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Palumbo S, Palumbo D, Cirillo G, Giurato G, Aiello F, Miraglia Del Giudice E, Grandone A. Methylome analysis in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:82. [PMID: 38909248 PMCID: PMC11193236 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01683-1] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic and environmental factors are implicated in many developmental processes. Recent evidence, however, has suggested that epigenetic changes may also influence the onset of puberty or the susceptibility to a wide range of diseases later in life. The present study aims to investigate changes in genomic DNA methylation profiles associated with pubertal onset analyzing human peripheral blood leukocytes from three different groups of subjects: 19 girls with central precocious puberty (CPP), 14 healthy prepubertal girls matched by age and 13 healthy pubertal girls matched by pubertal stage. For this purpose, the comparisons were performed between pre- and pubertal controls to identify changes in normal pubertal transition and CPP versus pre- and pubertal controls. RESULTS Analysis of methylation changes associated with normal pubertal transition identified 1006 differentially methylated CpG sites, 86% of them were found to be hypermethylated in prepubertal controls. Some of these CpG sites reside in genes associated with the age of menarche or transcription factors involved in the process of pubertal development. Analysis of methylome profiles in CPP patients showed 65% and 55% hypomethylated CpG sites compared with prepubertal and pubertal controls, respectively. In addition, interestingly, our results revealed the presence of 43 differentially methylated genes coding for zinc finger (ZNF) proteins. Gene ontology and IPA analysis performed in the three groups studied revealed significant enrichment of them in some pathways related to neuronal communication (semaphorin and gustation pathways), estrogens action, some cancers (particularly breast and ovarian) or metabolism (particularly sirtuin). CONCLUSIONS The different methylation profiles of girls with normal and precocious puberty indicate that regulation of the pubertal process in humans is associated with specific epigenetic changes. Differentially methylated genes include ZNF genes that may play a role in developmental control. In addition, our data highlight changes in the methylation status of genes involved in signaling pathways that determine the migration and function of GnRH neurons and the onset of metabolic and neoplastic diseases that may be associated with CPP in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Palumbo
- Department of Women's and Children's Health and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Luigi De Crecchio 2, 80138, Naples, Italy.
| | - Domenico Palumbo
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry SMS, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Grazia Cirillo
- Department of Women's and Children's Health and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Luigi De Crecchio 2, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giurato
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry SMS, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Francesca Aiello
- Department of Women's and Children's Health and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Luigi De Crecchio 2, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuele Miraglia Del Giudice
- Department of Women's and Children's Health and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Luigi De Crecchio 2, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Grandone
- Department of Women's and Children's Health and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Luigi De Crecchio 2, 80138, Naples, Italy
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Zhang S, Xu N, Fu L, Yang X, Li Y, Yang Z, Feng Y, Ma K, Jiang X, Han J, Hu R, Zhang L, de Gennaro L, Ryabov F, Meng D, He Y, Wu D, Yang C, Paparella A, Mao Y, Bian X, Lu Y, Antonacci F, Ventura M, Shepelev VA, Miga KH, Alexandrov IA, Logsdon GA, Phillippy AM, Su B, Zhang G, Eichler EE, Lu Q, Shi Y, Sun Q, Mao Y. Comparative genomics of macaques and integrated insights into genetic variation and population history. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.07.588379. [PMID: 38645259 PMCID: PMC11030432 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.07.588379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The crab-eating macaques ( Macaca fascicularis ) and rhesus macaques ( M. mulatta ) are widely studied nonhuman primates in biomedical and evolutionary research. Despite their significance, the current understanding of the complex genomic structure in macaques and the differences between species requires substantial improvement. Here, we present a complete genome assembly of a crab-eating macaque and 20 haplotype-resolved macaque assemblies to investigate the complex regions and major genomic differences between species. Segmental duplication in macaques is ∼42% lower, while centromeres are ∼3.7 times longer than those in humans. The characterization of ∼2 Mbp fixed genetic variants and ∼240 Mbp complex loci highlights potential associations with metabolic differences between the two macaque species (e.g., CYP2C76 and EHBP1L1 ). Additionally, hundreds of alternative splicing differences show post-transcriptional regulation divergence between these two species (e.g., PNPO ). We also characterize 91 large-scale genomic differences between macaques and humans at a single-base-pair resolution and highlight their impact on gene regulation in primate evolution (e.g., FOLH1 and PIEZO2 ). Finally, population genetics recapitulates macaque speciation and selective sweeps, highlighting potential genetic basis of reproduction and tail phenotype differences (e.g., STAB1 , SEMA3F , and HOXD13 ). In summary, the integrated analysis of genetic variation and population genetics in macaques greatly enhances our comprehension of lineage-specific phenotypes, adaptation, and primate evolution, thereby improving their biomedical applications in human diseases.
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Amato E, Taroc EZM, Forni PE. Illuminating the terminal nerve: Uncovering the link between GnRH-1 neuron and olfactory development. J Comp Neurol 2024; 532:e25599. [PMID: 38488687 PMCID: PMC10958589 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
During embryonic development, the olfactory placode (OP) generates migratory neurons, including olfactory pioneer neurons, cells of the terminal nerve (TN), gonadotropin-releasing hormone-1 (GnRH-1) neurons, and other uncharacterized neurons. Pioneer neurons from the OP induce olfactory bulb (OB) morphogenesis. In mice, GnRH-1 neurons appear in the olfactory system around mid-gestation and migrate via the TN axons to different brain regions. The GnRH-1 neurons are crucial in controlling the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Kallmann syndrome is characterized by impaired olfactory system development, defective OBs, secretion of GnRH-1, and infertility. The precise mechanistic link between the olfactory system and GnRH-1 development remains unclear. Studies in humans and mice highlight the importance of the prokineticin-2/prokineticin-receptor-2 (Prokr2) signaling pathway in OB morphogenesis and GnRH-1 neuronal migration. Prokr2 loss-of-function mutations can cause Kallmann syndrome (KS), and hence the Prokr2 signaling pathway represents a unique model to decipher the olfactory/GnRH-1 connection. We discovered that Prokr2 is expressed in the TN neurons during the critical period of GnRH-1 neuron formation, migration, and induction of OB morphogenesis. Single-cell RNA sequencing identified that the TN is formed by neurons distinct from the olfactory neurons. The TN neurons express multiple genes associated with KS. Our study suggests that the aberrant development of pioneer/TN neurons might cause the KS spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Amato
- Department of Biological Sciences, The Center for Neuroscience Research, The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Ed Zandro M. Taroc
- Department of Biological Sciences, The Center for Neuroscience Research, The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Paolo E. Forni
- Department of Biological Sciences, The Center for Neuroscience Research, The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
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Mušálková D, Přistoupilová A, Jedličková I, Hartmannová H, Trešlová H, Nosková L, Hodaňová K, Bittmanová P, Stránecký V, Jiřička V, Langmajerová M, Woodbury‐Smith M, Zarrei M, Trost B, Scherer SW, Bleyer AJ, Vevera J, Kmoch S. Increased burden of rare protein-truncating variants in constrained, brain-specific and synaptic genes in extremely impulsively violent males with antisocial personality disorder. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2024; 23:e12882. [PMID: 38359179 PMCID: PMC10869132 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The genetic correlates of extreme impulsive violence are poorly understood, and there have been few studies that have characterized a large group of affected individuals both clinically and genetically. We performed whole exome sequencing (WES) in 290 males with the life-course-persistent, extremely impulsively violent form of antisocial personality disorder (APD) and analyzed the spectrum of rare protein-truncating variants (rPTVs). Comparisons were made with 314 male controls and publicly available genotype data. Functional annotation tools were used for biological interpretation. Participants were significantly more likely to harbor rPTVs in genes that are intolerant to loss-of-function variants (odds ratio [OR] 2.06; p < 0.001), specifically expressed in brain (OR 2.80; p = 0.036) and enriched for those involved in neurotransmitter transport and synaptic processes. In 60 individuals (20%), we identified rPTVs that we classified as clinically relevant based on their clinical associations, biological function and gene expression patterns. Of these, 37 individuals harbored rPTVs in 23 genes that are associated with a monogenic neurological disorder, and 23 individuals harbored rPTVs in 20 genes reportedly intolerant to loss-of-function variants. The analysis presents evidence in support of a model where presence of either one or several private, functionally relevant mutations contribute significantly to individual risk of life-course-persistent APD and reveals multiple individuals who could be affected by clinically unrecognized neuropsychiatric Mendelian disease. Thus, Mendelian diseases and increased rPTV burden may represent important factors for the development of extremely impulsive violent life-course-persistent forms of APD irrespective of their clinical presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dita Mušálková
