1
|
Murthy S, Nongthomba U. Role of the BCL11A/B Homologue Chronophage (Cph) in Locomotor Behaviour of Drosophila melanogaster. Neuroscience 2024; 551:1-16. [PMID: 38763224 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.05.015] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Functioning of the nervous system requires proper formation and specification of neurons as well as accurate connectivity and signalling between them. Locomotor behaviour depends upon these events that occur during neural development, and any aberration in them could result in motor disorders. Transcription factors are believed to be master regulators that control these processes, but very few linked to behaviour have been identified so far. The Drosophila homologue of BCL11A (CTIP1) and BCL11B (CTIP2), Chronophage (Cph), was recently shown to be involved in temporal patterning of neural stem cells but its role in post-mitotic neurons is not known. We show that knockdown of Cph in neurons during development results in animals with locomotor defects at both larval and adult stages. The defects are more severe in adults, with inability to stand, uncoordinated behaviour and complete loss of ability to walk, climb, or fly. These defects are similar to the motor difficulties observed in some patients with mutations in BCL11A and BCL11B. Electrophysiological recordings showed reduced evoked activity and irregular neuronal firing. All Cph-expressing neurons in the ventral nerve cord are glutamatergic. Our results imply that Cph modulates primary locomotor activity through configuration of glutamatergic neurons. Thus, this study ascribes a hitherto unknown role to Cph in locomotor behaviour of Drosophila melanogaster.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Smrithi Murthy
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560 012, India.
| | - Upendra Nongthomba
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560 012, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Neumann AM, Britsch S. Molecular Genetics of Acquired Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Biomolecules 2024; 14:669. [PMID: 38927072 PMCID: PMC11202058 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060669] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
An epilepsy diagnosis reduces a patient's quality of life tremendously, and it is a fate shared by over 50 million people worldwide. Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is largely considered a nongenetic or acquired form of epilepsy that develops in consequence of neuronal trauma by injury, malformations, inflammation, or a prolonged (febrile) seizure. Although extensive research has been conducted to understand the process of epileptogenesis, a therapeutic approach to stop its manifestation or to reliably cure the disease has yet to be developed. In this review, we briefly summarize the current literature predominately based on data from excitotoxic rodent models on the cellular events proposed to drive epileptogenesis and thoroughly discuss the major molecular pathways involved, with a focus on neurogenesis-related processes and transcription factors. Furthermore, recent investigations emphasized the role of the genetic background for the acquisition of epilepsy, including variants of neurodevelopmental genes. Mutations in associated transcription factors may have the potential to innately increase the vulnerability of the hippocampus to develop epilepsy following an injury-an emerging perspective on the epileptogenic process in acquired forms of epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefan Britsch
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zheng G, Orkin SH. Transcriptional Repressor BCL11A in Erythroid Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1459:199-215. [PMID: 39017845 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-62731-6_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
BCL11A, a zinc finger repressor, is a stage-specific transcription factor that controls the switch from fetal (HbF, α2γ2) to adult (HbA, α2β2) hemoglobin in erythroid cells. While BCL11A was known as a factor critical for B-lymphoid cell development, its relationship to erythroid cells and HbF arose through genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Subsequent work validated its role as a silencer of γ-globin gene expression in cultured cells and mice. Erythroid-specific loss of BCL11A rescues the phenotype of engineered sickle cell disease (SCD) mice, thereby suggesting that downregulation of BCL11A expression might be beneficial in patients with SCD and β-thalassemia. Common genetic variation in GWAS resides in an erythroid-specific enhancer within the BCL11A gene that is required for its own expression. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing of the enhancer revealed a GATA-binding site that confers a large portion of its regulatory function. Disruption of the GATA site leads to robust HbF reactivation. Advancement of a guide RNA targeting the GATA-binding site in clinical trials has recently led to approval of first-in-man use of ex vivo CRISPR editing of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) as therapy of SCD and β-thalassemia. Future challenges include expanding access and infrastructure for delivery of genetic therapy to eligible patients, reducing potential toxicity and costs, exploring prospects for in vivo targeting of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and developing small molecule drugs that impair function of BCL11A protein as an alternative option.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ge Zheng
