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Schubert T, Schaaf CP. MAGEL2 (patho-)physiology and Schaaf-Yang syndrome. Dev Med Child Neurol 2024. [PMID: 38950199 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.16018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Schaaf-Yang syndrome (SYS) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by autism spectrum disorder, joint contractures, and profound hypothalamic dysfunction. SYS is caused by variants in MAGEL2, a gene within the Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) locus on chromosome 15. In this review, we consolidate decades of research on MAGEL2 to elucidate its physiological functions. Moreover, we synthesize current knowledge on SYS, suggesting that while MAGEL2 loss-of-function seems to underlie several SYS and PWS phenotypes, additional pathomechanisms probably contribute to the distinct and severe phenotype observed in SYS. In addition, we highlight recent therapeutic advances and identify promising avenues for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Schubert
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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2
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Dromard Y, Borie AM, Chakraborty P, Muscatelli F, Guillon G, Desarménien MG, Jeanneteau F. Disengagement of somatostatin neurons from lateral septum circuitry by oxytocin and vasopressin restores social-fear extinction and suppresses aggression outbursts in Prader-Willi syndrome model. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 95:785-799. [PMID: 38952926 PMCID: PMC11216544 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Background Responding to social signals by expressing the correct behavior is not only challenged in autism, but also in diseases with high prevalence of autism, like Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). Clinical evidence suggests aberrant pro-social behavior in patients can be regulated by intranasal oxytocin (OXT) or vasopressin (AVP). However, what neuronal mechanisms underlie impaired behavioral responses in a socially-aversive context, and how can they be corrected, remains largely unknown. Methods Using the Magel2 knocked-out (KO) mouse model of PWS (crossed with CRE-dependent transgenic lines), we devised optogenetic, physiological and pharmacological strategies in a social-fear-conditioning paradigm. Pathway specific roles of OXT and AVP signaling were investigated converging on the lateral septum (LS), a region which receives dense hypothalamic inputs. Results OXT and AVP signaling promoted inhibitory synaptic transmission in the LS, which failure in Magel2KO mice disinhibited somatostatin (SST) neurons and disrupted social-fear extinction. The source of OXT and AVP deficits mapped specifically in the supraoptic nucleus→LS pathway of Magel2KO mice disrupting social-fear extinction, which could be corrected by optogenetic or pharmacological inhibition of SST-neurons in the LS. Interestingly, LS SST-neurons also gated the expression of aggressive behavior, possibly as part of functional units operating beyond local septal circuits. Conclusions SST cells in the LS play a crucial role in integration and expression of disrupted neuropeptide signals in autism, thereby altering the balance in expression of safety versus fear. Our results uncover novel mechanisms underlying dysfunction in a socially-aversive context, and provides a new framework for future treatments in autism-spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Dromard
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, University of Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, France
| | - Amélie M. Borie
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, University of Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, France
| | - Prabahan Chakraborty
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, University of Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, France
| | - Françoise Muscatelli
- Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée, INSERM, University of Aix-Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Gilles Guillon
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, University of Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, France
| | - Michel G. Desarménien
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, University of Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, France
| | - Freddy Jeanneteau
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, University of Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, France
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3
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Hoyos Sanchez MC, Bayat T, Gee RRF, Fon Tacer K. Hormonal Imbalances in Prader-Willi and Schaaf-Yang Syndromes Imply the Evolution of Specific Regulation of Hypothalamic Neuroendocrine Function in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13109. [PMID: 37685915 PMCID: PMC10487939 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamus regulates fundamental aspects of physiological homeostasis and behavior, including stress response, reproduction, growth, sleep, and feeding, several of which are affected in patients with Prader-Willi (PWS) and Schaaf-Yang syndrome (SYS). PWS is caused by paternal deletion, maternal uniparental disomy, or imprinting defects that lead to loss of expression of a maternally imprinted region of chromosome 15 encompassing non-coding RNAs and five protein-coding genes; SYS patients have a mutation in one of them, MAGEL2. Throughout life, PWS and SYS patients suffer from musculoskeletal deficiencies, intellectual disabilities, and hormonal abnormalities, which lead to compulsive behaviors like hyperphagia and temper outbursts. Management of PWS and SYS is mostly symptomatic and cures for these debilitating disorders do not exist, highlighting a clear, unmet medical need. Research over several decades into the molecular and cellular roles of PWS genes has uncovered that several impinge on the neuroendocrine system. In this review, we will discuss the expression and molecular functions of PWS genes, connecting them with hormonal imbalances in patients and animal models. Besides the observed hormonal imbalances, we will describe the recent findings about how the loss of individual genes, particularly MAGEL2, affects the molecular mechanisms of hormone secretion. These results suggest that MAGEL2 evolved as a mammalian-specific regulator of hypothalamic neuroendocrine function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Camila Hoyos Sanchez
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University, 7671 Evans Dr., Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
- Texas Center for Comparative Cancer Research (TC3R), Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Tara Bayat
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University, 7671 Evans Dr., Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
- Texas Center for Comparative Cancer Research (TC3R), Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Rebecca R. Florke Gee
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University, 7671 Evans Dr., Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
- Texas Center for Comparative Cancer Research (TC3R), Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Klementina Fon Tacer
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University, 7671 Evans Dr., Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
- Texas Center for Comparative Cancer Research (TC3R), Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
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4
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van der Heijden ME, Rey Hipolito AG, Kim LH, Kizek DJ, Perez RM, Lin T, Sillitoe RV. Glutamatergic cerebellar neurons differentially contribute to the acquisition of motor and social behaviors. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2771. [PMID: 37188723 PMCID: PMC10185563 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38475-9] [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: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Insults to the developing cerebellum can cause motor, language, and social deficits. Here, we investigate whether developmental insults to different cerebellar neurons constrain the ability to acquire cerebellar-dependent behaviors. We perturb cerebellar cortical or nuclei neuron function by eliminating glutamatergic neurotransmission during development, and then we measure motor and social behaviors in early postnatal and adult mice. Altering cortical and nuclei neurons impacts postnatal motor control and social vocalizations. Normalizing neurotransmission in cortical neurons but not nuclei neurons restores social behaviors while the motor deficits remain impaired in adults. In contrast, manipulating only a subset of nuclei neurons leaves social behaviors intact but leads to early motor deficits that are restored by adulthood. Our data uncover that glutamatergic neurotransmission from cerebellar cortical and nuclei neurons differentially control the acquisition of motor and social behaviors, and that the brain can compensate for some but not all perturbations to the developing cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike E van der Heijden
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alejandro G Rey Hipolito
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Linda H Kim
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dominic J Kizek
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ross M Perez
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tao Lin
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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5
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Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) and Prenatal Diagnosis of Schaaf-Yang Syndrome: A Report of Three Families and a Research on Genotype-Phenotype Correlations. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12041688. [PMID: 36836222 PMCID: PMC9962152 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Schaaf-Yang Syndrome (SYS) is a genetic disorder caused by truncating pathogenic variants in the paternal allele of the maternally imprinted, paternally expressed gene MAGEL2 and is characterized by genital hypoplasia, neonatal hypotonia, developmental delay, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and other features. In this study, eleven SYS patients from three families were enrolled and comprehensive clinical features were gathered regarding each family. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed for the definitive molecular diagnosis of the disease. Identified variants were validated using Sanger sequencing. Three couples underwent PGT for monogenic diseases (PGT-M) and/or a prenatal diagnosis. Haplotype analysis was performed to deduce the embryo's genotype by using the short tandem repeats (STRs) identified in each sample. The prenatal diagnosis results showed that the fetus in each case did not carry pathogenic variants, and all the babies of the three families were born at full term and were healthy. We also performed a review of SYS cases. In addition to the 11 patients in our study, a total of 127 SYS patients were included in 11 papers. We summarized all variant sites and clinical symptoms thus far, and conducted a genotype-phenotype correlation analysis. Our results also indicated that the variation in phenotypic severity may depend on the specific location of the truncating variant, suggestive of a genotype-phenotype association.
