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Qin S, Zeng J, Wang J, Ye M, Deng Q, Wang X, Zhang Z, Yi D, Wu Y, Li-Ling J. Delineation of an inverted tandem Xq23-26.3 duplication in a female featuring extremely short stature and mild mental deficiency. Mol Cytogenet 2023; 16:33. [PMID: 38031145 PMCID: PMC10685508 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-023-00663-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Partial duplications involving the long arm of the X chromosome are associated with mental retardation, short stature, microcephaly, and a wide range of physical findings. Female carriers usually have no clinical phenotype. Occasionally, they may also have heterogeneous features due to non-random inactivation of the X chromosome. METHODS The peripheral blood sample was collected from the patient and subjected to a few genetic testing, including chromosomal karyotyping, Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), Optical genome mapping, short tandem repeat (STR) analysis for Determination of parental origin, and X chromosome inactivation (XCI) analysis. RESULTS We have identified a de novo Xq23-Xq26.3 duplication in an adult female featuring extremely short stature and mild mental deficiency. Chromosome analysis detected a duplication on Xq23-q26.3 with a size of approximately 20 Mb. The duplication region has encompassed a number of genes, among which ARHGEF6, PHF6, HPRT1 and SLC9A6 are associated with X-linked mental retardation. Further analysis suggested that the duplication has derived from her father, was of the inversion duplication type and involved various degrees of skewed X chromosome inactivation. CONCLUSION Correlation with her phenotypes might indicate new mechanisms by which the X chromosome may lead to short stature and mental retardation. Our findings thereby may shed more light on the phenotypic implication of functional disomy of X-chromosome genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengfang Qin
- Department of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, Sichuan, China.
| | - Jiuzhi Zeng
- West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, Sichuan, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, Sichuan, China
| | - Mengling Ye
- Department of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, Sichuan, China
| | - Qin Deng
- Department of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, Sichuan, China
| | - Xueyan Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, Sichuan, China
| | - Dangying Yi
- Department of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Department of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, Sichuan, China
| | - Jesse Li-Ling
- West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610045, Sichuan, China.
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Stier A, Gilberto S, Mohamed WI, Royall LN, Helenius J, Mikicic I, Sajic T, Beli P, Müller DJ, Jessberger S, Peter M. The CUL4B-based E3 ubiquitin ligase regulates mitosis and brain development by recruiting phospho-specific DCAFs. EMBO J 2023; 42:e112847. [PMID: 37365982 PMCID: PMC10476281 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022112847] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The paralogs CUL4A and CUL4B assemble cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase (CRL) complexes regulating multiple chromatin-associated cellular functions. Although they are structurally similar, we found that the unique N-terminal extension of CUL4B is heavily phosphorylated during mitosis, and the phosphorylation pattern is perturbed in the CUL4B-P50L mutation causing X-linked intellectual disability (XLID). Phenotypic characterization and mutational analysis revealed that CUL4B phosphorylation is required for efficient progression through mitosis, controlling spindle positioning and cortical tension. While CUL4B phosphorylation triggers chromatin exclusion, it promotes binding to actin regulators and to two previously unrecognized CUL4B-specific substrate receptors (DCAFs), LIS1 and WDR1. Indeed, co-immunoprecipitation experiments and biochemical analysis revealed that LIS1 and WDR1 interact with DDB1, and their binding is enhanced by the phosphorylated N-terminal domain of CUL4B. Finally, a human forebrain organoid model demonstrated that CUL4B is required to develop stable ventricular structures that correlate with onset of forebrain differentiation. Together, our study uncovers previously unrecognized DCAFs relevant for mitosis and brain development that specifically bind CUL4B, but not the CUL4B-P50L patient mutant, by a phosphorylation-dependent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Stier
- Institute of BiochemistryETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Samuel Gilberto
- Institute of BiochemistryETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Present address:
Monte Rosa TherapeuticsBaselSwitzerland
| | | | - Lars N Royall
- Brain Research InstituteUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Jonne Helenius
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichBaselSwitzerland
| | | | - Tatjana Sajic
- Institute of Molecular Systems BiologyETH ZürichZürichSwitzerland
- Present address:
Faculty Unit of Toxicology, CURML, Faculty of Biology and MedicineUniversity of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Petra Beli
- Institute of Molecular BiologyMainzGermany
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Neurobiology (IDN)Johannes Gutenberg UniversityMainzGermany
| | - Daniel J Müller
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichBaselSwitzerland
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3
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Magalhães TL, Viegas MV, Mendonça C, Travessa A, Soares D. Importance of Genetic Diagnosis in Global Developmental Delay: A Case of Cabezas Syndrome Caused by CUL4B Gene Deletion and Not Identified by Array-CHG. Cureus 2023; 15:e46010. [PMID: 37900499 PMCID: PMC10602199 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46010] [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] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Global developmental delay (GDD) and intellectual disability (ID) are common reasons for referral to neurodevelopmental assessment. The etiology of GDD and ID can be genetic, acquired, or multifactorial. We report a case of a 10-year-old boy with ID and GDD who was diagnosed with Cabezas syndrome, a rare genetic disorder caused by a deletion of the CUL4B gene. Despite normal results from previous testing, exome sequencing with copy number variation analysis led to the identification of the deletion. Early diagnosis of GDD and ID is crucial for effective patient management, including planning interventions and providing support, therapy, and genetic counseling for families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa L Magalhães
- Pediatrics, Centro Hospitalar do Oeste, Caldas da Rainha, Caldas da Rainha, PRT
| | - Mariana V Viegas
- Pediatrics, Centro Hospitalar do Oeste, Caldas da Rainha, Caldas da Rainha, PRT
| | - Catarina Mendonça
- Pediatrics, Centro Hospitalar do Oeste, Caldas da Rainha, Caldas da Rainha, PRT
| | | | - Daniel Soares
- Pediatrics, Centro Hospitalar do Oeste, Caldas da Rainha, Caldas da Rainha, PRT
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4
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Kampmeier A, Leitão E, Parenti I, Beygo J, Depienne C, Bramswig NC, Hsieh TC, Afenjar A, Beck-Wödl S, Grasshoff U, Haack TB, Bijlsma EK, Ruivenkamp C, Lausberg E, Elbracht M, Haanpää MK, Koillinen H, Heinrich U, Rost I, Jamra RA, Popp D, Koch-Hogrebe M, Rostasy K, López-González V, Sanchez-Soler MJ, Macedo C, Schmetz A, Steinborn C, Weidensee S, Lesmann H, Marbach F, Caro P, Schaaf CP, Krawitz P, Wieczorek D, Kaiser FJ, Kuechler A. PHIP-associated Chung-Jansen syndrome: Report of 23 new individuals. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1020609. [PMID: 36726590 PMCID: PMC9886139 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1020609] [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: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2016 and 2018, Chung, Jansen and others described a new syndrome caused by haploinsufficiency of PHIP (pleckstrin homology domain interacting protein, OMIM *612,870) and mainly characterized by developmental delay (DD), learning difficulties/intellectual disability (ID), behavioral abnormalities, facial dysmorphism and obesity (CHUJANS, OMIM #617991). So far, PHIP alterations appear to be a rare cause of DD/ID. "Omics" technologies such as exome sequencing or array analyses have led to the identification of distinct types of alterations of PHIP, including, truncating variants, missense substitutions, splice variants and large deletions encompassing portions of the gene or the entire gene as well as adjacent genomic regions. We collected clinical and genetic data of 23 individuals with PHIP-associated Chung-Jansen syndrome (CHUJANS) from all over Europe. Follow-up investigations (e.g. Sanger sequencing, qPCR or Fluorescence-in-situ-Hybridization) and segregation analysis showed either de novo occurrence or inheritance from an also (mildly) affected parent. In accordance with previously described patients, almost all individuals reported here show developmental delay (22/23), learning disability or ID (22/23), behavioral abnormalities (20/23), weight problems (13/23) and characteristic craniofacial features (i.e. large ears/earlobes, prominent eyebrows, anteverted nares and long philtrum (23/23)). To further investigate the facial gestalt of individuals with CHUJANS, we performed facial analysis using the GestaltMatcher approach. By this, we could establish that PHIP patients are indistinguishable based on the type of PHIP alteration (e.g. missense, loss-of-function, splice site) but show a significant difference to the average face of healthy individuals as well as to individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS, OMIM #176270) or with a CUL4B-alteration (Intellectual developmental disorder, X-linked, syndromic, Cabezas type, OMIM #300354). Our findings expand the mutational and clinical spectrum of CHUJANS. We discuss the molecular and clinical features in comparison to the published individuals. The fact that some variants were inherited from a mildly affected parent further illustrates the variability of the associated phenotype and outlines the importance of a thorough clinical evaluation combined with genetic analyses for accurate diagnosis and counselling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Kampmeier
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsmedizin Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany,*Correspondence: Antje Kampmeier, ; Alma Kuechler,
| | - Elsa Leitão
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsmedizin Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ilaria Parenti
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsmedizin Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jasmin Beygo
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsmedizin Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christel Depienne
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsmedizin Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nuria C Bramswig
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsmedizin Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tzung-Chien Hsieh
- Institut für Genomische Statistik und Bioinformatik, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexandra Afenjar