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School and HHMI, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stuart H Orkin
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School and HHMI, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ward SK, Wadley A, Tsai CHA, Benke PJ, Emrick L, Fisher K, Houck KM, Dai H, Guillen Sacoto MJ, Craigen W, Glaser K, Murdock DR, Rohena L, Diderich KEM, Bruggenwirth HT, Lee B, Bacino C, Burrage LC, Rosenfeld JA. De novo missense variants in ZBTB47 are associated with developmental delays, hypotonia, seizures, gait abnormalities, and variable movement abnormalities. Am J Med Genet A 2024; 194:17-30. [PMID: 37743782 PMCID: PMC11221546 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63399] [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: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The collection of known genetic etiologies of neurodevelopmental disorders continues to increase, including several syndromes associated with defects in zinc finger protein transcription factors (ZNFs) that vary in clinical severity from mild learning disabilities and developmental delay to refractory seizures and severe autism spectrum disorder. Here we describe a new neurodevelopmental disorder associated with variants in ZBTB47 (also known as ZNF651), which encodes zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 47. Exome sequencing (ES) was performed for five unrelated patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. All five patients are heterozygous for a de novo missense variant in ZBTB47, with p.(Glu680Gly) (c.2039A>G) detected in one patient and p.(Glu477Lys) (c.1429G>A) identified in the other four patients. Both variants impact conserved amino acid residues. Bioinformatic analysis of each variant is consistent with pathogenicity. We present five unrelated patients with de novo missense variants in ZBTB47 and a phenotype characterized by developmental delay with intellectual disability, seizures, hypotonia, gait abnormalities, and variable movement abnormalities. We propose that these variants in ZBTB47 are the basis of a new neurodevelopmental disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott K Ward
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Alexandrea Wadley
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Genetics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Chun-Hui Anne Tsai
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Genetics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Paul J Benke
- Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Hollywood, Florida, USA
| | - Lisa Emrick
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kristen Fisher
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kimberly M Houck
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hongzheng Dai
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - William Craigen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kimberly Glaser
- Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Hollywood, Florida, USA
- Invitae, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - David R Murdock
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas, USA
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Luis Rohena
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, San Antonio Military Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Karin E M Diderich
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hennie T Bruggenwirth
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Brendan Lee
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Carlos Bacino
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lindsay C Burrage
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas, USA
- Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jill A Rosenfeld
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yamaguchi M, Huynh MA, Chiyonobu T, Yoshida H. Knockdown of Chronophage in the nervous system mimics features of neurodevelopmental disorders caused by BCL11A/B variants. Exp Cell Res 2023; 433:113827. [PMID: 37926342 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113827] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) are a group of disorders that include intellectual disability. Although several genes have been implicated in NDD, the molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis remain unclear. Therefore, it is important to develop novel models to analyze the functions of NDD-causing genes in vivo. Recently, rare pathogenic variants of the B-cell lymphoma/leukemia11A/B (BCL11A/B) gene have been identified in several patients with NDD. Drosophila carries the Chronophage (Cph) gene, which has been predicted to be a homolog of BCL11A/B based on the conservation of the amino acid sequence. In the present study, we investigated whether nervous system-specific knockdown of Cph mimics NDD phenotypes in Drosophila. Nervous system-specific knockdown of Cph induced learning and locomotor defects in larvae and epilepsy-like behaviors in adults. The number of synaptic branches was also elevated in the larval neuromuscular junction without a corresponding increase in the number of boutons. Furthermore, the expression levels of putative target genes that are Drosophila homologs of the mammalian BCL11 target genes were decreased in Cph knockdown flies. These results suggest that Cph knockdown flies are a promising model for investigating the pathology of NDD-induced BCL11A/B dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mizuki Yamaguchi