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6
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Reznik DL, Yang MV, Albelda de la Haza P, Jain A, Spanjaard M, Theiss S, Schaaf CP, Malovannaya A, Strong TV, Veeraragavan S, Samaco RC. Magel2 truncation alters select behavioral and physiological outcomes in a rat model of Schaaf-Yang syndrome. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:286598. [PMID: 36637363 PMCID: PMC9922728 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies in mice have utilized Magel2 gene deletion models to examine the consequences of its absence. We report the generation, molecular validation and phenotypic characterization of a novel rat model with a truncating Magel2 mutation modeling variants associated with Schaaf-Yang syndrome-causing mutations. Within the hypothalamus, a brain region in which human MAGEL2 is paternally expressed, we demonstrated, at the level of transcript and peptide detection, that rat Magel2 exhibits a paternal, parent-of-origin effect. In evaluations of behavioral features across several domains, juvenile Magel2 mutant rats displayed alterations in anxiety-like behavior and sociability measures. Moreover, the analysis of peripheral organ systems detected alterations in body composition, cardiac structure and function, and breathing irregularities in Magel2 mutant rats. Several of these findings are concordant with reported mouse phenotypes, indicating the conservation of MAGEL2 function across rodent species. Our comprehensive analysis revealing impairments across multiple domains demonstrates the tractability of this model system for the study of truncating MAGEL2 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek L Reznik
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Texas Children's Hospital, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mingxiao V Yang
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Texas Children's Hospital, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Pedro Albelda de la Haza
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Texas Children's Hospital, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Antrix Jain
- Baylor College of Medicine, Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Core, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Melanie Spanjaard
- Heidelberg University, Institute of Human Genetics, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Theiss
- Heidelberg University, Institute of Human Genetics, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian P Schaaf
- Heidelberg University, Institute of Human Genetics, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Malovannaya
- Baylor College of Medicine, Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Core, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Baylor College of Medicine, Verna and Marrs McLean Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Baylor College of Medicine, Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Theresa V Strong
- Foundation for Prader-Willi Research, Walnut, CA 91789, USA.,Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Surabi Veeraragavan
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Texas Children's Hospital, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rodney C Samaco
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Texas Children's Hospital, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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7
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Queen NJ, Zou X, Anderson JM, Huang W, Appana B, Komatineni S, Wevrick R, Cao L. Hypothalamic AAV-BDNF gene therapy improves metabolic function and behavior in the Magel2-null mouse model of Prader-Willi syndrome. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 27:131-148. [PMID: 36284766 PMCID: PMC9573893 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) display developmental delays, cognitive impairment, excessive hunger, obesity, and various behavioral abnormalities. Current PWS treatments are limited to strict supervision of food intake and growth hormone therapy, highlighting the need for new therapeutic strategies. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) functions downstream of hypothalamic feeding circuitry and has roles in energy homeostasis and behavior. In this preclinical study, we assessed the translational potential of hypothalamic adeno-associated virus (AAV)-BDNF gene therapy as a therapeutic for metabolic dysfunction in the Magel2-null mouse model of PWS. To facilitate clinical translation, our BDNF vector included an autoregulatory element allowing for transgene titration in response to the host's physiological needs. Hypothalamic BDNF gene transfer prevented weight gain, decreased fat mass, increased lean mass, and increased relative energy expenditure in female Magel2-null mice. Moreover, BDNF gene therapy improved glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and circulating adipokine levels. Metabolic improvements were maintained through 23 weeks with no adverse behavioral effects, indicating high levels of efficacy and safety. Male Magel2-null mice also responded positively to BDNF gene therapy, displaying improved body composition, insulin sensitivity, and glucose metabolism. Together, these data suggest that regulating hypothalamic BDNF could be effective in the treatment of PWS-related metabolic abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Queen
- Department of Cancer Biology & Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Xunchang Zou
- Department of Cancer Biology & Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jacqueline M. Anderson
- Department of Cancer Biology & Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Cancer Biology & Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Bhavya Appana
- Department of Cancer Biology & Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Suraj Komatineni
- Department of Cancer Biology & Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Rachel Wevrick
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Lei Cao
- Department of Cancer Biology & Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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8
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Althammer F, Wimmer MC, Krabichler Q, Küppers S, Schimmer J, Fröhlich H, Dötsch L, Gruber T, Wunsch S, Schubert T, Kirchner MK, Stern JE, Charlet A, Grinevich V, Schaaf CP. Analysis of the hypothalamic oxytocin system and oxytocin receptor-expressing astrocytes in a mouse model of Prader-Willi syndrome. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13217. [PMID: 36458331 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by hyperphagia, obesity, developmental delay and intellectual disability. Studies suggest dysfunctional signaling of the neuropeptide oxytocin as one of the key mechanisms in PWS, and administration of oxytocin via intranasal or systemic routes yielded promising results in both humans and mouse models. However, a detailed assessment of the oxytocin system in mouse models of PWS such as the Magel2-deficient Magel2tm1.Stw mouse, is lacking. In the present study, we performed an automated counting of oxytocin cells in the entire paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus of Magel2tm1.Stw and wild-type control mice and found a significant reduction in the caudal part, which represents the parvocellular subdivision. In addition, based on the recent discovery that some astrocytes express the oxytocin receptor (OTR), we performed detailed analysis of astrocyte numbers and morphology in various brain regions, and assessed expression levels of the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein, which was significantly decreased in the hypothalamus, but not other brain regions in Magel2tm1.Stw mice. Finally, we analyzed the number of OTR-expressing astrocytes in various brain regions and found a significant reduction in the nucleus accumbens of Magel2tm1.Stw mice, as well as a sex-specific difference in the lateral septum. This study suggests a role for caudal paraventricular nucleus oxytocin neurons as well as OTR-expressing astrocytes in a mouse model of PWS, provides novel information about sex-specific expression of astrocytic OTRs, and presents several new brain regions containing OTR-expressing astrocytes in the mouse brain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Quirin Krabichler
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Stephanie Küppers
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jonas Schimmer
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Henning Fröhlich
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Laura Dötsch
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tim Gruber
- Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Selina Wunsch
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tim Schubert
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthew K Kirchner
- Center for Neuroinflammation and Cardiometabolic Diseases, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Javier E Stern
- Center for Neuroinflammation and Cardiometabolic Diseases, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alexandre Charlet
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, Strasbourg, France
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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9
