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Mihalache A, Huang RS, Patil NS, Popovic MM, Cruz-Pimentel M, Mallipatna A, Kertes PJ, Muni RH, Kohly RP. Physical and Psychosocial Challenges as Predictors of Vision Difficulty in Children: A Nationally Representative Survey Analysis. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38833629 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2024.2354704] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To elicit associations between vision difficulties and physical or psychosocial challenges in children in the United States. METHODS Children aged 2-17 years old from the 2021 National Health Interview Survey with data pertaining to vision difficulty were included in our retrospective, population-based analysis. Our primary aim was investigating physical and psychosocial challenges as predictors of vision difficulty. Logistic regression models were performed on Stata version 17.0 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, Texas). Analyses were accompanied by an odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS A total of 7,373 children had data pertaining to their level of vision difficulty and were included in our sample. In our multivariable analysis, children with a good/fair (OR = 1.84, 95% CI = [1.31, 2.60], p < 0.01), or poor (OR = 5.08, 95% CI = [1.61, 16.04], p < 0.01) general health status had higher odds of vision difficulty relative to children with an excellent/very good health status. Furthermore, children with difficulties hearing (OR = 8.67, 95% CI = [5.25, 14.31], p < 0.01), communicating (OR = 1.96, 95% CI = [1.18, 3.25], p < 0.01), learning (OR = 1.93, 95% CI = [1.27, 2.93], p < 0.01), and making friends (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = [1.12, 3.36], p = 0.02) had higher odds of vision difficulty. Nonetheless, the following factors were only predictors of vision difficulty in our univariable analysis: requiring equipment for mobility (p < 0.01), experiencing anxiety (p < 0.01), and experiencing depression (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Several factors pertaining to physical and psychosocial challenges in children are associated with vision difficulty. Future research should further explore potential causal links between vision difficulty and physical or psychosocial factors to aid in coordinating public health efforts dedicated to vision health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Mihalache
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ryan S Huang
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nikhil S Patil
- Michael DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marko M Popovic
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Miguel Cruz-Pimentel
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ashwin Mallipatna
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter J Kertes
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- John and Liz Tory Eye Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rajeev H Muni
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology, St. Michael's Hospital/Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Radha P Kohly
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- John and Liz Tory Eye Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Testa F, Carreño E, van den Born LI, Melillo P, Perea-Romero I, Di Iorio V, Risca G, Iodice CM, Pennings RJE, Karali M, Banfi S, Auricchio A, Galimberti S, Ayuso C, Simonelli F. Multicentric Longitudinal Prospective Study in a European Cohort of MYO7A Patients: Disease Course and Implications for Gene Therapy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:25. [PMID: 38884554 PMCID: PMC11185270 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.6.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose We investigated the natural history of retinal dystrophy owing to variants in the MYO7A gene. Methods Fifty-three patients (mean age, 33.6 ± 16.7 years) with Usher syndrome owing to biallelic, mostly pathogenic, variants in MYO7A underwent baseline and two annual follow-up visits. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), semiautomatic kinetic visual field, full-field electroretinogram, color fundus imaging, microperimetry, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and fundus autofluorescence were assessed. Results At baseline, all patients presented with decreased BCVA (66.4 ± 17.9 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy score and 59.5 ± 21.7 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy score, in the better- and worse-seeing eyes, respectively), restricted semiautomatic kinetic visual field (III4e area, 3365.8 ± 4142.1°2; 4176.4 ± 4400.3°2) and decreased macular sensitivity (9.7 ± 9.9 dB; 9.0 ± 10.2 dB). Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography revealed reduced central macular thickness (259.6 ± 63.0 µm; 250.7 ± 63.3 µm) and narrowed ellipsoid zone band width (2807.5 ± 2374.6 µm; 2615.5 ± 2370.4 µm). Longitudinal analyses (50 patients) showed a significant decrease of BCVA in better-seeing eyes, whereas no changes were observed in worse-seeing eyes for any parameter. BCVA, semiautomatic kinetic visual field (III4e and V4e) and macular sensitivity were related significantly to age at baseline. Hyperautofluorescent foveal patch (16 eyes [31.4%]) and abnormal central hypoautofluorescence (9 eyes [17.6%]) were significantly associated with worse morphological and functional read-outs compared with the hyperautofluorescent ring pattern (22 eyes [43.1%]). Conclusions Our European multicentric study offers the first prospective longitudinal analysis in one of the largest cohorts of MYO7A patients described to date, confirming the slow disease progression. More important, this study emphasizes the key role of fundus autofluorescence patterns in retinal impairment staging and advocates its adoption as an objective biomarker in patient selection for future gene therapy clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Testa
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,” Naples, Italy
| | - Ester Carreño
- Department of Ophthalmology, Health Research Institute-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Paolo Melillo
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,” Naples, Italy
| | - Irene Perea-Romero
- Department of Genetics, Health Research Institute-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Valentina Di Iorio
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,” Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Risca
- Bicocca Bioinformatics, Biostatistics and Bioimaging Centre, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Clemente Maria Iodice
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,” Naples, Italy
| | - Ronald J. E. Pennings
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing & Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marianthi Karali
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,” Naples, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,” Naples, Italy
| | - Sandro Banfi
- Medical Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,” Naples, Italy
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
- AAVantgarde Bio, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Galimberti
- Bicocca Bioinformatics, Biostatistics and Bioimaging Centre, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmen Ayuso
- Department of Genetics, Health Research Institute-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,” Naples, Italy
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Cortinhal T, Santos C, Vaz-Pereira S, Marta A, Duarte L, Miranda V, Costa J, Sousa AB, Peter VG, Kaminska K, Rivolta C, Carvalho AL, Saraiva J, Soares CA, Silva R, Murta J, Santos LC, Marques JP. Genetic profile of syndromic retinitis pigmentosa in Portugal. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024; 262:1883-1897. [PMID: 38189974 PMCID: PMC11106148 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-023-06360-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) comprises a genetically and clinically heterogeneous group of inherited retinal degenerations, where 20-30% of patients exhibit extra-ocular manifestations (syndromic RP). Understanding the genetic profile of RP has important implications for disease prognosis and genetic counseling. This study aimed to characterize the genetic profile of syndromic RP in Portugal. METHODS Multicenter, retrospective cohort study. Six Portuguese healthcare providers identified patients with a clinical diagnosis of syndromic RP and available genetic testing results. All patients had been previously subjected to a detailed ophthalmologic examination and clinically oriented genetic testing. Genetic variants were classified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics; only likely pathogenic or pathogenic variants were considered relevant for disease etiology. RESULTS One hundred and twenty-two patients (53.3% males) from 100 families were included. Usher syndrome was the most frequent diagnosis (62.0%), followed by Bardet-Biedl (19.0%) and Senior-Løken syndromes (7.0%). Deleterious variants were identified in 86/100 families for a diagnostic yield of 86.0% (87.1% for Usher and 94.7% for Bardet-Biedl). A total of 81 genetic variants were identified in 25 different genes, 22 of which are novel. USH2A and MYO7A were responsible for most type II and type I Usher syndrome cases, respectively. BBS1 variants were the cause of Bardet-Biedl syndrome in 52.6% of families. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) records were available at baseline and last visit for 99 patients (198 eyes), with a median follow-up of 62.0 months. The mean BCVA was 56.5 ETDRS letters at baseline (Snellen equivalent ~ 20/80), declining to 44.9 ETDRS letters (Snellen equivalent ~ 20/125) at the last available follow-up (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION This is the first multicenter study depicting the genetic profile of syndromic RP in Portugal, thus contributing toward a better understanding of this heterogeneous disease group. Usher and Bardet-Biedl syndromes were found to be the most common types of syndromic RP in this large Portuguese cohort. A high diagnostic yield was obtained, highlighting current genetic testing capabilities in providing a molecular diagnosis to most affected individuals. This has major implications in determining disease-related prognosis and providing targeted genetic counseling for syndromic RP patients in Portugal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Telmo Cortinhal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cristina Santos
- Instituto de Oftalmologia Dr. Gama Pinto (IOGP), Lisboa, Portugal
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sara Vaz-Pereira
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte (CHULN), Lisboa, Portugal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Marta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Santo António (CHUdSA), Porto, Portugal
- Instituto Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Porto, Portugal
| | - Lilianne Duarte
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar de Entre Douro e Vouga (CHEDV), Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal
| | - Vitor Miranda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar de Entre Douro e Vouga (CHEDV), Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal
| | - José Costa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital de Braga (HB), Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Berta Sousa
- Medical Genetics Unit, Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Lisboa Norte (CHULN), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Virginie G Peter
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB), 4031, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Karolina Kaminska
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB), 4031, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Carlo Rivolta
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB), 4031, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Luísa Carvalho
- Medical Genetics Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
- University Clinic of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jorge Saraiva
- Medical Genetics Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
- University Clinic of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Célia Azevedo Soares
- Medical Genetics Department, Centro de Genética Médica Jacinto Magalhães, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário do Porto (CHUP), Porto, Portugal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Medical Science Department, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rufino Silva
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
- University Clinic of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joaquim Murta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
- University Clinic of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - João Pedro Marques
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal.
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal.
- University Clinic of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal.
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Cuzzuol BR, Apolonio JS, da Silva Júnior RT, de Carvalho LS, Santos LKDS, Malheiro LH, Silva Luz M, Calmon MS, Crivellaro HDL, Lemos FFB, Freire de Melo F. Usher syndrome: Genetic diagnosis and current therapeutic approaches. World J Otorhinolaryngol 2024; 11:1-17. [DOI: 10.5319/wjo.v11.i1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Usher Syndrome (USH) is the most common deaf-blind syndrome, affecting approximately 1 in 6000 people in the deaf population. This genetic condition is characterized by a combination of hearing loss (HL), retinitis pigmentosa, and, in some cases, vestibular areflexia. Among the subtypes of USH, USH type 1 is considered the most severe form, presenting profound bilateral congenital deafness, vestibular areflexia, and early onset RP. USH type 2 is the most common form, exhibiting congenital moderate to severe HL for low frequencies and severe to profound HL for high frequencies. Conversely, type 3 is the rarest, initially manifesting mild symptoms during childhood that become more prominent in the first decades of life. The dual impact of USH on both visual and auditory senses significantly impairs patients’ quality of life, restricting their daily activities and interactions with society. To date, 9 genes have been confirmed so far for USH: MYO7A, USH1C, CDH23, PCDH15, USH1G, USH2A, ADGRV1, WHRN and CLRN1. These genes are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and encode proteins expressed in the inner ear and retina, leading to functional loss. Although non-genetic methods can assist in patient triage and disease extension evaluation, genetic and molecular tests play a pivotal role in providing genetic counseling, enabling appropriate gene therapy, and facilitating timely cochlear implantation (CI). The CRISPR/Cas9 system and viral-based gene replacement therapy have recently emerged as highly promising techniques for treating USH. Regarding drug therapy, PTC-124 and Nb54 have been identified as promising drug interventions for genetic HL in USH. Simultaneously, CI has proven to be critical in the restoration of hearing. This review aims to summarize the genetic and molecular diagnosis of USH and highlight the importance of early diagnosis in guiding appropriate treatment strategies and improving patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Rocha Cuzzuol
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Jonathan Santos Apolonio
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Lorena Sousa de Carvalho
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Luana Kauany de Sá Santos
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Luciano Hasimoto Malheiro
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Marcel Silva Luz
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Mariana Santos Calmon
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Henrique de Lima Crivellaro
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Fabian Fellipe Bueno Lemos
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Freire de Melo
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
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Hendricks JM, Metz JR, Velde HM, Weeda J, Hartgers F, Yzer S, Hoyng CB, Pennings RJ, Collin RW, Boss MH, de Vrieze E, van Wijk E. Evaluation of Sleep Quality and Fatigue in Patients with Usher Syndrome Type 2a. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2023; 3:100323. [PMID: 37334034 PMCID: PMC10272497 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2023.100323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Purpose To study the prevalence, level, and nature of sleep problems and fatigue experienced by Usher syndrome type 2a (USH2a) patients. Design Cross-sectional study. Participants Fifty-six genetically confirmed Dutch patients with syndromic USH2a and 120 healthy controls. Methods Sleep quality, prevalence, and type of sleep disorders, chronotype, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness were assessed using 5 questionnaires: (1) Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, (2) Holland Sleep Disorders Questionnaire, (3) Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, (4) Checklist Individual Strength, and (5) Epworth Sleepiness Scale. For a subset of patients, recent data on visual function were used to study the potential correlation between the outcomes of the questionnaires and disease progression. Main Outcome Measures Results of all questionnaires were compared between USH2a and control cohorts, and the scores of the patients were compared with disease progression defined by age, visual field size, and visual acuity. Results Compared with the control population, patients with USH2a experienced a poorer quality of sleep, a higher incidence of sleep disorders, and higher levels of fatigue and daytime sleepiness. Intriguingly, the sleep disturbances and high levels of fatigue were not correlated with the level of visual impairment. These results are in accordance with the patients' experiences that their sleep problems already existed before the onset of vision loss. Conclusions This study demonstrates a high prevalence of fatigue and poor sleep quality experienced by patients with USH2a. Recognition of sleep problems as a comorbidity of Usher syndrome would be a first step toward improved patient care. The absence of a relationship between the level of visual impairment and the severity of reported sleep problems is suggestive of an extraretinal origin of the sleep disturbances. Financial Disclosures Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie M. Hendricks
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Juriaan R. Metz
- Department of Animal Ecology & Physiology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hedwig M. Velde
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jack Weeda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Franca Hartgers
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Suzanne Yzer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Carel B. Hoyng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald J.E. Pennings
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rob W.J. Collin
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Myrthe H.M. Boss
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Gelderse Vallei, Ede, The Netherlands
| | - Erik de Vrieze
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin van Wijk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Sundaresan Y, Yacoub S, Kodati B, Amankwa CE, Raola A, Zode G. Therapeutic applications of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology for the treatment of ocular diseases. FEBS J 2023; 290:5248-5269. [PMID: 36877952 PMCID: PMC10480348 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Ocular diseases are a highly heterogeneous group of phenotypes, caused by a spectrum of genetic variants and environmental factors that exhibit diverse clinical symptoms. As a result of its anatomical location, structure and immune privilege, the eye is an ideal system to assess and validate novel genetic therapies. Advances in genome editing have revolutionized the field of biomedical science, enabling researchers to understand the biology behind disease mechanisms and allow the treatment of several health conditions, including ocular pathologies. The advent of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based gene editing facilitates efficient and specific genetic modifications in the nucleic acid sequence, resulting in permanent changes at the genomic level. This approach has advantages over other treatment strategies and is promising for the treatment of various genetic and non-genetic ocular conditions. This review provides an overview of the CRISPR/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system and summarizes recent advances in the therapeutic application of CRISPR/Cas9 for the treatment of various ocular pathologies, as well as future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bindu Kodati
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107
| | - Charles E. Amankwa
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107
| | - Akash Raola
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107
| | - Gulab Zode
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107
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Feng Y, Hu S, Zhao S, Chen M. Recent advances in genetic etiology of non-syndromic deafness in children. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1282663. [PMID: 37928735 PMCID: PMC10620706 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1282663] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital auditory impairment is a prevalent anomaly observed in approximately 2-3 per 1,000 infants. The consequences associated with hearing loss among children encompass the decline of verbal communication, linguistic skills, educational progress, social integration, cognitive aptitude, and overall well-being. Approaches to reversing or preventing genetic hearing loss are limited. Patients with mild and moderate hearing loss can only use hearing aids, while those with severe hearing loss can only acquire speech and language through cochlear implants. Both environmental and genetic factors contribute to the occurrence of congenital hearing loss, and advancements in our understanding of the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms underlying hearing loss, coupled with recent progress in genetic testing techniques, will facilitate the development of innovative approaches for treatment and screening. In this paper, the latest research progress in genetic etiology of non-syndromic deafness in children with the highest incidence is summarized in order to provide help for personalized diagnosis and treatment of deafness in children.