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan.
| | - Man Anh Huynh
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Chiyonobu
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachi-hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Hideki Yoshida
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan; Advanced Insect Research Promotion Center, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Stevelink R, Campbell C, Chen S, Abou-Khalil B, Adesoji OM, Afawi Z, Amadori E, Anderson A, Anderson J, Andrade DM, Annesi G, Auce P, Avbersek A, Bahlo M, Baker MD, Balagura G, Balestrini S, Barba C, Barboza K, Bartolomei F, Bast T, Baum L, Baumgartner T, Baykan B, Bebek N, Becker AJ, Becker F, Bennett CA, Berghuis B, Berkovic SF, Beydoun A, Bianchini C, Bisulli F, Blatt I, Bobbili DR, Borggraefe I, Bosselmann C, Braatz V, Bradfield JP, Brockmann K, Brody LC, Buono RJ, Busch RM, Caglayan H, Campbell E, Canafoglia L, Canavati C, Cascino GD, Castellotti B, Catarino CB, Cavalleri GL, Cerrato F, Chassoux F, Cherny SS, Cheung CL, Chinthapalli K, Chou IJ, Chung SK, Churchhouse C, Clark PO, Cole AJ, Compston A, Coppola A, Cosico M, Cossette P, Craig JJ, Cusick C, Daly MJ, Davis LK, de Haan GJ, Delanty N, Depondt C, Derambure P, Devinsky O, Di Vito L, Dlugos DJ, Doccini V, Doherty CP, El-Naggar H, Elger CE, Ellis CA, Eriksson JG, Faucon A, Feng YCA, Ferguson L, Ferraro TN, Ferri L, Feucht M, Fitzgerald M, Fonferko-Shadrach B, Fortunato F, Franceschetti S, Franke A, French JA, Freri E, Gagliardi M, Gambardella A, Geller EB, Giangregorio T, Gjerstad L, Glauser T, Goldberg E, Goldman A, Granata T, Greenberg DA, Guerrini R, Gupta N, Haas KF, Hakonarson H, Hallmann K, Hassanin E, Hegde M, Heinzen EL, Helbig I, Hengsbach C, Heyne HO, Hirose S, Hirsch E, Hjalgrim H, Howrigan DP, Hucks D, Hung PC, Iacomino M, Imbach LL, Inoue Y, Ishii A, Jamnadas-Khoda J, Jehi L, Johnson MR, Kälviäinen R, Kamatani Y, Kanaan M, Kanai M, Kantanen AM, Kara B, Kariuki SM, Kasperavičiūte D, Kasteleijn-Nolst Trenite D, Kato M, Kegele J, Kesim Y, Khoueiry-Zgheib N, King C, Kirsch HE, Klein KM, Kluger G, Knake S, Knowlton RC, Koeleman BPC, Korczyn AD, Koupparis A, Kousiappa I, Krause R, Krenn M, Krestel H, Krey I, Kunz WS, Kurki MI, Kurlemann G, Kuzniecky R, Kwan P, Labate A, Lacey A, Lal D, Landoulsi Z, Lau YL, Lauxmann S, Leech SL, Lehesjoki AE, Lemke JR, Lerche H, Lesca G, Leu C, Lewin N, Lewis-Smith D, Li GHY, Li QS, Licchetta L, Lin KL, Lindhout D, Linnankivi T, Lopes-Cendes I, Lowenstein DH, Lui CHT, Madia F, Magnusson S, Marson AG, May P, McGraw CM, Mei D, Mills JL, Minardi R, Mirza N, Møller RS, Molloy AM, Montomoli M, Mostacci B, Muccioli L, Muhle H, Müller-Schlüter K, Najm IM, Nasreddine W, Neale BM, Neubauer B, Newton CRJC, Nöthen MM, Nothnagel M, Nürnberg P, O’Brien TJ, Okada Y, Ólafsson E, Oliver KL, Özkara C, Palotie A, Pangilinan F, Papacostas SS, Parrini E, Pato CN, Pato MT, Pendziwiat M, Petrovski S, Pickrell WO, Pinsky R, Pippucci T, Poduri A, Pondrelli F, Powell RHW, Privitera M, Rademacher A, Radtke R, Ragona F, Rau S, Rees MI, Regan BM, Reif PS, Rhelms S, Riva A, Rosenow F, Ryvlin P, Saarela A, Sadleir LG, Sander JW, Sander T, Scala M, Scattergood T, Schachter SC, Schankin CJ, Scheffer IE, Schmitz B, Schoch S, Schubert-Bast S, Schulze-Bonhage A, Scudieri P, Sham P, Sheidley BR, Shih JJ, Sills GJ, Sisodiya SM, Smith MC, Smith PE, Sonsma ACM, Speed D, Sperling MR, Stefansson H, Stefansson K, Steinhoff BJ, Stephani U, Stewart WC, Stipa C, Striano P, Stroink H, Strzelczyk A, Surges R, Suzuki T, Tan KM, Taneja RS, Tanteles GA, Taubøll E, Thio LL, Thomas GN, Thomas RH, Timonen O, Tinuper P, Todaro M, Topaloğlu P, Tozzi R, Tsai MH, Tumiene B, Turkdogan D, Unnsteinsdóttir U, Utkus A, Vaidiswaran P, Valton L, van Baalen A, Vetro A, Vining EPG, Visscher F, von Brauchitsch S, von Wrede R, Wagner RG, Weber YG, Weckhuysen S, Weisenberg J, Weller M, Widdess-Walsh P, Wolff M, Wolking S, Wu D, Yamakawa K, Yang W, Yapıcı Z, Yücesan E, Zagaglia S, Zahnert F, Zara F, Zhou W, Zimprich F, Zsurka G, Zulfiqar Ali Q. GWAS meta-analysis of over 29,000 people with epilepsy identifies 26 risk loci and subtype-specific genetic architecture. Nat Genet 2023; 55:1471-1482. [PMID: 37653029 PMCID: PMC10484785 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-023-01485-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a highly heritable disorder affecting over 50 million people worldwide, of which about one-third are resistant to current treatments. Here we report a multi-ancestry genome-wide association study including 29,944 cases, stratified into three broad categories and seven subtypes of epilepsy, and 52,538 controls. We identify 26 genome-wide significant loci, 19 of which are specific to genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE). We implicate 29 likely causal genes underlying these 26 loci. SNP-based heritability analyses show that common variants explain between 39.6% and 90% of genetic risk for GGE and its subtypes. Subtype analysis revealed markedly different genetic architectures between focal and generalized epilepsies. Gene-set analyses of GGE signals implicate synaptic processes in both excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the brain. Prioritized candidate genes overlap with monogenic epilepsy genes and with targets of current antiseizure medications. Finally, we leverage our results to identify alternate drugs with predicted efficacy if repurposed for epilepsy treatment.