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Oztan O, Zyga O, Stafford DEJ, Parker KJ. Linking oxytocin and arginine vasopressin signaling abnormalities to social behavior impairments in Prader-Willi syndrome. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 142:104870. [PMID: 36113782 PMCID: PMC11024898 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder. Global hypothalamic dysfunction is a core feature of PWS and has been implicated as a driver of many of PWS's phenotypic characteristics (e.g., hyperphagia-induced obesity, hypogonadism, short stature). Although the two neuropeptides (i.e., oxytocin [OXT] and arginine vasopressin [AVP]) most implicated in mammalian prosocial functioning are of hypothalamic origin, and social functioning is markedly impaired in PWS, there has been little consideration of how dysregulation of these neuropeptide signaling pathways may contribute to PWS's social behavior impairments. The present article addresses this gap in knowledge by providing a comprehensive review of the preclinical and clinical PWS literature-spanning endogenous neuropeptide measurement to exogenous neuropeptide administration studies-to better understand the roles of OXT and AVP signaling in this population. The preponderance of evidence indicates that OXT and AVP signaling are indeed dysregulated in PWS, and that these neuropeptide pathways may provide promising targets for therapeutic intervention in a patient population that currently lacks a pharmacological strategy for its debilitating social behavior symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Oztan
- 1201 Welch Road, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Olena Zyga
- 1201 Welch Road, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Diane E J Stafford
- Center for Academic Medicine, 453 Quarry Road, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Karen J Parker
- 1201 Welch Road, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; 300 Pasteur Drive, Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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10
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Whittington J, Holland A. Next Steps in Prader-Willi Syndrome Research: On the Relationship between Genotype and Phenotype. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012089. [PMID: 36292940 PMCID: PMC9603642 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This article reviews what we know of the phenotype and genotype of Prader-Willi syndrome and hypothesizes two possible paths from phenotype to genotype. It then suggests research that may strengthen the case for one or other of these hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Whittington
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41 (0)1223 465255; Fax: +41 (0) 1223 465270
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11
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Kaiser FMP, Gruenbacher S, Oyaga MR, Nio E, Jaritz M, Sun Q, van der Zwaag W, Kreidl E, Zopf LM, Dalm VASH, Pel J, Gaiser C, van der Vliet R, Wahl L, Rietman A, Hill L, Leca I, Driessen G, Laffeber C, Brooks A, Katsikis PD, Lebbink JHG, Tachibana K, van der Burg M, De Zeeuw CI, Badura A, Busslinger M. Biallelic PAX5 mutations cause hypogammaglobulinemia, sensorimotor deficits, and autism spectrum disorder. J Exp Med 2022; 219:213392. [PMID: 35947077 PMCID: PMC9372349 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20220498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetic causes of primary antibody deficiencies and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are largely unknown. Here, we report a patient with hypogammaglobulinemia and ASD who carries biallelic mutations in the transcription factor PAX5. A patient-specific Pax5 mutant mouse revealed an early B cell developmental block and impaired immune responses as the cause of hypogammaglobulinemia. Pax5 mutant mice displayed behavioral deficits in all ASD domains. The patient and the mouse model showed aberrant cerebellar foliation and severely impaired sensorimotor learning. PAX5 deficiency also caused profound hypoplasia of the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area due to loss of GABAergic neurons, thus affecting two midbrain hubs, controlling motor function and reward processing, respectively. Heterozygous Pax5 mutant mice exhibited similar anatomic and behavioral abnormalities. Lineage tracing identified Pax5 as a crucial regulator of cerebellar morphogenesis and midbrain GABAergic neurogenesis. These findings reveal new roles of Pax5 in brain development and unravel the underlying mechanism of a novel immunological and neurodevelopmental syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian M P Kaiser
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sarah Gruenbacher
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Roa Oyaga
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Enzo Nio
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Markus Jaritz
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Qiong Sun
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Emanuel Kreidl
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lydia M Zopf
- Vienna BioCenter Core Facilities, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Virgil A S H Dalm
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Johan Pel
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Carolin Gaiser
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rick van der Vliet
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lucas Wahl
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - André Rietman
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Louisa Hill
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ines Leca
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gertjan Driessen
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Charlie Laffeber
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Oncode Institute, Cancer Institute, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Alice Brooks
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Joyce H G Lebbink
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Oncode Institute, Cancer Institute, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kikuë Tachibana
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mirjam van der Burg
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Chris I De Zeeuw
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Meinrad Busslinger
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
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12
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Oxytocin-based therapies for treatment of Prader-Willi and Schaaf-Yang syndromes: evidence, disappointments, and future research strategies. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:318. [PMID: 35941105 PMCID: PMC9360032 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02054-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The prosocial neuropeptide oxytocin is being developed as a potential treatment for various neuropsychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Early studies using intranasal oxytocin in patients with ASD yielded encouraging results and for some time, scientists and affected families placed high hopes on the use of intranasal oxytocin for behavioral therapy in ASD. However, a recent Phase III trial obtained negative results using intranasal oxytocin for the treatment of behavioral symptoms in children with ASD. Given the frequently observed autism-like behavioral phenotypes in Prader-Willi and Schaaf-Yang syndromes, it is unclear whether oxytocin treatment represents a viable option to treat behavioral symptoms in these diseases. Here we review the latest findings on intranasal OT treatment, Prader-Willi and Schaaf-Yang syndromes, and propose novel research strategies for tailored oxytocin-based therapies for affected individuals. Finally, we propose the critical period theory, which could explain why oxytocin-based treatment seems to be most efficient in infants, but not adolescents.
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13
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Proteins and Proteases of Prader-Willi Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review and Perspectives. Biosci Rep 2022; 42:231361. [PMID: 35621394 PMCID: PMC9208313 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20220610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Prader–Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare complex genetic disease that is associated with pathological disorders that include endocrine disruption, developmental, neurological, and physical problems as well as intellectual, and behavioral dysfunction. In early stage, PWS is characterized by respiratory distress, hypotonia, and poor sucking ability, causing feeding concern and poor weight gain. Additional features of the disease evolve over time. These include hyperphagia, obesity, developmental, cognitive delay, skin picking, high pain threshold, short stature, growth hormone deficiency, hypogonadism, strabismus, scoliosis, joint laxity, or hip dysplasia. The disease is associated with a shortened life expectancy. There is no cure for PWS, although interventions are available for symptoms management. PWS is caused by genetic defects in chromosome 15q11.2-q13, and categorized into three groups, namely Paternal deletion, Maternal uniparental disomy, and Imprinting defect. PWS is confirmed through genetic testing and DNA-methylation analysis. Studies revealed that at least two key proteins namely MAGEL-2 and NECDIN along with two proteases PCSK1 and PCSK2 are linked to PWS. Herein, we summarize our current understanding and knowledge about the role of these proteins and enzymes in various biological processes associated with PWS. The review also describes how loss and/or impairment of functional activity of these macromolecules can lead to hormonal disbalance by promoting degradation of secretory granules and via inhibition of proteolytic maturation of precursor-proteins. The present review will draw attention of researchers, scientists, and academicians engaged in PWS study and will help to identify potential targets and molecular pathways for PWS intervention and treatment.