- Research Unit for Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of MedicineCharles University in Prague and General University Hospital in PraguePragueCzech Republic
| | - Anna Přistoupilová
- Research Unit for Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of MedicineCharles University in Prague and General University Hospital in PraguePragueCzech Republic
| | - Ivana Jedličková
- Research Unit for Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of MedicineCharles University in Prague and General University Hospital in PraguePragueCzech Republic
| | - Hana Hartmannová
- Research Unit for Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of MedicineCharles University in Prague and General University Hospital in PraguePragueCzech Republic
| | - Helena Trešlová
- Research Unit for Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of MedicineCharles University in Prague and General University Hospital in PraguePragueCzech Republic
| | - Lenka Nosková
- Research Unit for Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of MedicineCharles University in Prague and General University Hospital in PraguePragueCzech Republic
| | - Kateřina Hodaňová
- Research Unit for Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of MedicineCharles University in Prague and General University Hospital in PraguePragueCzech Republic
| | - Petra Bittmanová
- Research Unit for Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of MedicineCharles University in Prague and General University Hospital in PraguePragueCzech Republic
| | - Viktor Stránecký
- Research Unit for Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of MedicineCharles University in Prague and General University Hospital in PraguePragueCzech Republic
| | - Václav Jiřička
- Department of PsychologyPrison Service of the Czech RepublicPragueCzech Republic
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine in PilsenCharles UniversityPilsenCzech Republic
| | - Michaela Langmajerová
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine in PilsenCharles UniversityPilsenCzech Republic
| | - Marc Woodbury‐Smith
- The Centre for Applied Genomics and Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick ChildrenTorontoOntarioCanada
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Biosciences InstituteNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Mehdi Zarrei
- The Centre for Applied Genomics and Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick ChildrenTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Brett Trost
- The Centre for Applied Genomics and Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick ChildrenTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Stephen W. Scherer
- The Centre for Applied Genomics and Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick ChildrenTorontoOntarioCanada
- Department of Molecular Genetics and McLaughlin CentreUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Anthony J. Bleyer
- Research Unit for Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of MedicineCharles University in Prague and General University Hospital in PraguePragueCzech Republic
- Section on Nephrology, Wake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Jan Vevera
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine in PilsenCharles UniversityPilsenCzech Republic
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity Hospital PilsenPilsenCzech Republic
| | - Stanislav Kmoch
- Research Unit for Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of MedicineCharles University in Prague and General University Hospital in PraguePragueCzech Republic
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine in PilsenCharles UniversityPilsenCzech Republic
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Wang T, Ren W, Fu F, Wang H, Li Y, Duan J. Digenic CHD7 and SMCHD1 inheritance Unveils phenotypic variability in a family mainly presenting with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23272. [PMID: 38148819 PMCID: PMC10750161 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23272] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives CHARGE syndrome is a congenital hereditary condition involving multiple systems. Patients are easily misdiagnosed with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) due to the overlap of clinical manifestations. An accurate clinical diagnosis remains challenging when the predominant clinical manifestation resembles hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Methods This original research is conducted based on the genetic finding and analysis of clinical cases. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) and in-silico analyse were performed on two sisters to investigate the pathogenesis in this family. Homology modelling was conducted to evaluate structural changes in the variants. Results WES and Sanger sequencing revealed two siblings carrying a nonsense mutation (NM_017780.4: c.115C > T) in exon 2 of CHD7 inherited from a mildly affected mother and a missense mutation (NM_015295.3: c.2582T > C) in exon 20 of SMCHD1 inherited from an asymptomatic father. The nonsense mutation in CHD7 was predicted to generate nonsense-mediated decay, whereas the missense mutation in SMCHD1 decreased protein stability. Conclusions We identified digenic CHD7 and SMCHD1 mutations in IHH-associated diseases for the first time and verified the synergistic role of oligogenic inheritance. It was also determined that WES is an effective tool for distinguishing diseases with overlapping features and establishing a molecular diagnosis for cases with digenic or oligogenic hereditary disorders, which is beneficial for timely treatment, and family genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wu Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Fangfang Fu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hairong Wang
- Wuhan KDWS Biological Technology Co.,Ltd, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jie Duan
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China
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Lettieri A, Oleari R, van den Munkhof MH, van Battum EY, Verhagen MG, Tacconi C, Spreafico M, Paganoni AJJ, Azzarelli R, Andre' V, Amoruso F, Palazzolo L, Eberini I, Dunkel L, Howard SR, Fantin A, Pasterkamp RJ, Cariboni A. SEMA6A drives GnRH neuron-dependent puberty onset by tuning median eminence vascular permeability. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8097. [PMID: 38062045 PMCID: PMC10703890 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43820-z] [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: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Innervation of the hypothalamic median eminence by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) neurons is vital to ensure puberty onset and successful reproduction. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying median eminence development and pubertal timing are incompletely understood. Here we show that Semaphorin-6A is strongly expressed by median eminence-resident oligodendrocytes positioned adjacent to GnRH neuron projections and fenestrated capillaries, and that Semaphorin-6A is required for GnRH neuron innervation and puberty onset. In vitro and in vivo experiments reveal an unexpected function for Semaphorin-6A, via its receptor Plexin-A2, in the control of median eminence vascular permeability to maintain neuroendocrine homeostasis. To support the significance of these findings in humans, we identify patients with delayed puberty carrying a novel pathogenic variant of SEMA6A. In all, our data reveal a role for Semaphorin-6A in regulating GnRH neuron patterning by tuning the median eminence vascular barrier and thereby controlling puberty onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Lettieri
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Oleari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Marleen Hester van den Munkhof
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eljo Yvette van Battum
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke Geerte Verhagen
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- VIB-KU Leuven, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carlotta Tacconi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Spreafico
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Azzarelli
- Wellcome - Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Valentina Andre'
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Amoruso
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Palazzolo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Ivano Eberini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Leo Dunkel
- Centre for Endocrinology William Harvey Research Institute Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Sasha Rose Howard
- Centre for Endocrinology William Harvey Research Institute Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, E1 1FR, UK
| | - Alessandro Fantin
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Ronald Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Anna Cariboni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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Prévot V, Tena-Sempere M, Pitteloud N. New Horizons: Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone and Cognition. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:2747-2758. [PMID: 37261390 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is essential for activating and maintaining the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which controls the onset of puberty and fertility. Two recent studies suggest that, in addition to controlling reproduction, the neurons in the brain that produce GnRH are also involved in the control of postnatal brain maturation, odor discrimination, and adult cognition. This review will summarize the development and establishment of the GnRH system, with particular attention to the importance of its first postnatal activation, a phenomenon known as minipuberty, for later reproductive and nonreproductive functions. In addition, we will discuss the beneficial effects of restoring physiological (ie, pulsatile) GnRH levels on olfactory and cognitive alterations in preclinical Down syndrome and Alzheimer disease models, as well as the potential risks associated with long-term continuous (ie, nonphysiological) GnRH administration in certain disorders. Finally, this review addresses the intriguing possibility that pulsatile GnRH therapy may hold therapeutic potential for the management of some neurodevelopmental cognitive disorders and pathological aging in elderly people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Prévot