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Crane R, Tebbe L, Mwoyosvi ML, Al-Ubaidi MR, Naash MI. Expression of the human usherin c.2299delG mutation leads to early-onset auditory loss and stereocilia disorganization. Commun Biol 2023; 6:933. [PMID: 37700068 PMCID: PMC10497539 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05296-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH) is the leading cause of combined deafness and blindness, with USH2A being the most prevalent form. The mechanisms responsible for this debilitating sensory impairment remain unclear. This study focuses on characterizing the auditory phenotype in a mouse model expressing the c.2290delG mutation in usherin equivalent to human frameshift mutation c.2299delG. Previously we described how this model reproduces patient's retinal phenotypes. Here, we present the cochlear phenotype, showing that the mutant usherin, is expressed during early postnatal stages. The c.2290delG mutation results in a truncated protein that is mislocalized within the cell body of the hair cells. The knock-in model also exhibits congenital hearing loss that remains consistent throughout the animal's lifespan. Structurally, the stereocilia bundles, particularly in regions associated with functional hearing loss, are disorganized. Our findings shed light on the role of usherin in maintaining structural support, specifically in longer inner hair cell stereocilia, during development, which is crucial for proper bundle organization and hair cell function. Overall, we present a genetic mouse model with cochlear defects associated with the c.2290delG mutation, providing insights into the etiology of hearing loss and offering potential avenues for the development of effective therapeutic treatments for USH2A patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Crane
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Lars Tebbe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Maggie L Mwoyosvi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Muayyad R Al-Ubaidi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.
| | - Muna I Naash
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.
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9
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Stephenson KAJ, Whelan L, Zhu J, Dockery A, Wynne NC, Cairns RM, Kirk C, Turner J, Duignan ES, O'Byrne JJ, Silvestri G, Kenna PF, Farrar GJ, Keegan DJ. Usher Syndrome on the Island of Ireland: A Genotype-Phenotype Review. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:23. [PMID: 37466950 PMCID: PMC10362925 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.10.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Usher syndrome (USH) is a genetically heterogeneous group of autosomal recessive (AR) syndromic inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) representing 50% of deaf-blindness. All subtypes include retinitis pigmentosa, sensorineural hearing loss, and vestibular abnormalities. Thorough phenotyping may facilitate genetic diagnosis and intervention. Here we report the clinical/genetic features of an Irish USH cohort. Methods USH patients were selected from the Irish IRD registry (Target 5000). Patients were examined clinically (deep-phenotyping) and genetically using a 254 IRD-associated gene target capture sequencing panel, USH2A exon, and whole genome sequencing. Results The study identified 145 patients (24.1% USH1 [n = 35], 73.8% USH2 [n = 107], 1.4% USH3 [n = 2], and 0.7% USH4 [n = 1]). A genetic diagnosis was reached in 82.1%, the majority (80.7%) being MYO7A or USH2A genotypes. Mean visual acuity and visual field (VF) were 0.47 ± 0.58 LogMAR and 31.3° ± 32.8°, respectively, at a mean age of 43 years. Legal blindness criteria were met in 40.7%. Cataract was present in 77.4%. ADGRV1 genotypes had the most VF loss, whereas USH2A patients had greater myopia and CDH23 had the most astigmatism. Variants absent from gnomAD non-Finnish Europeans and ClinVar represented more than 20% of the variants identified and were detected in ADGRV1, ARSG, CDH23, MYO7A, and USH2A. Conclusions USH is a genetically diverse group of AR IRDs that have a profound impact on affected individuals and their families. The prevalence and phenotype/genotype characteristics of USH in Ireland have, as yet, gone unreported. Understanding the genotype of Irish USH patients may guide clinical and genetic characterization facilitating access to existing/novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirk A J Stephenson
- Clinical Ophthalmic Genetics Unit, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laura Whelan
- The School of Genetics & Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Julia Zhu
- Clinical Ophthalmic Genetics Unit, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Adrian Dockery
- Next Generation Sequencing Laboratory, Pathology Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh C Wynne
- The Research Foundation, Royal Victoria Eye & Ear Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rebecca M Cairns
- Ophthalmology Department, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Hospitals, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Claire Kirk
- Ophthalmology Department, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Hospitals, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Jacqueline Turner
- Clinical Ophthalmic Genetics Unit, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Emma S Duignan
- The Research Foundation, Royal Victoria Eye & Ear Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - James J O'Byrne
- Clinical Ophthalmic Genetics Unit, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Giuliana Silvestri
- Ophthalmology Department, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Hospitals, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Paul F Kenna
- The School of Genetics & Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- The Research Foundation, Royal Victoria Eye & Ear Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - G Jane Farrar
- The School of Genetics & Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David J Keegan
- Clinical Ophthalmic Genetics Unit, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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10
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Nakamichi K, Van Gelder RN, Chao JR, Mustafi D. Targeted adaptive long-read sequencing for discovery of complex phased variants in inherited retinal disease patients. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8535. [PMID: 37237007 PMCID: PMC10219926 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35791-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) are a heterogeneous group of predominantly monogenic disorders with over 300 causative genes identified. Short-read exome sequencing is commonly used to genotypically diagnose patients with clinical features of IRDs, however, in up to 30% of patients with autosomal recessive IRDs, one or no disease-causing variants are identified. Furthermore, chromosomal maps cannot be reconstructed for allelic variant discovery with short-reads. Long-read genome sequencing can provide complete coverage of disease loci and a targeted approach can focus sequencing bandwidth to a genomic region of interest to provide increased depth and haplotype reconstruction to uncover cases of missing heritability. We demonstrate that targeted adaptive long-read sequencing on the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) platform of the USH2A gene from three probands in a family with the most common cause of the syndromic IRD, Usher Syndrome, resulted in greater than 12-fold target gene sequencing enrichment on average. This focused depth of sequencing allowed for haplotype reconstruction and phased variant identification. We further show that variants obtained from the haplotype-aware genotyping pipeline can be heuristically ranked to focus on potential pathogenic candidates without a priori knowledge of the disease-causing variants. Moreover, consideration of the variants unique to targeted long-read sequencing that are not covered by short-read technology demonstrated higher precision and F1 scores for variant discovery by long-read sequencing. This work establishes that targeted adaptive long-read sequencing can generate targeted, chromosome-phased data sets for identification of coding and non-coding disease-causing alleles in IRDs and can be applicable to other Mendelian diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Nakamichi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Roger and Karalis Johnson Retina Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Russell N Van Gelder
- Department of Ophthalmology, Roger and Karalis Johnson Retina Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Jennifer R Chao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Roger and Karalis Johnson Retina Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Debarshi Mustafi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Roger and Karalis Johnson Retina Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
- Division of Ophthalmology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.
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11
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Chen C, Rong Y, Zhuang Y, Tang C, Liu Q, Lin P, Li D, Zhao X, Lu F, Qu J, Liu X. RNA-Seq Analysis Reveals an Essential Role of the cGMP-PKG-MAPK Pathways in Retinal Degeneration Caused by Cep250 Deficiency. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8843. [PMID: 37240188 PMCID: PMC10218315 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH) is characterised by degenerative vision loss known as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), sensorineural hearing loss, and vestibular dysfunction. RP can cause degeneration and the loss of rod and cone photoreceptors, leading to structural and functional changes in the retina. Cep250 is a candidate gene for atypical Usher syndrome, and this study describes the development of a Cep250 KO mouse model to investigate its pathogenesis. OCT and ERG were applied in Cep250 and WT mice at P90 and P180 to access the general structure and function of the retina. After recording the ERG responses and OCT images at P90 and P180, the cone and rod photoreceptors were visualised using an immunofluorescent stain. TUNEL assays were applied to observe the apoptosis in Cep250 and WT mice retinas. The total RNA was extracted from the retinas and executed for RNA sequencing at P90. Compared with WT mice, the thickness of the ONL, IS/OS, and whole retina of Cep250 mice was significantly reduced. The a-wave and b-wave amplitude of Cep250 mice in scotopic and photopic ERG were lower, especially the a-wave. According to the immunostaining and TUNEL stain results, the photoreceptors in the Cep250 retinas were also reduced. An RNA-seq analysis showed that 149 genes were upregulated and another 149 genes were downregulated in Cep250 KO retinas compared with WT mice retinas. A KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that cGMP-PKG signalling pathways, MAPK signalling pathways, edn2-fgf2 axis pathways, and thyroid hormone synthesis were upregulated, whereas protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum was downregulated in Cep250 KO eyes. Cep250 KO mice experience a late-stage retinal degeneration that manifests as the atypical USH phenotype. The dysregulation of the cGMP-PKG-MAPK pathways may contribute to the pathogenesis of cilia-related retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; (C.C.); (Y.R.); (Y.Z.); (C.T.); (Q.L.); (P.L.); (D.L.); (X.Z.); (F.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Yu Rong
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; (C.C.); (Y.R.); (Y.Z.); (C.T.); (Q.L.); (P.L.); (D.L.); (X.Z.); (F.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Youyuan Zhuang
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; (C.C.); (Y.R.); (Y.Z.); (C.T.); (Q.L.); (P.L.); (D.L.); (X.Z.); (F.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Cheng Tang
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; (C.C.); (Y.R.); (Y.Z.); (C.T.); (Q.L.); (P.L.); (D.L.); (X.Z.); (F.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Qian Liu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; (C.C.); (Y.R.); (Y.Z.); (C.T.); (Q.L.); (P.L.); (D.L.); (X.Z.); (F.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Peng Lin
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; (C.C.); (Y.R.); (Y.Z.); (C.T.); (Q.L.); (P.L.); (D.L.); (X.Z.); (F.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Dandan Li
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; (C.C.); (Y.R.); (Y.Z.); (C.T.); (Q.L.); (P.L.); (D.L.); (X.Z.); (F.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Xinyi Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; (C.C.); (Y.R.); (Y.Z.); (C.T.); (Q.L.); (P.L.); (D.L.); (X.Z.); (F.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Fan Lu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; (C.C.); (Y.R.); (Y.Z.); (C.T.); (Q.L.); (P.L.); (D.L.); (X.Z.); (F.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Jia Qu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; (C.C.); (Y.R.); (Y.Z.); (C.T.); (Q.L.); (P.L.); (D.L.); (X.Z.); (F.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Xinting Liu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; (C.C.); (Y.R.); (Y.Z.); (C.T.); (Q.L.); (P.L.); (D.L.); (X.Z.); (F.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
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12
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Marwan M, Dawood M, Ullah M, Shah IU, Khan N, Hassan MT, Karam M, Rawlins LE, Baple EL, Crosby AH, Saleha S. Unravelling the genetic basis of retinal dystrophies in Pakistani consanguineous families. BMC Ophthalmol 2023; 23:205. [PMID: 37165311 PMCID: PMC10170854 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-023-02948-8] [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: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a clinically and genetically progressive retinal dystrophy associated with severe visual impairments and sometimes blindness, the most common syndromic form of which is Usher syndrome (USH). This study aimed to further increase understanding of the spectrum of RP in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of Pakistan. METHODOLOGY Four consanguineous families of Pashtun ethnic group were investigated which were referred by the local collaborating ophthalmologists. In total 42 individuals in four families were recruited and investigated using whole exome and dideoxy sequencing. Among them, 20 were affected individuals including 6 in both family 1 and 2, 5 in family 3 and 3 in family 4. RESULT Pathogenic gene variants were identified in all four families, including two in cone dystrophy and RP genes in the same family (PDE6C; c.480delG, p.Asn161ThrfsTer33 and TULP1; c.238 C > T, p.Gln80Ter) with double-homozygous individuals presenting with more severe disease. Other pathogenic variants were identified in MERTK (c.2194C > T, p.Arg732Ter), RHO (c.448G > A, p.Glu150Lys) associated with non-syndromic RP, and MYO7A (c.487G > A, p.Gly163Arg) associated with USH. In addition, the reported variants were of clinical significance as the PDE6C variant was detected novel, whereas TULP1, MERTK, and MYO7A variants were detected rare and first time found segregating with retinal dystrophies in Pakistani consanguineous families. CONCLUSIONS This study increases knowledge of the genetic basis of retinal dystrophies in families from Pakistan providing information important for genetic testing and diagnostic provision particularly from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Marwan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 26000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Dawood
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 26000, Pakistan
| | - Mukhtar Ullah
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, 4031, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, 4056, Switzerland
| | - Irfan Ullah Shah
- Department of Ophthalmology, KMU Institute of Medical Sciences KIMS, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 26000, Pakistan
| | - Niamat Khan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 26000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Taimur Hassan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 26000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Karam
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 26000, Pakistan
| | - Lettie E Rawlins
- Medical Research, RILD Wellcome Wolfson Centre (Level 4), Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5DW, UK
- Peninsula Clinical Genetics Service, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (Heavitree), Exeter, UK
| | - Emma L Baple
- Medical Research, RILD Wellcome Wolfson Centre (Level 4), Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Andrew H Crosby
- Medical Research, RILD Wellcome Wolfson Centre (Level 4), Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Shamim Saleha
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 26000, Pakistan.
