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Fisher SA, Patrick K, Hoang T, Marcq E, Behrouzfar K, Young S, Miller TJ, Robinson BWS, Bueno R, Nowak AK, Lesterhuis WJ, Morahan G, Lake RA. The MexTAg collaborative cross: host genetics affects asbestos related disease latency, but has little influence once tumours develop. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2024; 6:1373003. [PMID: 38694815 PMCID: PMC11061428 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2024.1373003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study combines two innovative mouse models in a major gene discovery project to assess the influence of host genetics on asbestos related disease (ARD). Conventional genetics studies provided evidence that some susceptibility to mesothelioma is genetic. However, the identification of host modifier genes, the roles they may play, and whether they contribute to disease susceptibility remain unknown. Here we report a study designed to rapidly identify genes associated with mesothelioma susceptibility by combining the Collaborative Cross (CC) resource with the well-characterised MexTAg mesothelioma mouse model. Methods: The CC is a powerful mouse resource that harnesses over 90% of common genetic variation in the mouse species, allowing rapid identification of genes mediating complex traits. MexTAg mice rapidly, uniformly, and predictably develop mesothelioma, but only after asbestos exposure. To assess the influence of host genetics on ARD, we crossed 72 genetically distinct CC mouse strains with MexTAg mice and exposed the resulting CC-MexTAg (CCMT) progeny to asbestos and monitored them for traits including overall survival, the time to ARD onset (latency), the time between ARD onset and euthanasia (disease progression) and ascites volume. We identified phenotype-specific modifier genes associated with these traits and we validated the role of human orthologues in asbestos-induced carcinogenesis using human mesothelioma datasets. Results: We generated 72 genetically distinct CCMT strains and exposed their progeny (2,562 in total) to asbestos. Reflecting the genetic diversity of the CC, there was considerable variation in overall survival and disease latency. Surprisingly, however, there was no variation in disease progression, demonstrating that host genetic factors do have a significant influence during disease latency but have a limited role once disease is established. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting ARD survival/latency were identified on chromosomes 6, 12 and X. Of the 97-protein coding candidate modifier genes that spanned these QTL, eight genes (CPED1, ORS1, NDUFA1, HS1BP3, IL13RA1, LSM8, TES and TSPAN12) were found to significantly affect outcome in both CCMT and human mesothelioma datasets. Conclusion: Host genetic factors affect susceptibility to development of asbestos associated disease. However, following mesothelioma establishment, genetic variation in molecular or immunological mechanisms did not affect disease progression. Identification of multiple candidate modifier genes and their human homologues with known associations in other advanced stage or metastatic cancers highlights the complexity of ARD and may provide a pathway to identify novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A. Fisher
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases (NCARD), Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Institute for Respiratory Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Kimberley Patrick
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases (NCARD), Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Institute for Respiratory Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Tracy Hoang
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases (NCARD), Perth, WA, Australia
- Institute for Respiratory Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Elly Marcq
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Lab of Dendritic Cell Biology and Cancer Immunotherapy, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
- Brussels Center for Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kiarash Behrouzfar
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases (NCARD), Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Institute for Respiratory Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Sylvia Young
- Centre for Diabetes Research, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Timothy J. Miller
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Bruce W. S. Robinson
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases (NCARD), Perth, WA, Australia
- Institute for Respiratory Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Raphael Bueno
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, The Lung Center and the International Mesothelioma Program, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Anna K. Nowak
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases (NCARD), Perth, WA, Australia
- Institute for Respiratory Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | - Grant Morahan
- Centre for Diabetes Research, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Richard A. Lake
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases (NCARD), Perth, WA, Australia
- Institute for Respiratory Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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Behrouzfar K, Burton K, Mutsaers SE, Morahan G, Lake RA, Fisher SA. How to Better Understand the Influence of Host Genetics on Developing an Effective Immune Response to Thoracic Cancers. Front Oncol 2021; 11:679609. [PMID: 34235080 PMCID: PMC8256168 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.679609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Thoracic cancers pose a significant global health burden. Immune checkpoint blockade therapies have improved treatment outcomes, but durable responses remain limited. Understanding how the host immune system interacts with a developing tumor is essential for the rational development of improved treatments for thoracic malignancies. Recent technical advances have improved our understanding of the mutational burden of cancer cells and changes in cancer-specific gene expression, providing a detailed understanding of the complex biology underpinning tumor-host interactions. While there has been much focus on the genetic alterations associated with cancer cells and how they may impact treatment outcomes, how host genetics affects cancer development is also critical and will greatly determine treatment response. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified genetic variants associated with cancer predisposition. This approach has successfully identified host genetic risk factors associated with common thoracic cancers like lung cancer, but is less effective for rare cancers like malignant mesothelioma. To assess how host genetics impacts rare thoracic cancers, we used the Collaborative Cross (CC); a powerful murine genetic resource designed to maximize genetic diversity and rapidly identify genes associated with any biological trait. We are using the CC in conjunction with our asbestos-induced MexTAg mouse model, to identify host genes associated with mesothelioma development. Once genes that moderate tumor development and progression are known, human homologues can be identified and human datasets interrogated to validate their association with disease outcome. Furthermore, our CC-MexTAg animal model enables in-depth study of the tumor microenvironment, allowing the correlation of immune cell infiltration and gene expression signatures with disease development. This strategy provides a detailed picture of the underlying biological pathways associated with mesothelioma susceptibility and progression; knowledge that is crucial for the rational development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Here we discuss the influence of host genetics on developing an effective immune response to thoracic cancers. We highlight current knowledge gaps, and with a focus on mesothelioma, describe the development and application of the CC-MexTAg to overcome limitations and illustrate how the knowledge gained from this unique study will inform the rational design of future treatments of mesothelioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiarash Behrouzfar
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases (NCARD), University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Kimberley Burton
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases (NCARD), University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Steve E. Mutsaers
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Institute for Respiratory Health, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Grant Morahan
- Centre for Diabetes Research, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Richard A. Lake
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases (NCARD), University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Scott A. Fisher
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases (NCARD), University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
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Li W, Cao L, Li M, Yang X, Zhang W, Song Z, Wang X, Zhang L, Morahan G, Qin C, Gao R. Novel spontaneous myelodysplastic syndrome mouse model. Animal Model Exp Med 2021; 4:169-180. [PMID: 34179724 PMCID: PMC8212821 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a group of disorders involving hemopoietic dysfunction leading to leukemia. Although recently progress has been made in identifying underlying genetic mutations, many questions still remain. Animal models of MDS have been produced by introduction of specific mutations. However, there is no spontaneous mouse model of MDS, and an animal model to simulate natural MDS pathogenesis is urgently needed. Methods In characterizing the genetically diverse mouse strains of the Collaborative Cross (CC) we observed that one, designated JUN, had abnormal hematological traits. This strain was thus further analyzed for phenotypic and pathological identification, comparing the changes in each cell population in peripheral blood and in bone marrow. Results In a specific-pathogen free environment, mice of the JUN strain are relatively thin, with healthy appearance. However, in a conventional environment, they become lethargic, develop wrinkled yellow hair, have loose and light stools, and are prone to infections. We found that the mice were cytopenic, which was due to abnormal differentiation of multipotent bone marrow progenitor cells. These are common characteristics of MDS. Conclusions A mouse strain, JUN, was found displaying spontaneous myelodysplastic syndrome. This strain has the advantage over existing models in that it develops MDS spontaneously and is more similar to human MDS than genetically modified mouse models. JUN mice will be an important tool for pathogenesis research of MDS and for evaluation of new drugs and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weisha Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineBeijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesInstitute of Laboratory Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Comparative Medicine CenterPeking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
| | - Lin Cao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineBeijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesInstitute of Laboratory Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Comparative Medicine CenterPeking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
| | - Mengyuan Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineBeijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesInstitute of Laboratory Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Comparative Medicine CenterPeking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
| | - Xingjiu Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineBeijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesInstitute of Laboratory Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Comparative Medicine CenterPeking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
| | - Wenlong Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineBeijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesInstitute of Laboratory Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Comparative Medicine CenterPeking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
| | - Zhiqi Song
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineBeijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesInstitute of Laboratory Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Comparative Medicine CenterPeking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
| | - Xinpei Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineBeijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesInstitute of Laboratory Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Comparative Medicine CenterPeking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
| | - Lingyan Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineBeijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesInstitute of Laboratory Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Comparative Medicine CenterPeking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
| | - Grant Morahan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineBeijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesInstitute of Laboratory Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Comparative Medicine CenterPeking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
| | - Chuan Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineBeijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesInstitute of Laboratory Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Comparative Medicine CenterPeking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
| | - Ran Gao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicineBeijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesInstitute of Laboratory Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Comparative Medicine CenterPeking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