- Département de génétique et embryologie médicale, Centre de Référence Malformations et maladies congénitales du cervelet et déficiences intellectuelles de causes rares, Hôpital Trousseau, APHP Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Stefanie Beck-Wödl
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ute Grasshoff
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tobias B Haack
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Emilia K Bijlsma
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Claudia Ruivenkamp
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Eva Lausberg
- Institut für Humangenetik und Genommedizin, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Miriam Elbracht
- Institut für Humangenetik und Genommedizin, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Maria K Haanpää
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland,Department of Genomics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Hannele Koillinen
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland,Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Uwe Heinrich
- Zentrum für Humangenetik und Laboratoriumsdiagnostik Dr. Klein Dr. Rost und Kollegen, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Imma Rost
- Zentrum für Humangenetik und Laboratoriumsdiagnostik Dr. Klein Dr. Rost und Kollegen, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Rami Abou Jamra
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Denny Popp
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Margarete Koch-Hogrebe
- Vestische Kinder- und Jugendklinik Datteln, Abteilung für Neuropädiatrie, Datteln, Germany
| | - Kevin Rostasy
- Vestische Kinder- und Jugendklinik Datteln, Abteilung für Neuropädiatrie, Datteln, Germany
| | - Vanesa López-González
- Sección Genética Médica, Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain,Sección de Genética Médica, Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, IMIB-Arrixaca, CIBERER, Murcia, Spain
| | - María José Sanchez-Soler
- Sección Genética Médica, Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Catarina Macedo
- Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Pediatria, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário Lisboa Norte, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ariane Schmetz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Carmen Steinborn
- MVZ Mitteldeutscher Praxisverbund Humangenetik, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Hellen Lesmann
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Felix Marbach
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pilar Caro
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian P. Schaaf
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Krawitz
- Institut für Genomische Statistik und Bioinformatik, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dagmar Wieczorek
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany,Center for Rare Diseases, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Frank J Kaiser
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsmedizin Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany,Essener Zentrum für Seltene Erkrankungen (EZSE), Universitätsmedizin Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alma Kuechler
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsmedizin Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany,Essener Zentrum für Seltene Erkrankungen (EZSE), Universitätsmedizin Essen, Essen, Germany,*Correspondence: Antje Kampmeier, ; Alma Kuechler,
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5
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CUL4B-associated epilepsy: Report of a novel truncating variant promoting drug-resistant seizures and systematic review of the literature. Seizure 2023; 104:32-37. [PMID: 36476360 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2022.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cabezas syndrome is a rare X-linked disease caused by mutations in CUL4B and characterized by developmental delay/intellectual disability, somatic dysmorphisms, behavioural disorder, ataxia/tremors. Although seizures have been formerly reported, their clinical semiology, EEG features and long-term outcome are largely unknown. PURPOSE This study aims to expand knowledge on epilepsy associated with Cabezas syndrome and to understand whether different types of variants in the CUL4B gene or brain MRI abnormalities may influence seizure onset and epilepsy course. METHODS With this in mind, we characterised the epileptic phenotype of a 17-year-old adolescent harbouring a CUL4B novel variant and performed a systematic literature review of CUL4B-associated seizures, analysing mutation types and neuroimaging features as epilepsy predictors. RESULTS Our case observation indicates that CUL4B-associated epilepsy may also be drug-resistant and persist beyond infancy. Literature analysis shows that 43% of CUL4B patients develop seizures, with no statistically significant differences in epilepsy development according to mutation type and neuroimaging features. CONCLUSION Our study extends knowledge of CUL4B-associated epilepsy, offering new insights into disease progression.
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Pasińska M, Łazarczyk E, Repczyńska A, Sobczyńska-Tomaszewska A, Zimowski J, Runge A, Haus O. Clinical Importance of aCGH in Genetic Counselling of Children with Psychomotor Retardation. Appl Clin Genet 2022; 15:27-38. [PMID: 35603035 PMCID: PMC9116409 DOI: 10.2147/tacg.s357136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The X and Y chromosomes are responsible for the determination and differentiation of the gonads, and their numerical and structural abnormalities may cause the abnormal development of secondary sex characteristics. The presence of abnormalities concerning X chromosome can also contribute to many genetically heterogeneous diseases associated with cognitive impairment and intellectual disability. Purpose This study shows the effect of aberrations of the maternal X chromosome on the abnormal development of the child. Patients and Methods Ten women aged 26 to 40 years were consulted in genetic counselling clinic and subsequently subjected to cytogenetic and molecular tests due to abnormal psychomotor development of their children, in whom structural aberrations of the X chromosome had been detected. Results Two women were diagnosed with changes in karyotype: 46,X,der(X)t(X;Y)(p22.3;q11.2) in one and 46,X,inv(X)(p21.2q13). Five women were diagnosed with microduplications in the short arm of the X chromosome; dupXp22.31 in one, and in four women dupXp22.33. The remaining three women were diagnosed with duplication in the long arm of the X chromosome; dupXq25 in one and dupXq26.3 in two women. Conclusion Genetic analysis of the X chromosome, based on cytogenetic and molecular methods of the highest available resolution, is extremely important in women with reproductive failure. These methods allow establishing accurately the breakpoints and rearrangements in chromosomes, and assessment of the copy number variation (CNV) can explain phenotypic variability with apparently similar aberrations. A more precise characterization of the alterations is necessary for the correct genetic diagnosis, as well as determination of the carrier status and genetic risk in family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Pasińska
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Ewelina Łazarczyk
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Anna Repczyńska
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | | | - Janusz Zimowski
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Agata Runge
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Olga Haus
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Lambert N, Moïse M, Nguyen L. E3 Ubiquitin ligases and cerebral cortex development in health and disease. Dev Neurobiol 2022; 82:392-407. [PMID: 35476229 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral cortex development involves the sequential progression of biological steps driven by molecular pathways whose tight regulation often relies on ubiquitination. Ubiquitination is a post-translational modification involved in all aspects of cellular homeostasis through the attachment of a ubiquitin moiety on proteins. Over the past years, an increasing amount of research has highlighted the crucial role played by ubiquitin ligases in every step of cortical development and whose impairment often leads to various neurodevelopmental disorders. In this review, we focus on the key contributions of E3 ubiquitin ligases for the progression of the different steps of corticogenesis, as well as the pathological consequences of their mutations, often resulting in malformations of cortical development. Finally, we discuss some promising targeted treatment strategies for these diseases based on recent advances in the field. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Lambert
- Laboratory of molecular regulation of neurogenesis, GIGA-Stem Cells and GIGA-Neurosciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA-R), University of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, 4000, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Martin Moïse
- Laboratory of molecular regulation of neurogenesis, GIGA-Stem Cells and GIGA-Neurosciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA-R), University of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, 4000, Belgium.,Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Laurent Nguyen
- Laboratory of molecular regulation of neurogenesis, GIGA-Stem Cells and GIGA-Neurosciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA-R), University of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, 4000, Belgium
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8
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Gonzalez-Latapi P, Sousa M, Lang AE. Movement Disorders Associated with Hypogonadism. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2021; 8:997-1011. [PMID: 34631935 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of movement disorders can be associated with hypogonadism. Identification of this association may aid in guiding workup and reaching an accurate diagnosis. We conducted a comprehensive and structured search to identify the most common movement disorders associated with hypogonadism. Only Case Reports and Case Series articles were included. Ataxia was the most common movement disorder associated with hypogonadism, including entities such as Gordon-Holmes syndrome, Boucher-Neuhäuser, Marinesco-Sjögren and Perrault syndrome. Tremor was also commonly described, particularly with aneuploidies such as Klinefelter syndrome and Jacob's syndrome. Other rare conditions including mitochondrial disorders and Woodhouse-Sakati syndrome are associated with dystonia and parkinsonism and either hypo or hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. We also highlight those entities where a combination of movement disorders is present. Hypogonadism may be more commonly associated with movement disorders than previously appreciated. It is important for the clinician to be aware of this association, as well as accompanying symptoms in order to reach a precise diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Gonzalez-Latapi
- The Edmond J. Safra Program for Parkinson Disease, Movement Disorder Clinic Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Mario Sousa