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR S1172, Lille F-59000, France
| | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Nelly Pitteloud
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Université of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
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Wang Y, Jiang W, Xia X. Clinical and molecular features of 40 Chinese patients with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Transl Androl Urol 2023; 12:1397-1407. [PMID: 37814704 PMCID: PMC10560348 DOI: 10.21037/tau-23-225] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Male idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) is a heterogeneous clinical rare genetic disorder that can be divided into two forms: Kallmann syndrome (KS) and olfactory normal IHH (nIHH). Nearly half of unknown pathogenic genes and related pathogenic mechanisms have yet to be explored. Methods Clinical data of 40 IHH patients (22 KS and 18 nIHH) were retrospectively recorded. All patients were diagnosed at the Department of Endocrinology of Jinling Hospital, Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital, and the First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China from 2014 to 2021. The proband genomic DNA (gDNA) was confirmed by whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing. Results Ten new genetic mutations related to IHH in four families and eight sporadic unrelated IHH patients were identified. The total positive detection rate of 40 patients was 30% (nIHH 8/18 + KS 4/22), and the FGFR1 mutation rate accounted for 7.5% (3/40). Mutation rates of ANOS1, CHD7, and KISS1R were 5% (2/40), respectively. The mutation rates of SEMA3E, PROKR2, and SOX10 were 2.5% (1/40), respectively. After analysis by SIFT and PolyPhen-2 software, all missense mutation sites, such as SEMA3E (p.P323S), CHD7 (p.W1785C), PROKR2 (p.Y223D and p.R298C), were harmful; all nonsense mutation sites, such as FGFR1 (p.R661X) and KISS1R (p.R331X, p.Y103X), analyzed were pathogenic by Mutation Taster software. The comparison of MEGA5 software showed that all the variants had extremely high homology among different species and were extremely conservative in evolution. Conclusions The study aims to expand the genotype mutation spectrum of IHH and provide evidence for the follow-up clinical treatment and genetic counseling of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanfan Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Weijun Jiang
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medicine School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinyi Xia
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medicine School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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9
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Amato E, Taroc EZM, Forni PE. Illuminating the Terminal Nerve: Uncovering the Link between GnRH-1 and Olfactory Development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.31.555770. [PMID: 37693459 PMCID: PMC10491181 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.31.555770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
During embryonic development, the olfactory placode (OP) generates migratory neurons, including olfactory pioneer neurons, cells of the terminal nerve (TN), Gonadotropin-releasing hormone-1 (GnRH-1) neurons, and other uncharacterized neurons. Pioneer neurons from the olfactory placode induce olfactory bulb morphogenesis. In mice, GnRH-1 neurons appear in the olfactory system around mid-gestation and migrate via the terminal nerve axons to different brain regions. The GnRH-1 neurons are crucial in controlling the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Kallmann syndrome is characterized by impaired olfactory system development, defective olfactory bulbs, defective secretion of GnRH-1, and infertility. The precise mechanistic link between the olfactory system and GnRH-1 development remains unclear. Studies in humans and mice highlight the importance of the Prokineticin-2/Prokineticin-Receptor-2 (Prokr2) signaling pathway in olfactory bulb morphogenesis and GnRH-1 neuronal migration. Prokr2 loss-of-function mutations can cause Kallmann syndrome, and hence the Prokr2 signaling pathway represents a unique model to decipher the olfactory/GnRH-1 connection. We discovered that Prokr2 is expressed in the TN neurons during the critical period of GnRH-1 neuron formation, migration, and induction of olfactory bulb morphogenesis. Single-cell RNA sequencing identified that the TN is formed by neurons that are distinct from the olfactory neurons. The TN neurons express multiple genes associated with KS. Our study suggests that the aberrant development of pioneer/TN neurons might cause the KS spectrum. Key Points 1) Pioneer or terminal nerve neurons play a crucial role in initiating the development of the olfactory bulbs. We found that the Prokineticin Receptor-2 gene, associated with Kallmann syndrome, is expressed by the olfactory pioneer/terminal nerve neurons.2) We genetically traced, isolated, and conducted Single-cell RNA sequencing on terminal nerve neurons of rodents. This analysis revealed a significant enrichment of gene expression related to Kallmann syndrome.3) Our study indicates that the investigation of Pioneer/terminal nerve neurons should be a pivotal focal point for comprehending developmental defects affecting olfactory and GnRH-1 systems.
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Prévot V, Duittoz A. A role for GnRH in olfaction and cognition: Implications for veterinary medicine. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58 Suppl 2:109-124. [PMID: 37329313 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14411] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is essential for the activation and maintenance of the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which controls the onset of puberty and fertility. Two provocative recent studies suggest that, in addition to control reproduction, the neurons in the brain that produce GnRH are also involved in the control postnatal brain maturation, odour discrimination and adult cognition. Long-acting GnRH antagonists and agonists are commonly used to control fertility and behaviour in veterinary medicine, primarily in males. This review puts into perspective the potential risks of these androgen deprivation therapies and immunization on olfactory and cognitive performances and well-aging in domestic animals, including pets. We will also discuss the results reporting beneficial effects of pharmacological interventions restoring physiological GnRH levels on olfactory and cognitive alterations in preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease, which shares many pathophysiological and behavioural hallmarks with canine cognitive dysfunction. These novel findings raise the intriguing possibility that pulsatile GnRH therapy holds therapeutic potential for the management of this behavioural syndrome affecting older dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Prévot
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR_S1172, Lille, France
| | - Anne Duittoz
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC) UMR7247 INRA, CNRS, Centre INRAE Val de Loire, IFCE, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
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11
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Paganoni AJJ, Cannarella R, Oleari R, Amoruso F, Antal R, Ruzza M, Olivieri C, Condorelli RA, La Vignera S, Tolaj F, Cariboni A, Calogero AE, Magni P. Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, Growth Hormone, and Anti-Müllerian Hormone Receptors Are Differentially Expressed during GnRH Neuron Development. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13073. [PMID: 37685880 PMCID: PMC10487694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713073] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons are key neuroendocrine cells in the brain as they control reproduction by regulating hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis function. In this context, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), growth hormone (GH), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) were shown to improve GnRH neuron migration and function in vitro. Whether AMH, GH, and IGF1 signaling pathways participate in the development and function of GnRH neurons in vivo is, however, currently still unknown. To assess the role of AMH, GH, and IGF1 systems in the development of GnRH neuron, we evaluated the expression of AMH receptors (AMHR2), GH (GHR), and IGF1 (IGF1R) on sections of ex vivo mice at different development stages. The expression of AMHR2, GHR, and IGF1R was assessed by immunofluorescence using established protocols and commercial antibodies. The head sections of mice were analyzed at E12.5, E14.5, and E18.5. In particular, at E12.5, we focused on the neurogenic epithelium of the vomeronasal organ (VNO), where GnRH neurons, migratory mass cells, and the pioneering vomeronasal axon give rise. At E14.5, we focused on the VNO and nasal forebrain junction (NFJ), the two regions where GnRH neurons originate and migrate to the hypothalamus, respectively. At E18.5, the median eminence, which is the hypothalamic area where GnRH is released, was analyzed. At E12.5, double staining for the neuronal marker ß-tubulin III and AMHR2, GHR, or IGF1R revealed a signal in the neurogenic niches of the olfactory and VNO during early embryo development. Furthermore, IGF1R and GHR were expressed by VNO-emerging GnRH neurons. At E14.5, a similar expression pattern was found for the neuronal marker ß-tubulin III, while the expression of IGF1R and GHR began to decline, as also observed at E18.5. Of note, hypothalamic GnRH neurons labeled for PLXND1 tested positive for AMHR2 expression. Ex vivo experiments on mouse sections revealed differential protein expression patterns for AMHR2, GHR, and IGF1R at any time point in development between neurogenic areas and hypothalamic compartments. These findings suggest a differential functional role of related systems in the development of GnRH neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa J. J. Paganoni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.J.J.P.); (R.O.); (F.A.); (R.A.); (M.R.); (C.O.); (F.T.); (P.M.)
| | - Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (R.A.C.); (S.L.V.); (A.E.C.)
