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Singh J, Randle MR, Walters BJ, Cox BC. The transcription factor Pou4f3 is essential for the survival of postnatal and adult mouse cochlear hair cells and normal hearing. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1369282. [PMID: 38566840 PMCID: PMC10985149 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1369282] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hair cells (HCs) of the cochlea are responsible for sound transduction and hearing perception in mammals. Genetic mutations in the transcription factor Pou4f3 cause non-syndromic autosomal dominant hearing loss in humans (DFNA15) which varies in the age of onset depending on the individual mutation. Mouse models with germline deletion or mutations in Pou4f3 have previously demonstrated its critical role in the maturation and survival of cochlear HCs during embryonic development. However, the role of Pou4f3 in auditory function and in the survival or maintenance of cochlear HCs after birth and during adulthood has not been studied. Methods Therefore, using the inducible CreER-loxP system, we deleted Pou4f3 from mouse cochlear HCs at different postnatal ages, relevant to specific stages of HC maturation and hearing function. Results and discussion Elevated auditory brainstem response thresholds and significant HC loss were detected in mice with Pou4f3 deletion compared to their control littermates, regardless of the age when Pou4f3 was deleted. However, HC loss occurred more rapidly when Pou4f3 was deleted from immature HCs. Additionally, HC loss caused by Pou4f3 deletion did not affect the number of cochlear supporting cells, but caused a delayed loss of spiral ganglion neurons at 4 months after the deletion. In conclusion, Pou4f3 is necessary for the survival of cochlear HCs and normal hearing at all postnatal ages regardless of their maturation state. Our data also suggest that Pou4f3 indirectly regulates the survival of spiral ganglion neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarnail Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
| | - Michelle R. Randle
- Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
| | - Bradley J. Walters
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Brandon C. Cox
- Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
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Aldè M, Cantarella G, Zanetti D, Pignataro L, La Mantia I, Maiolino L, Ferlito S, Di Mauro P, Cocuzza S, Lechien JR, Iannella G, Simon F, Maniaci A. Autosomal Dominant Non-Syndromic Hearing Loss (DFNA): A Comprehensive Narrative Review. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1616. [PMID: 37371710 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autosomal dominant non-syndromic hearing loss (HL) typically occurs when only one dominant allele within the disease gene is sufficient to express the phenotype. Therefore, most patients diagnosed with autosomal dominant non-syndromic HL have a hearing-impaired parent, although de novo mutations should be considered in all cases of negative family history. To date, more than 50 genes and 80 loci have been identified for autosomal dominant non-syndromic HL. DFNA22 (MYO6 gene), DFNA8/12 (TECTA gene), DFNA20/26 (ACTG1 gene), DFNA6/14/38 (WFS1 gene), DFNA15 (POU4F3 gene), DFNA2A (KCNQ4 gene), and DFNA10 (EYA4 gene) are some of the most common forms of autosomal dominant non-syndromic HL. The characteristics of autosomal dominant non-syndromic HL are heterogenous. However, in most cases, HL tends to be bilateral, post-lingual in onset (childhood to early adulthood), high-frequency (sloping audiometric configuration), progressive, and variable in severity (mild to profound degree). DFNA1 (DIAPH1 gene) and DFNA6/14/38 (WFS1 gene) are the most common forms of autosomal dominant non-syndromic HL affecting low frequencies, while DFNA16 (unknown gene) is characterized by fluctuating HL. A long audiological follow-up is of paramount importance to identify hearing threshold deteriorations early and ensure prompt treatment with hearing aids or cochlear implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Aldè
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20090 Milan, Italy
- Department of Specialist Surgical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20090 Milan, Italy
- Otology Study Group of the Young-Otolaryngologists of the International Federations of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (YO-IFOS), 75000 Paris, France
| | - Giovanna Cantarella
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20090 Milan, Italy
- Department of Specialist Surgical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20090 Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Zanetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20090 Milan, Italy
- Department of Specialist Surgical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20090 Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Pignataro
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20090 Milan, Italy
- Department of Specialist Surgical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20090 Milan, Italy
| | - Ignazio La Mantia
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Luigi Maiolino
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Ferlito
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Paola Di Mauro
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cocuzza
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Jérôme René Lechien
- Otology Study Group of the Young-Otolaryngologists of the International Federations of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (YO-IFOS), 75000 Paris, France
| | - Giannicola Iannella
- Otology Study Group of the Young-Otolaryngologists of the International Federations of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (YO-IFOS), 75000 Paris, France
| | - Francois Simon