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13
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Ordoñez-Labastida V, Chacon-Camacho OF, Lopez-Rodriguez VR, Zenteno JC. USH2A mutational spectrum causing syndromic and non-syndromic retinal dystrophies in a large cohort of Mexican patients. Mol Vis 2023; 29:31-38. [PMID: 37287646 PMCID: PMC10243674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mutations in the USH2A gene are the leading cause of both non-syndromic autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and Usher syndrome, a syndromic form of RP characterized by retinal dystrophy and sensorineural hearing loss. To contribute to the expansion of the USH2A-related molecular spectrum, the results of genetic screening in a large cohort of Mexican patients are presented. Methods The study population comprised 61 patients with a clinical diagnosis of either non-syndromic RP (n = 30) or Usher syndrome type 2 (USH2; n = 31) who were demonstrated to carry biallelic pathogenic variants in USH2A in a three-year period. Genetic screening was performed either by gene panel sequencing or by exome sequencing. A total of 72 available first- or second-degree relatives were also genotyped for familial segregation of the identified variants. Results The USH2A mutational spectrum in RP patients included 39 distinct pathogenic variants, most of them of the missense type. The most common RP-causing variants were p.Cys759Phe (c.2276G>T), p.Glu767Serfs*21 (c.2299delG), and p.Cys319Tyr (c.956G>A), which together accounted for 25% of all RP variants. Novel USH2A mutations included three nonsense, two missense, two frameshift, and one intragenic deletion. The USH2A mutational spectrum in USH2 patients included 26 distinct pathogenic variants, most of them of the nonsense and frameshift types. The most common Usher syndrome-causing variants were p.Glu767Serfs*21 (c.2299delG), p.Arg334Trp (c.1000C>T), and c.12067-2A>G), which together accounted for 42% of all USH2-related variants. Novel Usher syndrome USH2A mutations included six nonsense, four frameshift, and two missense mutations. The c.2299delG mutation was associated with a common haplotype for SNPs located in exons 2-21 of USH2A, indicating a founder mutation effect. Conclusions Our work expands the USH2A mutational profile by identifying 20 novel pathogenic variants causing syndromic and non-syndromic retinal dystrophy. The prevalent c.2299delG allele is shown to arise from a founder effect. Our results emphasize the usefulness of molecular screening in underrepresented populations for a better characterization of the molecular spectrum of common monogenic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vianey Ordoñez-Labastida
- Rare Disease Diagnostic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology “Conde de Valenciana,” Mexico City, Mexico
- Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of the State of Morelos (UAEM), Morelos, Mexico
| | - Oscar F. Chacon-Camacho
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology “Conde de Valenciana,” Mexico City, Mexico
- Carrera Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Juan C. Zenteno
- Rare Disease Diagnostic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology “Conde de Valenciana,” Mexico City, Mexico
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
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14
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Ferla R, Dell’Aquila F, Doria M, Ferraiuolo M, Noto A, Grazioli F, Ammendola V, Testa F, Melillo P, Iodice C, Risca G, Tedesco N, le Brun PR, Surace EM, Simonelli F, Galimberti S, Valsecchi MG, Marteau JB, Veron P, Colloca S, Auricchio A. Efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and safety in the mouse and primate retina of dual AAV vectors for Usher syndrome type 1B. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 28:396-411. [PMID: 36910588 PMCID: PMC9996380 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy of Usher syndrome type 1B (USH1B) due to mutations in the large Myosin VIIA (MYO7A) gene is limited by the packaging capacity of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. To overcome this, we have previously developed dual AAV8 vectors which encode human MYO7A (dual AAV8.MYO7A). Here we show that subretinal administration of 1.37E+9 to 1.37E+10 genome copies of a good-manufacturing-practice-like lot of dual AAV8.MYO7A improves the retinal defects of a mouse model of USH1B. The same lot was used in non-human primates at doses 1.6× and 4.3× the highest dose proposed for the clinical trial which was based on mouse efficacy data. Long-lasting alterations in retinal function and morphology were observed following subretinal administration of dual AAV8.MYO7A at the high dose. These findings were modest and improved over time in the low-dose group, as also observed in other studies involving the use of AAV8 in non-human primates and humans. Biodistribution and shedding studies confirmed the presence of vector DNA mainly in the visual pathway. Accordingly, we detected human MYO7A mRNA expression predominantly in the retina. Overall, these studies pave the way for the clinical translation of subretinal administration of dual AAV vectors in USH1B subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Ferla
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
- AAVantgarde BIO Srl, 20123 Milan, Italy
- Corresponding author: Rita Ferla, Telethon institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; AAVantgarde BIO Srl, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Dell’Aquila
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Monica Doria
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Francesco Testa
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Melillo
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Carolina Iodice
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Giulia Risca
- Center of Biostatistics for Clinical Epidemiology, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Novella Tedesco
- Genethon, 91000 Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, University Evry 91000, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000 Evry, France
| | - Pierre Romain le Brun
- Genethon, 91000 Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, University Evry 91000, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000 Evry, France
| | - Enrico Maria Surace
- Medical Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Galimberti
- Center of Biostatistics for Clinical Epidemiology, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Valsecchi
- Center of Biostatistics for Clinical Epidemiology, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | | | - Philippe Veron
- Genethon, 91000 Evry, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, University Evry 91000, INSERM, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000 Evry, France
| | | | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
- AAVantgarde BIO Srl, 20123 Milan, Italy
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, “Federico II” University, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Corresponding author: Alberto Auricchio, Telethon institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; AAVantgarde BIO Srl, 20123 Milan, Italy.
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Tebbe L, Mwoyosvi ML, Crane R, Makia MS, Kakakhel M, Cosgrove D, Al-Ubaidi MR, Naash MI. The usherin mutation c.2299delG leads to its mislocalization and disrupts interactions with whirlin and VLGR1. Nat Commun 2023; 14:972. [PMID: 36810733 PMCID: PMC9944904 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36431-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH) is the leading cause of combined deafness-blindness with type 2 A (USH2A) being the most common form. Knockout models of USH proteins, like the Ush2a-/- model that develops a late-onset retinal phenotype, failed to mimic the retinal phenotype observed in patients. Since patient's mutations result in the expression of a mutant protein and to determine the mechanism of USH2A, we generated and evaluated an usherin (USH2A) knock-in mouse expressing the common human disease-mutation, c.2299delG. This mouse exhibits retinal degeneration and expresses a truncated, glycosylated protein which is mislocalized to the photoreceptor inner segment. The degeneration is associated with a decline in retinal function, structural abnormalities in connecting cilium and outer segment and mislocaliztion of the usherin interactors very long G-protein receptor 1 and whirlin. The onset of symptoms is significantly earlier compared to Ush2a-/-, proving expression of mutated protein is required to recapitulate the patients' retinal phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Tebbe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Maggie L Mwoyosvi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Ryan Crane
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Mustafa S Makia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Mashal Kakakhel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | | | - Muayyad R Al-Ubaidi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.
| | - Muna I Naash
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.
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16
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Boye SE, Durham T, Laster A, Gelfman CM, Sahel JA. Identifying and Overcoming Challenges in Developing Effective Treatments for Usher 1B: A Workshop Report. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:2. [PMID: 36723965 PMCID: PMC9904327 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.2.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To identify challenges and opportunities for the development of treatments for Usher syndrome (USH) type 1B. Methods In September 2021, the Foundation Fighting Blindness hosted a virtual workshop of clinicians, academic and industry researchers, advocates, and affected individuals and their families to discuss the challenges and opportunities for USH1B treatment development. Results The workshop began with insights from individuals affected by USH1B. Presentation topics included myosin VIIA protein function in the ear and eye and its role in disease pathology; challenges with the USH1B mouse model most used in disease research to date; new investigations into alternative disease models that may provide closer analogues to USH1B in the human retina, including retinal organoids and large animal models; and learnings from and limitations of available disease natural history data. Participants discussed the need for an open dialogue between researchers and regulators to design USH1B clinical trials with appropriate outcome measures of vision improvement, along with multimodal imaging of the retina and other testing approaches that can help inform trial designs. The workshop concluded with presentations and a roundtable reviewing emerging treatments, including USH1B-targeted genetic augmentation therapy and gene-agnostic approaches. Conclusions Initiatives like this workshop are important to foster all stakeholders in support of achieving the shared goal of treating and curing USH1B. Translational Relevance Presentations and discussions focused on overcoming disease modeling and clinical trial design challenges to facilitate development, testing, and implementation of effective USH1B treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon E. Boye
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA,Atsena Therapeutics, Inc., Durham, NC, USA
| | - Todd Durham
- Foundation Fighting Blindness, Columbia, MD, USA
| | - Amy Laster
- Foundation Fighting Blindness, Columbia, MD, USA
| | | | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France,Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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17
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Li W, Jiang XS, Han DM, Gao JY, Yang ZT, Jiang L, Zhang Q, Zhang SH, Gao Y, Wu JH, Li JK. Genetic Characteristics and Variation Spectrum of USH2A-Related Retinitis Pigmentosa and Usher Syndrome. Front Genet 2022; 13:900548. [PMID: 36110214 PMCID: PMC9468824 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.900548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purposes: We aimed to characterize the USH2A genotypic spectrum in a Chinese cohort and provide a detailed genetic profile for Chinese patients with USH2A-IRD.Methods: We designed a retrospective study wherein a total of 1,334 patients diagnosed with IRD were included as a study cohort, namely 1,278 RP and 56 USH patients, as well as other types of IEDs patients and healthy family members as a control cohort. The genotype-phenotype correlation of all participants with USH2A variant was evaluated.Results: Etiological mutations in USH2A, the most common cause of RP and USH, were found in 16.34% (n = 218) genetically solved IRD patients, with prevalences of 14.87% (190/1,278) and 50% (28/56). After bioinformatics and QC processing, 768 distinct USH2A variants were detected in all participants, including 136 disease-causing mutations present in 665 alleles, distributed in 5.81% of all participants. Of these 136 mutations, 43 were novel, nine were founder mutations, and two hot spot mutations with allele count ≥10. Furthermore, 38.5% (84/218) of genetically solved USH2A-IRD patients were caused by at least one of both c.2802T>G and c.8559–2 A>G mutations, and 36.9% and 69.6% of the alleles in the RP and USH groups were truncating, respectively.Conclusion: USH2A-related East Asian-specific founder and hot spot mutations were the major causes for Chinese RP and USH patients. Our study systematically delineated the genotype spectrum of USH2A-IRD, enabled accurate genetic diagnosis, and provided East Asian and other ethnicities with baseline data of a Chinese origin, which would better serve genetic counseling and therapeutic targets selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Li, ; Ya Gao, ; Ji-Hong Wu, ; Jian-Kang Li,
| | - Xiao-Sen Jiang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dong-Ming Han
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jia-Yu Gao
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zheng-Tao Yang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Laizhou City People’s Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sheng-Hai Zhang
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, College of Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya Gao
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Li, ; Ya Gao, ; Ji-Hong Wu, ; Jian-Kang Li,
| | - Ji-Hong Wu
- Eye Institute, Eye and ENT Hospital, College of Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Li, ; Ya Gao, ; Ji-Hong Wu, ; Jian-Kang Li,
| | - Jian-Kang Li
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Li, ; Ya Gao, ; Ji-Hong Wu, ; Jian-Kang Li,
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18
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Nagel-Wolfrum K, Fadl BR, Becker MM, Wunderlich KA, Schäfer J, Sturm D, Fritze J, Gür B, Kaplan L, Andreani T, Goldmann T, Brooks M, Starostik MR, Lokhande A, Apel M, Fath KR, Stingl K, Kohl S, DeAngelis MM, Schlötzer-Schrehardt U, Kim IK, Owen LA, Vetter JM, Pfeiffer N, Andrade-Navarro MA, Grosche A, Swaroop A, Wolfrum U. Expression and subcellular localization of USH1C/harmonin in human retina provides insights into pathomechanisms and therapy. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 32:431-449. [PMID: 35997788 PMCID: PMC9851744 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH) is the most common form of hereditary deaf-blindness in humans. USH is a complex genetic disorder, assigned to three clinical subtypes differing in onset, course and severity, with USH1 being the most severe. Rodent USH1 models do not reflect the ocular phenotype observed in human patients to date; hence, little is known about the pathophysiology of USH1 in the human eye. One of the USH1 genes, USH1C, exhibits extensive alternative splicing and encodes numerous harmonin protein isoforms that function as scaffolds for organizing the USH interactome. RNA-seq analysis of human retinae uncovered harmonin_a1 as the most abundant transcript of USH1C. Bulk RNA-seq analysis and immunoblotting showed abundant expression of harmonin in Müller glia cells (MGCs) and retinal neurons. Furthermore, harmonin was localized in the terminal endfeet and apical microvilli of MGCs, presynaptic region (pedicle) of cones and outer segments (OS) of rods as well as at adhesive junctions between MGCs and photoreceptor cells (PRCs) in the outer limiting membrane (OLM). Our data provide evidence for the interaction of harmonin with OLM molecules in PRCs and MGCs and rhodopsin in PRCs. Subcellular expression and colocalization of harmonin correlate with the clinical phenotype observed in USH1C patients. We also demonstrate that primary cilia defects in USH1C patient-derived fibroblasts could be reverted by the delivery of harmonin_a1 transcript isoform. Our studies thus provide novel insights into PRC cell biology, USH1C pathophysiology and development of gene therapy treatment(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Nagel-Wolfrum