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 10681, USA
| | - Roberto Oleari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.J.J.P.); (R.O.); (F.A.); (R.A.); (M.R.); (C.O.); (F.T.); (P.M.)
| | - Federica Amoruso
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.J.J.P.); (R.O.); (F.A.); (R.A.); (M.R.); (C.O.); (F.T.); (P.M.)
| | - Renata Antal
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.J.J.P.); (R.O.); (F.A.); (R.A.); (M.R.); (C.O.); (F.T.); (P.M.)
| | - Marco Ruzza
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.J.J.P.); (R.O.); (F.A.); (R.A.); (M.R.); (C.O.); (F.T.); (P.M.)
| | - Chiara Olivieri
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.J.J.P.); (R.O.); (F.A.); (R.A.); (M.R.); (C.O.); (F.T.); (P.M.)
| | - Rosita A. Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (R.A.C.); (S.L.V.); (A.E.C.)
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (R.A.C.); (S.L.V.); (A.E.C.)
| | - Fationa Tolaj
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.J.J.P.); (R.O.); (F.A.); (R.A.); (M.R.); (C.O.); (F.T.); (P.M.)
| | - Anna Cariboni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.J.J.P.); (R.O.); (F.A.); (R.A.); (M.R.); (C.O.); (F.T.); (P.M.)
| | - Aldo E. Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (R.A.C.); (S.L.V.); (A.E.C.)
| | - Paolo Magni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.J.J.P.); (R.O.); (F.A.); (R.A.); (M.R.); (C.O.); (F.T.); (P.M.)
- IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto S. Giovanni, 20099 Milan, Italy
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12
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Sawada M, Hamaguchi A, Mano N, Yoshida Y, Uemura A, Sawamoto K. PlexinD1 signaling controls domain-specific dendritic development in newborn neurons in the postnatal olfactory bulb. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1143130. [PMID: 37534039 PMCID: PMC10393276 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1143130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Newborn neurons show immature bipolar morphology and continue to migrate toward their destinations. After the termination of migration, newborn neurons undergo spatially controlled dendrite formation and change into a complex morphology. The mechanisms of dendritic development of newborn neurons have not been fully understood. Here, we show that in the postnatal olfactory bulb (OB), the Sema3E-PlexinD1 signaling, which maintains bipolar morphology of newborn neurons, also regulates their dendritic development after the termination of migration in a dendritic domain-specific manner. Genetic ablation of Sema3E or PlexinD1 enhanced dendritic branching in the proximal domain of the apical dendrites of OB newborn granule cells, whereas PlexinD1 overexpression suppressed it in a Rho binding domain (RBD)-dependent manner. Furthermore, RhoJ, a small GTPase that directly binds to PlexinD1RBD in vascular endothelial cells, is expressed in migrating and differentiating newborn granule cells in the OB and is also involved in the suppression of proximal branching of their apical dendrites. These results suggest that the Sema3E-PlexinD1-RhoJ axis regulates domain-specific dendrite formation of newborn neurons in the postnatal OB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Sawada
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
- Division of Neural Development and Regeneration, National Institute of Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Ayato Hamaguchi
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Naomichi Mano
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yutaka Yoshida
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY, United States
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Neural Circuit Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Uemura
- Department of Retinal Vascular Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazunobu Sawamoto
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
- Division of Neural Development and Regeneration, National Institute of Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
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13
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Causeret F, Fayon M, Moreau MX, Ne E, Oleari R, Parras C, Cariboni A, Pierani A. Diversity within olfactory sensory derivatives revealed by the contribution of Dbx1 lineages. J Comp Neurol 2023. [PMID: 37125418 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
In vertebrates, the embryonic olfactory epithelium contains progenitors that will give rise to distinct classes of neurons, including olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs; involved in odor detection), vomeronasal sensory neurons (VSNs; responsible for pheromone sensing), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons that control the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Currently, these three neuronal lineages are usually believed to emerge from uniform pools of progenitors. Here, we found that the homeodomain transcription factor Dbx1 is expressed by neurogenic progenitors in the developing and adult mouse olfactory epithelium. We demonstrate that Dbx1 itself is dispensable for neuronal fate specification and global organization of the olfactory sensory system. Using lineage tracing, we characterize the contribution of Dbx1 lineages to OSN, VSN, and GnRH neuron populations and reveal an unexpected degree of diversity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Dbx1-expressing progenitors remain neurogenic in the absence of the proneural gene Ascl1. Our work therefore points to the existence of distinct neurogenic programs in Dbx1-derived and other olfactory lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Causeret
- Université Paris Cité, Imagine Institute, Team Genetics and Development of the Cerebral Cortex, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, INSERM U1266, Paris, France
| | - Maxime Fayon
- Université Paris Cité, Imagine Institute, Team Genetics and Development of the Cerebral Cortex, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, INSERM U1266, Paris, France
| | - Matthieu X Moreau
- Université Paris Cité, Imagine Institute, Team Genetics and Development of the Cerebral Cortex, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, INSERM U1266, Paris, France
| | - Enrico Ne
- Université Paris Cité, Imagine Institute, Team Genetics and Development of the Cerebral Cortex, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, INSERM U1266, Paris, France
| | - Roberto Oleari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlos Parras
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC University Paris 06, Inserm U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, GH Pitié-Salpêtrière, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière, ICM, Paris, France
| | - Anna Cariboni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pierani
- Université Paris Cité, Imagine Institute, Team Genetics and Development of the Cerebral Cortex, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, INSERM U1266, Paris, France
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14
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Cotellessa L, Marelli F, Duminuco P, Adamo M, Papadakis GE, Bartoloni L, Sato N, Lang-Muritano M, Troendle A, Dhillo WS, Morelli A, Guarnieri G, Pitteloud N, Persani L, Bonomi M, Giacobini P, Vezzoli V. Defective jagged-1 signaling affects GnRH development and contributes to congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. JCI Insight 2023; 8:161998. [PMID: 36729644 PMCID: PMC10077483 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.161998] [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: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In vertebrate species, fertility is controlled by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. GnRH cells arise outside the central nervous system, in the developing olfactory pit, and migrate along olfactory/vomeronasal/terminal nerve axons into the forebrain during embryonic development. Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) and Kallmann syndrome are rare genetic disorders characterized by infertility, and they are associated with defects in GnRH neuron migration and/or altered GnRH secretion and signaling. Here, we documented the expression of the jagged-1/Notch signaling pathway in GnRH neurons and along the GnRH neuron migratory route both in zebrafish embryos and in human fetuses. Genetic knockdown of the zebrafish ortholog of JAG1 (jag1b) resulted in altered GnRH migration and olfactory axonal projections to the olfactory bulbs. Next-generation sequencing was performed in 467 CHH unrelated probands, leading to the identification of heterozygous rare variants in JAG1. Functional in vitro validation of JAG1 mutants revealed that 7 out of the 9 studied variants exhibited reduced protein levels and altered subcellular localization. Together our data provide compelling evidence that Jag1/Notch signaling plays a prominent role in the development of GnRH neurons, and we propose that JAG1 insufficiency may contribute to the pathogenesis of CHH in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Cotellessa
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,University Lille, INSERM, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition UMR-S 1172, FHU 1000 days for health, Lille, France
| | - Federica Marelli
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Duminuco
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Adamo
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Georgios E Papadakis