- The Edmond J. Safra Program for Parkinson Disease, Movement Disorder Clinic Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Anthony E Lang
- The Edmond J. Safra Program for Parkinson Disease, Movement Disorder Clinic Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada.,Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
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López M, Pérez‐Grijalba V, García‐Cobaleda I, Domínguez‐Garrido E. A 22.5 kb deletion in CUL4B causing Cabezas syndrome identified using CNV approach from WES data. Clin Case Rep 2020; 8:3184-3188. [PMID: 33363903 PMCID: PMC7752442 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.3381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Detecting clinical grade CNV based on WES is being improved in the NGS era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria López
- Molecular Diagnostics LaboratoryFundación Rioja SaludLogroñoSpain
| | | | - Inmaculada García‐Cobaleda
- Unidad de Diagnóstico y Asesoramiento GenéticoHospital Universitario Nuestra Sra de CandelariaSanta Cruz de TenerifeSpain
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10
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Ritelli M, Palagano E, Cinquina V, Beccagutti F, Chiarelli N, Strina D, Hall IF, Villa A, Sobacchi C, Colombi M. Genome-first approach for the characterization of a complex phenotype with combined NBAS and CUL4B deficiency. Bone 2020; 140:115571. [PMID: 32768688 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2020.115571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Biallelic variants in neuroblastoma-amplified sequence (NBAS) cause an extremely broad spectrum of phenotypes. Clinical features range from isolated recurrent episodes of liver failure to multisystemic syndrome including short stature, skeletal osteopenia and dysplasia, optic atrophy, and a variable immunological, cutaneous, muscular, and neurological abnormalities. Hemizygous variants in CUL4B cause syndromic X-linked intellectual disability characterized by limitations in intellectual functions, developmental delays in gait, cognitive, and speech functioning, and other features including short stature, dysmorphism, and cerebral malformations. In this study, we report on a 4.5-month-old preterm infant with a complex phenotype mainly characterized by placental-related severe intrauterine growth restriction, post-natal growth failure with spontaneous bone fractures, which led to a suspicion of osteogenesis imperfecta, and lethal bronchopulmonary dysplasia with pulmonary hypertension. Whole exome sequencing identified compound heterozygosity for a known frameshift and a novel missense variant in NBAS and hemizygosity for a known CUL4B nonsense mutation. In vitro functional studies on the novel NBAS missense substitution demonstrated altered Golgi-to-endoplasmic reticulum retrograde vesicular trafficking and reduced collagen secretion, likely explaining part of the patient's phenotype. We also provided a comprehensive overview of the phenotypic features of NBAS and CUL4B deficiency, thus updating the recently emerging NBAS genotype-phenotype correlations. Our findings highlight the power of a genome-first approach for an early diagnosis of complex phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Ritelli
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Palagano
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche-Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (CNR-IRGB), Milan Unit, 20138 Milan, Italy; Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Valeria Cinquina
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Federica Beccagutti
- Fondazione Poliambulanza, Department of Neonatal Intensive Care, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Nicola Chiarelli
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Dario Strina
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche-Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (CNR-IRGB), Milan Unit, 20138 Milan, Italy; Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | | | - Anna Villa
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche-Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (CNR-IRGB), Milan Unit, 20138 Milan, Italy; San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy SR-Tiget, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Sobacchi
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche-Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (CNR-IRGB), Milan Unit, 20138 Milan, Italy; Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 20089 Rozzano, Italy.
| | - Marina Colombi
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
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11
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Rha J, Jones SK, Fidler J, Banerjee A, Leung SW, Morris KJ, Wong JC, Inglis GAS, Shapiro L, Deng Q, Cutler AA, Hanif AM, Pardue MT, Schaffer A, Seyfried NT, Moberg KH, Bassell GJ, Escayg A, García PS, Corbett AH. The RNA-binding protein, ZC3H14, is required for proper poly(A) tail length control, expression of synaptic proteins, and brain function in mice. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 26:3663-3681. [PMID: 28666327 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of mutations in genes that encode ubiquitously expressed RNA-binding proteins cause tissue specific disease. Many of these diseases are neurological in nature revealing critical roles for this class of proteins in the brain. We recently identified mutations in a gene that encodes a ubiquitously expressed polyadenosine RNA-binding protein, ZC3H14 (Zinc finger CysCysCysHis domain-containing protein 14), that cause a nonsyndromic, autosomal recessive form of intellectual disability. This finding reveals the molecular basis for disease and provides evidence that ZC3H14 is essential for proper brain function. To investigate the role of ZC3H14 in the mammalian brain, we generated a mouse in which the first common exon of the ZC3H14 gene, exon 13 is removed (Zc3h14Δex13/Δex13) leading to a truncated ZC3H14 protein. We report here that, as in the patients, Zc3h14 is not essential in mice. Utilizing these Zc3h14Δex13/Δex13mice, we provide the first in vivo functional characterization of ZC3H14 as a regulator of RNA poly(A) tail length. The Zc3h14Δex13/Δex13 mice show enlarged lateral ventricles in the brain as well as impaired working memory. Proteomic analysis comparing the hippocampi of Zc3h14+/+ and Zc3h14Δex13/Δex13 mice reveals dysregulation of several pathways that are important for proper brain function and thus sheds light onto which pathways are most affected by the loss of ZC3H14. Among the proteins increased in the hippocampi of Zc3h14Δex13/Δex13 mice compared to control are key synaptic proteins including CaMK2a. This newly generated mouse serves as a tool to study the function of ZC3H14 in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Rha
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.,Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell, and Developmental Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Stephanie K Jones
- Department of Biology.,Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jonathan Fidler
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine & Research Division, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | | | | - Kevin J Morris
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell, and Developmental Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.,Department of Biology
| | - Jennifer C Wong
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - George Andrew S Inglis
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Lindsey Shapiro
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Qiudong Deng
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Alicia A Cutler
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell, and Developmental Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Adam M Hanif
- Department of Opthamology, Emory University School of Medicine & Research Division, & Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Machelle T Pardue
- Department of Opthamology, Emory University School of Medicine & Research Division, & Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Ashleigh Schaffer
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-4955, USA
| | - Nicholas T Seyfried
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Kenneth H Moberg
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Gary J Bassell
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Andrew Escayg
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Paul S García
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine & Research Division, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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12
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Weissbach S, Reinert MC, Altmüller J, Krätzner R, Thiele H, Rosenbaum T, Nürnberg P, Gärtner J. A new CUL4B variant associated with a mild phenotype and an exceptional pattern of leukoencephalopathy. Am J Med Genet A 2017; 173:2803-2807. [PMID: 28817236 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.38390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Cabezas type of X-linked syndromic intellectual disability (MRXSC; MIM300354) is a rare X-linked recessive intellectual disability characterized primarily by intellectual disability, short stature, hypogonadism, and gait abnormalities. It is caused by a wide spectrum of hemizygous variants in CUL4B. In a 10-year-old boy with an exceptional leukoencephalopathy pattern, we identified a new missense variant p.Leu329Gln in CUL4B using "Mendeliome" sequencing. However, his phenotype does not include the severe characteristics currently known for MRXSC. We discuss the divergent phenotype and propose a potential connection between the different CUL4B variants and corresponding phenotypes in the context of the current literature as well as 3D homology modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susann Weissbach
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marie-Christine Reinert
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Janine Altmüller
- Cologne Center for Genomics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ralph Krätzner
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Holger Thiele
- Cologne Center for Genomics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thorsten Rosenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Sana Hospitals Duisburg, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Peter Nürnberg
- Cologne Center for Genomics, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jutta Gärtner
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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13
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Genome-first approach diagnosed Cabezas syndrome via novel CUL4B mutation detection. Hum Genome Var 2017; 4:16045. [PMID: 28144446 PMCID: PMC5243919 DOI: 10.1038/hgv.2016.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cabezas syndrome is a syndromic form of X-linked intellectual disability primarily characterized by a short stature, hypogonadism and abnormal gait, with other variable features resulting from mutations in the CUL4B gene. Here, we report a clinically undiagnosed 5-year-old male with severe intellectual disability. A genome-first approach using targeted exome sequencing identified a novel nonsense mutation [NM_003588.3:c.2698G>T, p.(Glu900*)] in the last coding exon of CUL4B, thus diagnosing this patient with Cabezas syndrome.
