novel variants; and three candidate genes IST1, CBLN3 and GDPD5, two of which were identified in children with both hearing loss and enlarged vestibular aqueducts. Patients with variants within IST1 and MYO18B had poorer outcomes after cochlear implantation. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of identifying novel variants and genes in ethnic groups that are understudied for hearing loss.
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7
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Wu Q, Li W, You C. The regulatory roles and mechanisms of the transcription factor FOXF2 in human diseases. PeerJ 2021; 9:e10845. [PMID: 33717680 PMCID: PMC7934645 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies have focused on the relationship between transcription factors and a variety of common pathological conditions, such as diabetes, stroke, and cancer. It has been found that abnormal transcription factor regulation can lead to aberrant expression of downstream genes, which contributes to the occurrence and development of many diseases. The forkhead box (FOX) transcription factor family is encoded by the FOX gene, which mediates gene transcription and follow-up functions during physiological and pathological processes. FOXF2, a member of the FOX transcription family, is expressed in various organs and tissues while maintaining their normal structural and functional development during the embryonic and adult stages. Multiple regulatory pathways that regulate FOXF2 may also be controlled by FOXF2. Abnormal FOXF2 expression induced by uncontrollable regulatory signals mediate the progression of human diseases by interfering with the cell cycle, proliferation, differentiation, invasion, and metastasis. FOXF2 manipulates downstream pathways and targets as both a pro-oncogenic and anti-oncogenic factor across different types of cancer, suggesting it may be a new potential clinical marker or therapeutic target for cancer. However, FOXF2’s biological functions and specific roles in cancer development remain unclear. In this study, we provide an overview of FOXF2’s structure, function, and regulatory mechanisms in the physiological and pathological conditions of human body. We also discussed the possible reasons why FOXF2 performs the opposite function in the same types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Wu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wei Li
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chongge You
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
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8
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Elian FA, Are U, Ghosh S, Nuin P, Footz T, McMullen TPW, Brindley DN, Walter MA. FOXQ1 is Differentially Expressed Across Breast Cancer Subtypes with Low Expression Associated with Poor Overall Survival. BREAST CANCER-TARGETS AND THERAPY 2021; 13:171-188. [PMID: 33688250 PMCID: PMC7935334 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s282860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Forkhead box Q1 (FOXQ1) has been shown to contribute to the development and progression of cancers, including ovarian and breast cancer (BC). However, research exploring FOXQ1 expression, copy number variation (CNV), and prognostic value across different BC subtypes is limited. Our purpose was to evaluate FOXQ1 mRNA expression, CNV, and prognostic value across BC subtypes. Materials and Methods We determined FOXQ1 expression and CNV in BC patient tumors using RT-qPCR and qPCR, respectively. We also analyzed FOXQ1 expression and CNV in BC cell lines in the CCLE database using K-means clustering. The prognostic value of FOXQ1 expression in the TCGA-BRCA database was assessed using univariate and multivariate Cox's regression analysis as well as using the online tools OncoLnc, GEPIA, and UALCAN. Results Our analyses reveal that FOXQ1 mRNA is differentially expressed between different subtypes of BC and is significantly decreased in luminal BC and HER2 patients when compared to normal breast tissue samples. Furthermore, analysis of BC cell lines showed that FOXQ1 mRNA expression was independent of CNV. Moreover, patients with low FOXQ1 mRNA expression had significantly poorer overall survival compared to those with high FOXQ1 mRNA expression. Finally, low FOXQ1 expression had a critical impact on the prognostic values of BC patients and was an independent predictor of overall survival when it was adjusted for BC subtypes and to two other FOX genes, FOXF2 and FOXM1. Conclusion Our study reveals for the first time that FOXQ1 is differentially expressed across BC subtypes and that low expression of FOXQ1 is indicative of poor prognosis in patients with BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahed A Elian
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Ubah Are
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sunita Ghosh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Paulo Nuin
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Tim Footz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Todd P W McMullen
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - David N Brindley
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Michael A Walter
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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9
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Bademci G, Abad C, Cengiz FB, Seyhan S, Incesulu A, Guo S, Fitoz S, Atli EI, Gosstola NC, Demir S, Colbert BM, Seyhan GC, Sineni CJ, Duman D, Gurkan H, Morton CC, Dykxhoorn DM, Walz K, Tekin M. Long-range cis-regulatory elements controlling GDF6 expression are essential for ear development. J Clin Invest 2021; 130:4213-4217. [PMID: 32369452 DOI: 10.1172/jci136951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular mechanisms governing the development of the mammalian cochlea, the hearing organ, remain largely unknown. Through genome sequencing in 3 subjects from 2 families with nonsyndromic cochlear aplasia, we identified homozygous 221-kb and 338-kb deletions in a noncoding region on chromosome 8 with an approximately 200-kb overlapping section. Genomic location of the overlapping deleted region started from approximately 350 kb downstream of GDF6, which codes for growth and differentiation factor 6. Otic lineage cells differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells derived from an affected individual showed reduced expression of GDF6 compared with control cells. Knockout of Gdf6 in a mouse model resulted in cochlear aplasia, closely resembling the human phenotype. We conclude that GDF6 plays a necessary role in early cochlear development controlled by cis-regulatory elements located within an approximately 500-kb region of the genome in humans and that its disruption leads to deafness due to cochlear aplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guney Bademci
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Clemer Abad
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Filiz B Cengiz
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Serhat Seyhan
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Armagan Incesulu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eskisehir Osmangazi University School of Medicine, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Shengru Guo