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14
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Bosque Ortiz GM, Santana GM, Dietrich MO. Deficiency of the paternally inherited gene Magel2 alters the development of separation-induced vocalization and maternal behavior in mice. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 21:e12776. [PMID: 34812568 PMCID: PMC9744533 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The behavior of offspring results from the combined expression of maternal and paternal genes. Genomic imprinting silences some genes in a parent-of-origin specific manner, a process that, among all animals, occurs only in mammals. How genomic imprinting affects the behavior of mammalian offspring, however, remains poorly understood. Here, we studied how the loss of the paternally inherited gene Magel2 in mouse pups affects the emission of separation-induced ultrasonic vocalizations (USV). Using quantitative analysis of more than 1000 USVs, we characterized the rate of vocalizations as well as their spectral features from postnatal days 6-12 (P6-P12), a critical phase of mouse development that covers the peak of vocal behavior in pups. Our analyses show that Magel2 deficient offspring emit separation-induced vocalizations at lower rates and with altered spectral features mainly at P8. We also show that dams display altered behavior towards their own Magel2 deficient offspring at this age. In a test to compare the retrieval of two pups, dams retrieve wildtype control pups first and faster than Magel2 deficient offspring. These results suggest that the loss of Magel2 impairs the expression of separation-induced vocalization in pups as well as maternal behavior at a specific age of postnatal development, both of which support the pups' growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela M. Bosque Ortiz
- Laboratory of Physiology of Behavior, Department of Comparative MedicineYale School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA,Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program, Graduate School in Arts and SciencesYale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Gustavo M. Santana
- Laboratory of Physiology of Behavior, Department of Comparative MedicineYale School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA,Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program, Graduate School in Arts and SciencesYale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA,Graduate Program in Biological Sciences‐BiochemistryFederal University of Rio Grande do SulPorto AlegreBrazil
| | - Marcelo O. Dietrich
- Laboratory of Physiology of Behavior, Department of Comparative MedicineYale School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA,Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program, Graduate School in Arts and SciencesYale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA,Yale Center for Molecular and Systems MetabolismYale School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA,Department of NeuroscienceYale School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
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15
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Borie AM, Dromard Y, Guillon G, Olma A, Manning M, Muscatelli F, Desarménien MG, Jeanneteau F. Correction of vasopressin deficit in the lateral septum ameliorates social deficits of mouse autism model. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:144450. [PMID: 33232306 DOI: 10.1172/jci144450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intellectual and social disabilities are common comorbidities in adolescents and adults with MAGE family member L2 (MAGEL2) gene deficiency characterizing the Prader-Willi and Schaaf-Yang neurodevelopmental syndromes. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the risk for autism in these syndromes are not understood. We asked whether vasopressin functions are altered by MAGEL2 deficiency and whether a treatment with vasopressin could alleviate the disabilities of social behavior. We used Magel2-knockout mice (adult males) combined with optogenetic or pharmacological tools to characterize disease modifications in the vasopressinergic brain system and monitor its impact on neurophysiological and behavioral functions. We found that the activation of vasopressin neurons and projections in the lateral septum were inappropriate for performing a social habituation/discrimination task. Mechanistically, the lack of vasopressin impeded the deactivation of somatostatin neurons in the lateral septum, which predicted social discrimination deficits. Correction of vasopressin septal content by administration or optogenetic stimulation of projecting axons suppressed the activity of somatostatin neurons and ameliorated social behavior. This preclinical study identified vasopressin in the lateral septum as a key factor in the pathophysiology of Magel2-related neurodevelopmental syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélie M Borie
- Montpellier University, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Montpellier, France
| | - Yann Dromard
- Montpellier University, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Montpellier, France
| | - Gilles Guillon
- Montpellier University, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Montpellier, France
| | - Aleksandra Olma
- College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Maurice Manning
- College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Françoise Muscatelli
- Institut des Neurosciences de la Méditerranée, INSERM, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Michel G Desarménien
- Montpellier University, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Montpellier, France
| | - Freddy Jeanneteau
- Montpellier University, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Montpellier, France
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16
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Sanderson MR, Fahlman RP, Wevrick R. The N-terminal domain of the Schaaf-Yang syndrome protein MAGEL2 likely has a role in RNA metabolism. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:100959. [PMID: 34265304 PMCID: PMC8350409 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
MAGEL2 encodes the L2 member of the melanoma-associated antigen gene (MAGE) protein family, truncating mutations of which can cause Schaaf-Yang syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder. MAGEL2 is also inactivated in Prader-Willi syndrome, which overlaps clinically and mechanistically with Schaaf-Yang syndrome. Studies to date have only investigated the C-terminal portion of the MAGEL2 protein, containing the MAGE homology domain that interacts with RING-E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases to form protein complexes that modify protein ubiquitination. In contrast, the N-terminal portion of the MAGEL2 protein has never been studied. Here, we find that MAGEL2 has a low-complexity intrinsically disordered N-terminus rich in Pro-Xn-Gly motifs that is predicted to mediate liquid-liquid phase separation to form biomolecular condensates. We used proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to identify MAGEL2-proximal proteins, then clustered these proteins into functional networks. We determined that coding mutations analogous to disruptive mutations in other MAGE proteins alter these networks in biologically relevant ways. Proteins identified as proximal to the N-terminal portion of MAGEL2 are primarily involved in mRNA metabolic processes and include three mRNA N 6-methyladenosine (m6A)-binding YTHDF proteins and two RNA interference-mediating TNRC6 proteins. We found that YTHDF2 coimmunoprecipitates with MAGEL2, and coexpression of MAGEL2 reduces the nuclear accumulation of YTHDF2 after heat shock. We suggest that the N-terminal region of MAGEL2 may have a role in RNA metabolism and in particular the regulation of mRNAs modified by m6A methylation. These results provide mechanistic insight into pathogenic MAGEL2 mutations associated with Schaaf-Yang syndrome and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthea R Sanderson
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Richard P Fahlman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rachel Wevrick
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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17
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Kummerfeld DM, Raabe CA, Brosius J, Mo D, Skryabin BV, Rozhdestvensky TS. A Comprehensive Review of Genetically Engineered Mouse Models for Prader-Willi Syndrome Research. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3613. [PMID: 33807162 PMCID: PMC8037846 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a neurogenetic multifactorial disorder caused by the deletion or inactivation of paternally imprinted genes on human chromosome 15q11-q13. The affected homologous locus is on mouse chromosome 7C. The positional conservation and organization of genes including the imprinting pattern between mice and men implies similar physiological functions of this locus. Therefore, considerable efforts to recreate the pathogenesis of PWS have been accomplished in mouse models. We provide a summary of different mouse models that were generated for the analysis of PWS and discuss their impact on our current understanding of corresponding genes, their putative functions and the pathogenesis of PWS. Murine models of PWS unveiled the contribution of each affected gene to this multi-facetted disease, and also enabled the establishment of the minimal critical genomic region (PWScr) responsible for core symptoms, highlighting the importance of non-protein coding genes in the PWS locus. Although the underlying disease-causing mechanisms of PWS remain widely unresolved and existing mouse models do not fully capture the entire spectrum of the human PWS disorder, continuous improvements of genetically engineered mouse models have proven to be very powerful and valuable tools in PWS research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delf-Magnus Kummerfeld
- Medical Faculty, Core Facility Transgenic Animal and Genetic Engineering Models (TRAM), University of Muenster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Muenster, Germany;
| | - Carsten A. Raabe
- Research Group Regulatory Mechanisms of Inflammation, Institute of Medical Biochemistry (ZMBE), University of Muenster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Muenster, Germany;
- Institute of Experimental Pathology (ZMBE), University of Muenster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Muenster, Germany;
| | - Juergen Brosius
- Institute of Experimental Pathology (ZMBE), University of Muenster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Muenster, Germany;
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Dingding Mo
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China;
| | - Boris V. Skryabin
- Medical Faculty, Core Facility Transgenic Animal and Genetic Engineering Models (TRAM), University of Muenster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Muenster, Germany;
| | - Timofey S. Rozhdestvensky