Collapse
|
7
|
Lu HY, Orkin SH, Sankaran VG. Fetal Hemoglobin Regulation in Beta-Thalassemia. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2023; 37:301-312. [PMID: 36907604 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2022.12.002] [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: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
β-thalassemia is caused by mutations that reduce β-globin production, causing globin chain imbalance, ineffective erythropoiesis, and consequent anemia. Increased fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels can ameliorate the severity of β-thalassemia by compensating for the globin chain imbalance. Careful clinical observations paired with population studies and advances in human genetics have enabled the discovery of major regulators of HbF switching (i.e. BCL11A, ZBTB7A) and led to pharmacological and genetic therapies for treating β-thalassemia patients. Recent functional screens using genome editing and other emerging tools have identified many new HbF regulators, which may improve therapeutic HbF induction in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry Y Lu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Karp Family Research Laboratories, Boston Children's Hospital, 1 Blackfan Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA. https://twitter.com/realhenrylu
| | - Stuart H Orkin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Karp Family Research Laboratories, Boston Children's Hospital, 1 Blackfan Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Vijay G Sankaran
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Karp Family Research Laboratories, Boston Children's Hospital, 1 Blackfan Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang S, Cai X, Liu S, Zhou Q, Wang T, Du S, Wang D, Yang F, Wu Q, Han Y. A novel BCL11A polymorphism influences gene expression, therapeutic response and epilepsy risk: A multicenter study. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1010101. [PMID: 36568279 PMCID: PMC9780294 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1010101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Genetic factors have been found to be associated with the efficacy and adverse reactions of antiseizure medications. BCL11A is an important regulator of the development of neuronal networks. However, the role of BCL11A in epilepsy remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic association of BCL11A with the susceptibility to develop epileptic seizures and therapeutic response of patients with epilepsy in Han Chinese. Methods We matched 450 epilepsy cases with 550 healthy controls and 131 drug-resistant epilepsy patients with 319 drug-responsive epilepsy patients from two different centers. Genetic association analysis, genetic interaction analysis, expression quantitative trait loci analysis and protein-protein interaction analysis were conducted. Results Our results showed that rs2556375 not only increases susceptibility to develop epileptic seizures (OR = 2.700, 95% = 1.366-5.338, p = 0.004 and OR = 2.984, 95% = 1.401-6.356, p = 0.005, respectively), but also increases the risk of drug resistance(OR = 21.336, 95%CI =2.489-183.402, p = 0.005). The interaction between rs2556375 and rs12477097 results in increased risk for pharma coresistant. In addition, rs2556375 regulated BCL11A expression in human brain tissues (p = 0.0096 and p = 0.033, respectively). Furthermore, the protein encoded by BCL11A interacted with targets of approved antiepileptic drugs. Conclusion BCL11A may be a potential therapeutic target for epilepsy. Rs2556375 may increase the risks of epilepsy and drug resistance by regulating BCL11A expression in human brain tissues. Moreover, the interaction between rs2556375 and rs12477097 results in increased risk for drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shitao Wang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China,Department of Neurology, Affiliated Fuyang People's Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang, China
| | - Xuemei Cai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Shiyong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qixin Zhou
- Laboratory of Learning and Memory, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Sunbing Du
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Qian Wu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yanbing Han
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China,*Correspondence: Yanbing Han,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bruce L, Peter B. Three children with different de novo BCL11A variants and diverse developmental phenotypes, but shared global motor discoordination and apraxic speech: Evidence for a functional gene network influencing the developing cerebellum and motor and auditory cortices. Am J Med Genet A 2022; 188:3401-3415. [PMID: 35856171 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BCL11A is implicated in BCL11A-Related Intellectual Development Disorder (BCL11A-IDD). Previously reported cases had various types of BCL11A variants (copy-number variations [CNVs], singlenucleotide variants [SNVs]). Phenotypes included global, cognitive, and motor delays, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), craniofacial dysmorphology, and speech and language delays described generally, with only two reports specifying childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). Here, we present three additional children with CAS and de novo BCL11A variants, a p.Ala182Thr nonconservative missense and a p.GLu611.Ter nonsense variant, both in exon 4, and a 106 kb deletion harboring exons 1 and 2. All three children have fine and gross motor discoordination, feeding difficulties, and visual motor disorders. Intellectual and learning disabilities and disordered language skills were seen only in the child with the missense variant and the child with the deletion. These findings align with, and expand, previous findings in that BCL11A variants have significant and highly penetrant apraxic effects across motor systems, consistent with cerebellar involvement. The deletion of exons 1 and 2 is the smallest BCL11A CNV with the full phenotypic expression reported to date. The present results support previous findings in that BCL11A-IDD can result from BCL11A variants regardless of type (deletion, SNVs). A gene expression study shows that BCL11 is expressed highly in the early developing cerebellum and primary motor and auditory cortices. Significant co-expression rates in these regions with genes previously implicated in disorders of spoken language and in ASD support the phenotypic overlaps in children with BCL11A-IDD, CAS, and ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurel Bruce
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Beate Peter