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14
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Vulto-van Silfhout AT, Nakagawa T, Bahi-Buisson N, Haas SA, Hu H, Bienek M, Vissers LELM, Gilissen C, Tzschach A, Busche A, Müsebeck J, Rump P, Mathijssen IB, Avela K, Somer M, Doagu F, Philips AK, Rauch A, Baumer A, Voesenek K, Poirier K, Vigneron J, Amram D, Odent S, Nawara M, Obersztyn E, Lenart J, Charzewska A, Lebrun N, Fischer U, Nillesen WM, Yntema HG, Järvelä I, Ropers HH, de Vries BBA, Brunner HG, van Bokhoven H, Raymond FL, Willemsen MAAP, Chelly J, Xiong Y, Barkovich AJ, Kalscheuer VM, Kleefstra T, de Brouwer APM. Variants in CUL4B are associated with cerebral malformations. Hum Mutat 2015; 36:106-17. [PMID: 25385192 DOI: 10.1002/humu.22718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Variants in cullin 4B (CUL4B) are a known cause of syndromic X-linked intellectual disability. Here, we describe an additional 25 patients from 11 families with variants in CUL4B. We identified nine different novel variants in these families and confirmed the pathogenicity of all nontruncating variants. Neuroimaging data, available for 15 patients, showed the presence of cerebral malformations in ten patients. The cerebral anomalies comprised malformations of cortical development (MCD), ventriculomegaly, and diminished white matter volume. The phenotypic heterogeneity of the cerebral malformations might result from the involvement of CUL-4B in various cellular pathways essential for normal brain development. Accordingly, we show that CUL-4B interacts with WDR62, a protein in which variants were previously identified in patients with microcephaly and a wide range of MCD. This interaction might contribute to the development of cerebral malformations in patients with variants in CUL4B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneke T Vulto-van Silfhout
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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15
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Hannah J, Zhou P. Distinct and overlapping functions of the cullin E3 ligase scaffolding proteins CUL4A and CUL4B. Gene 2015; 573:33-45. [PMID: 26344709 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.08.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The cullin 4 subfamily of genes includes CUL4A and CUL4B, which share a mostly identical amino acid sequence aside from the elongated N-terminal region in CUL4B. Both act as scaffolding proteins for modular cullin RING ligase 4 (CRL4) complexes which promote the ubiquitination of a variety of substrates. CRL4 function is vital to cells as loss of both genes or their shared substrate adaptor protein DDB1 halts proliferation and eventually leads to cell death. Due to their high structural similarity, CUL4A and CUL4B share a substantial overlap in function. However, in some cases, differences in subcellular localization, spatiotemporal expression patterns and stress-inducibility preclude functional compensation. In this review, we highlight the most essential functions of the CUL4 genes in: DNA repair and replication, chromatin-remodeling, cell cycle regulation, embryogenesis, hematopoiesis and spermatogenesis. CUL4 genes are also clinically relevant as dysregulation can contribute to the onset of cancer and CRL4 complexes are often hijacked by certain viruses to promote viral replication and survival. Also, mutations in CUL4B have been implicated in a subset of patients suffering from syndromic X-linked intellectual disability (AKA mental retardation). Interestingly, the antitumor effects of immunomodulatory drugs are caused by their binding to the CRL4CRBN complex and re-directing the E3 ligase towards the Ikaros transcription factors IKZF1 and IKZF3. Because of their influence over key cellular functions and relevance to human disease, CRL4s are considered promising targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Hannah
- Department of Pathology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Ave. NY, NY 10065, United States.
| | - Pengbo Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Ave. NY, NY 10065, United States.
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16
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Shen E, Shulha H, Weng Z, Akbarian S. Regulation of histone H3K4 methylation in brain development and disease. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2015; 369:rstb.2013.0514. [PMID: 25135975 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing list of mutations implicated in monogenic disorders of the developing brain includes at least seven genes (ARX, CUL4B, KDM5A, KDM5C, KMT2A, KMT2C, KMT2D) with loss-of-function mutations affecting proper regulation of histone H3 lysine 4 methylation, a chromatin mark which on a genome-wide scale is broadly associated with active gene expression, with its mono-, di- and trimethylated forms differentially enriched at promoter and enhancer and other regulatory sequences. In addition to these rare genetic syndromes, dysregulated H3K4 methylation could also play a role in the pathophysiology of some cases diagnosed with autism or schizophrenia, two conditions which on a genome-wide scale are associated with H3K4 methylation changes at hundreds of loci in a subject-specific manner. Importantly, the reported alterations for some of the diseased brain specimens included a widespread broadening of H3K4 methylation profiles at gene promoters, a process that could be regulated by the UpSET(KMT2E/MLL5)-histone deacetylase complex. Furthermore, preclinical studies identified maternal immune activation, parental care and monoaminergic drugs as environmental determinants for brain-specific H3K4 methylation. These novel insights into the epigenetic risk architectures of neurodevelopmental disease will be highly relevant for efforts aimed at improved prevention and treatment of autism and psychosis spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Shen
- Department of Psychiatry, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Hennady Shulha
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| | - Zhiping Weng
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01604, USA
| | - Schahram Akbarian
- Department of Psychiatry, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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17
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Zhao X, Jiang B, Hu H, Mao F, Mi J, Li Z, Liu Q, Shao C, Gong Y. Zebrafish cul4a, but not cul4b, modulates cardiac and forelimb development by upregulating tbx5a expression. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 24:853-64. [PMID: 25274780 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
CUL4A and CUL4B are closely related cullin family members and can each assemble a Cullin-RING E3 ligase complex (CRL) and participate in a variety of biological processes. While the CRLs formed by the two cullin members may have common targets, the two appeared to have very different consequences when mutated or disrupted in mammals. We here investigated the roles of cul4a and cul4b during zebrafish embryogenesis by using the morpholino knockdown approach. We found that cul4a is essential for cardiac development as well as for pectoral fin development. Whereas cul4a morphants appeared to be unperturbed in chamber specification, they failed to undergo heart looping. The failures in heart looping and pectoral fin formation in cul4a morphants were accompanied by greatly reduced proliferation of cardiac cells and pectoral fin-forming cells. We demonstrated that tbx5a, a transcription factor essential for heart and limb development, is transcriptionally upregulated by cul4a and mediates the function of cul4a in cardiac and pectoral fin development. In contrast to the critical importance of cul4a, cul4b appeared to be dispensable for zebrafish development and was incapable of compensating for the loss of cul4a. This work provides the first demonstration of an essential role of cul4a, but not cul4b, in cardiac development and in the regulation of tbx5a in zebrafish. These findings justify exploring the functional role of CUL4A in human cardiac development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Baichun Jiang
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Huili Hu
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Fei Mao
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Jun Mi
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Zhaohui Li
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Qiji Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Changshun Shao
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yaoqin Gong
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
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18
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Kuru K, Niranjan M, Tunca Y, Osvank E, Azim T. Biomedical visual data analysis to build an intelligent diagnostic decision support system in medical genetics. Artif Intell Med 2014; 62:105-18. [PMID: 25262492 DOI: 10.1016/j.artmed.2014.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2013] [Revised: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In general, medical geneticists aim to pre-diagnose underlying syndromes based on facial features before performing cytological or molecular analyses where a genotype-phenotype interrelation is possible. However, determining correct genotype-phenotype interrelationships among many syndromes is tedious and labor-intensive, especially for extremely rare syndromes. Thus, a computer-aided system for pre-diagnosis can facilitate effective and efficient decision support, particularly when few similar cases are available, or in remote rural districts where diagnostic knowledge of syndromes is not readily available. METHODS The proposed methodology, visual diagnostic decision support system (visual diagnostic DSS), employs machine learning (ML) algorithms and digital image processing techniques in a hybrid approach for automated diagnosis in medical genetics. This approach uses facial features in reference images of disorders to identify visual genotype-phenotype interrelationships. Our statistical method describes facial image data as principal component features and diagnoses syndromes using these features. RESULTS The proposed system was trained using a real dataset of previously published face images of subjects with syndromes, which provided accurate diagnostic information. The method was tested using a leave-one-out cross-validation scheme with 15 different syndromes, each of comprised 5-9 cases, i.e., 92 cases in total. An accuracy rate of 83% was achieved using this automated diagnosis technique, which was statistically significant (p<0.01). Furthermore, the sensitivity and specificity values were 0.857 and 0.870, respectively. CONCLUSION Our results show that the accurate classification of syndromes is feasible using ML techniques. Thus, a large number of syndromes with characteristic facial anomaly patterns could be diagnosed with similar diagnostic DSSs to that described in the present study, i.e., visual diagnostic DSS, thereby demonstrating the benefits of using hybrid image processing and ML-based computer-aided diagnostics for identifying facial phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaya Kuru
- Department of Communication, Electronics, and Information Systems, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Etlik, Ankara 06010, Turkey.