- Medical Faculty, Core Facility Transgenic Animal and Genetic Engineering Models (TRAM), University of Muenster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Muenster, Germany;
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18
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Reichova A, Schaller F, Bukatova S, Bacova Z, Muscatelli F, Bakos J. The impact of oxytocin on neurite outgrowth and synaptic proteins in Magel2-deficient mice. Dev Neurobiol 2021; 81:366-388. [PMID: 33609001 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin contributes to the regulation of cytoskeletal and synaptic proteins and could, therefore, affect the mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism. Both the Prader-Willi syndrome and Schaaf-Yang syndrome exhibit autistic symptoms involving the MAGEL2 gene. Magel2-deficient mice show a deficit in social behavior that is rescued following the postnatal administration of oxytocin. Here, in Magel2-deficient mice, we showed that the neurite outgrowth of primary cultures of immature hippocampal neurons is reduced. Treatment with oxytocin reversed this abnormality. In the hippocampus of Magel2-deficient pups, we further demonstrated that several transcripts of neurite outgrowth-associated proteins, synaptic vesicle proteins, and cell-adhesion molecules are decreased. In the juvenile stage, when neurons are mature, normalization or even overexpression of most of these markers was observed, suggesting a delay in the neuronal maturation of Magel2-deficient pups. Moreover, we found reduced transcripts of the excitatory postsynaptic marker, Psd95 in the hippocampus and we observed a decrease of PSD95/VGLUT2 colocalization in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions in Magel2-deficient mice, indicating a defect in glutamatergic synapses. Postnatal administration of oxytocin upregulated postsynaptic transcripts in pups; however, it did not restore the level of markers of glutamatergic synapses in Magel2-deficient mice. Overall, Magel2 deficiency leads to abnormal neurite outgrowth and reduced glutamatergic synapses during development, suggesting abnormal neuronal maturation. Oxytocin stimulates the expression of numerous genes involved in neurite outgrowth and synapse formation in early development stages. Postnatal oxytocin administration has a strong effect on development that should be considered for certain neuropsychiatric conditions in infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Reichova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Fabienne Schaller
- Mediterranean Institute of Neurobiology (INMED), Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Stanislava Bukatova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Bacova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Françoise Muscatelli
- Mediterranean Institute of Neurobiology (INMED), Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Jan Bakos
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.,Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
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19
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Abstract
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by hyperphagia, hypotonia, learning disability, as well as a range of psychiatric conditions. The conservation of the PWS genetic interval on chromosome 15q11-q13 in human, and a cluster of genes on mouse chromosome 7, has facilitated the use of mice as animal models for PWS. Some models faithfully mimic the loss of all gene expression from the paternally inherited PWS genetic interval, whereas others target smaller regions or individual genes. Collectively, these models have provided insight into the mechanisms, many of which lead to alterations in hypothalamic function, underlying the core symptoms of PWS, including growth retardation, hyperphagia and metabolism, reproductive maturation and endophenotypes of relevance to behavioral and psychiatric problems. Here we review and summarize these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Zahova
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony R Isles
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
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20
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Arévalo L, Gardner S, Campbell P. Haldane's rule in the placenta: Sex-biased misregulation of the Kcnq1 imprinting cluster in hybrid mice. Evolution 2020; 75:86-100. [PMID: 33215684 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hybrid phenotypes that contribute to postzygotic reproductive isolation often exhibit pronounced asymmetry, both between reciprocal crosses and between the sexes in accordance with Haldane's rule. Inviability in mammalian hybrids is associated with parent-of-origin placental growth abnormalities for which misregulation of imprinted gene (IGs) is the leading candidate mechanism. However, direct evidence for the involvement of IGs in hybrid growth dysplasia is limited. We used transcriptome and reduced representation bisulfite sequencing to conduct the first genome-scale assessment of the contribution of IGs to parent-of-origin placental growth dysplasia in the cross between the house mouse (Mus musculus domesticus) and the Algerian mouse (Mus spretus). IGs with transgressive expression and methylation were concentrated in the Kcnq1 cluster, which contains causal genes for prenatal growth abnormalities in mice and humans. Hypermethylation of the cluster's imprinting control region, and consequent misexpression of the genes Phlda2 and Ascl2, is a strong candidate mechanism for transgressive placental undergrowth. Transgressive placental and gene regulatory phenotypes, including expression and methylation in the Kcnq1 cluster, were more extreme in hybrid males. Although consistent with Haldane's rule, male-biased defects are unexpected in rodent placenta because the X-chromosome is effectively hemizygous in both sexes. In search of an explanation, we found evidence of leaky imprinted (paternal) X-chromosome inactivation in hybrid female placenta, an epigenetic disturbance that may buffer females from the effects of X-linked incompatibilities to which males are fully exposed. Sex differences in chromatin structure on the X and sex-biased maternal effects are nonmutually exclusive alternative explanations for adherence to Haldane's rule in hybrid placenta. The results of this study contribute to understanding the genetic basis of hybrid inviability in mammals, and the role of IGs in speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Arévalo
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 74078.,Current Address: Department of Developmental Pathology, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, DE-53127, Germany
| | - Sarah Gardner
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 74078.,Current Address: Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, 92521
| | - Polly Campbell
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 74078.,Current Address: Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, 92521
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21
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Costilla R, Kemper KE, Byrne EM, Porto-Neto LR, Carvalheiro R, Purfield DC, Doyle JL, Berry DP, Moore SS, Wray NR, Hayes BJ. Genetic control of temperament traits across species: association of autism spectrum disorder risk genes with cattle temperament. Genet Sel Evol 2020; 52:51. [PMID: 32842956 PMCID: PMC7448488 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-020-00569-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Temperament traits are of high importance across species. In humans, temperament or personality traits correlate with psychological traits and psychiatric disorders. In cattle, they impact animal welfare, product quality and human safety, and are therefore of direct commercial importance. We hypothesized that genetic factors that contribute to variation in temperament among individuals within a species will be shared between humans and cattle. Using imputed whole-genome sequence data from 9223 beef cattle from three cohorts, a series of genome-wide association studies was undertaken on cattle flight time, a temperament phenotype measured as the time taken for an animal to cover a short-fixed distance after release from an enclosure. We also investigated the association of cattle temperament with polymorphisms in bovine orthologs of risk genes for neuroticism, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and developmental delay disorders in humans. RESULTS Variants with the strongest associations were located in the bovine orthologous region that is involved in several behavioural and cognitive disorders in humans. These variants were also partially validated in independent cattle cohorts. Genes in these regions (BARHL2, NDN, SNRPN, MAGEL2, ABCA12, KIFAP3, TOPAZ1, FZD3, UBE3A, and GABRA5) were enriched for the GO term neuron migration and were differentially expressed in brain and pituitary tissues in humans. Moreover, variants within 100 kb of ASD susceptibility genes were associated with cattle temperament and explained 6.5% of the total additive genetic variance in the largest cattle cohort. The ASD genes with the most significant associations were GABRB3 and CUL3. Using the same 100 kb window, a weak association was found with polymorphisms in schizophrenia risk genes and no association with polymorphisms in neuroticism and developmental delay disorders risk genes. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis showed that genes identified in a meta-analysis of cattle temperament contribute to neuron development functions and are differentially expressed in human brain tissues. Furthermore, some ASD susceptibility genes are associated with cattle temperament. These findings provide evidence that genetic control of temperament might be shared between humans and cattle and highlight the potential for future analyses to leverage results between species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Costilla
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kathryn E. Kemper
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Enda M. Byrne
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Laercio R. Porto-Neto
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Agriculture and Food, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Roberto Carvalheiro
- School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Sao Paulo State University, Sao Paolo, Brazil
| | | | - Jennifer L. Doyle
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork Ireland
| | - Donagh P. Berry
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork Ireland
| | - Stephen S. Moore
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Naomi R. Wray
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ben J. Hayes
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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22