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Vickridge E, Faraco CCF, Tehrani PS, Ramdzan ZM, Djerir B, Rahimian H, Leduy L, Maréchal A, Gingras AC, Nepveu A. The DNA repair function of BCL11A suppresses senescence and promotes continued proliferation of triple-negative breast cancer cells. NAR Cancer 2022; 4:zcac028. [PMID: 36186110 PMCID: PMC9516615 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcac028] [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] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We identified the BCL11A protein in a proximity-dependent biotinylation screen performed with the DNA glycosylase NTHL1. In vitro, DNA repair assays demonstrate that both BCL11A and a small recombinant BCL11A160-520 protein that is devoid of DNA binding and transcription regulatory domains can stimulate the enzymatic activities of two base excision repair enzymes: NTHL1 and DNA Pol β. Increased DNA repair efficiency, in particular of the base excision repair pathway, is essential for many cancer cells to proliferate in the presence of elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by cancer-associated metabolic changes. BCL11A is highly expressed in triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) where its knockdown was reported to reduce clonogenicity and cause tumour regression. We show that BCL11A knockdown in TNBC cells delays repair of oxidative DNA damage, increases the number of oxidized bases and abasic sites in genomic DNA, slows down proliferation and induces cellular senescence. These phenotypes are rescued by ectopic expression of the short BCL11A160-520 protein. We further show that the BCL11A160-520 protein accelerates the repair of oxidative DNA damage and cooperates with RAS in cell transformation assays, thereby enabling cells to avoid senescence and continue to proliferate in the presence of high ROS levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elise Vickridge
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, 1160 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Québec H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Camila C F Faraco
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, 1160 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Québec H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Payman S Tehrani
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Zubaidah M Ramdzan
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, 1160 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Québec H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Billel Djerir
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Hedyeh Rahimian
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, 1160 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Québec H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Lam Leduy
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, 1160 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Québec H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Alexandre Maréchal
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Anne-Claude Gingras
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alain Nepveu
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1 514 398 5839; Fax: +1 514 398 6769;
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Du H, Wang Z, Guo R, Yang L, Liu G, Zhang Z, Xu Z, Tian Y, Yang Z, Li X, Chen B. Transcription factors Bcl11a and Bcl11b are required for the production and differentiation of cortical projection neurons. Cereb Cortex 2022; 32:3611-3632. [PMID: 34963132 PMCID: PMC9433425 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The generation and differentiation of cortical projection neurons are extensively regulated by interactive programs of transcriptional factors. Here, we report the cooperative functions of transcription factors Bcl11a and Bcl11b in regulating the development of cortical projection neurons. Among the cells derived from the cortical neural stem cells, Bcl11a is expressed in the progenitors and the projection neurons, while Bcl11b expression is restricted to the projection neurons. Using conditional knockout mice, we show that deficiency of Bcl11a leads to reduced proliferation and precocious differentiation of cortical progenitor cells, which is exacerbated when Bcl11b is simultaneously deleted. Besides defective neuronal production, the differentiation of cortical projection neurons is blocked in the absence of both Bcl11a and Bcl11b: Expression of both pan-cortical and subtype-specific genes is reduced or absent; axonal projections to the thalamus, hindbrain, spinal cord, and contralateral cortical hemisphere are reduced or absent. Furthermore, neurogenesis-to-gliogenesis switch is accelerated in the Bcl11a-CKO and Bcl11a/b-DCKO mice. Bcl11a likely regulates neurogenesis through repressing the Nr2f1 expression. These results demonstrate that Bcl11a and Bcl11b jointly play critical roles in the generation and differentiation of cortical projection neurons and in controlling the timing of neurogenesis-to-gliogenesis switch.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heng Du
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ziwu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Rongliang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guoping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhuangzhi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhejun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhengang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaosu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Shen Y, Li R, Teichert K, Montbleau KE, Verboon JM, Voit RA, Sankaran VG. Pathogenic BCL11A variants provide insights into the mechanisms of human fetal hemoglobin silencing. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009835. [PMID: 34634037 PMCID: PMC8530301 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) can ameliorate the severity of sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia. BCL11A has been identified as a key regulator of HbF silencing, although its precise mechanisms of action remain incompletely understood. Recent studies have identified pathogenic mutations that cause heterozygous loss-of-function of BCL11A and result in a distinct neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by persistent HbF expression. While the majority of cases have deletions or null mutations causing haploinsufficiency of BCL11A, several missense variants have also been identified. Here, we perform functional studies on these variants to uncover specific liabilities for BCL11A's function in HbF silencing. We find several mutations in an N-terminal C2HC zinc finger that increase proteasomal degradation of BCL11A. We also identify a distinct C-terminal missense variant in the fifth zinc finger domain that we demonstrate causes loss-of-function through disruption of DNA binding. Our analysis of missense variants causing loss-of-function in vivo illuminates mechanisms by which BCL11A silences HbF and also suggests potential therapeutic avenues for HbF induction to treat sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Shen