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lucia Bartoloni
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Naoko Sato
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mariarosaria Lang-Muritano
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Amineh Troendle
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lindenhofspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Guarnieri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Nelly Pitteloud
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luca Persani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Bonomi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Giacobini
- University Lille, INSERM, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition UMR-S 1172, FHU 1000 days for health, Lille, France
| | - Valeria Vezzoli
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
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15
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Oleari R, Lettieri A, Manzini S, Paganoni A, André V, Grazioli P, Busnelli M, Duminuco P, Vitobello A, Philippe C, Bizaoui V, Storr HL, Amoruso F, Memi F, Vezzoli V, Massa V, Scheiffele P, Howard SR, Cariboni A. Autism-linked NLGN3 is a key regulator of gonadotropin-releasing hormone deficiency. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm049996. [PMID: 36810932 PMCID: PMC10110398 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) deficiency (GD) is a disorder characterized by absent or delayed puberty, with largely unknown genetic causes. The purpose of this study was to obtain and exploit gene expression profiles of GnRH neurons during development to unveil novel biological mechanisms and genetic determinants underlying GD. Here, we combined bioinformatic analyses of immortalized and primary embryonic GnRH neuron transcriptomes with exome sequencing from GD patients to identify candidate genes implicated in the pathogenesis of GD. Among differentially expressed and filtered transcripts, we found loss-of-function (LoF) variants of the autism-linked neuroligin 3 (NLGN3) gene in two unrelated patients co-presenting with GD and neurodevelopmental traits. We demonstrated that NLGN3 is upregulated in maturing GnRH neurons and that NLGN3 wild-type, but not mutant, protein promotes neuritogenesis when overexpressed in developing GnRH cells. Our data represent proof of principle that this complementary approach can identify new candidate GD genes and demonstrate that LoF NLGN3 variants can contribute to GD. This novel genotype-phenotype correlation implies common genetic mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders, such as GD and autistic spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Oleari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Antonella Lettieri
- CRC Aldo Ravelli for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan 20142, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan 20142, Italy
| | - Stefano Manzini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Alyssa Paganoni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Valentina André
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Paolo Grazioli
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan 20142, Italy
| | - Marco Busnelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Paolo Duminuco
- Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Cusano Milanino 20095, Italy
| | - Antonio Vitobello
- Unité Fonctionnelle Innovation en Diagnostic Génomique des Maladies Rares, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) TRANSLAD, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Dijon 21079, France
- INSERM UMR 1231 GAD (Génétique des Anomalies du Développement), Université de Bourgogne, Dijon 21070, France
| | - Christophe Philippe
- Unité Fonctionnelle Innovation en Diagnostic Génomique des Maladies Rares, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) TRANSLAD, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Dijon 21079, France
- INSERM UMR 1231 GAD (Génétique des Anomalies du Développement), Université de Bourgogne, Dijon 21070, France
| | - Varoona Bizaoui
- Genetics and Neurodevelopment, Centre Hospitalier de l'Estran, Pontorson 50170, France
| | - Helen L. Storr
- Centre for Endocrinology William Harvey Research Institute Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Royal London Children's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 1BB, UK
| | - Federica Amoruso
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Fani Memi
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Valeria Vezzoli
- Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Cusano Milanino 20095, Italy
| | - Valentina Massa
- CRC Aldo Ravelli for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan 20142, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan 20142, Italy
| | | | - Sasha R. Howard
- Centre for Endocrinology William Harvey Research Institute Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Royal London Children's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 1BB, UK
| | - Anna Cariboni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan 20133, Italy
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16
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Wang D, Niu Y, Tan J, Wang J, Ling L, Chen Y, Gong J, Xu H, Ling Q, Liu J, Liu J. SEMA4D acts as a novel oligogenic pathogenic gene of idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism through the PlexinB1/MET/RND1/RHOA/RAF1/MAPK signaling axis. Genes Dis 2023; 10:65-68. [PMID: 37013058 PMCID: PMC10066259 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daoqi Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650033, China
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yonghua Niu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Jiahong Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan 650034, China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Le Ling
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yinwei Chen
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Jianan Gong
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150007, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Qing Ling
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Jianhe Liu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650033, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
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17
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Guirado J, Carranza-Valencia J, Morante J. Mammalian puberty: a fly perspective. FEBS J 2023; 290:359-369. [PMID: 35607827 PMCID: PMC10084137 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16534] [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: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian puberty and Drosophila metamorphosis, despite their evolutionary distance, exhibit similar design principles and conservation of molecular components. In this Viewpoint, we review recent advances in this area and the similarities between both processes in terms of the signaling pathways and neuroendocrine circuits involved. We argue that the detection and uptake of peripheral fat by Drosophila prothoracic endocrine cells induces endomembrane remodeling and ribosomal maturation, leading to the acquisition of high biosynthetic and secretory capacity. The absence of this fat-neuroendocrine interorgan communication leads to giant, obese, non-pupating larvae. Importantly, human leptin is capable of signaling the pupariation process in Drosophila, and its expression prevents obesity and triggers maturation in mutants that do not pupate. This implies that insect metamorphosis can be used to address issues related to the biology of leptin and puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Guirado
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC) and Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Juan Carranza-Valencia
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC) and Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Javier Morante
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC) and Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), San Juan de Alicante, Spain
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18
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A Novel Loss-of-Function SEMA3E Mutation in a Patient with Severe Intellectual Disability and Cognitive Regression. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105632. [PMID: 35628442 PMCID: PMC9143429 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105632] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurological disorder arising from early neurodevelopmental defects. The underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms are complex, but are thought to involve, among others, alterations in genes implicated in axon guidance and/or neural circuit formation as demonstrated by studies on mouse models. Here, by combining exome sequencing with in silico analyses, we identified a patient affected by severe ID and cognitive regression, carrying a novel loss-of-function variant in the semaphorin 3E (SEMA3E) gene, which encodes for a key secreted cue that controls mouse brain development. By performing ad hoc in vitro and ex vivo experiments, we found that the identified variant impairs protein secretion and hampers the binding to both embryonic mouse neuronal cells and tissues. Further, we revealed SEMA3E expression during human brain development. Overall, our findings demonstrate the pathogenic impact of the identified SEMA3E variant and provide evidence that clinical neurological features of the patient might be due to a defective SEMA3E signaling in the brain.