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Suat Fitoz
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Emine Ikbal Atli
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Nicholas C Gosstola
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Selma Demir
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Brett M Colbert
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Gozde Cosar Seyhan
- Department of Dermatology, Bakirkoy Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Claire J Sineni
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Duygu Duman
- Department of Audiology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hakan Gurkan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Cynthia C Morton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Derek M Dykxhoorn
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.,John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, and
| | - Katherina Walz
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.,John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, and
| | - Mustafa Tekin
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.,John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, and.,Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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10
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Liu L, Chen G, Chen T, Shi W, Hu H, Song K, Huang R, Cai H, He Y. si-SNHG5-FOXF2 inhibits TGF-β1-induced fibrosis in human primary endometrial stromal cells by the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:479. [PMID: 33176855 PMCID: PMC7656702 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01990-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) are manifestations of endometrial fibrosis characterized by inflammation and fibrinogen aggregation in the extracellular matrix (ECM). The available therapeutic interventions for IUA are insufficiently effective in the clinical setting for postoperative adhesion recurrence and infertility problems. In this study, we investigated whether si-SNHG5-FOXF2 can serve as a molecular mechanism for the inhibition of IUA fibrosis ex vivo. Methods FOXF2, TGF-β1 and collagen expression levels were measured by microarray sequencing analysis in three normal endometrium groups and six IUA patients. We induced primary human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) into myofibroblasts (MFs) to develop an IUA cell model with various concentrations of TGF-β1 at various times. Downstream target genes of FOXF2 were screened by chromatin immunoprecipitation combined with whole-genome high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq). We investigated ECM formation, cell proliferation and Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway-related proteins in primary HESCs with FOXF2 downregulation by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blotting (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), flow cytometry, ethylenediurea (EdU) and CCK8 assays. We identified long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) SNHG5 as the upstream regulatory gene of FOXF2 through RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pulldown and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Finally, we examined FOXF2 expression, ECM formation, cell proliferation and Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway-related proteins in primary HESCs upon FOXF2 downregulation. Results FOXF2 was highly expressed in the endometrium of patients with IUA. Treatment of primary HESCs with 10 ng/ml TGF-β1 for 72 h was found to be most effective for developing an IUA cell model. FOXF2 regulated multiple downstream target genes, including collagen, vimentin (VIM) and cyclin D2/DK4, by ChIP-seq and ChIP-PCR. FOXF2 downregulation inhibited TGF-β1-mediated primary HESC fibrosis, including ECM formation, cell proliferation and Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway-related protein expression. We identified lncRNA SNHG5 as an upstream gene that directly regulates FOXF2 by RIP-seq, qRT-PCR, WB and FISH. SNHG5 downregulation suppressed FOXF2 expression in the IUA cell model, resulting in synergistic repression of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, thereby altering TGF-β1-mediated ECM aggregation in endometrial stromal cells ex vivo. Conclusions Regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway and ECM formation by si-SNHG5-FOXF2 effectively inhibited the profibrotic effect of TGF-β1 on primary HESCs. This finding can provide a molecular basis for antagonizing TGF-β1-mediated fibrosis in primary HESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guobin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Taoliang Chen
- The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjuan Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haiyan Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kaijing Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruichun Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huihua Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yuanli He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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11
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Latchman K, Brown J, Sineni CJ, Ragin-Dames L, Guo S, Huang J, Thorson W, Hacker S, Barbouth D, Tekin M, Bademci G. A founder noncoding GALT variant interfering with splicing causes galactosemia. J Inherit Metab Dis 2020; 43:1199-1204. [PMID: 32748411 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Galactosemia is a rare, treatable hereditary disorder of carbohydrate metabolism. We investigated the etiology of decreased GALT enzyme activity in a cohort of newborns referred by the Florida Newborn Screening Program with no detectable GALT variants in diagnostic molecular tests. Six affected individuals from four families with Guatemalan heritage were included. GALT enzyme activity ranged from 20% to 34% of normal. Clinical findings were unremarkable except for speech delay in two children. Via genome sequencing followed by Sanger confirmation we showed that all affected individuals were homozygous for a deep intronic GALT variant, c.1059+390A>G, which segregated as an autosomal recessive trait in all families. The intronic variant disrupts splicing and leads to a premature termination and is associated with a single haplotype flanking GALT, suggesting a founder effect. In conclusion, we present a deep intronic GALT variant leading to a biochemical variant form of galactosemia. This variant remains undiagnosed until it is specifically targeted in molecular testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumarie Latchman
- Division of Clinical and Translational Genetics, Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jeanette Brown
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Claire J Sineni
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Lorrien Ragin-Dames
- Division of Clinical and Translational Genetics, Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Shengru Guo