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Rick Li
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kristian Teichert
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kara E. Montbleau
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey M. Verboon
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Richard A. Voit
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Vijay G. Sankaran
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wessels MW, Cnossen MH, van Dijk TB, Gillemans N, Schmidt KLJ, van Lom K, Vinjamur DS, Coyne S, Kurita R, Nakamura Y, de Man SA, Pfundt R, Azmani Z, Brouwer RWW, Bauer DE, van den Hout MCGN, van IJcken WFJ, Philipsen S. Molecular analysis of the erythroid phenotype of a patient with BCL11A haploinsufficiency. Blood Adv 2021; 5:2339-2349. [PMID: 33938942 PMCID: PMC8114548 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020003753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The BCL11A gene encodes a transcriptional repressor with essential functions in multiple tissues during human development. Haploinsufficiency for BCL11A causes Dias-Logan syndrome (OMIM 617101), an intellectual developmental disorder with hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH). Due to the severe phenotype, disease-causing variants in BCL11A occur de novo. We describe a patient with a de novo heterozygous variant, c.1453G>T, in the BCL11A gene, resulting in truncation of the BCL11A-XL protein (p.Glu485X). The truncated protein lacks the 3 C-terminal DNA-binding zinc fingers and the nuclear localization signal, rendering it inactive. The patient displayed high fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels (12.1-18.7% of total hemoglobin), in contrast to the parents who had HbF levels of 0.3%. We used cultures of patient-derived erythroid progenitors to determine changes in gene expression and chromatin accessibility. In addition, we investigated DNA methylation of the promoters of the γ-globin genes HBG1 and HBG2. HUDEP1 and HUDEP2 cells were used as models for fetal and adult human erythropoiesis, respectively. Similar to HUDEP1 cells, the patient's cells displayed Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin (ATAC) peaks at the HBG1/2 promoters and significant expression of HBG1/2 genes. In contrast, HBG1/2 promoter methylation and genome-wide gene expression profiling were consistent with normal adult erythropoiesis. We conclude that HPFH is the major erythroid phenotype of constitutive BCL11A haploinsufficiency. Given the essential functions of BCL11A in other hematopoietic lineages and the neuronal system, erythroid-specific targeting of the BCL11A gene has been proposed for reactivation of γ-globin expression in β-hemoglobinopathy patients. Our data strongly support this approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marjon H Cnossen
- Department of Pediatric Hematology
- Academic Center for Hemoglobinopathies and Rare Anemias
| | - Thamar B van Dijk
- Academic Center for Hemoglobinopathies and Rare Anemias
- Department of Cell Biology, and
| | - Nynke Gillemans
- Academic Center for Hemoglobinopathies and Rare Anemias
- Department of Cell Biology, and
| | - K L Juliëtte Schmidt
- Academic Center for Hemoglobinopathies and Rare Anemias
- Department of Cell Biology, and
| | - Kirsten van Lom
- Academic Center for Hemoglobinopathies and Rare Anemias
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Divya S Vinjamur
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Steven Coyne
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Ryo Kurita
- Department of Research and Development, Central Blood Institute, Blood Service Headquarters, Japanese Red Cross Society, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukio Nakamura
- Cell Engineering Division, RIKEN, BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Stella A de Man
- Department of Pediatrics, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands
| | - Rolph Pfundt
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; and
| | - Zakia Azmani
- Department of Cell Biology, and
- Center for Biomics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rutger W W Brouwer
- Department of Cell Biology, and
- Center for Biomics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel E Bauer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Wilfred F J van IJcken
- Department of Cell Biology, and
- Center for Biomics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sjaak Philipsen
- Academic Center for Hemoglobinopathies and Rare Anemias
- Department of Cell Biology, and
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Juvale IIA, Che Has AT. Possible interplay between the theories of pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 53:1998-2026. [PMID: 33306252 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the oldest known neurological disorders and is characterized by recurrent seizure activity. It has a high incidence rate, affecting a broad demographic in both developed and developing countries. Comorbid conditions are frequent in patients with epilepsy and have detrimental effects on their quality of life. Current management options for epilepsy include the use of anti-epileptic drugs, surgery, or a ketogenic diet. However, more than 30% of patients diagnosed with epilepsy exhibit drug resistance to anti-epileptic drugs. Further, surgery and ketogenic diets do little to alleviate the symptoms of patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Thus, there is an urgent need to understand the underlying mechanisms of pharmacoresistant epilepsy to design newer and more effective anti-epileptic drugs. Several theories of pharmacoresistant epilepsy have been suggested over the years, the most common being the gene variant hypothesis, network hypothesis, multidrug transporter hypothesis, and target hypothesis. In our review, we discuss the main theories of pharmacoresistant epilepsy and highlight a possible interconnection between their mechanisms that could lead to the development of novel therapies for pharmacoresistant epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iman Imtiyaz Ahmed Juvale
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Tarmizi Che Has