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany,Institute of Developmental Biology and Neurobiology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Benjamin R Fadl
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany,Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mirjana M Becker
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Jessica Schäfer
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Daniel Sturm
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany,Institute of Developmental Biology and Neurobiology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Jacques Fritze
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Burcu Gür
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Lew Kaplan
- Department of Physiological Genomics, BioMedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilian University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | | | - Tobias Goldmann
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthew Brooks
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Anagha Lokhande
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Melissa Apel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Karl R Fath
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany,Department of Biology, Queens College of CUNY, Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, USA
| | - Katarina Stingl
- University Eye Hospital, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tubingen, 72076 Tubingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Kohl
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tubingen, 72076 Tubingen, Germany
| | - Margaret M DeAngelis
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ira G. Ross Eye Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Buffalo, NY 14209, USA
| | | | - Ivana K Kim
- Retina Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Leah A Owen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Jan M Vetter
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Norbert Pfeiffer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Miguel A Andrade-Navarro
- Computational Biology and Data Mining, Institute of Organismic & Molecular Evolution Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Antje Grosche
- Department of Physiological Genomics, BioMedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilian University Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Uwe Wolfrum
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at: Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 17, 55128 Mainz, Germany. Tel: +49 6131 392 5148; E-mail:
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19
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Zhou P, Meng H, Liang X, Lei X, Zhang J, Bian W, He N, Lin Z, Song X, Zhu W, Hu B, Li B, Yan L, Tang B, Su T, Liu H, Mao Y, Zhai Q, Yi Y. ADGRV1 Variants in Febrile Seizures/Epilepsy With Antecedent Febrile Seizures and Their Associations With Audio-Visual Abnormalities. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:864074. [PMID: 35813073 PMCID: PMC9262510 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.864074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective ADGRV1 gene encodes adhesion G protein-coupled receptor-V1 that is involved in synaptic function. ADGRV1 mutations are associated with audio-visual disorders. Although previous experimental studies suggested that ADGRV1 variants were associated with epilepsy, clinical evidence is limited and the phenotype spectrum is to be defined. Methods Trio-based targeting sequencing was performed in a cohort of 101 cases with febrile seizure (FS) and epilepsy with antecedent FS. Protein modeling was used to assess the damaging effects of variants. The genotype-phenotype correlations of the ADGRV1 variants in epilepsy and audio-visual disorders were analyzed. Results ADGRV1 variants were identified in nine unrelated cases (8.91%), including two heterozygous frameshift variants, six heterozygous missense variants, and a pair of compound heterozygous variants. These variants presented a statistically higher frequency in this cohort than that in control populations. Most missense variants were located at CalX-β motifs and changed the hydrogen bonds. These variants were inherited from the asymptomatic parents, indicating an incomplete penetrance. We also identified SCN1A variants in 25 unrelated cases (24.75%) and SCN9A variants in 3 unrelated cases (2.97%) in this cohort. Contrary to SCN1A variant-associated epilepsy that revealed seizure was aggravated by sodium channel blockers, ADGRV1 variants were associated with mild epilepsy with favorable responses to antiepileptic drugs. The patients denied problems with audio-visual-vestibular abilities in daily life. However, audio-visual tests revealed auditory and visual impairment in the patient with compound heterozygous variants, auditory or vestibular impairment in the patients with heterozygous frameshift, or hydrogen-bond changed missense variants but no abnormalities in the patients with missense variants without hydrogen-bond changes. Previously reported ADGRV1 variants that were associated with audio-visual disorders were mostly biallelic/destructive variants, which were significantly more frequent in the severe phenotype of audio-visual disorders (Usher syndrome 2) than in other mild phenotypes. In contrast, the variants identified in epilepsy were monoallelic, missense mainly located at CalX-β, or affected isoforms VLGR1b/1c. Significance ADGRV1 is potentially associated with FS-related epilepsy as a susceptibility gene. The genotype, submolecular implication, isoforms, and damaging severity of the variants explained the phenotypical variations. ADGRV1 variant-associated FS/epilepsy presented favorable responses to antiepileptic drugs, implying a clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Heng Meng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Clinical Neuroscience Institute of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liang
- Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyun Lei
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Clinical Neuroscience Institute of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Bian
- Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Na He
- Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhijian Lin
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, Putian, China
| | - Xingwang Song
- Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiwen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bingmei Li
- Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Limin Yan
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Bin Tang
- Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Su
- Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | | | - Qiongxiang Zhai
- Department of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qiongxiang Zhai
| | - Yonghong Yi
- Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Yonghong Yi
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20
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Jaffal L, Akhdar H, Joumaa H, Ibrahim M, Chhouri Z, Assi A, Helou C, Lee H, Seo GH, Joumaa WH, El Shamieh S. Novel Missense and Splice Site Mutations in USH2A, CDH23, PCDH15, and ADGRV1 Are Associated With Usher Syndrome in Lebanon. Front Genet 2022; 13:864228. [PMID: 35651951 PMCID: PMC9149366 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.864228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to expand the mutation spectrum by searching the causative mutations in nine Lebanese families with Usher syndrome (USH) using whole-exome sequencing. The pathogenicity of candidate mutations was first evaluated according to their frequency, conservation, and in silico prediction tools. Then, it was confirmed via Sanger sequencing, followed by segregation analysis. Finally, a meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the prevalence of USH genes in the Lebanese population. Three missense mutations, two splice site mutations, and one insertion/deletion were detected in eight of the families. Four of these variants were novel: c.5535C > A; p.(Asn1845Lys) in exon 41 of CDH23, c.7130G > A; p.(Arg2377Gln) in exon 32 of ADGRV1, c.11390-1G > A in USH2A, and c.3999–6A > G in PCDH15. All the identified mutations were shown to be likely disease-causing through our bioinformatics analysis and co-segregated with the USH phenotype. The mutations were classified according to the ACMG standards. Finally, our meta-analysis showed that the mutations in ADGRV1, USH2A, and CLRN1 are the most prevalent and responsible for approximately 75% of USH cases in Lebanon. Of note, the frequency USH type 3 showed a relatively high incidence (23%) compared to the worldwide prevalence, which is around 2–4%. In conclusion, our study has broadened the mutational spectrum of USH and showed a high heterogeneity of this disease in the Lebanese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lama Jaffal
- Rammal Hassan Rammal Research Laboratory, PhyToxE Research Group, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Nabatieh, Lebanon.,Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hanane Akhdar
- Rammal Hassan Rammal Research Laboratory, PhyToxE Research Group, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Nabatieh, Lebanon.,Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hawraa Joumaa
- Rammal Hassan Rammal Research Laboratory, PhyToxE Research Group, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Nabatieh, Lebanon
| | - Mariam Ibrahim
- Rammal Hassan Rammal Research Laboratory, PhyToxE Research Group, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Nabatieh, Lebanon
| | - Zahraa Chhouri
- Rammal Hassan Rammal Research Laboratory, PhyToxE Research Group, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Nabatieh, Lebanon
| | - Alexandre Assi
- Retinal Service, Beirut Eye & ENT Specialist Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Charles Helou
- Retinal Service, Beirut Eye & ENT Specialist Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hane Lee
- Rare Genetic Disease Research Center, 3billion Inc, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Go Hun Seo
- Rare Genetic Disease Research Center, 3billion Inc, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Wissam H Joumaa
- Rammal Hassan Rammal Research Laboratory, PhyToxE Research Group, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Nabatieh, Lebanon
| | - Said El Shamieh
- Rammal Hassan Rammal Research Laboratory, PhyToxE Research Group, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Nabatieh, Lebanon.,Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
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21
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The genetic and phenotypic landscapes of Usher syndrome: from disease mechanisms to a new classification. Hum Genet 2022; 141:709-735. [PMID: 35353227 PMCID: PMC9034986 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-022-02448-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH) is the most common cause of deaf–blindness in humans, with a prevalence of about 1/10,000 (~ 400,000 people worldwide). Cochlear implants are currently used to reduce the burden of hearing loss in severe-to-profoundly deaf patients, but many promising treatments including gene, cell, and drug therapies to restore the native function of the inner ear and retinal sensory cells are under investigation. The traditional clinical classification of Usher syndrome defines three major subtypes—USH1, 2 and 3—according to hearing loss severity and onset, the presence or absence of vestibular dysfunction, and age at onset of retinitis pigmentosa. Pathogenic variants of nine USH genes have been initially reported: MYO7A, USH1C, PCDH15, CDH23, and USH1G for USH1, USH2A, ADGRV1, and WHRN for USH2, and CLRN1 for USH3. Based on the co-occurrence of hearing and vision deficits, the list of USH genes has been extended to few other genes, but with limited supporting information. A consensus on combined criteria for Usher syndrome is crucial for the development of accurate diagnosis and to improve patient management. In recent years, a wealth of information has been obtained concerning the properties of the Usher proteins, related molecular networks, potential genotype–phenotype correlations, and the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the impairment or loss of hearing, balance and vision. The advent of precision medicine calls for a clear and more precise diagnosis of Usher syndrome, exploiting all the existing data to develop a combined clinical/genetic/network/functional classification for Usher syndrome.
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22
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Young SL, Stanton CM, Livesey BJ, Marsh JA, Cackett PD. Novel biallelic USH2A variants in a patient with usher syndrome type IIA- a case report. BMC Ophthalmol 2022; 22:140. [PMID: 35346118 PMCID: PMC8962547 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-022-02353-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Usher Syndrome is the commonest cause of inherited blindness and deafness. The condition is clinically and genetically heterogeneous, with no current treatment. We report a case carrying novel biallelic variants in USH2A causing progressive early adolescent onset visual and hearing impairment consistent with Usher Syndrome Type IIA. CASE PRESENTATION Our patient presented at age 13 with progressive visual field loss and hearing loss, associated with early onset of cataract in her 40s requiring lens extraction. Now 52 years old, latest best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) stands at Logmar Right Eye (RE) 0.8 and Left Eye (LE) 0.2, with significantly constricted visual fields bilaterally. She was registered partially sighted age 46. Clinical and molecular genetic assessment of the proband was consistent with a diagnosis of Usher Syndrome Type IIA. Genetic testing identified two novel USH2A variants, resulting in the premature termination codon p.Leu30Ter and a missense mutation p.Cys3251Tyr. Segregation analysis confirmed that these variants were biallelic in the affected case. Comprehensive in silico analysis confirmed that these mutations are the probable cause of Usher Syndrome Type IIA in this individual. CONCLUSIONS The identification of novel mutations in USH2A increases the spectrum of genetic variations that lead to Usher Syndrome, aiding genetic diagnosis, assessment of patient prognosis, and emphasising the importance of genetic testing to identify new mutations in patients with undiagnosed progressive visual loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Ling Young
- Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Chloe M Stanton
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Benjamin J Livesey
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Joseph A Marsh
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Peter D Cackett
- Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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23
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Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH) encompasses a group of clinically and genetically heterogenous disorders defined by the triad of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), vestibular dysfunction, and vision loss. USH is the most common cause of deaf blindness. USH is divided clinically into three subtypes-USH1, USH2, and USH3-based on symptom severity, progression, and age of onset. The underlying genetics of these USH forms are, however, significantly more complex, with over a dozen genes linked to the three primary clinical subtypes and other atypical USH phenotypes. Several of these genes are associated with other deaf-blindness syndromes that share significant clinical overlap with USH, pointing to the limits of a clinically based classification system. The genotype-phenotype relationships among USH forms also may vary significantly based on the location and type of mutation in the gene of interest. Understanding these genotype-phenotype relationships and associated natural disease histories is necessary for the successful development and application of gene-based therapies and precision medicine approaches to USH. Currently, the state of knowledge varies widely depending on the gene of interest. Recent studies utilizing next-generation sequencing technology have expanded the list of known pathogenic mutations in USH genes, identified new genes associated with USH-like phenotypes, and proposed algorithms to predict the phenotypic effects of specific categories of allelic variants. Further work is required to validate USH gene causality, and better define USH genotype-phenotype relationships and disease natural histories-particularly for rare mutations-to lay the groundwork for the future of USH treatment.