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Welch BA, Cho HJ, Ucakturk SA, Farmer SM, Cetinkaya S, Abaci A, Akkus G, Simsek E, Kotan LD, Turan I, Gurbuz F, Yuksel B, Wray S, Topaloglu AK. PLXNB1 mutations in the etiology of idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13103. [PMID: 35170806 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) comprises a group of rare genetic disorders characterized by pubertal failure caused by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) deficiency. Genetic factors involved in semaphorin/plexin signaling have been identified in patients with IHH. PlexinB1, a member of the plexin family receptors, serves as the receptor for semaphorin 4D (Sema4D). In mice, perturbations in Sema4D/PlexinB1 signaling leads to improper GnRH development, highlighting the importance of investigating PlexinB1 mutations in IHH families. In total, 336 IHH patients (normosmic IHH, n = 293 and Kallmann syndrome, n = 43) from 290 independent families were included in the present study. Six PLXNB1 rare sequence variants (p.N361S, p.V608A, p.R636C, p.V672A, p.R1031H, and p.C1318R) are described in eight normosmic IHH patients from seven independent families. These variants were examined using bioinformatic modeling and compared to mutants reported in PLXNA1. Based on these analyses, the variant p.R1031H was assayed for alterations in cell morphology, PlexinB1 expression, and migration using a GnRH cell line and Boyden chambers. Experiments showed reduced membrane expression and impaired migration in cells expressing this variant compared to the wild-type. Our results provide clinical, genetic, molecular/cellular, and modeling evidence to implicate variants in PLXNB1 in the etiology of IHH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley A Welch
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Hyun-Ju Cho
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Seyit Ahmet Ucakturk
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Stephen Matthew Farmer
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Semra Cetinkaya
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Dr. Sami Ulus Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatric Health and Disease Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayhan Abaci
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gamze Akkus
- Division of Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Enver Simsek
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osman Gazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Leman Damla Kotan
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Ihsan Turan
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Fatih Gurbuz
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Bilgin Yuksel
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Susan Wray
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - A Kemal Topaloglu
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
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20
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Donabedian PL, Walia JY, Agarwal-Sinha S. Partial CHARGE syndrome with bilateral retinochoroidal colobomas associated with 7q11.23 duplication syndrome: case report. BMC Ophthalmol 2022; 22:100. [PMID: 35246073 PMCID: PMC8895878 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-022-02298-x] [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: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background CHARGE syndrome is a relatively common cause of deafness and blindness resulting from failure to form the primordia of specific organs due to deficient contribution of neural crest cell derivatives. The majority of CHARGE syndrome cases are caused by heterozygous mutations in CHD7 on chromosome 8q21. Those with CHARGE syndrome without CHD7 mutation typically do not have an identified genetic defect. 7q11.23 duplication syndrome is associated with mild facial dysmorphism, heart defects, language delay, and autism spectrum disorder. In the current literature, 7q11.23 duplication has not been associated with CHARGE syndrome, retinochoroidal colobomas, or significant ear abnormalities. Case presentation We describe a patient with 7q11.23 duplication syndrome and clinical CHARGE syndrome with no variant in CHARGE-associated genes. Conclusions This case highlights the still incomplete understanding of the pathogenesis of CHARGE syndrome and raises the possibility of a dose-sensitive effect of genes in the 7q11.23 critical region on neural crest differentiation and fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick L Donabedian
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jessica Y Walia
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Swati Agarwal-Sinha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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21
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Camera M, Russo I, Zamboni V, Ammoni A, Rando S, Morellato A, Cimino I, Angelini C, Giacobini P, Oleari R, Amoruso F, Cariboni A, Franceschini I, Turco E, Defilippi P, Merlo GR. p140Cap Controls Female Fertility in Mice Acting via Glutamatergic Afference on Hypothalamic Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:744693. [PMID: 35237119 PMCID: PMC8884249 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.744693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
p140Cap, encoded by the gene SRCIN1 (SRC kinase signaling inhibitor 1), is an adaptor/scaffold protein highly expressed in the mouse brain, participating in several pre- and post-synaptic mechanisms. p140Cap knock-out (KO) female mice show severe hypofertility, delayed puberty onset, altered estrus cycle, reduced ovulation, and defective production of luteinizing hormone and estradiol during proestrus. We investigated the role of p140Cap in the development and maturation of the hypothalamic gonadotropic system. During embryonic development, migration of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) neurons from the nasal placode to the forebrain in p140Cap KO mice appeared normal, and young p140Cap KO animals showed a normal number of GnRH-immunoreactive (-ir) neurons. In contrast, adult p140Cap KO mice showed a significant loss of GnRH-ir neurons and a decreased density of GnRH-ir projections in the median eminence, accompanied by reduced levels of GnRH and LH mRNAs in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, respectively. We examined the number of kisspeptin (KP) neurons in the rostral periventricular region of the third ventricle, the number of KP-ir fibers in the arcuate nucleus, and the number of KP-ir punctae on GnRH neurons but we found no significant changes. Consistently, the responsiveness to exogenous KP in vivo was unchanged, excluding a cell-autonomous defect on the GnRH neurons at the level of KP receptor or its signal transduction. Since glutamatergic signaling in the hypothalamus is critical for both puberty onset and modulation of GnRH secretion, we examined the density of glutamatergic synapses in p140Cap KO mice and observed a significant reduction in the density of VGLUT-ir punctae both in the preoptic area and on GnRH neurons. Our data suggest that the glutamatergic circuitry in the hypothalamus is altered in the absence of p140Cap and is required for female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Camera
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Isabella Russo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Zamboni
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ammoni
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Simona Rando
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Morellato
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Irene Cimino
- Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Centre, Inserm U1172, Lille, France
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust–Medical Research Council Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Costanza Angelini
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Giacobini
- Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Centre, Inserm U1172, Lille, France
| | - Roberto Oleari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Amoruso
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Cariboni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Isabelle Franceschini
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, French National Centre for Scientific Research, French Institute of the Horse and Riding, French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Emilia Turco
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Defilippi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- *Correspondence: Paola Defilippi,
| | - Giorgio R. Merlo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Giorgio R. Merlo,
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22
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PASSARELLI A, LETTIERI A, DEMIRCI TN, MAGNI P. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone-secreting neuron development and function: an update. Minerva Endocrinol (Torino) 2022; 47:58-69. [DOI: 10.23736/s2724-6507.22.03683-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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23
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Abstract
The diagnostic suspicion of congenital central hypogonadism is based on clinical signs. Biochemical confirmation is challenging, especially after the postnatal activation stage of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. Sertoli cell markers, like AMH and inhibin B, have become useful tools for the diagnosis of male central hypogonadism during childhood. Different mechanisms can participate in the aetiopathogenesis of central hypogonadism, leading to a deficiency in the production of gonadotrophins. Advances in genetic studies, mainly next generation sequencing techniques, have allowed the discovery of a large number of genes related to central hypogonadism. However, a causal variant is found in approximately half of the patients. Central hypogonadism has been classically described as a pathology with variable expressivity and incomplete penetrance. Currently, these characteristics are known to be partially explained by the presence of oligogenicity, that is the participation of variants in more than one gene in the aetiology of central hypogonadism in the same patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina P Grinspon
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET - FEI - División de, Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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24
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Abstract
Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) is a group of rare developmental disorders characterized by low gonadotropin levels in the face of low sex steroid hormone concentrations. IHH is practically divided into two major groups according to the olfactory function: normal sense of smell (normosmia) nIHH, and reduced sense of smell (hyposmia/anosmia) Kallmann syndrome (KS). Although mutations in more than 50 genes have been associated with IHH so far, only half of those cases were explained by gene mutations. Various combinations of deleterious variants in different genes as causes of IHH have been increasingly recognized (Oligogenic etiology). In addition to the complexity of inheritance patterns, the spontaneous or sex steroid-induced clinical recovery from IHH, which is seen in approximately 10–20% of cases, blurs further the phenotype/genotype relationship in IHH, and poses challenging steps in new IHH gene discovery. Beyond helping for clinical diagnostics, identification of the genetic mutations in the pathophysiology of IHH is hoped to shed light on the central governance of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis through life stages. This review aims to summarize the genetic etiology of IHH and discuss the clinical and physiological ramifications of the gene mutations.