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jingyu Huang
- Division of Clinical and Translational Genetics, Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Willa Thorson
- Division of Clinical and Translational Genetics, Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Stephanie Hacker
- Division of Clinical and Translational Genetics, Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Deborah Barbouth
- Division of Clinical and Translational Genetics, Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Mustafa Tekin
- Division of Clinical and Translational Genetics, Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Guney Bademci
- Division of Clinical and Translational Genetics, Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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12
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Vona B, Doll J, Hofrichter MAH, Haaf T, Varshney GK. Small fish, big prospects: using zebrafish to unravel the mechanisms of hereditary hearing loss. Hear Res 2020; 397:107906. [PMID: 32063424 PMCID: PMC7415493 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2020.107906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, advancements in high-throughput sequencing have greatly enhanced our knowledge of the mutational signatures responsible for hereditary hearing loss. In its present state, the field has a largely uncensored view of protein coding changes in a growing number of genes that have been associated with hereditary hearing loss, and many more that have been proposed as candidate genes. Sequencing data can now be generated using methods that have become widespread and affordable. The greatest hurdles facing the field concern functional validation of uncharacterized genes and rapid application to human diseases, including hearing and balance disorders. To date, over 30 hearing-related disease models exist in zebrafish. New genome editing technologies, including CRISPR/Cas9 will accelerate the functional validation of hearing loss genes and variants in zebrafish. Here, we discuss current progress in the field and recent advances in genome editing approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Vona
- Department of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Julia Doll
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Haaf
- Institute of Human Genetics, Julius Maximilians University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Gaurav K Varshney
- Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States.
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13
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He W, Kang Y, Zhu W, Zhou B, Jiang X, Ren C, Guo W. FOXF2 acts as a crucial molecule in tumours and embryonic development. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:424. [PMID: 32503970 PMCID: PMC7275069 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2604-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
As a key member of the forkhead box transcription factors, forkhead box F2 (FOXF2) serves as a transcriptional regulator and regulates downstream gene expression in embryonic development, metabolism and in some common diseases, such as stroke and gastroparesis. Recent studies have shown that aberrant expression of FOXF2 is associated with a variety of tumorigenic processes, such as proliferation, invasion and metastasis. The role of FOXF2 in the development of many different organs has been confirmed by studies and has been speculated about in case reports. We focus on the mechanisms and signal pathways of tumour development initiated by aberrant expression of FOXF2, and we summarize the diseases and signal pathways caused by aberrant expression of FOXF2 in embryogenesis. This article highlights the differences in the role of FOXF2 in different tumours and demonstrates that multiple factors can regulate FOXF2 levels. In addition, FOXF2 is considered a biomarker for the diagnosis or prognosis of various tumours. Therefore, regulating the level of FOXF2 is an ideal treatment for tumours. FOXF2 could also affect the expression of some organ-specific genes to modulate organogenesis and could serve as a biomarker for specific differentiated cells. Finally, we present prospects for the continued research focus of FOXF2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihan He
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China.,Cancer Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,The NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Yuanbo Kang
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China.,Cancer Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,The NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China.,Cancer Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bolun Zhou
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China.,Cancer Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xingjun Jiang
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China.,Cancer Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Caiping Ren
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China. .,Cancer Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,The NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Weihua Guo
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China. .,Cancer Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,The NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
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14
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Ocak E, Duman D, Tekin M. Genetic Causes of Inner Ear Anomalies: a Review from the Turkish Study Group for Inner Ear Anomalies. Balkan Med J 2019; 36:206-211. [PMID: 31131597 PMCID: PMC6636654 DOI: 10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2019.2019.4.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Inner ear anomalies diagnosed using a radiological study are detected in almost 30% of cases with congenital or prelingual-onset sensorineural hearing loss. Inner ear anomalies can be isolated or occur along with a part of a syndrome involving other systems. Although astonishing progress has been made in research aimed at revealing the genetic causes of hearing loss in the past few decades, only a few genes have been linked to inner ear anomalies. The aim of this review is to discuss the known genetic causes of inner ear anomalies. Identifying the genetic causes of inner ear anomalies is important for guiding clinical care that includes empowered reproductive decisions provided to the affected individuals. Furthermore, understanding the molecular underpinnings of the development of the inner ear in humans is important to develop novel treatment strategies for people with hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre Ocak
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Duygu Duman
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey,Department of Audiology, Ankara University Faculty of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Tekin
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA,Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA,Dr. John T. Macdonald Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA
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