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Mansard L, Baux D, Vaché C, Blanchet C, Meunier I, Willems M, Faugère V, Baudoin C, Moclyn M, Bianchi J, Dollfus H, Gilbert-Dussardier B, Dupin-Deguine D, Bonneau D, Drumare I, Odent S, Zanlonghi X, Claustres M, Koenig M, Kalatzis V, Roux AF. The Study of a 231 French Patient Cohort Significantly Extends the Mutational Spectrum of the Two Major Usher Genes MYO7A and USH2A. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413294. [PMID: 34948090 PMCID: PMC8703989 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by congenital hearing loss combined with retinitis pigmentosa, and in some cases, vestibular areflexia. Three clinical subtypes are distinguished, and MYO7A and USH2A represent the two major causal genes involved in Usher type I, the most severe form, and type II, the most frequent form, respectively. Massively parallel sequencing was performed on a cohort of patients in the context of a molecular diagnosis to confirm clinical suspicion of Usher syndrome. We report here 231 pathogenic MYO7A and USH2A genotypes identified in 73 Usher type I and 158 Usher type II patients. Furthermore, we present the ACMG classification of the variants, which comprise all types. Among them, 68 have not been previously reported in the literature, including 12 missense and 16 splice variants. We also report a new deep intronic variant in USH2A. Despite the important number of molecular studies published on these two genes, we show that during the course of routine genetic diagnosis, undescribed variants continue to be identified at a high rate. This is particularly pertinent in the current era, where therapeutic strategies based on DNA or RNA technologies are being developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Mansard
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (L.M.); (D.B.); (C.V.); (V.F.); (C.B.); (M.M.); (J.B.); (M.C.); (M.K.)
| | - David Baux
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (L.M.); (D.B.); (C.V.); (V.F.); (C.B.); (M.M.); (J.B.); (M.C.); (M.K.)
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, Inserm, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (I.M.); (M.W.); (V.K.)
| | - Christel Vaché
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (L.M.); (D.B.); (C.V.); (V.F.); (C.B.); (M.M.); (J.B.); (M.C.); (M.K.)
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, Inserm, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (I.M.); (M.W.); (V.K.)
| | - Catherine Blanchet
- National Reference Centre for Inherited Sensory Diseases, University Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France;
- Oto Laryngology Department, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Isabelle Meunier
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, Inserm, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (I.M.); (M.W.); (V.K.)
- National Reference Centre for Inherited Sensory Diseases, University Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France;
| | - Marjolaine Willems
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, Inserm, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (I.M.); (M.W.); (V.K.)
- Medical Genetics Department, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Valérie Faugère
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (L.M.); (D.B.); (C.V.); (V.F.); (C.B.); (M.M.); (J.B.); (M.C.); (M.K.)
| | - Corinne Baudoin
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (L.M.); (D.B.); (C.V.); (V.F.); (C.B.); (M.M.); (J.B.); (M.C.); (M.K.)
| | - Melody Moclyn
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (L.M.); (D.B.); (C.V.); (V.F.); (C.B.); (M.M.); (J.B.); (M.C.); (M.K.)
| | - Julie Bianchi
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (L.M.); (D.B.); (C.V.); (V.F.); (C.B.); (M.M.); (J.B.); (M.C.); (M.K.)
| | - Helene Dollfus
- Reference Center for Rare Affections in Ophthalmology Genetics (CARGO), Institute of Medical Genetics of Alsace, University of Strasbourg, CHU Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France;
| | | | - Delphine Dupin-Deguine
- Medical Genetics Department, University of Toulouse, CHU Purpan, F-31000 Toulouse, France;
| | - Dominique Bonneau
- Medical Genetics Department, University of Angers, CHU Angers, F-49000 Angers, France;
| | - Isabelle Drumare
- Vision and Neuro-Ophthalmology Department, University of Lille, CHU Lille, F-59000 Lille, France;
| | - Sylvie Odent
- Clinical Genetics Service, University Hospital, Genetics and Development Institute of Rennes IDGDR, UMR6290 University of Rennes, F-35000 Rennes, France;
| | - Xavier Zanlonghi
- Center of Competence for Rare Diseases, Jules Verne Clinic, F-44000 Nantes, France;
| | - Mireille Claustres
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (L.M.); (D.B.); (C.V.); (V.F.); (C.B.); (M.M.); (J.B.); (M.C.); (M.K.)
| | - Michel Koenig
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (L.M.); (D.B.); (C.V.); (V.F.); (C.B.); (M.M.); (J.B.); (M.C.); (M.K.)
| | - Vasiliki Kalatzis
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, Inserm, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (I.M.); (M.W.); (V.K.)
| | - Anne-Françoise Roux
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, University of Montpellier, CHU Montpellier, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (L.M.); (D.B.); (C.V.); (V.F.); (C.B.); (M.M.); (J.B.); (M.C.); (M.K.)
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, Inserm, F-34000 Montpellier, France; (I.M.); (M.W.); (V.K.)
- Correspondence:
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Galbis‐Martínez L, Blanco‐Kelly F, García‐García G, Ávila‐Fernández A, Jaijo T, Fuster‐García C, Perea‐Romero I, Zurita‐Muñoz O, Jimenez‐Rolando B, Carreño E, García‐Sandoval B, Millán JM, Ayuso C. Genotype-phenotype correlation in patients with Usher syndrome and pathogenic variants in MYO7A: implications for future clinical trials. Acta Ophthalmol 2021; 99:922-930. [PMID: 33576163 PMCID: PMC9540557 DOI: 10.1111/aos.14795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose We aimed to establish correlations between the clinical features of a cohort of Usher syndrome (USH) patients with pathogenic variants in MYO7A, type of pathogenic variant, and location on the protein domain. Methods Sixty‐two USH patients from 46 families with biallelic variants in MYO7A were examined for visual and audiological features. Participants were evaluated based on self‐reported ophthalmological history and ophthalmological investigations (computerized visual field testing, best‐corrected visual acuity, and ophthalmoscopic and electrophysiological examination). Optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence imaging were performed when possible. Auditory and vestibular functions were evaluated. Patients were classified according to the type of variant and the protein domain where the variants were located. Results Most patients displayed a typical USH1 phenotype, that is, prelingual severe‐profound sensorineural hearing loss, prepubertal retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and vestibular dysfunction. No statistically significant differences were observed for the variables analysed except for the onset of hearing loss due to the existence of two USH2 cases, defined as postlingual sensorineural hearing loss, postpubertal onset of RP, and absence of vestibular dysfunction, and one atypical case of USH. Conclusion We were unable to find a correlation between genotype and phenotype for MYO7A. However, our findings could prove useful for the assessment of efficacy in clinical trials, since the type of MYO7A variant does not seem to change the onset, severity or course of visual disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilián Galbis‐Martínez
- Department of Genetics University Hospital Fundacion Jimenez Diaz IIS‐FJD UAM Madrid Spain
- CIBERER ISCIII Madrid Spain
| | - Fiona Blanco‐Kelly
- Department of Genetics University Hospital Fundacion Jimenez Diaz IIS‐FJD UAM Madrid Spain
- CIBERER ISCIII Madrid Spain
| | - Gema García‐García
- CIBERER ISCIII Madrid Spain
- Unit of Genetics University Hospital La Fe – IIS La Fe Valencia Spain
- Joint Unit for Rare Diseases IIS La Fe‐CIPF Valencia Spain
| | - Almudena Ávila‐Fernández
- Department of Genetics University Hospital Fundacion Jimenez Diaz IIS‐FJD UAM Madrid Spain
- CIBERER ISCIII Madrid Spain
| | - Teresa Jaijo
- CIBERER ISCIII Madrid Spain
- Unit of Genetics University Hospital La Fe – IIS La Fe Valencia Spain
- Joint Unit for Rare Diseases IIS La Fe‐CIPF Valencia Spain
| | - Carla Fuster‐García
- CIBERER ISCIII Madrid Spain
- Unit of Genetics University Hospital La Fe – IIS La Fe Valencia Spain
- Joint Unit for Rare Diseases IIS La Fe‐CIPF Valencia Spain
| | - Irene Perea‐Romero
- Department of Genetics University Hospital Fundacion Jimenez Diaz IIS‐FJD UAM Madrid Spain
- CIBERER ISCIII Madrid Spain
| | - Olga Zurita‐Muñoz
- Department of Genetics University Hospital Fundacion Jimenez Diaz IIS‐FJD UAM Madrid Spain
- CIBERER ISCIII Madrid Spain
| | - Belén Jimenez‐Rolando
- CIBERER ISCIII Madrid Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology University Hospital Fundacion Jimenez Diaz IIS‐FJD UAM Madrid Spain
| | - Ester Carreño
- CIBERER ISCIII Madrid Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology University Hospital Fundacion Jimenez Diaz IIS‐FJD UAM Madrid Spain
| | - Blanca García‐Sandoval
- CIBERER ISCIII Madrid Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology University Hospital Fundacion Jimenez Diaz IIS‐FJD UAM Madrid Spain
| | - José M. Millán
- CIBERER ISCIII Madrid Spain
- Unit of Genetics University Hospital La Fe – IIS La Fe Valencia Spain
- Joint Unit for Rare Diseases IIS La Fe‐CIPF Valencia Spain
| | - Carmen Ayuso
- Department of Genetics University Hospital Fundacion Jimenez Diaz IIS‐FJD UAM Madrid Spain
- CIBERER ISCIII Madrid Spain
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Ehn M, Wahlqvist M, Möller C, Anderzén-Carlsson A. The lived experiences of work and health of people living with deaf-blindness due to Usher syndrome type 2. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2021; 15:1846671. [PMID: 33287675 PMCID: PMC7734013 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2020.1846671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to explore lived experiences with working life from the perspective of people with deafblindness due to Usher syndrome type 2 (USH2). Background: A limited number of studies have explored working life of people with Usher syndrome. One study of individuals with USH2 showed that work active reported significantly better psychological health compared to non-working individuals. Methods: Seven participants aged 38–50 years with USH2 participated in interviews analysed by interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: The analyses yielded four themes showing that work is a source of satisfaction and a commitment that needs to be balanced. It is also associated with facing limitations and feelings of uncertainty. Conclusion: Based on the psychology of work model we have demonstrated that work is associated with social connectedness, self-determination and a source of improved health outcomes. There are however also potential health hazards in people with USH2, indicating a need for balance between individual needs and resources, and an adapted environment, for maintaining or regaining health for actively working people with USH2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattias Ehn
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University , Örebro, Sweden.,The Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Örebro University , Örebro, Sweden.,Habilitation and Health, Region Stockholm , Stockholm, Sweden.,Audiological Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University , Örebro, Sweden
| | - Moa Wahlqvist
- The Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Örebro University , Örebro, Sweden.,Audiological Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University , Örebro, Sweden.,The Swedish National Resource Centre for Deafblindness , Lund, Sweden
| | - Claes Möller
- The Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Örebro University , Örebro, Sweden.,Audiological Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University , Örebro, Sweden
| | - Agneta Anderzén-Carlsson
- The Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Örebro University , Örebro, Sweden.,University Health Care Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University , Örebro, Sweden
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27
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Zhou C, Xiao Y, Xie H, Liu S, Wang J. A novel USH2A variant in a patient with hearing loss and prenatal diagnosis of a familial fetus: a case report. BMC Med Genomics 2021; 14:200. [PMID: 34376197 PMCID: PMC8353764 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-021-01052-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Usher syndrome (USH) is the most common cause of inherited deaf-blindness. The current study aimed to identify pathogenic variants in a Chinese patient with hearing loss and to report the identification of a novel p.(Phe1583Leufs*10) variant in USH2A, which met the needs of prenatal diagnosis of the patient's mother. Case presentation Genomic DNA obtained from a five-year-old girl with hearing loss was analyzed via the hearing loss-targeted gene panels. We identified the compound heterozygous variants c.8559-2A>G and c.4749delT in Usher syndrome type 2A (USH2A) gene as the underlying cause of the patient; the former variation has been reported in the literature, but not the latter. The parents of the girl were heterozygous carriers. The two variants were classified as pathogenic. Based on these findings, amniotic fluid samples were used for prenatal diagnosis of the couple's fetus, which was found to carry c.4749delT but not c.8559-2A>G variation. During the follow-up period of more than 9 months after the birth of the fetus, it was confirmed that the infant was healthy. Conclusions The results of the present study identified two compound heterozygous USH2A variants in a patient with hearing loss and reported a novel USH2A variant which expands the spectrum of USH2A variants in USH. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12920-021-01052-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Prenatal Diagnosis Center of Sichuan Province, 20 Section 3 Renmin South Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Prenatal Diagnosis Center of Sichuan Province, 20 Section 3 Renmin South Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanbing Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Prenatal Diagnosis Center of Sichuan Province, 20 Section 3 Renmin South Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanling Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Prenatal Diagnosis Center of Sichuan Province, 20 Section 3 Renmin South Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Prenatal Diagnosis Center of Sichuan Province, 20 Section 3 Renmin South Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
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Fuster-García C, García-Bohórquez B, Rodríguez-Muñoz A, Aller E, Jaijo T, Millán JM, García-García G. Usher Syndrome: Genetics of a Human Ciliopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136723. [PMID: 34201633 PMCID: PMC8268283 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH) is an autosomal recessive syndromic ciliopathy characterized by sensorineural hearing loss, retinitis pigmentosa and, sometimes, vestibular dysfunction. There are three clinical types depending on the severity and age of onset of the symptoms; in addition, ten genes are reported to be causative of USH, and six more related to the disease. These genes encode proteins of a diverse nature, which interact and form a dynamic protein network called the “Usher interactome”. In the organ of Corti, the USH proteins are essential for the correct development and maintenance of the structure and cohesion of the stereocilia. In the retina, the USH protein network is principally located in the periciliary region of the photoreceptors, and plays an important role in the maintenance of the periciliary structure and the trafficking of molecules between the inner and the outer segments of photoreceptors. Even though some genes are clearly involved in the syndrome, others are controversial. Moreover, expression of some USH genes has been detected in other tissues, which could explain their involvement in additional mild comorbidities. In this paper, we review the genetics of Usher syndrome and the spectrum of mutations in USH genes. The aim is to identify possible mutation associations with the disease and provide an updated genotype–phenotype correlation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Fuster-García
- Molecular, Cellular and Genomics Biomedicine Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (C.F.-G.); (B.G.-B.); (A.R.-M.); (E.A.); (T.J.); (G.G.-G.)