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Ieda D, Negishi Y, Miyamoto T, Johmura Y, Kumamoto N, Kato K, Miyoshi I, Nakanishi M, Ugawa S, Oishi H, Saitoh S. Two mouse models carrying truncating mutations in Magel2 show distinct phenotypes. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237814. [PMID: 32804975 PMCID: PMC7430741 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Schaaf-Yang syndrome (SYS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by truncating variants in the paternal allele of MAGEL2, located in the Prader-Willi critical region, 15q11-q13. Although the phenotypes of SYS overlap those of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), including neonatal hypotonia, feeding problems, and developmental delay/intellectual disability, SYS patients show autism spectrum disorder and joint contractures, which are atypical phenotypes for PWS. Therefore, we hypothesized that the truncated Magel2 protein could potentially produce gain-of-function toxic effects. To test the hypothesis, we generated two engineered mouse models; one, an overexpression model that expressed the N-terminal region of Magel2 that was FLAG tagged with a strong ubiquitous promoter, and another, a genome-edited model that carried a truncating variant in Magel2 generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. In the overexpression model, all transgenic mice died in the fetal or neonatal period indicating embryonic or neonatal lethality of the transgene. Therefore, overexpression of the truncated Magel2 could show toxic effects. In the genome-edited model, we generated a mouse model carrying a frameshift variant (c.1690_1924del; p(Glu564Serfs*130)) in Magel2. Model mice carrying the frameshift variant in the paternal or maternal allele of Magel2 were termed Magel2P:fs and Magel2M:fs, respectively. The imprinted expression and spatial distribution of truncating Magel2 transcripts in the brain were maintained. Although neonatal Magel2P:fs mice were lighter than wildtype littermates, Magel2P:fs males and females weighed the same as their wildtype littermates by eight and four weeks of age, respectively. Collectively, the overexpression mouse model may recapitulate fetal or neonatal death, which are the severest phenotypes for SYS. In contrast, the genome-edited mouse model maintains genomic imprinting and distribution of truncated Magel2 transcripts in the brain, but only partially recapitulates SYS phenotypes. Therefore, our results imply that simple gain-of-function toxic effects may not explain the patho-mechanism of SYS, but rather suggest a range of effects due to Magel2 variants as in human SYS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Ieda
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yutaka Negishi
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tomomi Miyamoto
- Department of Comparative and Experimental Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Johmura
- Division of Cancer Cell Biology, Department of Cancer Biology, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Natsuko Kumamoto
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kohji Kato
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya Japan
| | - Ichiro Miyoshi
- Department of Comparative and Experimental Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Makoto Nakanishi
- Division of Cancer Cell Biology, Department of Cancer Biology, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinya Ugawa
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hisashi Oishi
- Department of Comparative and Experimental Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shinji Saitoh
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Germain ND, Levine ES, Chamberlain SJ. IPSC Models of Chromosome 15Q Imprinting Disorders: From Disease Modeling to Therapeutic Strategies. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 25:55-77. [PMID: 32578144 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-45493-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The chromosome 15q11-q13 region of the human genome is regulated by genomic imprinting, an epigenetic phenomenon in which genes are expressed exclusively from one parental allele. Several genes within the 15q11-q13 region are expressed exclusively from the paternally inherited chromosome 15. At least one gene UBE3A, shows exclusive expression of the maternal allele, but this allele-specific expression is restricted to neurons. The appropriate regulation of imprinted gene expression across chromosome 15q11-q13 has important implications for human disease. Three different neurodevelopmental disorders result from aberrant expression of imprinted genes in this region: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), Angelman syndrome (AS), and 15q duplication syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelle D Germain
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Eric S Levine
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.
| | - Stormy J Chamberlain
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
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Gregory LC, Shah P, Sanner JRF, Arancibia M, Hurst J, Jones WD, Spoudeas H, Le Quesne Stabej P, Williams HJ, Ocaka LA, Loureiro C, Martinez-Aguayo A, Dattani MT. Mutations in MAGEL2 and L1CAM Are Associated With Congenital Hypopituitarism and Arthrogryposis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:5737-5750. [PMID: 31504653 PMCID: PMC6916815 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2019-00631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Congenital hypopituitarism (CH) is rarely observed in combination with severe joint contractures (arthrogryposis). Schaaf-Yang syndrome (SHFYNG) phenotypically overlaps with Prader-Willi syndrome, with patients also manifesting arthrogryposis. L1 syndrome, a group of X-linked disorders that include hydrocephalus and lower limb spasticity, also rarely presents with arthrogryposis. OBJECTIVE We investigated the molecular basis underlying the combination of CH and arthrogryposis in five patients. PATIENTS The heterozygous p.Q666fs*47 mutation in the maternally imprinted MAGEL2 gene, previously described in multiple patients with SHFYNG, was identified in patients 1 to 4, all of whom manifested growth hormone deficiency and variable SHFYNG features, including dysmorphism, developmental delay, sleep apnea, and visual problems. Nonidentical twins (patients 2 and 3) had diabetes insipidus and macrocephaly, and patient 4 presented with ACTH insufficiency. The hemizygous L1CAM variant p.G452R, previously implicated in patients with L1 syndrome, was identified in patient 5, who presented with antenatal hydrocephalus. RESULTS Human embryonic expression analysis revealed MAGEL2 transcripts in the developing hypothalamus and ventral diencephalon at Carnegie stages (CSs) 19, 20, and 23 and in the Rathke pouch at CS20 and CS23. L1CAM was expressed in the developing hypothalamus, ventral diencephalon, and hindbrain (CS19, CS20, CS23), but not in the Rathke pouch. CONCLUSION We report MAGEL2 and L1CAM mutations in four pedigrees with variable CH and arthrogryposis. Patients presenting early in life with this combined phenotype should be examined for features of SHFYNG and/or L1 syndrome. This study highlights the association of hypothalamo-pituitary disease with MAGEL2 and L1CAM mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise C Gregory
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pratik Shah
- Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Monica Arancibia
- Division de Pediatria, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jane Hurst
- NE Thames Genetics Service, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy D Jones
- NE Thames Genetics Service, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Polona Le Quesne Stabej
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hywel J Williams
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Louise A Ocaka
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carolina Loureiro
- Division de Pediatria, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandro Martinez-Aguayo
- Division de Pediatria, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mehul T Dattani
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
- Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Mehul T. Dattani, MD, Paediatric Endocrinology, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom. E-mail:
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25
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Adhikari A, Copping NA, Onaga B, Pride MC, Coulson RL, Yang M, Yasui DH, LaSalle JM, Silverman JL. Cognitive deficits in the Snord116 deletion mouse model for Prader-Willi syndrome. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2019; 165:106874. [PMID: 29800646 PMCID: PMC6520209 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2018.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is an imprinted neurodevelopmental disease caused by a loss of paternal genes on chromosome 15q11-q13. It is characterized by cognitive impairments, developmental delay, sleep abnormalities, and hyperphagia often leading to obesity. Clinical research has shown that a lack of expression of SNORD116, a paternally expressed imprinted gene cluster that encodes multiple copies of a small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) in both humans and mice, is most likely responsible for many PWS symptoms seen in humans. The majority of previous research using PWS preclinical models focused on characterization of the hyperphagic and metabolic phenotypes. However, a crucial understudied clinical phenotype is cognitive impairments and thus we investigated the learning and memory abilities using a model of PWS, with a heterozygous deletion in Snord116. We utilized the novel object recognition task, which doesn't require external motivation, or exhaustive swim training. Automated findings were further confirmed with manual scoring by a highly trained blinded investigator. We discovered deficits in Snord116+/- mutant mice in the novel object recognition, location memory and tone cue fear conditioning assays when compared to age-, sex- matched, littermate control Snord116+/+ mice. Further, we confirmed that despite physical neo-natal developmental delays, Snord116+/- mice had normal exploratory and motor abilities. These results show that the Snord116+/- deletion murine model is a valuable preclinical model for investigating learning and memory impairments in individuals with PWS without common confounding phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Adhikari
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Nycole A Copping
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Beth Onaga
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Michael C Pride
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Rochelle L Coulson
- MIND Institute, Genome Center, UC Davis School of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Mu Yang
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute for Genomic Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dag H Yasui
- MIND Institute, Genome Center, UC Davis School of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Janine M LaSalle
- MIND Institute, Genome Center, UC Davis School of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jill L Silverman
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Sacramento, CA, USA.