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Yang CH, Mangiafico SP, Waibel M, Loudovaris T, Loh K, Thomas HE, Morahan G, Andrikopoulos S. E2f8 and Dlg2 genes have independent effects on impaired insulin secretion associated with hyperglycaemia. Diabetologia 2020; 63:1333-1348. [PMID: 32356104 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-020-05137-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Reduced insulin secretion results in hyperglycaemia and diabetes involving a complex aetiology that is yet to be fully elucidated. Genetic susceptibility is a key factor in beta cell dysfunction and hyperglycaemia but the responsible genes have not been defined. The Collaborative Cross (CC) is a recombinant inbred mouse panel with diverse genetic backgrounds allowing the identification of complex trait genes that are relevant to human diseases. The aim of this study was to identify and characterise genes associated with hyperglycaemia. METHODS Using an unbiased genome-wide association study, we examined random blood glucose and insulin sensitivity in 53 genetically unique mouse strains from the CC population. The influences of hyperglycaemia susceptibility quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were investigated by examining glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, pancreatic histology and gene expression in the susceptible mice. Expression of candidate genes and their association with insulin secretion were examined in human islets. Mechanisms underlying reduced insulin secretion were studied in MIN6 cells using RNA interference. RESULTS Wide variations in blood glucose levels and the related metabolic traits (insulin sensitivity and body weight) were observed in the CC population. We showed that elevated blood glucose in the CC strains was not due to insulin resistance nor obesity but resulted from reduced insulin secretion. This insulin secretory defect was demonstrated to be independent of abnormalities in islet morphology, beta cell mass and pancreatic insulin content. Gene mapping identified the E2f8 (p = 2.19 × 10-15) and Dlg2 loci (p = 3.83 × 10-8) on chromosome 7 to be significantly associated with hyperglycaemia susceptibility. Fine mapping the implicated regions using congenic mice demonstrated that these two loci have independent effects on insulin secretion in vivo. Significantly, our results revealed that increased E2F8 and DLG2 gene expression are correlated with enhanced insulin secretory function in human islets. Furthermore, loss-of-function studies in MIN6 cells demonstrated that E2f8 is involved in insulin secretion through an ATP-sensitive K+ channel-dependent pathway, which leads to a 30% reduction in Abcc8 expression. Similarly, knockdown of Dlg2 gene expression resulted in impaired insulin secretion in response to glucose and non-glucose stimuli. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Collectively, these findings suggest that E2F transcription factor 8 (E2F8) and discs large homologue 2 (DLG2) regulate insulin secretion. The CC resource enables the identification of E2f8 and Dlg2 as novel genes associated with hyperglycaemia due to reduced insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells. Taken together, our results provide better understanding of the molecular control of insulin secretion and further support the use of the CC resource to identify novel genes relevant to human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chieh-Hsin Yang
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), Austin Hospital, University of Melbourne, Level 7, Lance Townsend Building, Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.
- St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, 9 Princes Street, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia.
| | - Salvatore P Mangiafico
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), Austin Hospital, University of Melbourne, Level 7, Lance Townsend Building, Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
| | - Michaela Waibel
- St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, 9 Princes Street, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
| | - Thomas Loudovaris
- St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, 9 Princes Street, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
| | - Kim Loh
- St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, 9 Princes Street, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
| | - Helen E Thomas
- St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, 9 Princes Street, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
| | - Grant Morahan
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Sofianos Andrikopoulos
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), Austin Hospital, University of Melbourne, Level 7, Lance Townsend Building, Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.
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Yuan J, Tickner J, Mullin BH, Zhao J, Zeng Z, Morahan G, Xu J. Advanced Genetic Approaches in Discovery and Characterization of Genes Involved With Osteoporosis in Mouse and Human. Front Genet 2019; 10:288. [PMID: 31001327 PMCID: PMC6455049 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a complex condition with contributions from, and interactions between, multiple genetic loci and environmental factors. This review summarizes key advances in the application of genetic approaches for the identification of osteoporosis susceptibility genes. Genome-wide linkage analysis (GWLA) is the classical approach for identification of genes that cause monogenic diseases; however, it has shown limited success for complex diseases like osteoporosis. In contrast, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully identified over 200 osteoporosis susceptibility loci with genome-wide significance, and have provided most of the candidate genes identified to date. Phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS) apply a phenotype-to-genotype approach which can be used to complement GWAS. PheWAS is capable of characterizing the association between osteoporosis and uncommon and rare genetic variants. Another alternative approach, whole genome sequencing (WGS), will enable the discovery of uncommon and rare genetic variants in osteoporosis. Meta-analysis with increasing statistical power can offer greater confidence in gene searching through the analysis of combined results across genetic studies. Recently, new approaches to gene discovery include animal phenotype based models such as the Collaborative Cross and ENU mutagenesis. Site-directed mutagenesis and genome editing tools such as CRISPR/Cas9, TALENs and ZNFs have been used in functional analysis of candidate genes in vitro and in vivo. These resources are revolutionizing the identification of osteoporosis susceptibility genes through the use of genetically defined inbred mouse libraries, which are screened for bone phenotypes that are then correlated with known genetic variation. Identification of osteoporosis-related susceptibility genes by genetic approaches enables further characterization of gene function in animal models, with the ultimate aim being the identification of novel therapeutic targets for osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbo Yuan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jennifer Tickner