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25
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Whittaker DE, Oleari R, Gregory LC, Le Quesne-Stabej P, Williams HJ, Torpiano JG, Formosa N, Cachia MJ, Field D, Lettieri A, Ocaka LA, Paganoni AJ, Rajabali SH, Riegman KL, De Martini LB, Chaya T, Robinson IC, Furukawa T, Cariboni A, Basson MA, Dattani MT. A recessive PRDM13 mutation results in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and cerebellar hypoplasia. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:e141587. [PMID: 34730112 PMCID: PMC8670848 DOI: 10.1172/jci141587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The positive regulatory (PR) domain containing 13 (PRDM13) putative chromatin modifier and transcriptional regulator functions downstream of the transcription factor PTF1A, which controls GABAergic fate in the spinal cord and neurogenesis in the hypothalamus. Here, we report a recessive syndrome associated with PRDM13 mutation. Patients exhibited intellectual disability, ataxia with cerebellar hypoplasia, scoliosis, and delayed puberty with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH). Expression studies revealed Prdm13/PRDM13 transcripts in the developing hypothalamus and cerebellum in mouse and human. An analysis of hypothalamus and cerebellum development in mice homozygous for a Prdm13 mutant allele revealed a significant reduction in the number of Kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons in the hypothalamus and PAX2+ progenitors emerging from the cerebellar ventricular zone. The latter was accompanied by ectopic expression of the glutamatergic lineage marker TLX3. Prdm13-deficient mice displayed cerebellar hypoplasia and normal gonadal structure, but delayed pubertal onset. Together, these findings identify PRDM13 as a critical regulator of GABAergic cell fate in the cerebellum and of hypothalamic kisspeptin neuron development, providing a mechanistic explanation for the cooccurrence of CHH and cerebellar hypoplasia in this syndrome. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence linking disrupted PRDM13-mediated regulation of Kiss1 neurons to CHH in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle E. Whittaker
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roberto Oleari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Louise C. Gregory
- Section of Molecular Basis of Rare Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Polona Le Quesne-Stabej
- Section of Molecular Basis of Rare Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hywel J. Williams
- Section of Molecular Basis of Rare Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - GOSgene
- Section of Molecular Basis of Rare Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
- GOSgene is detailed in Supplemental Acknowledgments
| | - John G. Torpiano
- Department of Paediatrics and
- Adult Endocrinology Service, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | | | - Mario J. Cachia
- Adult Endocrinology Service, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Daniel Field
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Antonella Lettieri
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Louise A. Ocaka
- Section of Molecular Basis of Rare Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alyssa J.J. Paganoni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sakina H. Rajabali
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kimberley L.H. Riegman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa B. De Martini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Taro Chaya
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Takahisa Furukawa
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Anna Cariboni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - M. Albert Basson
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mehul T. Dattani
- Section of Molecular Basis of Rare Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
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26
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Keen KL, Petersen AJ, Figueroa AG, Fordyce BI, Shin J, Yadav R, Erdin S, Pearce RA, Talkowski ME, Bhattacharyya A, Terasawa E. Physiological Characterization and Transcriptomic Properties of GnRH Neurons Derived From Human Stem Cells. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6298609. [PMID: 34125902 PMCID: PMC8294693 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons in the hypothalamus play a key role in the regulation of reproductive function. In this study, we sought an efficient method for generating GnRH neurons from human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (hESC and hiPSC, respectively). First, we found that exposure of primitive neuroepithelial cells, rather than neuroprogenitor cells, to fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8), was more effective in generating GnRH neurons. Second, addition of kisspeptin to FGF8 further increased the efficiency rates of GnRH neurogeneration. Third, we generated a fluorescent marker mCherry labeled human embryonic GnRH cell line (mCh-hESC) using a CRISPR-Cas9 targeting approach. Fourth, we examined physiological characteristics of GnRH (mCh-hESC) neurons: similar to GnRH neurons in vivo, they released the GnRH peptide in a pulsatile manner at ~60 min intervals; GnRH release increased in response to high potassium, kisspeptin, estradiol, and neurokinin B challenges; and injection of depolarizing current induced action potentials. Finally, we characterized developmental changes in transcriptomes of GnRH neurons using hESC, hiPSC, and mCh-hESC. The developmental pattern of transcriptomes was remarkably similar among the 3 cell lines. Collectively, human stem cell-derived GnRH neurons will be an important tool for establishing disease models to understand diseases, such as idiopathic hypothalamic hypogonadism, and testing contraceptive drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim L Keen
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Andrew J Petersen
- Waisman Center, Graduate School, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Alexander G Figueroa
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Benjamin I Fordyce
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jaeweon Shin
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachita Yadav
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics and Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Serkan Erdin
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics and Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Robert A Pearce
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michael E Talkowski
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics and Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anita Bhattacharyya
- Waisman Center, Graduate School, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ei Terasawa
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Correspondence: Ei Terasawa, PhD, Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, 1223 Capitol Court, Madison, WI 53715-1299, USA.
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27
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Oleari R, Massa V, Cariboni A, Lettieri A. The Differential Roles for Neurodevelopmental and Neuroendocrine Genes in Shaping GnRH Neuron Physiology and Deficiency. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9425. [PMID: 34502334 PMCID: PMC8431607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons are hypothalamic neuroendocrine cells that control sexual reproduction. During embryonic development, GnRH neurons migrate from the nose to the hypothalamus, where they receive inputs from several afferent neurons, following the axonal scaffold patterned by nasal nerves. Each step of GnRH neuron development depends on the orchestrated action of several molecules exerting specific biological functions. Mutations in genes encoding for these essential molecules may cause Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism (CHH), a rare disorder characterized by GnRH deficiency, delayed puberty and infertility. Depending on their action in the GnRH neuronal system, CHH causative genes can be divided into neurodevelopmental and neuroendocrine genes. The CHH genetic complexity, combined with multiple inheritance patterns, results in an extreme phenotypic variability of CHH patients. In this review, we aim at providing a comprehensive and updated description of the genes thus far associated with CHH, by dissecting their biological relevance in the GnRH system and their functional relevance underlying CHH pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Oleari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Valentina Massa
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milano, Italy;
- CRC Aldo Ravelli for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milano, Italy
| | - Anna Cariboni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Antonella Lettieri
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milano, Italy;
- CRC Aldo Ravelli for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milano, Italy
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28
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Louden ED, Poch A, Kim HG, Ben-Mahmoud A, Kim SH, Layman LC. Genetics of hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism-Human and mouse genes, inheritance, oligogenicity, and genetic counseling. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 534:111334. [PMID: 34062169 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, which may be normosmic (nHH) or anosmic/hyposmic, known as Kallmann syndrome (KS), is due to gonadotropin-releasing hormone deficiency, which results in absent puberty and infertility. Investigation of the genetic basis of nHH/KS over the past 35 years has yielded a substantial increase in our understanding, as variants in 44 genes in OMIM account for ~50% of cases. The first genes for KS (ANOS1) and nHH (GNRHR) were followed by the discovery that FGFR1 variants may cause either nHH or KS. Associated anomalies include midline facial defects, neurologic deficits, cardiac anomalies, and renal agenesis, among others. Mouse models for all but one gene (ANOS1) generally support findings in humans. About half of the known genes implicated in nHH/KS are inherited as autosomal dominant and half are autosomal recessive, whereas only 7% are X-linked recessive. Digenic and oligogenic inheritance has been reported in 2-20% of patients, most commonly with variants in genes that may result in either nHH or KS inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. In vitro analyses have only been conducted for both gene variants in eight cases and for one gene variant in 20 cases. Rigorous confirmation that two gene variants in the same individual cause the nHH/KS phenotype is lacking for most. Clinical diagnosis is probably best accomplished by targeted next generation sequencing of the known candidate genes with confirmation by Sanger sequencing. Elucidation of the genetic basis of nHH/KS has resulted in an enhanced understanding of this disorder, as well as normal puberty, which makes genetic diagnosis clinically relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica D Louden
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, & Genetics, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Alexandra Poch
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, & Genetics, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Hyung-Goo Kim
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Afif Ben-Mahmoud
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Soo-Hyun Kim
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St. George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Lawrence C Layman
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, & Genetics, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
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Novel somatic variants involved in biochemical activity of pure growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma without GNAS variant. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16530. [PMID: 34400688 PMCID: PMC8368009 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95829-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to identify somatic genetic alterations in pure growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenomas without GNAS variants. Patients with GH-secreting pituitary adenoma who underwent transsphenoidal adenomectomy at Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine were recruited. Somatic genetic alterations were profiled by whole-exome sequencing (WES) and targeted resequencing. WES was performed using DNA from nine GH-secreting pituitary tumors and corresponding blood samples. Absence of GNAS variant was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. For targeted resequencing of 140 fixed tissues, 48 WES-derived candidate genes and 7 GH-secreting pituitary adenoma-associated genes were included. Forty-eight genes with 59 somatic variants were identified by WES. In targeted resequencing, variants in 26 recurrent genes, including MAST4, PRIM2, TNN, STARD9, DNAH11, DOCK4, GPR98, BCHE, DARS, CUBN, NGDN, PLXND1, UNC5B, and COL22A1, were identified, but variants in previously reported genes were not detected. BCHE, DARS, NGDN, and UNC5B variants were associated with increased GH-secreting pituitary tumor biochemical activity, which was confirmed in vitro. Although recurrent point variants were rare, several somatic variants were identified in sporadic pure GH-secreting pituitary adenomas. Several somatic variants may affect pathways involved in the tumorigenesis and biochemical activities of GH-secreting pituitary adenomas.