| | - Mahesan Niranjan
- School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BF, UK
| | - Yusuf Tunca
- Department of Medical Genetics, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Etlik, Ankara 06010, Turkey
| | - Erhan Osvank
- Institute of Informatics, Middle East Technical University, Balgat, Ankara 06531, Turkey
| | - Tayyaba Azim
- School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BF, UK
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19
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Londin ER, Adijanto J, Philp N, Novelli A, Vitale E, Perria C, Serra G, Alesi V, Surrey S, Fortina P. Donor splice-site mutation in CUL4B is likely cause of X-linked intellectual disability. Am J Med Genet A 2014; 164A:2294-9. [PMID: 24898194 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.36629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
X-linked intellectual disability is the most common form of cognitive disability in males. Syndromic intellectual disability encompasses cognitive deficits with other medical and behavioral manifestations. Recently, a large family with a novel form of syndromic X-linked intellectual disability was characterized. Eight of 24 members of the family are male and had cognitive dysfunction, short stature, aphasia, skeletal abnormalities, and minor anomalies. To identify the causative gene(s), we performed exome sequencing in three affected boys, both parents, and an unaffected sister. We identified a haplotype consisting of eight variants located in cis within the linkage region that segregated with affected members in the family. Of these variants, two were novel. The first was at the splice-donor site of intron 7 (c.974+1G>T) in the cullin-RING ubiquitin ligase (E3) gene, CUL4B. This variant is predicted to result in failure to splice and remove intron 7 from the primary transcript. The second variant mapped to the 3'-UTR region of the KAISO gene (c.1127T>G). Sanger sequencing validated the variants in these relatives as well as in three affected males and five carriers. The KAISO gene variant was predicted to create a binding site for the microRNAs miR-4999 and miR-4774; however, luciferase expression assays failed to validate increased targeting of these miRNAs to the variant 3'-UTR. This SNP may affect 3'-UTR structure leading to decreased mRNA stability. Our results suggest that the intellectual disability phenotype in this family is caused by aberrant splicing and removal of intron 7 from CUL4B gene primary transcript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R Londin
- Computational Medicine Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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20
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X-linked intellectual disability type Nascimento is a clinically distinct, probably underdiagnosed entity. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2013; 8:146. [PMID: 24053514 PMCID: PMC4015352 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1172-8-146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
X-linked intellectual disability type Nascimento (MIM #300860), caused by mutations in UBE2A (MIM *312180), is characterized by craniofacial dysmorphism (synophrys, prominent supraorbital ridges, deep-set, almond-shaped eyes, depressed nasal bridge, prominent columella, hypoplastic alae nasi, and macrostomia), skin anomalies (hirsutism, myxedematous appearance, onychodystrophy), micropenis, moderate to severe intellectual disability (ID), motor delay, impaired/absent speech, and seizures. Hitherto only five familial point mutations and four different deletions including UBE2A have been reported in the literature. We present eight additional individuals from five families with UBE2A associated ID - three males from a consanguineous family, in whom we identified a small deletion of only 7.1 kb encompassing the first three exons of UBE2A, two related males with a UBE2A missense mutation in exon 4, a patient with a de novo nonsense mutation in exon 6, and two sporadic males with larger deletions including UBE2A. All affected male individuals share the typical clinical phenotype, all carrier females are unaffected and presented with a completely skewed X inactivation in blood. We conclude that 1.) X-linked intellectual disability type Nascimento is a clinically very distinct entity that might be underdiagnosed to date. 2.) So far, all females carrying a familial UBE2A aberration have a completely skewed X inactivation and are clinically unaffected. This should be taken in to account when counselling those families. 3.) The coverage of an array should be checked carefully prior to analysis since not all arrays have a sufficient resolution at specific loci, or alternative quantitative methods should be applied not to miss small deletions.
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Abstract
Affected patients with hypogonadism have unnaturally low amounts of sex hormones that produce male and female sex characteristics. Males who suffer from this condition lack testosterone, while females fail to produce enough estrogen. Hypogonadism may be present at birth, or it may take effect years later following injury or illness to the sex glands. Hypogonadism has remarkable associations with variable medical disorders; however, it is characterized by a distinctive association with variable neurological disorders: such as epilepsy, ataxia, dysmyelination, nerve muscle disease, movement disorders, mental retardation and deafness. The remarkable neurological diseases with hypogonadism should not basically be regarded as coincidental findings, but possibly related to an intrinsic pathophysiological association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz Alsemari
- Neurology Section, Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, MBC. 76, PO Box 3354, Riyadh 11211, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Liu HC, Enikolopov G, Chen Y. Cul4B regulates neural progenitor cell growth. BMC Neurosci 2012; 13:112. [PMID: 22992378 PMCID: PMC3506489 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-13-112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cullin ubiquitin ligases are activated via the covalent modification of Cullins by the small ubiquitin-like protein nedd8 in a process called neddylation. Genetic mutations of cullin-4b (cul4b) cause a prevalent type of X-linked intellectual disability (XLID) in males, but the physiological function of Cul4B in neuronal cells remains unclear. Results There are three major isoforms of Cul4B (1, 2, and 3) in human and rodent tissues. By examining the endogenous Cul4B isoforms in the brain, this study demonstrates that Cul4B-1 and Cul4B-2 isoforms are unneddylated and more abundant in the brain whereas the lesser species Cul4B-3 that misses the N-terminus present in the other two isoforms is neddylated. The data suggest that the N-terminus of Cul4B inhibits neddylation in the larger isoforms. Immunostaining of human NT-2 cells also shows that most Cul4B is unneddylated, especially when it is localized in the process in G0-synchronized cells. This study demonstrates that Cul4B accumulates during mitosis and downregulation of Cul4B arrests NPCs and NT-2 cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. In both human and rodent brain tissues, Cul4B-positive cells accumulate β-catenin in the dentate subgranular zone and the subventricular zone. These Cul4B-positive cells also co-express the MPM-2 mitotic epitope, suggesting that Cul4B is also necessary for mitosis progression in vivo. Conclusions This study provides first evidence that unneddylated Cul4B isoforms exist in the brain and are necessary for mitosis progression in NPCs. The data suggest that unneddylated Cul4B isoforms specifically inhibits β-catenin degradation during mitosis. Furthermore, unneddylated Cul4B may play a role in addition to cell cycle since it is exclusively localized to the processes in starved NT-2 cells. Further analyses of the different isoforms of Cul4B will help understand the cognitive deficits in Cul4B-linked XLID and give insights into drug and biomarker discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helio C Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Slot 807, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
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Ravn K, Lindquist SG, Nielsen K, Dahm TL, Tümer Z. Deletion of CUL4B leads to concordant phenotype in a monozygotic twin pair. Clin Genet 2012; 82:292-4. [PMID: 22182342 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2011.01839.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Kerzendorfer C, Hart L, Colnaghi R, Carpenter G, Alcantara D, Outwin E, Carr AM, O’Driscoll M. CUL4B-deficiency in humans: Understanding the clinical consequences of impaired Cullin 4-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase function. Mech Ageing Dev 2011; 132:366-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2011.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2010] [Revised: 01/18/2011] [Accepted: 02/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Beckmann J, Vitobello A, Ferralli J, Kenzelmann Brož D, Rijli FM, Chiquet-Ehrismann R. Human teneurin-1 is a direct target of the homeobox transcription factor EMX2 at a novel alternate promoter. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2011; 11:35. [PMID: 21651764 PMCID: PMC3127987 DOI: 10.1186/1471-213x-11-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2010] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Teneurin-1 is a member of a family of type II transmembrane proteins conserved from C.elegans to vertebrates. Teneurin expression in vertebrates is best studied in mouse and chicken, where the four members teneurin-1 to -4 are predominantly expressed in the developing nervous system in area specific patterns. Based on their distinct, complementary expression a possible function in the establishment of proper connectivity in the brain was postulated. However, the transcription factors contributing to these distinctive expression patterns are largely unknown. Emx2 is a homeobox transcription factor, known to be important for area specification in the developing cortex. A study of Emx2 knock-out mice suggested a role of Emx2 in regulating patterned teneurin expression. Results 5'RACE of human teneurin-1 revealed new alternative untranslated exons that are conserved in mouse and chicken. Closer analysis of the conserved region around the newly identified transcription start revealed promoter activity that was induced by EMX2. Mutation of a predicted homeobox binding site decreased the promoter activity in different reporter assays in vitro and in vivo in electroporated chick embryos. We show direct in vivo binding of EMX2 to the newly identified promoter element and finally confirm that the endogenous alternate transcript is specifically upregulated by EMX2. Conclusions We found that human teneurin-1 is directly regulated by EMX2 at a newly identified and conserved promoter region upstream of the published transcription start site, establishing teneurin-1 as the first human EMX2 target gene. We identify and characterize the EMX2 dependent promoter element of human teneurin-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Beckmann
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Novartis Research Foundation, Basel, Switzerland
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El-Khamisy SF. To live or to die: a matter of processing damaged DNA termini in neurons. EMBO Mol Med 2011; 3:78-88. [PMID: 21246735 PMCID: PMC3377058 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201000114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2010] [Revised: 11/22/2010] [Accepted: 12/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Defects in the repair of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage underpin several hereditary neurological diseases in humans. Of the different activities that repair chromosomal DNA breaks, defects in resolving damaged DNA termini are among the most common causes of neuronal cell death. Here, the molecular mechanisms of some of the DNA end processing activities are reviewed and the association with human neurodegenerative disease is discussed.