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Benjamin H Mullin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Jinmin Zhao
- Research Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhiyu Zeng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Grant Morahan
- Centre for Diabetes Research, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jiake Xu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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Chitsazan A, Mukhopadhyay P, Ferguson B, Handoko HY, Walker GJ. Keratinocyte Cytokine Networks Associated with Human Melanocytic Nevus Development. J Invest Dermatol 2018; 139:177-185. [PMID: 30009829 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2018.06.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Melanocytes can group together in nevi, commonly thought to form because of intrinsic somatic mutations involving MAPK pathway activation. However, the role of the microenvironment, in particular keratinocytes, in nevogenesis is rarely studied. Melanocytes proliferate during the hair follicle growth phase and in some basal cell carcinomas, allowing us to construct keratinocyte gene expression clusters correlated with melanocyte activation. We asked whether such correlations are evident in the more subtle context of regulation of melanocyte behavior in normal skin. We considered genes which, when mutated in keratinocytes in mice, lead to nevogenesis. Across the human GTEx normal skin database, their expression was correlated with that of keratinocyte cytokines KITLG, HGF, FGF2, EDN1, and melanocyte markers. These cytokines have pleiotropic effects on melanocyte-specific and pigmentation genes and also influence mast cell gene expression. We show five classes of keratinocyte genes that, via germline genetic variation, influence melanocyte activity. These include genes involved in SHH signaling, structural keratins, ribosomal biogenesis, and stem cell governance. In agreement with the finding of KITLG linked to nevogenesis in human genome-wide association studies, we provide evidence that specific keratinocyte cytokines are components of networks that may drive or exacerbate nevus development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Chitsazan
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Australia
| | - Pamela Mukhopadhyay
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Australia
| | - Blake Ferguson
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Australia
| | - Herlina Y Handoko
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Australia
| | - Graeme J Walker
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Australia.
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Legrand JMD, Roy E, Baz B, Mukhopadhyay P, Wong HY, Ram R, Morahan G, Walker G, Khosrotehrani K. Genetic variation in the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway affects contact hypersensitivity responses. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2018; 142:981-984.e7. [PMID: 29753814 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2018.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julien M D Legrand
- UQ Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Edwige Roy
- UQ Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Batoul Baz
- UQ Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Ho Yi Wong
- UQ Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ramesh Ram
- Centre for Diabetes Research, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, Australia
| | - Grant Morahan
- Centre for Diabetes Research, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, Australia
| | - Graeme Walker
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kiarash Khosrotehrani
- UQ Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
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Keratinocyte Sonic Hedgehog Upregulation Drives the Development of Giant Congenital Nevi via Paracrine Endothelin-1 Secretion. J Invest Dermatol 2017; 138:893-902. [PMID: 29138054 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2017.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 10/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Giant congenital nevi are associated with clinical complications such as neurocutaneous melanosis and melanoma. Virtually nothing is known about why some individuals develop these lesions. We previously identified the sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway regulator Cdon as a candidate nevus modifier gene. Here we validate this by studying Cdon knockout mice, and go on to establishing the mechanism by which Shh exacerbates nevogenesis. Cdon knockout mice develop blue nevi without the need for somatic melanocyte oncogenic mutation. In a mouse model carrying melanocyte NRASQ61K, we found that strain backgrounds that carry genetic variants that cause increased keratinocyte Shh pathway activity, as measured by Gli1 and Gli2 expression, develop giant congenital nevi. Shh components are also active adjacent to human congenital nevi. Mechanistically, this exacerbation of nevogenesis is driven via the release of the melanocyte mitogen endothelin-1 from keratinocytes. We then suppressed nevus development in mice using Shh and endothelin antagonists. Our work suggests an aspect of nevus development whereby keratinocyte cytokines such as endothelin-1 can exacerbate nevogenesis, and provides potential therapeutic approaches for giant congenital nevi. Furthermore, it highlights the notion that germline genetic variation, in addition to somatic melanocyte mutation, can strongly influence the histopathological features of melanocytic nevi.
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Abstract
Identifying genes and pathways that contribute to differences in neurobehavioural traits is a key goal in psychiatric research. Despite considerable success in identifying quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with behaviour in laboratory rodents, pinpointing the causal variants and genes is more challenging. For a long time, the main obstacle was the size of QTLs, which could encompass tens if not hundreds of genes. However, recent studies have exploited mouse and rat resources that allow mapping of phenotypes to narrow intervals, encompassing only a few genes. Here, we review these studies, showcase the rodent resources they have used and highlight the insights into neurobehavioural traits provided to date. We discuss what we see as the biggest challenge in the field - translating QTLs into biological knowledge by experimentally validating and functionally characterizing candidate genes - and propose that the CRISPR/Cas genome-editing system holds the key to overcoming this obstacle. Finally, we challenge traditional views on inbred versus outbred resources in the light of recent resource and technology developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelie Baud
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Jonathan Flint
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1761, USA
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