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Korenke GC, Schulte B, Biskup S, Neidhardt J, Owczarek-Lipska M. A Novel de novo Frameshift Mutation in the BCL11A Gene in a Patient with Intellectual Disability Syndrome and Epilepsy. Mol Syndromol 2020; 11:135-140. [PMID: 32903878 DOI: 10.1159/000508566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Intellectual disability syndrome (IDS) associated with a hereditary persistence of fetal haemoglobin (HbF), also known as Dias-Logan syndrome, is commonly characterised by psychomotor developmental delay, intelectual disability, language delay, strabismus, thin upper lip, abnormalities of external ears, microcephaly, downslanting palpebral fissures. Sporadically, autism spectrum disorders and blue sclerae in infancy have been reported in IDS. Rarely, IDS-affected patients present with epilepsy and/or epileptic syndromes. It has been shown that a haploinsufficiency of the B cell leukaemia/lymphoma 11A gene (BCL11A) is responsible for IDS. Herein, we identified a novel de novo frameshift deletion (c.271delG; p.E91Afs*2) in the BCL11A gene in a boy affected with IDS. Interestingly, this heterozygous loss-of-function BCL11A mutation was also associated with a generalised idiopathic epilepsy and severe language delay observed in the patient. Moreover, our study showed that the combination of molecular genetic analyses with the monitoring of HbF was essential to make the final diagnosis of Dias-Logan syndrome. Because our patient suffered from well-controlled epilepsy, we propose to include the BCL11A gene in routinely used molecular genetic epilepsy-related gene panels. Additionally, many of the clinical features of IDS overlap with symptoms observed in patients with suspected alcohol spectrum disorders. Therefore, we also suggest monitoring HbF levels in patients with these syndromes to further facilitate clinical diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georg Christoph Korenke
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Children's Hospital, Klinikum Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Björn Schulte
- Praxis für Humangenetik, Tübingen, Germany.,Center for Genomics and Transcriptomics, CeGaT GmbH, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Saskia Biskup
- Praxis für Humangenetik, Tübingen, Germany.,Center for Genomics and Transcriptomics, CeGaT GmbH, Tübingen, Germany
| | - John Neidhardt
- Human Genetics, Faculty VI - School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Research Center Neurosensory Science, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Joint Research Training Group of the Faculty VI - School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany, and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Junior Research Group, Genetics of Childhood Brain Malformations, Faculty VI - School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Marta Owczarek-Lipska
- Human Genetics, Faculty VI - School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Simon R, Wiegreffe C, Britsch S. Bcl11 Transcription Factors Regulate Cortical Development and Function. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:51. [PMID: 32322190 PMCID: PMC7158892 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors regulate multiple processes during brain development and in the adult brain, from brain patterning to differentiation and maturation of highly specialized neurons as well as establishing and maintaining the functional neuronal connectivity. The members of the zinc-finger transcription factor family Bcl11 are mainly expressed in the hematopoietic and central nervous systems regulating the expression of numerous genes involved in a wide range of pathways. In the brain Bcl11 proteins are required to regulate progenitor cell proliferation as well as differentiation, migration, and functional integration of neural cells. Mutations of the human Bcl11 genes lead to anomalies in multiple systems including neurodevelopmental impairments like intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Simon
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Britsch
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Cárdenas-Rodríguez N, Carmona-Aparicio L, Pérez-Lozano DL, Ortega-Cuellar D, Gómez-Manzo S, Ignacio-Mejía I. Genetic variations associated with pharmacoresistant epilepsy (Review). Mol Med Rep 2020; 21:1685-1701. [PMID: 32319641 PMCID: PMC7057824 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.10999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common, serious neurological disorder worldwide. Although this disease can be successfully treated in most cases, not all patients respond favorably to medical treatments, which can lead to pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Drug-resistant epilepsy can be caused by a number of mechanisms that may involve environmental and genetic factors, as well as disease- and drug-related factors. In recent years, numerous studies have demonstrated that genetic variation is involved in the drug resistance of epilepsy, especially genetic variations found in drug resistance-related genes, including the voltage-dependent sodium and potassium channels genes, and the metabolizer of endogenous and xenobiotic substances genes. The present review aimed to highlight the genetic variants that are involved in the regulation of drug resistance in epilepsy; a comprehensive understanding of the role of genetic variation in drug resistance will help us develop improved strategies to regulate drug resistance efficiently and determine the pathophysiological processes that underlie this common human neurological disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noemí Cárdenas-Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, National Institute of Pediatrics, Ministry of Health, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04530, Mexico
| | - Liliana Carmona-Aparicio
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, National Institute of Pediatrics, Ministry of Health, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04530, Mexico
| | - Diana L Pérez-Lozano
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, National Institute of Pediatrics, Ministry of Health, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04530, Mexico
| | - Daniel Ortega-Cuellar
- Laboratory of Experimental Nutrition, National Institute of Pediatrics, Ministry of Health, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04530, Mexico
| | - Saúl Gómez-Manzo
- Laboratory of Genetic Biochemistry, National Institute of Pediatrics, Ministry of Health, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04530, Mexico
| | - Iván Ignacio-Mejía