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Isidor B, Pichon O, Baron S, David A, Le Caignec C. Deletion of the CUL4B gene in a boy with mental retardation, minor facial anomalies, short stature, hypogonadism, and ataxia. Am J Med Genet A 2010; 152A:175-80. [PMID: 20014135 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.33152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The CUL4B gene encodes a member of Cullin-RING ubiquitin ligase complex. Point mutations in CUL4B were identified recently in patients with syndromic X-linked mental retardation (XLMR). Here, using oligoarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH), we identified a de novo deletion of the CUL4B gene in a boy with syndromic mental retardation, minor facial anomalies, short stature, delayed puberty, hypogonadism, relative macrocephaly, gait ataxia, and pes cavus, all manifestations described previously in patients with CUL4B point mutations. Interestingly, our patient also presented with aortic valvular "dysplasia" and vertebral anomalies similar to those seen in Scheuermann disease, both of which may also be part of this syndrome. This report further suggests that point mutations and deletions of the CUL4B gene lead to a recognizable phenotype. The association of facial anomalies, short stature, hypogonadism, and gait ataxia in a mentally retarded boy should prompt molecular analyses of the CUL4B gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertrand Isidor
- Service de Génétique Médicale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes 7, Quai Moncousu, 44000 Nantes Cedex, France.
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Badura-Stronka M, Jamsheer A, Materna-Kiryluk A, SowiÅska A, Kiryluk K, Budny B, Latos-BieleÅska A. A novel nonsense mutation inCUL4Bgene in three brothers with X-linked mental retardation syndrome. Clin Genet 2010; 77:141-4. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2009.01331.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Kerzendorfer C, Whibley A, Carpenter G, Outwin E, Chiang SC, Turner G, Schwartz C, El-Khamisy S, Raymond FL, O'Driscoll M. Mutations in Cullin 4B result in a human syndrome associated with increased camptothecin-induced topoisomerase I-dependent DNA breaks. Hum Mol Genet 2010; 19:1324-34. [PMID: 20064923 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddq008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
CUL4A and B encode subunits of E3-ubiquitin ligases implicated in diverse processes including nucleotide excision repair, regulating gene expression and controlling DNA replication fork licensing. But, the functional distinction between CUL4A and CUL4B, if any, is unclear. Recently, mutations in CUL4B were identified in humans associated with mental retardation, relative macrocephaly, tremor and a peripheral neuropathy. Cells from these patients offer a unique system to help define at the molecular level the consequences of defective CUL4B specifically. We show that these patient-derived cells exhibit sensitivity to camptothecin (CPT), impaired CPT-induced topoisomerase I (Topo I) degradation and ubiquitination, thereby suggesting Topo I to be a novel Cul4-dependent substrate. Consistent with this, we also find that these cells exhibit increased levels of CPT-induced DNA breaks. Furthermore, over-expression of known CUL4-dependent substrates including Cdt1 and p21 appear to be a feature of these patient-derived cells. Collectively, our findings highlight the interplay between CUL4A and CUL4B and provide insight into the pathogenesis of CUL4B-deficiency in humans.
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Abstract
Tremor in childhood is not commonly described in the literature; but it is also likely underappreciated. The etiology of childhood tremor encompasses a wide variety of pathologic processes. Tremor may occur in isolation, or in association with other neurologic findings or systemic disorders. This article aims to provide an overview of tremorogenic mechanisms with respect to neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, particularly as they relate to children. Classification of tremors, diagnostic entities in childhood, and treatment will also be discussed. With improved recognition and characterization of childhood tremors, we may gain a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease and determine more age-appropriate treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Keller
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, The Children's Hospital of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
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Lazzaro MA, Todd MAM, Lavigne P, Vallee D, De Maria A, Picketts DJ. Characterization of novel isoforms and evaluation of SNF2L/SMARCA1 as a candidate gene for X-linked mental retardation in 12 families linked to Xq25-26. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2008; 9:11. [PMID: 18302774 PMCID: PMC2266716 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2350-9-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2007] [Accepted: 02/26/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Mutations in genes whose products modify chromatin structure have been recognized as a cause of X-linked mental retardation (XLMR). These genes encode proteins that regulate DNA methylation (MeCP2), modify histones (RSK2 and JARID1C), and remodel nucleosomes through ATP hydrolysis (ATRX). Thus, genes encoding other chromatin modifying proteins should also be considered as disease candidate genes. In this work, we have characterized the SNF2L gene, encoding an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling protein of the ISWI family, and sequenced the gene in patients from 12 XLMR families linked to Xq25-26. Methods We used an in silico and RT-PCR approach to fully characterize specific SNF2L isoforms. Mutation screening was performed in 12 patients from individual families with syndromic or non-syndromic XLMR. We sequenced each of the 25 exons encompassing the entire coding region, complete 5' and 3' untranslated regions, and consensus splice-sites. Results The SNF2L gene spans 77 kb and is encoded by 25 exons that undergo alternate splicing to generate several distinct transcripts. Specific isoforms are generated through the alternate use of exons 1 and 13, and by the use of alternate donor splice sites within exon 24. Alternate splicing within exon 24 removes a NLS sequence and alters the subcellular distribution of the SNF2L protein. We identified 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms but no mutations in our 12 patients. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that there are numerous splice variants of SNF2L that are expressed in multiple cell types and which alter subcellular localization and function. SNF2L mutations are not a cause of XLMR in our cohort of patients, although we cannot exclude the possibility that regulatory mutations might exist. Nonetheless, SNF2L remains a candidate for XLMR localized to Xq25-26, including the Shashi XLMR syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maribeth A Lazzaro
- Ottawa Health Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada.