- Unidad Mixta de Enfermedades Raras IIS La Fe-Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Network for Rare Diseases, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Belén García-Bohórquez
- Molecular, Cellular and Genomics Biomedicine Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (C.F.-G.); (B.G.-B.); (A.R.-M.); (E.A.); (T.J.); (G.G.-G.)
- Unidad Mixta de Enfermedades Raras IIS La Fe-Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Rodríguez-Muñoz
- Molecular, Cellular and Genomics Biomedicine Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (C.F.-G.); (B.G.-B.); (A.R.-M.); (E.A.); (T.J.); (G.G.-G.)
- Unidad Mixta de Enfermedades Raras IIS La Fe-Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Elena Aller
- Molecular, Cellular and Genomics Biomedicine Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (C.F.-G.); (B.G.-B.); (A.R.-M.); (E.A.); (T.J.); (G.G.-G.)
- Unidad Mixta de Enfermedades Raras IIS La Fe-Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Network for Rare Diseases, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Genetics Unit, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Teresa Jaijo
- Molecular, Cellular and Genomics Biomedicine Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (C.F.-G.); (B.G.-B.); (A.R.-M.); (E.A.); (T.J.); (G.G.-G.)
- Unidad Mixta de Enfermedades Raras IIS La Fe-Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Network for Rare Diseases, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Genetics Unit, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - José M. Millán
- Molecular, Cellular and Genomics Biomedicine Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (C.F.-G.); (B.G.-B.); (A.R.-M.); (E.A.); (T.J.); (G.G.-G.)
- Unidad Mixta de Enfermedades Raras IIS La Fe-Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Network for Rare Diseases, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Gema García-García
- Molecular, Cellular and Genomics Biomedicine Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (C.F.-G.); (B.G.-B.); (A.R.-M.); (E.A.); (T.J.); (G.G.-G.)
- Unidad Mixta de Enfermedades Raras IIS La Fe-Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Network for Rare Diseases, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
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PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERISTICS OF ROD-CONE DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATED WITH MYO7A MUTATIONS IN A LARGE FRENCH COHORT. Retina 2021; 40:1603-1615. [PMID: 31479088 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000002636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To document the rod-cone dystrophy phenotype of patients with Usher syndrome type 1 (USH1) harboring MYO7A mutations. METHODS Retrospective cohort study of 53 patients (42 families) with biallelic MYO7A mutations who underwent comprehensive examination, including functional visual tests and multimodal retinal imaging. Genetic analysis was performed either using a multiplex amplicon panel or through direct sequencing. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics software v. 21.0. RESULTS Fifty different genetic variations including 4 novel were identified. Most patients showed a typical rod-cone dystrophy phenotype, with best-corrected visual acuity and central visual field deteriorating linearly with age. At age 29, binocular visual field demonstrated an average preservation of 50 central degrees, constricting by 50% within 5 years. Structural changes based on spectral domain optical coherence tomography, short wavelength autofluorescence, and near-infrared autofluorescence measurements did not however correlate with age. Our study revealed a higher percentage of epiretinal membranes and cystoid macular edema in patients with MYO7A mutations compared with rod-cone dystrophy patients with other mutations. Subgroup analyses did not reveal substantial genotype-phenotype correlations. CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest French cohort of patients with MYO7A mutations reported to date. Functional visual characteristics of this subset of patients followed a linear decline as in other typical rod-cone dystrophy, but structural changes were variable indicating the need for a case-by-case evaluation for prognostic prediction and choice of potential therapies.
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de Joya EM, Colbert BM, Tang PC, Lam BL, Yang J, Blanton SH, Dykxhoorn DM, Liu X. Usher Syndrome in the Inner Ear: Etiologies and Advances in Gene Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3910. [PMID: 33920085 PMCID: PMC8068832 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hearing loss is the most common sensory disorder with ~466 million people worldwide affected, representing about 5% of the population. A substantial portion of hearing loss is genetic. Hearing loss can either be non-syndromic, if hearing loss is the only clinical manifestation, or syndromic, if the hearing loss is accompanied by a collage of other clinical manifestations. Usher syndrome is a syndromic form of genetic hearing loss that is accompanied by impaired vision associated with retinitis pigmentosa and, in many cases, vestibular dysfunction. It is the most common cause of deaf-blindness. Currently cochlear implantation or hearing aids are the only treatments for Usher-related hearing loss. However, gene therapy has shown promise in treating Usher-related retinitis pigmentosa. Here we review how the etiologies of Usher-related hearing loss make it a good candidate for gene therapy and discuss how various forms of gene therapy could be applied to Usher-related hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan M. de Joya
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (E.M.J.); (B.M.C.); (P.-C.T.); (S.H.B.)
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Brett M. Colbert
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (E.M.J.); (B.M.C.); (P.-C.T.); (S.H.B.)
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Pei-Ciao Tang
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (E.M.J.); (B.M.C.); (P.-C.T.); (S.H.B.)
| | - Byron L. Lam
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Jun Yang
- John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA;
| | - Susan H. Blanton
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (E.M.J.); (B.M.C.); (P.-C.T.); (S.H.B.)
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Derek M. Dykxhoorn
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Xuezhong Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (E.M.J.); (B.M.C.); (P.-C.T.); (S.H.B.)
- Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Crane R, Conley SM, Al-Ubaidi MR, Naash MI. Gene Therapy to the Retina and the Cochlea. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:652215. [PMID: 33815052 PMCID: PMC8010260 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.652215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Vision and hearing disorders comprise the most common sensory disorders found in people. Many forms of vision and hearing loss are inherited and current treatments only provide patients with temporary or partial relief. As a result, developing genetic therapies for any of the several hundred known causative genes underlying inherited retinal and cochlear disorders has been of great interest. Recent exciting advances in gene therapy have shown promise for the clinical treatment of inherited retinal diseases, and while clinical gene therapies for cochlear disease are not yet available, research in the last several years has resulted in significant advancement in preclinical development for gene delivery to the cochlea. Furthermore, the development of somatic targeted genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 has brought new possibilities for the treatment of dominant or gain-of-function disease. Here we discuss the current state of gene therapy for inherited diseases of the retina and cochlea with an eye toward areas that still need additional development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Crane
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shannon M. Conley
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Oklahoma Center for Neurosciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Muayyad R. Al-Ubaidi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Depatment of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Muna I. Naash
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Depatment of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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Identification of 13 novel USH2A mutations in Chinese retinitis pigmentosa and Usher syndrome patients by targeted next-generation sequencing. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:221779. [PMID: 31904091 PMCID: PMC6974426 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20193536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The USH2A gene encodes usherin, a basement membrane protein that is involved in the development and homeostasis of the inner ear and retina. Mutations in USH2A are linked to Usher syndrome type II (USH II) and non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Molecular diagnosis can provide insight into the pathogenesis of these diseases, facilitate clinical diagnosis, and identify individuals who can most benefit from gene or cell replacement therapy. Here, we report 21 pathogenic mutations in the USH2A gene identified in 11 Chinese families by using the targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Methods: In all, 11 unrelated Chinese families were enrolled, and NGS was performed to identify mutations in the USH2A gene. Variant analysis, Sanger validation, and segregation tests were utilized to validate the disease-causing mutations in these families. Results: We identified 21 pathogenic mutations, of which 13, including 5 associated with non-syndromic RP and 8 with USH II, have not been previously reported. The novel variants segregated with disease phenotype in the affected families and were absent from the control subjects. In general, visual impairment and retinopathy were consistent between the USH II and non-syndromic RP patients with USH2A mutations. Conclusions: These findings provide a basis for investigating genotype–phenotype relationships in Chinese USH II and RP patients and for clarifying the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms of the diseases associated with USH2A mutations.
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Ambrosio L, Hansen RM, Moskowitz A, Oza A, Barrett D, Manganella J, Medina G, Kawai K, Fulton AB, Kenna M. Dark-adapted threshold and electroretinogram for diagnosis of Usher syndrome. Doc Ophthalmol 2021; 143:39-51. [PMID: 33511521 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-021-09818-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the utility of ophthalmology evaluation, dark-adapted threshold, and full-field electroretinogram for early detection of Usher syndrome in young patients with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. METHODS We identified 39 patients with secure genetic diagnoses of Usher Syndrome. Visual acuity, spherical equivalent, fundus appearance, dark-adapted threshold, and full-field electroretinogram results were summarized and compared to those in a group of healthy controls with normal hearing. In those Usher patients with repeated measures, regression analysis was done to evaluate for change in visual acuity and dark-adapted threshold with age. Spherical equivalent and full-field electroretinogram responses from dark- and light-adapted eyes were evaluated as a function of age. RESULTS The majority of initial visual acuity and spherical equivalent results were within normal limits for age. Visual acuity and dark-adapted threshold worsened significantly with age in Usher type 1 but not in Usher type 2. At initial test, full-field electroretinogram responses from dark- and light-adapted eyes were abnormal in 53% of patients. Remarkably, nearly half of our patients (17% of Usher type 1 and 30% of Usher type 2) would have been missed by tests of retinal function alone if evaluated before age 10. CONCLUSIONS Although there is an association of abnormal dark-adapted threshold and full-field electroretinogram at young ages in Usher patients, it appears that a small but important proportion of patients would not be detected by tests of retinal function alone. Thus, genetic testing is needed to secure a diagnosis of Usher syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Ambrosio
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Ronald M Hansen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Anne Moskowitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Andrea Oza
- Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Partners HealthCare Personalized Medicine, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Devon Barrett
- Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Juliana Manganella
- Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Genevieve Medina
- Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Kosuke Kawai
- Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Anne B Fulton
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Margaret Kenna
- Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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34
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Zaw K, Wong EYM, Zhang X, Zhang D, Chen SC, Thompson JA, Lamey T, McLaren T, De Roach JN, Wilton SD, Fletcher S, Mitrpant C, Atlas MD, Chen FK, McLenachan S. Generation of three induced pluripotent stem cell lines from a patient with Usher syndrome caused by biallelic c.949C > A and c.1256G > T mutations in the USH2A gene. Stem Cell Res 2020; 50:102129. [PMID: 33360097 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2020.102129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the USH2A gene are the most common cause of Usher syndrome and autosomal recessive non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa. Here, we describe the generation of three induced pluripotent stem cell lines from dermal fibroblasts derived from a patient carrying biallelic c.949C > A and c.1256G > T variants in the USH2A gene, using episomal reprogramming plasmids expressing OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, MYCL, LIN28, mir302/367 and shRNA targeting TP53. All three lines expressed pluripotency markers, displayed unaltered karyotypes as well as trilineage differentiation potential, and were negative for reprogramming episomes and mycoplasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khine Zaw
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Elaine Y M Wong
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia; Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Dan Zhang
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Shang-Chih Chen
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Thompson
- Australian Inherited Retinal Disease Registry and DNA Bank, Department of Medical Technology and Physics, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Tina Lamey
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Australian Inherited Retinal Disease Registry and DNA Bank, Department of Medical Technology and Physics, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Terri McLaren
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Australian Inherited Retinal Disease Registry and DNA Bank, Department of Medical Technology and Physics, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - John N De Roach
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Australian Inherited Retinal Disease Registry and DNA Bank, Department of Medical Technology and Physics, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Steve D Wilton
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science and Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sue Fletcher
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science and Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Chalermchai Mitrpant
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science and Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Marcus D Atlas
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Fred K Chen
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Australian Inherited Retinal Disease Registry and DNA Bank, Department of Medical Technology and Physics, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Ophthalmology, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Samuel McLenachan
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.