- Otology Study Group of the Young-Otolaryngologists of the International Federations of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (YO-IFOS), 75000 Paris, France
| | - Antonino Maniaci
- Otology Study Group of the Young-Otolaryngologists of the International Federations of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (YO-IFOS), 75000 Paris, France
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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A Novel Missense WFS1 Variant: Expanding the Mutational Spectrum Associated with Nonsyndromic Low-Frequency Sensorineural Hearing Loss. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:5068869. [PMID: 36225977 PMCID: PMC9550458 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5068869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Nonsyndromic low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss (LFSNHL) is an uncommon form of hearing loss (HL) that typically affects frequencies at 2000 Hz and below. Heterozygous variants in the WFS1 gene at the DFNA6/14/38 locus are considered a common cause of LFSNHL. To date, 34 different pathogenic genetic variants have been reported to cause LFSNHL with seven of these variants identified in the Chinese population. However, limited reports are available on the association between WFS1 gene and LFSNHL. Here, we report a five-generation Chinese family with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern of postlingual and progressive LFSNHL. Methods. Routine clinical and audiological examinations were performed on 16 affected and 7 healthy members in this family. The targeted next-generation sequencing of 127 known deafness genes was performed to identify variants in affected individuals. Sanger sequencing were further employed to confirm the pathogenic variant identified. Results. A novel heterozygous pathogenic genetic variant c.2530G > T (p.Ala844Ser) was identified in the WFS1 gene in all patients of this family. The mutated Ala residue is evolutionarily conserved and cosegregated with HL. The variant was predicted to be deleterious by MutationTaster, PolyPhen-2, LRT, and Fathmm software. Conservation analysis and 3D protein structure model indicated that the variant caused a structural change in the protein. Conclusions. Our present study identifies a novel heterozygous WFS1 variant associated with LFSNHL in a Chinese family.
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Genetic Load of Alternations of Transcription Factor Genes in Non-Syndromic Deafness and the Associated Clinical Phenotypes: Experience from Two Tertiary Referral Centers. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092125. [PMID: 36140227 PMCID: PMC9495667 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensorineural hearing loss is one of the most common inherited sensory disorders. Functional classifications of deafness genes have shed light on genotype- and mechanism-based pharmacological approaches and on gene therapy strategies. In this study, we characterized the clinical phenotypes and genotypes of non-syndromic deafness caused by transcription factor (TF) gene variants, one of the functional classifications of genetic hearing loss. Of 1280 probands whose genomic DNA was subjected to molecular genetic testing, TF genes were responsible for hearing loss in 2.6%. Thirty-three pathogenic variants, including nine novel variants, accounting for non-syndromic deafness were clustered in only four TF genes (POU3F4, POU4F3, LMX1A, and EYA4), which is indicative of a narrow molecular etiologic spectrum of TF genes, and the functional redundancy of many other TF genes, in the context of non-syndromic deafness. The audiological and radiological characteristics associated with the four TF genes differed significantly, with a wide phenotypic spectrum. The results of this study reveal the genetic load of TF gene alterations among a cohort with non-syndromic hearing loss. Additionally, we have further refined the clinical profiles associated with TF gene variants as a basis for a personalized, genetically tailored approach to audiological rehabilitation.
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A Missense POU4F3 Variant Associated with Autosomal Dominant Midfrequency Hearing Loss Alters Subnuclear Localization and Transcriptional Capabilities. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:5574136. [PMID: 34250087 PMCID: PMC8238589 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5574136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background The pathogenic variant, POU class 4 transcription factor 3 (POU4F3), is reported to cause autosomal dominant nonsyndromic hearing loss (ADNSHL). Previously, we have examined a four-generation midfrequency sensorineural hearing loss (MFSNHL) family (no. 6126) and established POU4F3 c.602T>C (p.Leu201Pro) as a potential disease-causing variant. Objectives We explored the structural and functional alterations that the c.602T>C (p.Leu201Pro) variant enforces on the POU4F3 protein. Methods We utilized wild-type (WT) and mutant (MUT) POU4F3 c.602T>C plasmid incorporation into HeLa cells to assess functional changes, by immunofluorescence and luciferase assays. To predict protein structural alterations in the MUT versus WT POU4F3, we also generated 3D structures to compare both types of POU4F3 proteins. Results The WT POU4F3 is ubiquitously present in the nucleus, whereas the MUT form of POU4F3 exhibits a more restricted nuclear presence. This finding is different from other publications, which report a cytoplasmic localization of the MUT POU4F3. We also demonstrated that, as opposed to WT POU4F3, the MUT POU4F3 had 40% reduced luciferase activity. Conclusions The reduced nuclear presence, combined with reduced transcriptional activity, suggests that the POU4F3 c.602T>C variant alters cellular activity and may contribute to the pathogenicity of POU4F3-related hearing loss. It, also, provides more evidence of the pathophysiological characteristics of MFSNHL.
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