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Cilliers DD, Parveen R, Clayton P, Cairns SA, Clarke S, Shalet SM, Black GCM, Newman WG, Clayton-Smith J. A new X-linked mental retardation (XLMR) syndrome with late-onset primary testicular failure, short stature and microcephaly maps to Xq25–q26. Eur J Med Genet 2007; 50:216-23. [PMID: 17369115 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2007.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2006] [Accepted: 01/07/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
X-linked mental retardation (XLMR) is a heterogeneous disorder with both syndromic and non-syndromic forms. Here we describe the clinical and molecular characterisation of a family with a syndromic form of XLMR with hypogonadism and short stature. We investigated a family in which four male members in two generations presented with hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism associated with development of small and abnormal testes. In two of the males, late-onset testicular ascent was noted. In addition, all affected males had short stature (<0.4th centile) and mild learning difficulties and three out of the four had microcephaly. Karyotypes were normal and endocrine investigations confirmed primary testicular failure. The phenotype segregated as an X-linked trait. Haplotype and genetic two-point linkage analysis with 22 microsatellites excluded the whole X chromosome except for a region on Xq25-Xq27 encompassing 13.7Mb with a maximum LOD score of 1.1 for marker DXS8038 at theta=0.05. One family previously described as having XLMR with hypogonadism and short stature maps to the same X chromosome region implicated in our family. However, the more severe mental retardation, muscle wasting and tremor described in this other family would suggest that our family is affected by a novel XLMR syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deirdre D Cilliers
- Academic Department of Medical Genetics and Regional Genetic Services, St Mary's Hospital, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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Tarpey PS, Raymond FL, O'Meara S, Edkins S, Teague J, Butler A, Dicks E, Stevens C, Tofts C, Avis T, Barthorpe S, Buck G, Cole J, Gray K, Halliday K, Harrison R, Hills K, Jenkinson A, Jones D, Menzies A, Mironenko T, Perry J, Raine K, Richardson D, Shepherd R, Small A, Varian J, West S, Widaa S, Mallya U, Moon J, Luo Y, Holder S, Smithson SF, Hurst JA, Clayton-Smith J, Kerr B, Boyle J, Shaw M, Vandeleur L, Rodriguez J, Slaugh R, Easton DF, Wooster R, Bobrow M, Srivastava AK, Stevenson RE, Schwartz CE, Turner G, Gecz J, Futreal PA, Stratton MR, Partington M. Mutations in CUL4B, which encodes a ubiquitin E3 ligase subunit, cause an X-linked mental retardation syndrome associated with aggressive outbursts, seizures, relative macrocephaly, central obesity, hypogonadism, pes cavus, and tremor. Am J Hum Genet 2007; 80:345-52. [PMID: 17236139 PMCID: PMC1785336 DOI: 10.1086/511134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2006] [Accepted: 11/20/2006] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We have identified three truncating, two splice-site, and three missense variants at conserved amino acids in the CUL4B gene on Xq24 in 8 of 250 families with X-linked mental retardation (XLMR). During affected subjects' adolescence, a syndrome emerged with delayed puberty, hypogonadism, relative macrocephaly, moderate short stature, central obesity, unprovoked aggressive outbursts, fine intention tremor, pes cavus, and abnormalities of the toes. This syndrome was first described by Cazebas et al., in a family that was included in our study and that carried a CUL4B missense variant. CUL4B is a ubiquitin E3 ligase subunit implicated in the regulation of several biological processes, and CUL4B is the first XLMR gene that encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase. The relatively high frequency of CUL4B mutations in this series indicates that it is one of the most commonly mutated genes underlying XLMR and suggests that its introduction into clinical diagnostics should be a high priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick S Tarpey
- Cancer Genome Project, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
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Liu YZ, Xiao P, Guo YF, Xiong DH, Zhao LJ, Shen H, Liu YJ, Dvornyk V, Long JR, Deng HY, Li JL, Recker RR, Deng HW. Genetic linkage of human height is confirmed to 9q22 and Xq24. Hum Genet 2006; 119:295-304. [PMID: 16446976 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-006-0136-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2005] [Accepted: 01/02/2006] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Human height is an important and heritable trait. Our previous two genome-wide linkage studies using 630 (WG1 study) and an extended sample of 1,816 Caucasians (WG2 study) identified 9q22 [maximum LOD score (MLS)=2.74 in the WG2 study] and preliminarily confirmed Xq24 (two-point LOD score=1.91 in the WG1 study, 2.64 in the WG2 study) linked to height. Here, with a much further extended large sample containing 3,726 Caucasians, we performed a new genome-wide linkage scan and confirmed, in high significance, the two regions' linkage to height. An MLS of 4.34 was detected on 9q22 and a two-point LOD score of 5.63 was attained for Xq24. In an independent sub-sample (i.e., the subjects not involved in the WG1 and WG2 studies), the two regions also achieved significant empirical P values (0.002 and 0.004, respectively) for "region-wise" linkage confirmation. Importantly, the two regions were replicated on a genotyping platform different from the WG1 and WG2 studies (i.e., a different set of markers and different genotyping instruments). Interestingly, 9q22 harbors the ROR2 gene, which is required for growth plate development, and Xq24 was linked to short stature. With the largest sample from a single population of the same ethnicity in the field of linkage studies for complex traits, our current study, together with two previous ones, provided overwhelming evidence substantiating 9q22 and Xq24 for height variation. In particular, our three consecutive whole genome studies are uniquely valuable as they represent the first practical (rather than simulated) example of how significant increase in sample size may improve linkage detection for human complex traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Zhong Liu
- Osteoporosis Research Center, Creighton University Medical Center, 601 N 30th Street, Suite 6787, Omaha, NE 68131, USA
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Yang YJ, Liu YZ, Li MX, Lei SF, Chen XD, Sun X, Deng HW. Linkage exclusion analysis of two important chromosomal regions for height. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2005; 335:1287-92. [PMID: 16112080 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2005.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2005] [Accepted: 08/03/2005] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Adult height (stature), as an important parameter of human physical development, has been studied in many populations. Recently, we reported a whole genome scan of height on a sample of 630 Caucasian subjects from 53 human pedigrees. Two chromosome regions, 6q24-25 and 7q31.3-36, achieved low linkage signals (multipoint LOD score 0.5), but gained significant results in the linkage studies of height by other groups. In addition, the region 6q24-25 harbors the ER-alpha gene, an important candidate gene for linear growth. To resolve the controversies over these two regions for height, linkage exclusion analyses were performed in an extended sample of 79 pedigrees with 1816 subjects, which include the 53 pedigrees containing 630 subjects for our previous whole genome study and additional 128 new subjects, and 26 new pedigrees containing 1058 subjects. The two regions, 6q24-25 and 7q31.3-36, were excluded at a relative effect size of 10% or greater (p value < 0.0005) and 5% or greater (p value < 0.0018), respectively. Our results suggest that the two regions may not contribute substantially to height variation in our Caucasian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Jun Yang
- Osteoporosis Research Center and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68131, USA
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Liu YZ, Xu FH, Shen H, Liu YJ, Zhao LJ, Long JR, Zhang YY, Xiao P, Xiong DH, Dvornyk V, Li JL, Conway T, Davies KM, Recker RR, Deng HW. Genetic dissection of human stature in a large sample of multiplex pedigrees. Ann Hum Genet 2005; 68:472-88. [PMID: 15469424 DOI: 10.1046/j.1529-8817.2003.00117.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Recently, we reported a whole genome scan on a sample of 630 Caucasian subjects from 53 human pedigrees. Several genomic regions were suggested to be linked to height. In an attempt to confirm the identified genomic regions, as well as to identify new genomic regions linked to height, we conducted a whole genome linkage study on an extended sample of 1,816 subjects from 79 pedigrees, which includes the 53 pedigrees containing the original 630 subjects from our previous whole genome study and an additional 128 new subjects, and 26 further pedigrees containing 1,058 subjects. Several regions achieved suggestive linkage signals, such as 9q22.32 [MLS (multipoint LOD score) = 2.74], 9q34.3 [MLS = 2.66], Xq24 [two-point LOD score = 2.64 at the marker DXS8067], and 7p14.2 [MLS = 2.05]. The importance of the above regions is supported either by other whole genome studies or by candidate genes within these regions relevant to linear growth or pathogenesis of short stature. In addition, this study has tentatively confirmed the Xq24 region's linkage to height, as this region was also detected in the previous whole genome study. To date, our study has achieved the largest sample size in the field of genetic linkage studies of human height. Together with the findings of other studies, the current study has further delineated the genetic basis of human stature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Zhong Liu
- Osteoporosis Research Center, Creighton University, 601 N. 30th St. Suite 6787, Omaha, NE 68131, USA
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Abstract
Background—
Alagille syndrome (AGS) is a dominantly inherited multisystem disorder involving the liver, heart, eyes, face, and skeleton, caused by mutations in
Jagged1
. Intracranial bleeding is a recognized complication and cause of mortality in AGS. There are multiple case reports of intracranial vessel abnormalities and other vascular anomalies in AGS. The objective of this study was to characterize the nature and spectrum of vascular anomalies in AGS.
Methods and Results—
Retrospective chart review of 268 individuals with AGS was performed. Twenty-five patients (9%) had noncardiac vascular anomalies or events. Sixteen patients had documented structural vascular abnormalities. Two had basilar artery aneurysms, 7 had internal carotid artery anomalies, and another had a middle cerebral artery aneurysm. Moyamoya disease was described in 1 patient. Three of the 16 patients had aortic aneurysms, and 2 had aortic coarctations. One of the patients with a basilar artery aneurysm also had coarctation of the aorta. One of the individuals with an internal carotid artery anomaly also had renal artery stenosis. Nine more patients had intracranial events without documented vessel abnormalities. Vascular accidents accounted for 34% of the mortality in this cohort.