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Carias KV, Wevrick R. Preclinical Testing in Translational Animal Models of Prader-Willi Syndrome: Overview and Gap Analysis. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 13:344-358. [PMID: 30989085 PMCID: PMC6447752 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder causing endocrine, musculoskeletal, and neurological dysfunction. PWS is caused by the inactivation of contiguous genes, complicating the development of targeted therapeutics. Clinical trials are now underway in PWS, with more trials to be implemented in the next few years. PWS-like endophenotypes are recapitulated in gene-targeted mice in which the function of one or more PWS genes is disrupted. These animal models can guide priorities for clinical trials or provide information about efficacy of a compound within the context of the specific disease. We now review the current status of preclinical studies that measure the effect of therapeutics on PWS-like endophenotypes. Seven categories of therapeutics (oxytocin and related compounds, K+-ATP channel agonists, melanocortin 4 receptor agonists, incretin mimetics and/or GLP-1 receptor agonists, cannabinoids, ghrelin agents, and Caralluma fimbriata [cactus] extract) have been tested for their effect on endophenotypes in both PWS animal models and clinical trials. Many other therapeutics have been tested in clinical trials, but not preclinical models of PWS or vice versa. Fostering dialogs among investigators performing preclinical validation of animal models and those implementing clinical studies will accelerate the discovery and translation of therapies into clinical practice in PWS.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Vanessa Carias
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Rachel Wevrick
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Whittington J, Holland A. Behaviour and cognition in the imprinted gene disorder, Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). Curr Opin Behav Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2018.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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28
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Baraghithy S, Smoum R, Drori A, Hadar R, Gammal A, Hirsch S, Attar-Namdar M, Nemirovski A, Gabet Y, Langer Y, Pollak Y, Schaaf CP, Rech ME, Gross-Tsur V, Bab I, Mechoulam R, Tam J. Magel2 Modulates Bone Remodeling and Mass in Prader-Willi Syndrome by Affecting Oleoyl Serine Levels and Activity. J Bone Miner Res 2019; 34:93-105. [PMID: 30347474 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.3591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Among a multitude of hormonal and metabolic complications, individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) exhibit significant bone abnormalities, including decreased BMD, osteoporosis, and subsequent increased fracture risk. Here we show in mice that loss of Magel2, a maternally imprinted gene in the PWS critical region, results in reduced bone mass, density, and strength, corresponding to that observed in humans with PWS, as well as in individuals suffering from Schaaf-Yang syndrome (SYS), a genetic disorder caused by a disruption of the MAGEL2 gene. The low bone mass phenotype in Magel2-/- mice was attributed to reduced bone formation rate, increased osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activity, and enhanced trans-differentiation of osteoblasts to adipocytes. The absence of Magel2 in humans and mice resulted in reduction in the fatty acid amide bone homeostasis regulator, N-oleoyl serine (OS), whose levels were positively linked with BMD in humans and mice as well as osteoblast activity. Attenuating the skeletal abnormalities in Magel2-/- mice was achieved with chronic administration of a novel synthetic derivative of OS. Taken together, Magel2 plays a key role in modulating bone remodeling and mass in PWS by affecting OS levels and activity. The use of potent synthetic analogs of OS should be further tested clinically as bone therapeutics for treating bone loss. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saja Baraghithy
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Reem Smoum
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adi Drori
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rivka Hadar
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Asaad Gammal
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shira Hirsch
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Malka Attar-Namdar
- Bone Laboratory, Institute for Dental Research, Faculty of Dentistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alina Nemirovski
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yankel Gabet
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Yshaia Langer
- Neuropediatric Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yehuda Pollak
- Neuropediatric Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Christian Patrick Schaaf
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Megan Elizabeth Rech
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Varda Gross-Tsur
- Neuropediatric Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Itai Bab
- Bone Laboratory, Institute for Dental Research, Faculty of Dentistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Raphael Mechoulam
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Joseph Tam
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, The Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Sequencing the mosaic genome of Brahman cattle identifies historic and recent introgression including polled. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17761. [PMID: 30531891 PMCID: PMC6288114 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35698-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Brahman cattle have a Bos indicus and Bos taurus mosaic genome, as a result of the process used to create the breed (repeat backcrossing of Bos taurus females to Bos indicus bulls). With the aim of identifying Bos taurus segments in the Brahman genome at sequence level resolution, we sequenced the genomes of 46 influential Brahman bulls. Using 36 million variants identified in the sequences, we searched for regions close to fixation for Bos indicus or Bos taurus segments that were longer than expected by chance (from simulation of the breed formation history of Brahman cattle). Regions close to fixation for Bos indicus content were enriched for protein synthesis genes, while regions of higher Bos taurus content included genes of the G-protein coupled receptor family (including genes implicated in puberty, such as THRS). The region with the most extreme Bos taurus enrichment was on chromosome 14 surrounding PLAG1. The introgressed Bos taurus allele at PLAG1 increases stature and the high frequency of the allele likely reflects strong selection for the trait. Finally, we provide evidence that the polled mutation in Brahmans, a desirable trait under very strong recent selection, is of Celtic origin and is introgressed from Bos taurus.