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Maia N, Soares AR, Fortuna AM, Marques I, Gonçalves A, Santos R, Melo Pires M, de Brouwer APM, Jorge P. Usher syndrome and Nebulin-associated myopathy in a single patient due to variants in MYO7A and NEB. Clin Case Rep 2020; 8:2476-2482. [PMID: 33363762 PMCID: PMC7752365 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.3146] [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: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In a patient with Usher syndrome and atypical muscle complaints, we have identified two separate variants in MYO7A andNEB genes by exome sequencing. The homozygous variants in these two recessive genes could explain the full phenotype of our patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Maia
- Unidade de Genética MolecularCentro de Genética Médica Jacinto de Magalhães (CGM)Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUP)PortoPortugal
- Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica (UMIB)Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS)Universidade do PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Ana Rita Soares
- Unidade de Genética MédicaCentro de Genética Médica Jacinto de Magalhães (CGM)Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUP)PortoPortugal
| | - Ana Maria Fortuna
- Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica (UMIB)Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS)Universidade do PortoPortoPortugal
- Unidade de Genética MédicaCentro de Genética Médica Jacinto de Magalhães (CGM)Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUP)PortoPortugal
| | - Isabel Marques
- Unidade de Genética MolecularCentro de Genética Médica Jacinto de Magalhães (CGM)Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUP)PortoPortugal
- Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica (UMIB)Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS)Universidade do PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Ana Gonçalves
- Unidade de Genética MolecularCentro de Genética Médica Jacinto de Magalhães (CGM)Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUP)PortoPortugal
- Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica (UMIB)Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS)Universidade do PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Rosário Santos
- Unidade de Genética MolecularCentro de Genética Médica Jacinto de Magalhães (CGM)Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUP)PortoPortugal
- Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica (UMIB)Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS)Universidade do PortoPortoPortugal
| | - Manuel Melo Pires
- Serviço de NeuropatologiaCentro Hospitalar e Universitário do Porto (CHUP)PortoPortugal
| | - Arjan P. M. de Brouwer
- Department of Human GeneticsDonders Institute for Brain, Cognition and BehaviourRadboud University NijmegenNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Paula Jorge
- Unidade de Genética MolecularCentro de Genética Médica Jacinto de Magalhães (CGM)Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUP)PortoPortugal
- Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica (UMIB)Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS)Universidade do PortoPortoPortugal
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36
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Whatley M, Francis A, Ng ZY, Khoh XE, Atlas MD, Dilley RJ, Wong EYM. Usher Syndrome: Genetics and Molecular Links of Hearing Loss and Directions for Therapy. Front Genet 2020; 11:565216. [PMID: 33193648 PMCID: PMC7642844 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.565216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH) is an autosomal recessive (AR) disorder that permanently and severely affects the senses of hearing, vision, and balance. Three clinically distinct types of USH have been identified, decreasing in severity from Type 1 to 3, with symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and vestibular dysfunction. There are currently nine confirmed and two suspected USH-causative genes, and a further three candidate loci have been mapped. The proteins encoded by these genes form complexes that play critical roles in the development and maintenance of cellular structures within the inner ear and retina, which have minimal capacity for repair or regeneration. In the cochlea, stereocilia are located on the apical surface of inner ear hair cells (HC) and are responsible for transducing mechanical stimuli from sound pressure waves into chemical signals. These signals are then detected by the auditory nerve fibers, transmitted to the brain and interpreted as sound. Disease-causing mutations in USH genes can destabilize the tip links that bind the stereocilia to each other, and cause defects in protein trafficking and stereocilia bundle morphology, thereby inhibiting mechanosensory transduction. This review summarizes the current knowledge on Usher syndrome with a particular emphasis on mutations in USH genes, USH protein structures, and functional analyses in animal models. Currently, there is no cure for USH. However, the genetic therapies that are rapidly developing will benefit from this compilation of detailed genetic information to identify the most effective strategies for restoring functional USH proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meg Whatley
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Abbie Francis
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Emergency Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Zi Ying Ng
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Xin Ee Khoh
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Marcus D. Atlas
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Rodney J. Dilley
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Elaine Y. M. Wong
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Ear Sciences Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
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37
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Wahlqvist M, Möller C, Möller K, Danermark B. Similarities and Differences in Health, Social Trust, and Financial Situation in People With Usher Syndrome, a Bio-Psychosocial Perspective. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1760. [PMID: 32982818 PMCID: PMC7485379 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The primary aim was to describe the similarities and differences among the general health, physical health, psychological health, social trust, and financial situations of people with Usher syndrome (USH) types 1, 2, and 3. A second aim was to explore whether age, gender, clinical diagnosis, visual field, visual acuity, and degree of hearing impairment were associated with the general health, physical health, psychological health, social trust, and financial situations of people with USH. Methods In this study, 162 people with USH living in Sweden were included, and all three types of the disease were represented. Data concerning vision, hearing, and genetics were retrieved from the Swedish Usher database. Group comparison using frequencies, χ2-tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests for group comparison were used. To examine the effect of independent variables on poor health outcomes, a logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results Problems with poor health, social trust, and finances were found for all three types; however, more similarities than differences were found. The results of the regression model were ambiguous; it is not clear which independent measures contributed the most to poor outcomes. People with USH3 tended to report the most problems regarding the dependent outcome measures. Conclusion The observations of the associations between the independent variables and poor health, social trust and finances made in the present study are important to bear in mind in a rehabilitation setting; however, they do not fully explain how people with USH actually feel or rate their health. More research is needed to confirm the knowledge that exists within the clinical setting and the life stories told by the people with USH to merge existing knowledge into a rehabilitation setting based on evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moa Wahlqvist
- Audiological Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,Swedish Institute for Disability Research, wÖrebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,The Swedish National Resource Center for Deafblindness, Lund, Sweden
| | - Claes Möller
- Audiological Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,Swedish Institute for Disability Research, wÖrebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Kerstin Möller
- Swedish Institute for Disability Research, wÖrebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Berth Danermark
- Swedish Institute for Disability Research, wÖrebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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38
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Toms M, Pagarkar W, Moosajee M. Usher syndrome: clinical features, molecular genetics and advancing therapeutics. Ther Adv Ophthalmol 2020; 12:2515841420952194. [PMID: 32995707 PMCID: PMC7502997 DOI: 10.1177/2515841420952194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome has three subtypes, each being clinically and genetically heterogeneous characterised by sensorineural hearing loss and retinitis pigmentosa (RP), with or without vestibular dysfunction. It is the most common cause of deaf–blindness worldwide with a prevalence of between 4 and 17 in 100 000. To date, 10 causative genes have been identified for Usher syndrome, with MYO7A accounting for >50% of type 1 and USH2A contributing to approximately 80% of type 2 Usher syndrome. Variants in these genes can also cause non-syndromic RP and deafness. Genotype–phenotype correlations have been described for several of the Usher genes. Hearing loss is managed with hearing aids and cochlear implants, which has made a significant improvement in quality of life for patients. While there is currently no available approved treatment for the RP, various therapeutic strategies are in development or in clinical trials for Usher syndrome, including gene replacement, gene editing, antisense oligonucleotides and small molecule drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Toms
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK; The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Waheeda Pagarkar
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
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39
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Wang L, Kempton JB, Jiang H, Jodelka FM, Brigande AM, Dumont RA, Rigo F, Lentz JJ, Hastings ML, Brigande JV. Fetal antisense oligonucleotide therapy for congenital deafness and vestibular dysfunction. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:5065-5080. [PMID: 32249312 PMCID: PMC7229850 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Disabling hearing loss impacts ∼466 million individuals worldwide with 34 million children affected. Gene and pharmacotherapeutic strategies to rescue auditory function in mouse models of human deafness are most effective when administered before hearing onset, after which therapeutic efficacy is significantly diminished or lost. We hypothesize that preemptive correction of a mutation in the fetal inner ear prior to maturation of the sensory epithelium will optimally restore sensory function. We previously demonstrated that transuterine microinjection of a splice-switching antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) into the amniotic cavity immediately surrounding the embryo on embryonic day 13-13.5 (E13-13.5) corrected pre-mRNA splicing in the juvenile Usher syndrome type 1c (Ush1c) mouse mutant. Here, we show that this strategy only marginally rescues hearing and partially rescues vestibular function. To improve therapeutic outcomes, we microinjected ASO directly into the E12.5 inner ear. A single intra-otic dose of ASO corrects harmonin RNA splicing, restores harmonin protein expression in sensory hair cell bundles, prevents hair cell loss, improves hearing sensitivity, and ameliorates vestibular dysfunction. Improvements in auditory and vestibular function were sustained well into adulthood. Our results demonstrate that an ASO pharmacotherapeutic administered to a developing organ system in utero preemptively corrects pre-mRNA splicing to abrogate the disease phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyan Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Hearing Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - J Beth Kempton
- Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Hearing Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Han Jiang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Hearing Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Francine M Jodelka
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Alev M Brigande
- Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Hearing Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Rachel A Dumont
- Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Hearing Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA 92010 USA
| | - Jennifer J Lentz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Michelle L Hastings
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - John V Brigande
- Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Hearing Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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Biomarkers in Usher syndrome: ultra-widefield fundus autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography findings and their correlation with visual acuity and electrophysiology findings. Doc Ophthalmol 2020; 141:205-215. [DOI: 10.1007/s10633-020-09765-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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García-García G, Sanchez-Navarro I, Aller E, Jaijo T, Fuster-Garcia C, Rodríguez-Munoz A, Vallejo E, Tellería JJ, Vázquez S, Beltrán S, Derdak S, Zurita O, Villaverde-Montero C, Avila-Fernández A, Corton M, Blanco-Kelly F, Hakonarson H, Millán JM, Ayuso C. Exome sequencing identifies PEX6 mutations in three cases diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa and hearing impairment. Mol Vis 2020; 26:216-225. [PMID: 32214787 PMCID: PMC7090270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of the present work is the molecular diagnosis of three patients with deafness and retinal degeneration. Methods Three patients from two unrelated families were initially analyzed with custom gene panels for Usher genes, non-syndromic hearing loss, or inherited syndromic retinopathies and further investigated by means of clinical or whole exome sequencing. Results The study allowed us to detect likely pathogenic variants in PEX6, a gene typically involved in peroxisomal biogenesis disorders (PBDs). Beside deaf-blindness, both families showed additional features: Siblings from Family 1 showed enamel alteration and abnormal peroxisome. In addition, the brother had mild neurodevelopmental delay and nephrolithiasis. The case II:1 from Family 2 showed intellectual disability, enamel alteration, and dysmorphism. Conclusions We have reported three new cases with pathogenic variants in PEX6 presenting with milder forms of the Zellweger spectrum disorders (ZSD). The three cases showed distinct clinical features. Thus, expanding the phenotypic spectrum of PBDs and ascertaining exome sequencing is an effective strategy for an accurate diagnosis of clinically overlapping and genetically heterogeneous disorders such as deafness-blindness association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gema García-García
- Research group on Molecular, Cellular and Genomic Biomedicine, Health Research, Institute La Fe (IIS La Fe) and Mixed Unit for Rare diseases IIS La Fe - CIPF, Valencia, Spain,Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Iker Sanchez-Navarro
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain,Department of Genetics, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Aller
- Research group on Molecular, Cellular and Genomic Biomedicine, Health Research, Institute La Fe (IIS La Fe) and Mixed Unit for Rare diseases IIS La Fe - CIPF, Valencia, Spain,Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain,Genetics Unit, La Fe University Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Teresa Jaijo
- Research group on Molecular, Cellular and Genomic Biomedicine, Health Research, Institute La Fe (IIS La Fe) and Mixed Unit for Rare diseases IIS La Fe - CIPF, Valencia, Spain,Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain,Genetics Unit, La Fe University Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carla Fuster-Garcia
- Research group on Molecular, Cellular and Genomic Biomedicine, Health Research, Institute La Fe (IIS La Fe) and Mixed Unit for Rare diseases IIS La Fe - CIPF, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Rodríguez-Munoz
- Research group on Molecular, Cellular and Genomic Biomedicine, Health Research, Institute La Fe (IIS La Fe) and Mixed Unit for Rare diseases IIS La Fe - CIPF, Valencia, Spain
| | - Elena Vallejo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medina del Campo Hospital, Valladolid, Spain
| | | | - Selma Vázquez
- University Hospital of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Sergi Beltrán
- National Center of Genomic Analysis (CNAG-CRG) Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sophia Derdak
- National Center of Genomic Analysis (CNAG-CRG) Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Zurita
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain,Department of Genetics, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Villaverde-Montero
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain,Department of Genetics, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Avila-Fernández
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain,Department of Genetics, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Corton
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain,Department of Genetics, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Fiona Blanco-Kelly
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain,Department of Genetics, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Hakon Hakonarson
- The Center for Applied Genomics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA,Department of Pediatrics, The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - José M. Millán
- Research group on Molecular, Cellular and Genomic Biomedicine, Health Research, Institute La Fe (IIS La Fe) and Mixed Unit for Rare diseases IIS La Fe - CIPF, Valencia, Spain,Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Ayuso
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain,Department of Genetics, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
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Fetal gene therapy and pharmacotherapy to treat congenital hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction. Hear Res 2020; 394:107931. [PMID: 32173115 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2020.107931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Disabling hearing loss is expected to affect over 900 million people worldwide by 2050. The World Health Organization estimates that the annual economic impact of hearing loss globally is US$ 750 billion. The inability to hear may complicate effective interpersonal communication and negatively impact personal and professional relationships. Recent advances in the genetic diagnosis of inner ear disease have keenly focused attention on strategies to restore hearing and balance in individuals with defined gene mutations. Mouse models of human hearing loss serve as the primary approach to test gene therapies and pharmacotherapies. The goal of this review is to articulate the rationale for fetal gene therapy and pharmacotherapy to treat congenital hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction. The differential onset of hearing in mice and humans suggests that a prenatal window of therapeutic efficacy in humans may be optimal to restore sensory function. Mouse studies demonstrating the utility of early fetal intervention in the inner ear show promise. We focus on the modulation of gene expression through two strategies that have successfully treated deafness in animal models and have had clinical success for other conditions in humans: gene replacement and antisense oligonucleotide-mediated modulation of gene expression. The recent establishment of effective therapies targeting the juvenile and adult mouse provide informative counterexamples where intervention in the maturing and fully functional mouse inner ear may be effective. Distillation of the current literature leads to the conclusion that novel therapeutic strategies to treat genetic deafness and imbalance will soon translate to clinical trials.