Conclusions—
The vascular anomalies described in our cohort of AGS individuals identify an underrecognized and potentially devastating complication of this disorder. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in this population, accounting for 34% of the mortality. We have also reviewed the body of evidence supporting a role for
Jagged1
and the Notch signaling pathway in vascular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binita M Kamath
- Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa 19104, USA
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Abstract
Notch signaling is an extremely conserved and widely used mechanism regulating cell fate in metazoans. Interaction of Notch receptors (Notch) with their ligands (Delta-like or Jagged) leads to cleavage of the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) that migrates into the nucleus. In the nucleus, NICD associates with a transcription factor, RBP-Jk. The NICD-RBP-Jk complex, in turn, upregulates expression of primary target genes of Notch signaling, such as hairy and enhancer of split (HES) and HES-related repressor protein (HERP) transcriptional repressors. Recent evidence has demonstrated that the Notch pathway is involved in multiple aspects of vascular development, including proliferation, migration, smooth muscle differentiation, angiogenic processes, and arterial-venous differentiation. In this brief review, we focus on ligands, receptors, and target genes of Notch signaling in the vascular system and discuss (1) tissue distribution; (2) gain- and loss-of-function studies; and (3) the role of Notch components in human diseases involving the vascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Iso
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Gunma University School of Medicine, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
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Lower KM, Turner G, Kerr BA, Mathews KD, Shaw MA, Gedeon AK, Schelley S, Hoyme HE, White SM, Delatycki MB, Lampe AK, Clayton-Smith J, Stewart H, van Ravenswaay CMA, de Vries BBA, Cox B, Grompe M, Ross S, Thomas P, Mulley JC, Gécz J. Mutations in PHF6 are associated with Börjeson-Forssman-Lehmann syndrome. Nat Genet 2002; 32:661-5. [PMID: 12415272 DOI: 10.1038/ng1040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2002] [Accepted: 10/11/2002] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Börjeson-Forssman-Lehmann syndrome (BFLS; OMIM 301900) is characterized by moderate to severe mental retardation, epilepsy, hypogonadism, hypometabolism, obesity with marked gynecomastia, swelling of subcutaneous tissue of the face, narrow palpebral fissure and large but not deformed ears. Previously, the gene associated with BFLS was localized to 17 Mb in Xq26-q27 (refs 2-4). We have reduced this interval to roughly 9 Mb containing more than 62 genes. Among these, a novel, widely expressed zinc-finger (plant homeodomain (PHD)-like finger) gene (PHF6) had eight different missense and truncation mutations in seven familial and two sporadic cases of BFLS. Transient transfection studies with PHF6 tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP) showed diffuse nuclear staining with prominent nucleolar accumulation. Such localization, and the presence of two PHD-like zinc fingers, is suggestive of a role for PHF6 in transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Lower
- Department of Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics, Centre for Medical Genetics, Women's and Children's Hospital, 72 King William Rd., North Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
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40
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Lebel RR, May M, Pouls S, Lubs HA, Stevenson RE, Schwartz CE. Non-syndromic X-linked mental retardation associated with a missense mutation (P312L) in the FGD1 gene. Clin Genet 2002; 61:139-45. [PMID: 11940089 DOI: 10.1034/j.1399-0004.2002.610209.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Three brothers with non-syndromal X-linked mental retardation were found to have a novel missense mutation in FGD1, the gene associated with the Aarskog syndrome. Although the brothers have short stature and small feet, they lack distinct craniofacial, skeletal or genital findings suggestive of Aarskog syndrome. Their mother, the only obligate carrier available for testing, has the FGD1 mutation. The mutation, a C934T base change in exon 4, results in the proline at position 312 to be substituted with a leucine. This missense mutation is predicted to eliminate a beta-turn, creating an extra-long stretch of coiled sequence which may affect the orientations of an SH3 (Src homology 3) binding domain and the first structural conserved region. A new molecular defect associated with non-syndromal X-linked mental retardation affords an opportunity to seek specific diagnosis in males with previously unexplained developmental delays and this opens further predictive tests in families at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- R R Lebel
- Genetics Services, The Helix Building, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137, USA.
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Vitale E, Specchia C, Devoto M, Angius A, Rong S, Rocchi M, Schwalb M, Demelas L, Paglietti D, Manca S, Mastropaolo C, Serra G. Novel X-linked mental retardation syndrome with short stature maps to Xq24. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS 2001; 103:1-8. [PMID: 11562927 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.1495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We describe a large family from Sardinia, Italy, in which a novel X- linked mental retardation (XLMR) syndrome segregates. The phenotype observed in the 8 affected males includes severe mental retardation (MR), lack of speech, coarse face, distinctive skeletal features with short stature, brachydactyly of fingers and toes, small downslanting palpebral fissures, large bulbous nose, hypoplastic ear lobe and macrostomia. Carrier females are not mentally retarded, although some of them have mild dysmorphic features such as minor ear lobe abnormalities, as well as language and learning problems. Linkage analysis for X-chromosome markers resulted in a maximum lod score of 3.61 with marker DXS1001 in Xq24. Recombination observed with flanking markers identified a region of 16 cM for further study. None of the other XLMR syndromes known to map in the same region shows the same composite phenotype. This evidence strongly suggests that the genetic disease in this family is unique.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Vitale
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, UMDNJ New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey 07103-2714, USA.
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42
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Chiurazzi P, Hamel BC, Neri G. XLMR genes: update 2000. Eur J Hum Genet 2001; 9:71-81. [PMID: 11313739 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejhg.5200603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2000] [Revised: 10/25/2000] [Accepted: 10/26/2000] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
This is the sixth edition of the catalogue of XLMR genes, ie X-linked genes whose malfunctioning causes mental retardation. The cloning era is not yet concluded, actually much remains to be done to account for the 202 XLMR conditions listed in this update. Many of these may eventually prove to be due to mutations in the same gene but the present number of 33 cloned genes falls surely short of the actual total count. It is now clear that even small families or individual patients with cytogenetic rearrangements can be instrumental in pinning down the remaining genes. DNA chip technology will hopefully allow (re)screening large numbers of patients for mutations in candidate genes or testing the expression levels of many candidate genes in informative families. Slowly, our knowledge of the structure and functioning of the proteins encoded by these genes is beginning to cast some light on the biological pathways required for the normal development of intelligence. Correlations between the molecular defects and the phenotypic manifestations are also being established. In order to facilitate the exchange of existing information and to allow its timely update, we prepared the first edition of the XLMR database (available at http://homepages.go.com/~xlmr/home.htm) and invite all colleagues, expert in the field, to contribute with their experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Chiurazzi
- Institute of Medical, Preventive and Social Pediatrics, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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43
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Fryxell KJ, Soderlund M, Jordan TV. An animal model for the molecular genetics of CADASIL. (Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy). Stroke 2001; 32:6-11. [PMID: 11136906 DOI: 10.1161/01.str.32.1.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CADASIL (cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy) is an inherited condition that causes repeated small-scale strokes in adults. CADASIL is caused only by mutations in the human NOTCH3 gene that increase or decrease the number of cysteines within the epidermal growth factor (EGF) repeats of the NOTCH3 protein. Drosophila: lethal-Abruptex is a similar condition because it is also caused only by mutations that increase or decrease the number of cysteines within the EGF repeat portion of the Notch protein. SUMMARY OF COMMENT Drosophila: lethal-Abruptex and human CADASIL are precisely analogous at the molecular level, and both are genetically dominant. These precise similarities, together with the fact that the structure and function of Notch has been highly conserved throughout the animal kingdom, provide an animal model for the molecular and genetic aspects of human CADASIL. It also provides support for Spinner's proposal that CADASIL results from dominant inhibition of the Notch pathway. CONCLUSIONS Because the phenotypes of Notch mutations are cell-autonomous, the symptoms of CADASIL indicate that adult vascular smooth muscle cells require the continuing function of the NOTCH3 pathway in the adult. For this reason, further analysis of the NOTCH3 pathway may provide more general insights into the biology of vascular smooth muscle cells. In the case of CADASIL, the powerful genetic tools available in Drosophila: should help to facilitate future research.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anura
- Arteries/metabolism
- Arteries/pathology
- Arterioles/metabolism
- Arterioles/pathology
- Cell Differentiation/genetics
- Cell Division/genetics
- Collagen/metabolism
- Cysteine/genetics
- Cysteine/metabolism
- Dementia, Multi-Infarct/genetics
- Dementia, Multi-Infarct/metabolism
- Dementia, Multi-Infarct/pathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Drosophila melanogaster/genetics
- Epidermal Growth Factor/genetics
- Genes, Dominant
- Genes, Lethal
- Genetic Linkage
- Humans
- Mice
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Mutation
- Myosins/metabolism
- Nerve Fibers, Myelinated/pathology
- Organ Specificity/genetics
- Phenotype
- Protein Structure, Tertiary/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics
- Receptor, Notch3
- Receptor, Notch4
- Receptors, Cell Surface
- Receptors, Notch
- Signal Transduction/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Fryxell
- Department of Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA.
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