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30
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Ates T, Oncul M, Dilsiz P, Topcu IC, Civas CC, Alp MI, Aklan I, Ates Oz E, Yavuz Y, Yilmaz B, Sayar Atasoy N, Atasoy D. Inactivation of Magel2 suppresses oxytocin neurons through synaptic excitation-inhibition imbalance. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 121:58-64. [PMID: 30240706 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Prader-Willi and the related Schaaf-Yang Syndromes (PWS/SYS) are rare neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by overlapping phenotypes of high incidence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and neonatal feeding difficulties. Based on clinical and basic studies, oxytocin pathway defects are suggested to contribute disease pathogenesis but the mechanism has been poorly understood. Specifically, whether the impairment in oxytocin system is limited to neuropeptide levels and how the functional properties of broader oxytocin neuron circuits affected in PWS/SYS have not been addressed. Using cell type specific electrophysiology, we investigated basic synaptic and cell autonomous properties of oxytocin neurons in the absence of MAGEL2; a hypothalamus enriched ubiquitin ligase regulator that is inactivated in both syndromes. We observed significant suppression of overall ex vivo oxytocin neuron activity, which was largely contributed by altered synaptic input profile; with reduced excitatory and increased inhibitory currents. Our results suggest that dysregulation of oxytocin system goes beyond altered neuropeptide expression and synaptic excitation inhibition imbalance impairs overall oxytocin pathway function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayfun Ates
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Regenerative and Restorative Medical Research Center (REMER), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Merve Oncul
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Regenerative and Restorative Medical Research Center (REMER), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Pelin Dilsiz
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Regenerative and Restorative Medical Research Center (REMER), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Iskalen Cansu Topcu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cihan Civan Civas
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Muhammed Ikbal Alp
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Regenerative and Restorative Medical Research Center (REMER), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Iltan Aklan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Edanur Ates Oz
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Regenerative and Restorative Medical Research Center (REMER), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yavuz Yavuz
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bayram Yilmaz
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nilufer Sayar Atasoy
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Regenerative and Restorative Medical Research Center (REMER), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Deniz Atasoy
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Regenerative and Restorative Medical Research Center (REMER), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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31
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Bischof JM, Wevrick R. Chronic diazoxide treatment decreases fat mass and improves endurance capacity in an obese mouse model of Prader-Willi syndrome. Mol Genet Metab 2018; 123:511-517. [PMID: 29506955 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2018.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Excess fat mass is a cardinal feature of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) that is recapitulated in the Magel2-null mouse model of this genetic disorder. There is a pressing need for drugs that can prevent or treat obesity in children with PWS. Recently, a clinical study of a controlled release form of the benzothiadiazine derivative diazoxide demonstrated improved metabolic parameters and decreased fat mass in obese children and adults with PWS. We tested whether chronic diazoxide administration can reduce fat mass and improve metabolism in mice lacking MAGEL2, a gene inactivated in PWS. Magel2-null and wild-type control mice were rendered obese by high fat diet feeding, then provided diazoxide while being maintained on a high fat diet. Treatment of obese mice with diazoxide reduced weight and body fat, lowered blood glucose and improved endurance capacity. Treatment with diazoxide partially normalizes obesity in children and adults with PWS and in a PWS mouse model, demonstrating that the biological pathways impacted by diazoxide may be rational pharmacological targets in PWS and other disorders diseases associated with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn M Bischof
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | - Rachel Wevrick
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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32
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Wijesuriya TM, De Ceuninck L, Masschaele D, Sanderson MR, Carias KV, Tavernier J, Wevrick R. The Prader-Willi syndrome proteins MAGEL2 and necdin regulate leptin receptor cell surface abundance through ubiquitination pathways. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 26:4215-4230. [PMID: 28973533 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), obesity is caused by the disruption of appetite-controlling pathways in the brain. Two PWS candidate genes encode MAGEL2 and necdin, related melanoma antigen proteins that assemble into ubiquitination complexes. Mice lacking Magel2 are obese and lack leptin sensitivity in hypothalamic pro-opiomelanocortin neurons, suggesting dysregulation of leptin receptor (LepR) activity. Hypothalamus from Magel2-null mice had less LepR and altered levels of ubiquitin pathway proteins that regulate LepR processing (Rnf41, Usp8, and Stam1). MAGEL2 increased the cell surface abundance of LepR and decreased their degradation. LepR interacts with necdin, which interacts with MAGEL2, which complexes with RNF41 and USP8. Mutations in the MAGE homology domain of MAGEL2 suppress RNF41 stabilization and prevent the MAGEL2-mediated increase of cell surface LepR. Thus, MAGEL2 and necdin together control LepR sorting and degradation through a dynamic ubiquitin-dependent pathway. Loss of MAGEL2 and necdin may uncouple LepR from ubiquitination pathways, providing a cellular mechanism for obesity in PWS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leentje De Ceuninck
- Department of Biochemistry, VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Delphine Masschaele
- Department of Biochemistry, VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Matthea R Sanderson
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2H7, Canada
| | | | - Jan Tavernier
- Department of Biochemistry, VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rachel Wevrick
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2H7, Canada
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Uddin M, Unda BK, Kwan V, Holzapfel NT, White SH, Chalil L, Woodbury-Smith M, Ho KS, Harward E, Murtaza N, Dave B, Pellecchia G, D’Abate L, Nalpathamkalam T, Lamoureux S, Wei J, Speevak M, Stavropoulos J, Hope KJ, Doble BW, Nielsen J, Wassman ER, Scherer SW, Singh KK. OTUD7A Regulates Neurodevelopmental Phenotypes in the 15q13.3 Microdeletion Syndrome. Am J Hum Genet 2018; 102:278-295. [PMID: 29395074 PMCID: PMC5985537 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Copy-number variations (CNVs) are strong risk factors for neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. The 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome region contains up to ten genes and is associated with numerous conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), epilepsy, schizophrenia, and intellectual disability; however, the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome remain unknown. We combined whole-genome sequencing, human brain gene expression (proteome and transcriptome), and a mouse model with a syntenic heterozygous deletion (Df(h15q13)/+ mice) and determined that the microdeletion results in abnormal development of cortical dendritic spines and dendrite outgrowth. Analysis of large-scale genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data identified OTUD7A as a critical gene for brain function. OTUD7A was found to localize to dendritic and spine compartments in cortical neurons, and its reduced levels in Df(h15q13)/+ cortical neurons contributed to the dendritic spine and dendrite outgrowth deficits. Our results reveal OTUD7A as a major regulatory gene for 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome phenotypes that contribute to the disease mechanism through abnormal cortical neuron morphological development.
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Abstract
Melanoma antigen L2 (MAGEL2 or MAGE-L2) is a member of the MAGE family of ubiquitin ligase regulators. It is maternally imprinted and often paternally deleted or mutated in the related neurodevelopmental syndromes, Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) and Schaaf-Yang Syndrome (SHFYNG). MAGEL2 is highly expressed in the hypothalamus and plays an important role in a fundamental cellular process that recycles membrane proteins from endosomes through the retromer sorting pathway. MAGEL2 is part of a multi-subunit protein complex consisting of MAGEL2, the TRIM27 E3 ubiquitin ligase, and the USP7 deubiquitinating enzyme. The MAGEL2-USP7-TRIM27 (or MUST) complex facilitates the retromer recycling pathway through ubiquitination and activation of the WASH actin nucleation promoting factor. This review provides an overview of the MAGE protein family of ubiquitin ligases regulators and details the molecular and cellular role of MAGEL2 in ubiquitination, actin regulation and endosomal sorting processes, as well as MAGEL2 implications in PWS and SHFYNG disorders. The physiological functions of MAGEL2, elucidated through the study of Magel2 knockout mouse models, are also discussed.
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