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Ehn M, Anderzén-Carlsson A, Möller C, Wahlqvist M. Life strategies of people with deafblindness due to Usher syndrome type 2a - a qualitative study. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2020; 14:1656790. [PMID: 31470768 PMCID: PMC6735326 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2019.1656790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To explore life strategies in people with Usher syndrome type 2a. Background: There are no studies on life strategies in people with Usher syndrome. People with deafblindness are often described in terms of poor health and low quality of life, or as being vulnerable. From a clinical point of view, it is of importance to balance this picture, with an increased knowledge of life strategies. Methods: The study had a qualitative explorative design. Fourteen people aged 20–64 years (4 women, 10 men) with USH2a in Sweden participated in focus group interviews, which were transcribed and analysed by qualitative content analysis. Results: The content analysis resulted in seven categories; remaining active, using devices, using support, sharing knowledge, appreciating the present, maintaining a positive image and alleviating emotional pain. Two sub-themes: resolve or prevent challenges and comforting oneself was abstracted forming a theme “being at the helm”. Conclusion: The findings show that people with USH2a have a variety of life strategies that can be interpreted as highlighting different aspects of psychological flexibility in a life adjustment process. The study demonstrates that people with USH2a manage in many ways, and metaphorically, by “taking the helm”, they strive to actively navigate towards their own chosen values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattias Ehn
- The Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Örebro University , Örebro , Sweden.,Audiological research centre,University hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University , Örebro , Sweden
| | - Agneta Anderzén-Carlsson
- The Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Örebro University , Örebro , Sweden.,University Health Care Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University , Örebro , Sweden
| | - Claes Möller
- The Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Örebro University , Örebro , Sweden.,Audiological research centre,University hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University , Örebro , Sweden
| | - Moa Wahlqvist
- The Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Örebro University , Örebro , Sweden.,Audiological research centre,University hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University , Örebro , Sweden.,The Swedish National Resource Centre for Deafblindness , Lund , Sweden
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Kuang L, Chen Q, Gan R, Yan X. New compound heterozygous USH2A mutations in Usher syndrome. Acta Ophthalmol 2020; 98:e134-e135. [PMID: 30390381 DOI: 10.1111/aos.13969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Longhao Kuang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
- School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qingshan Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
- School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Run Gan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
- School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaohe Yan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
- School of Optometry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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Fuster-García C, García-García G, Jaijo T, Blanco-Kelly F, Tian L, Hakonarson H, Ayuso C, Aller E, Millán JM. Expanding the Genetic Landscape of Usher-Like Phenotypes. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 60:4701-4710. [PMID: 31725169 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.19-27470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Usher syndrome (USH) is a rare disorder characterized by retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and sensorineural hearing loss. Several genes are responsible for the disease, but not all cases are explained by mutations in any of these, supporting the fact that there remain other unknown genes that have a role in the syndrome. We aimed to find the genetic cause of presumed USH patients lacking pathogenic mutations in the known USH genes. Methods Whole exome sequencing was performed on a priori USH-diagnosed subjects from nine unrelated families, which had shown negative results for an USH-targeted panel in a previous study. Results We identified possible pathogenic variants in six of the studied families. One patient harbored mutations in REEP6 and TECTA, each gene tentatively causative of one of the two main symptoms of the disease, mimicking the syndrome. In three patients, only the retinal degeneration causative mutations were detected (involving EYS, WDR19, and CNGB1 genes). Another family manifested a dementia-linked retinal dystrophy dependent on an allele dosage in the GRN gene. Last, another case presented a homozygous mutation in ASIC5, a gene not yet associated with USH. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that pending cases should be clinically and genetically carefully assessed, since more patients than expected may be either related phenocopies or affected by a more complex disease encompassing additional symptoms rather than classical USH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Fuster-García
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomedicina Molecular, Celular y Genómica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema García-García
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomedicina Molecular, Celular y Genómica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Jaijo
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomedicina Molecular, Celular y Genómica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Unidad de Genética y Diagnóstico Prenatal, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Fiona Blanco-Kelly
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Servicio de Genética, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, University Hospital, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz IIS-FJD, UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lifeng Tian
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Hakon Hakonarson
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Carmen Ayuso
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Servicio de Genética, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, University Hospital, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz IIS-FJD, UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Aller
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomedicina Molecular, Celular y Genómica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Unidad de Genética y Diagnóstico Prenatal, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - José M Millán
- Grupo de Investigación en Biomedicina Molecular, Celular y Genómica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of Usher syndrome after 6 years of studies by next-generation sequencing, and propose an up-to-date classification of Usher genes in patients with both visual and hearing impairments suggesting Usher syndrome, and in patients with seemingly isolated deafness. STUDY DESIGN The systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was based on Cochrane and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We performed 1) a meta-analysis of data from 11 next-generation sequencing studies in 684 patients with Usher syndrome; 2) a meta-analysis of data from 21 next-generation studies in 2,476 patients with seemingly isolated deafness, to assess the involvement of Usher genes in seemingly nonsyndromic hearing loss, and thus the proportion of patients at high risk of subsequent retinitis pigmentosa (RP); 3) a statistical analysis of differences between parts 1) and 2). RESULTS In patients with both visual and hearing impairments, the biallelic disease-causing mutation rate was assessed for each Usher gene to propose a classification by frequency: USH2A: 50% (341/684) of patients, MYO7A: 21% (144/684), CDH23: 6% (39/684), ADGRV1: 5% (35/684), PCDH15: 3% (21/684), USH1C: 2% (17/684), CLRN1: 2% (14/684), USH1G: 1% (9/684), WHRN: 0.4% (3/684), PDZD7 0.1% (1/684), CIB2 (0/684). In patients with seemingly isolated sensorineural deafness, 7.5% had disease-causing mutations in Usher genes, and are therefore at high risk of developing RP. These new findings provide evidence that usherome dysfunction is the second cause of genetic sensorineural hearing loss after connexin dysfunction. CONCLUSION These results promote generalization of early molecular screening for Usher syndrome in deaf children.
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Shekerinov-Trpevska N, Dashtevska G, Ivanova M. Ocular aspects of Usher syndrome. SANAMED 2020. [DOI: 10.24125/sanamed.v15i1.400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Usher Syndrome is a rare syndrome, which typical expressions are hearing loss, retinitis pigmentosa and in some cases impairment of balance and congenital cataract. It is inherited autosomal recessive. Nine genes whose mutations are associated with this condition have been isolated. It is diagnosed on the basis of clinical and genetic testing. The therapy is aimed at facilitating the functioning of these patients in the environment. Gene therapy is promising in treatment. The purpose of this paper is to focus attention on the specificity and multiplicity of the disease, which would be of educational significance to ophthalmologists and otorhinolaryngologists, through the use of the case report of Usher syndrome. Case report: We present the case of gene confirmed Usher syndrome with 85% hearing loss, retinitis pigmentosa and congenital cataract. Female at the age of 39, pregnant at 26 gestational week, second pregnancy. Genetic investigation by Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts (MANU) confirmed double heterozygosity for pathogenic changes c.13010C > T. p. (Thr4337Met) and c.13137delC; p. (Thr4380GinfsTer11) in the USH2A gene, a genotype that confirmed the diagnosis of autosomal recessive disease Usher syndrome type 2A (Usher syndrome 2A). Conclusion: Detailed anamnesis is always required in patients with retinitis pigmentosa, who are referred to an ophthalmologist for hearing and vice versa for patients with hearing loss that are examined by an otorhinolaryngologist. Early diagnosis is important in terms of quality of life, i.e. timely diagnosing and undertaking measures for genetic testing in the family, in order to inform them about the type of the disease and the earlier involvement in educational programs designed for these conditions.
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Ataluren for the Treatment of Usher Syndrome 2A Caused by Nonsense Mutations. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20246274. [PMID: 31842393 PMCID: PMC6940777 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20246274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of genetic defects that underlie inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) paves the way for the development of therapeutic strategies. Nonsense mutations caused approximately 12% of all IRD cases, resulting in a premature termination codon (PTC). Therefore, an approach that targets nonsense mutations could be a promising pharmacogenetic strategy for the treatment of IRDs. Small molecules (translational read-through inducing drugs; TRIDs) have the potential to mediate the read-through of nonsense mutations by inducing expression of the full-length protein. We provide novel data on the read-through efficacy of Ataluren on a nonsense mutation in the Usher syndrome gene USH2A that causes deaf-blindness in humans. We demonstrate Ataluren´s efficacy in both transiently USH2AG3142*-transfected HEK293T cells and patient-derived fibroblasts by restoring USH2A protein expression. Furthermore, we observed enhanced ciliogenesis in patient-derived fibroblasts after treatment with TRIDs, thereby restoring a phenotype that is similar to that found in healthy donors. In light of recent findings, we validated Ataluren´s efficacy to induce read-through on a nonsense mutation in USH2A-related IRD. In line with published data, our findings support the use of patient-derived fibroblasts as a platform for the validation of preclinical therapies. The excellent biocompatibility combined with sustained read-through efficacy makes Ataluren an ideal TRID for treating nonsense mutations based IRDs.
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Sanjurjo-Soriano C, Erkilic N, Baux D, Mamaeva D, Hamel CP, Meunier I, Roux AF, Kalatzis V. Genome Editing in Patient iPSCs Corrects the Most Prevalent USH2A Mutations and Reveals Intriguing Mutant mRNA Expression Profiles. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 17:156-173. [PMID: 31909088 PMCID: PMC6938853 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are characterized by progressive photoreceptor degeneration and vision loss. Usher syndrome (USH) is a syndromic IRD characterized by retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and hearing loss. USH is clinically and genetically heterogeneous, and the most prevalent causative gene is USH2A. USH2A mutations also account for a large number of isolated autosomal recessive RP (arRP) cases. This high prevalence is due to two recurrent USH2A mutations, c.2276G>T and c.2299delG. Due to the large size of the USH2A cDNA, gene augmentation therapy is inaccessible. However, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing is a viable alternative. We used enhanced specificity Cas9 of Streptococcus pyogenes (eSpCas9) to successfully achieve seamless correction of the two most prevalent USH2A mutations in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of patients with USH or arRP. Our results highlight features that promote high target efficacy and specificity of eSpCas9. Consistently, we did not identify any off-target mutagenesis in the corrected iPSCs, which also retained pluripotency and genetic stability. Furthermore, analysis of USH2A expression unexpectedly identified aberrant mRNA levels associated with the c.2276G>T and c.2299delG mutations that were reverted following correction. Taken together, our efficient CRISPR/Cas9-mediated strategy for USH2A mutation correction brings hope for a potential treatment for USH and arRP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Sanjurjo-Soriano
- Inserm U1051, Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Nejla Erkilic
- Inserm U1051, Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - David Baux
- University of Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France.,Medical Genetics Laboratory, CHU, 34093 Montpellier, France
| | - Daria Mamaeva
- Inserm U1051, Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Christian P Hamel
- Inserm U1051, Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France.,National Reference Centre for Inherited Sensory Disorders, CHU, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Isabelle Meunier
- Inserm U1051, Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France.,National Reference Centre for Inherited Sensory Disorders, CHU, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Anne-Françoise Roux
- University of Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France.,Medical Genetics Laboratory, CHU, 34093 Montpellier, France
| | - Vasiliki Kalatzis
- Inserm U1051, Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, 34091 Montpellier, France.,University of Montpellier, 34095 Montpellier, France
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50
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Lee SY, Han JH, Kim BJ, Oh SH, Lee S, Oh DY, Choi BY. Identification of a Potential Founder Effect of a Novel PDZD7 Variant Involved in Moderate-to-Severe Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Koreans. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20174174. [PMID: 31454969 PMCID: PMC6747409 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PDZD7, a PDZ domain-containing scaffold protein, is critical for the organization of Usher syndrome type 2 (USH2) interactome. Recently, biallelic PDZD7 variants have been associated with autosomal-recessive, non-syndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL). Indeed, we identified novel, likely pathogenic PDZD7 variants based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics/Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG/AMP) guidelines from Korean families manifesting putative moderate-to-severe prelingual ARNSHL; these were c.490C>T (p.Arg164Trp), c.1669delC (p.Arg557Glyfs*13), and c.1526G>A (p.Gly509Glu), with p.Arg164Trp being a predominantly recurring variant. Given the recurring missense variant (p.Arg164Trp) from our cohort, we compared the genotyping data using six short tandem-repeat (STR) markers within or flanking PDZD7 between four probands carrying p.Arg164Trp and 81 normal-hearing controls. We observed an identical haplotype across three out of six STR genotyping markers exclusively shared by two unrelated hearing impaired probands but not by any of the 81 normal-hearing controls, suggesting a potential founder effect. However, STR genotyping, based on six STR markers, revealed various p.Arg164Trp-linked haplotypes shared by all of the affected subjects. In conclusion, PDZD7 can be an important causative gene for moderate to severe ARNSHL in Koreans. Moreover, at least some, if not all, p.Arg164Trp alleles in Koreans could exert a potential founder effect and arise from diverse haplotypes as a mutational hot spot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Yeon Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 04401, Korea
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Korea
| | - Jin Hee Han
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Korea
| | - Bong Jik Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon 35015, Korea
| | - Seung Ha Oh
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 04401, Korea
| | - Seungmin Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Korea
| | - Doo-Yi Oh
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Korea
| | - Byung Yoon Choi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Korea.
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