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, Military School of Health Graduates, Lomas de Sotelo, Militar, Mexico City 11200, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Al-Naama N, Mackeh R, Kino T. C 2H 2-Type Zinc Finger Proteins in Brain Development, Neurodevelopmental, and Other Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Systematic Literature-Based Analysis. Front Neurol 2020; 11:32. [PMID: 32117005 PMCID: PMC7034409 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are multifaceted pathologic conditions manifested with intellectual disability, autistic features, psychiatric problems, motor dysfunction, and/or genetic/chromosomal abnormalities. They are associated with skewed neurogenesis and brain development, in part through dysfunction of the neural stem cells (NSCs) where abnormal transcriptional regulation on key genes play significant roles. Recent accumulated evidence highlights C2H2-type zinc finger proteins (C2H2-ZNFs), the largest transcription factor family in humans, as important targets for the pathologic processes associated with NDDs. In this review, we identified their significant accumulation (74 C2H2-ZNFs: ~10% of all human member proteins) in brain physiology and pathology. Specifically, we discuss their physiologic contribution to brain development, particularly focusing on their actions in NSCs. We then explain their pathologic implications in various forms of NDDs, such as morphological brain abnormalities, intellectual disabilities, and psychiatric disorders. We found an important tendency that poly-ZNFs and KRAB-ZNFs tend to be involved in the diseases that compromise gross brain structure and human-specific higher-order functions, respectively. This may be consistent with their characteristic appearance in the course of species evolution and corresponding contribution to these brain activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Njoud Al-Naama
- Laboratory of Molecular and Genomic Endocrinology, Division of Translational Medicine, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rafah Mackeh
- Laboratory of Molecular and Genomic Endocrinology, Division of Translational Medicine, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tomoshige Kino
- Laboratory of Molecular and Genomic Endocrinology, Division of Translational Medicine, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
A semiautomated whole-exome sequencing workflow leads to increased diagnostic yield and identification of novel candidate variants. Cold Spring Harb Mol Case Stud 2019; 5:mcs.a003756. [PMID: 30755392 PMCID: PMC6549575 DOI: 10.1101/mcs.a003756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancing the clinical utility of whole-exome sequencing (WES) for patients with suspected genetic disorders is largely driven by bioinformatics approaches that streamline data processing and analysis. Herein, we describe our experience with implementing a semiautomated and phenotype-driven WES diagnostic workflow, incorporating both the DRAGEN pipeline and the Exomiser variant prioritization tool, at an academic children's hospital with an ethnically diverse pediatric patient population. We achieved a 41% molecular diagnostic rate for 66 duo-, quad-, or trio-WES cases, and 28% for 40 singleton-WES cases. Preliminary results were returned to ordering physicians within 1 wk for 12 of 38 (32%) probands with positive findings, which were instrumental in guiding the appropriate clinical management for a variety of patients, especially in critical care settings. The semiautomated and streamlined WES workflow also enabled us to identify novel variants in candidate disease genes in patients with developmental delay and autism and immune disorders and cancer, including ANK2, BPTF, BCL11A, FOXN1, PLAA, ATRX, DNAJC21, and RAD50. Together, we demonstrated the implementation of a streamlined WES workflow that was successfully applied for both clinical and research purposes.
Collapse
|
20
|
Lei JJ, Li HQ, Mo ZH, Liu KJ, Zhu LJ, Li CY, Chen WL, Zhang L. Long noncoding RNA CDKN2B‐AS1 interacts with transcription factor BCL11A to regulate progression of cerebral infarction through mediating MAP4K1 transcription. FASEB J 2019; 33:7037-7048. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201802252r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Jie Lei
- Department of NeurologyThe Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Hui-Qing Li
- Department of NeurologyThe Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Zhi-Huai Mo
- Department of NeurologyThe Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Ke-Jia Liu
- Department of NeurologyThe Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Ling-Juan Zhu
- Department of NeurologyThe Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Chun-Yi Li
- Department of NeurologyThe Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Wen-Li Chen
- Department of PharmacologyThe Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of NeurologyThe Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen UniversityZhuhaiChina
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chen CP, Chern SR, Wu PS, Chen SW, Lai ST, Chuang TY, Chen WL, Yang CW, Wang W. Prenatal diagnosis of a 3.2-Mb 2p16.1-p15 duplication associated with familial intellectual disability. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2018; 57:578-582. [PMID: 30122582 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2018.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We present prenatal diagnosis of a 2p16.1-p15 duplication associated with familial intellectual disability, and we discuss the genotype-phenotype correlation. CASE REPORT A 22-year-old, primigravid woman underwent amniocentesis at 22 weeks of gestation because of a family history of intellectual disability. The woman and her two sisters had intellectual disability but no behavioral disorders. The intellectual disability was noted in at least one paternal aunt and six paternal cousins of the woman. Cytogenetic analysis revealed the karyotype of 46,XX in the fetus and the two women. Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis on the DNAs extracted from cultured amniocytes and the bloods of the woman and the her sister revealed a 3.244-Mb duplication of 2p16.1-p15 or arr 2p16.1p15 (58,288,588-61,532,538) × 3.0 [GRCh37 (hg19)] encompassing eight Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) genes of VRK2, FANCL, BCL11A, PAPOLG, REL, PUS10, PEX13 and USP34 in the fetus and the two women. Prenatal ultrasound findings were unremarkable. The woman elected to continue the pregnancy. A 3244-g female baby was delivered at term with neither craniofacial dysmorphism nor structural abnormalities. CONCLUSION aCGH is useful in prenatal diagnosis of inherited subtle chromosome imbalance in pregnancy with familial intellectual disability. Chromosome 2p16.1-p15 duplication can be associated with intellectual disability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Ping Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan; School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical and Community Health Nursing, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Schu-Rern Chern
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Shin-Wen Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ting Lai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Yun Chuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Lin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Wen Yang
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wayseen Wang
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Bioengineering, Tatung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|