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Ortiz-Cabrera NV, Gavela-Pérez T, Mejorado-Molano FJ, Santillán-Coello JM, Villacampa-Aubá JM, Trujillo-Tiebas MJ, Soriano-Guillén L. Diagnostic yield of clinical exome sequencing in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism considering the degree of olfactory impairment. An Pediatr (Barc) 2021; 97:247-254. [PMID: 34238712 DOI: 10.1016/j.anpede.2021.06.003] [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: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) can present alone or in association with anosmia or other congenital malformations. More than 30 genes have been identified as being involved in the pathogenesis of CHH with different patterns of inheritance, and the increasing availability of next generation sequencing (NGS) has increased the diagnostic yield. METHODS We analysed the diagnostic yield of NGS in patients with CHH using the clinical exome filtered with virtual panels. We also assessed whether designing panels based on the presence/absence of microsmia increased the diagnostic yield. RESULTS The use of a 34-gene virtual panel confirmed the diagnosis of CHH in 5 out of 9 patients (55%) patients. In 2 out of 9 (22%), the findings were inconclusive. Applying the presence/absence of microsmia criterion to choose genes for analysis did not improve the diagnostic yield. CONCLUSIONS The approach to the genetic study of patients with CHH varies depending on the resources of each healthcare facility, so the sensitivity of testing may vary substantially depending on whether panels, clinical exome sequencing or whole exome sequencing (WES) are used. The analysis of all genes related to CHH regardless of the presence/absence of microsmia seems to be the best approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Teresa Gavela-Pérez
- Servicio de Pediatría, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Mejorado-Molano
- Servicio de Pediatría, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jessica Mire Santillán-Coello
- Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Miguel Villacampa-Aubá
- Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Trujillo-Tiebas
- Servicio de Genética, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Leandro Soriano-Guillén
- Servicio de Pediatría, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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31
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Ortiz-Cabrera NV, Gavela-Pérez T, Mejorado-Molano FJ, Santillán-Coello JM, Villacampa-Aubá JM, Trujillo-Tiebas MJ, Soriano-Guillén L. [Diagnostic yield of clinical exome sequencing in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism considering the degree of olfactory impairment]. An Pediatr (Barc) 2021; 97:S1695-4033(21)00183-1. [PMID: 34120870 DOI: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2021.01.020] [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: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) can present alone or in association with anosmia or other congenital malformations. More than 30 genes have been identified as being involved in the pathogenesis of CHH with different patterns of inheritance, and the increasing availability of next generation sequencing (NGS) has increased the diagnostic yield. METHODS We analysed the diagnostic yield of NGS in patients with CHH using the clinical exome filtered with virtual panels. We also assessed whether designing panels based on the presence/absence of microsmia increased the diagnostic yield. RESULTS The use of a 34-gene virtual panel confirmed the diagnosis of CHH in 5 out of 9 patients (55%). In 2 out of 9 (22%), the findings were inconclusive. Applying the presence/absence of microsmia criterion to choose genes for analysis did not improve the diagnostic yield. CONCLUSIONS The approach to the genetic study of patients with CHH varies depending on the resources of each healthcare facility, so the sensitivity of testing may vary substantially depending on whether panels, clinical exome sequencing or whole exome sequencing (WES) are used. The analysis of every genes related to CHH regardless of the presence/absence of microsmia seems to be the best approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Teresa Gavela-Pérez
- Servicio de Pediatría, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, España
| | - Francisco Javier Mejorado-Molano
- Servicio de Pediatría, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, España
| | - Jessica Mire Santillán-Coello
- Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria -Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, España
| | - José Miguel Villacampa-Aubá
- Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria -Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, España
| | - María José Trujillo-Tiebas
- Servicio de Genética, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria -Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, España
| | - Leandro Soriano-Guillén
- Servicio de Pediatría, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, España.
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32
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Semaphorin3E/plexinD1 Axis in Asthma: What We Know So Far! ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1304:205-213. [PMID: 34019271 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-68748-9_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Semaphorin3E belongs to the large family of semaphorin proteins. Semaphorin3E was initially identified as axon guidance cues in the neural system. It is universally expressed beyond the nervous system and contributes to regulating essential cell functions such as cell migration, proliferation, and adhesion. Binding of semaphorin3E to its receptor, plexinD1, triggers diverse signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases from cancer to autoimmune and allergic disorders. Here, we highlight the novel findings on the role of semaphorin3E in airway biology. In particular, we highlight our recent findings on the function and potential mechanisms by which semaphorin3E and its receptor, plexinD1, impact airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and remodeling in the context of asthma.
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33
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Katreddi RR, Forni PE. Mechanisms underlying pre- and postnatal development of the vomeronasal organ. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:5069-5082. [PMID: 33871676 PMCID: PMC8254721 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03829-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is sensory organ located in the ventral region of the nasal cavity in rodents. The VNO develops from the olfactory placode during the secondary invagination of olfactory pit. The embryonic vomeronasal structure appears as a neurogenic area where migratory neuronal populations like endocrine gonadotropin-releasing hormone-1 (GnRH-1) neurons form. Even though embryonic vomeronasal structures are conserved across most vertebrate species, many species including humans do not have a functional VNO after birth. The vomeronasal epithelium (VNE) of rodents is composed of two major types of vomeronasal sensory neurons (VSNs): (1) VSNs distributed in the apical VNE regions that express vomeronasal type-1 receptors (V1Rs) and the G protein subunit Gαi2, and (2) VSNs in the basal territories of the VNE that express vomeronasal type-2 receptors (V2Rs) and the G subunit Gαo. Recent studies identified a third subclass of Gαi2 and Gαo VSNs that express the formyl peptide receptor family. VSNs expressing V1Rs or V2Rs send their axons to distinct regions of the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB). Together, VNO and AOB form the accessory olfactory system (AOS), an olfactory subsystem that coordinates the social and sexual behaviors of many vertebrate species. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie VNO development. We also discuss open questions for study, which we suggest will further enhance our understanding of VNO morphogenesis at embryonic and postnatal stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghu Ram Katreddi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Neuroscience Research, The RNA Institute, University At Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Paolo E Forni
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Neuroscience Research, The RNA Institute, University At Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA.
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34
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Lettieri A, Oleari R, Paganoni AJJ, Gervasini C, Massa V, Fantin A, Cariboni A. Semaphorin Regulation by the Chromatin Remodeler CHD7: An Emerging Genetic Interaction Shaping Neural Cells and Neural Crest in Development and Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:638674. [PMID: 33869187 PMCID: PMC8047133 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.638674] [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: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
CHD7 is a chromatin remodeler protein that controls gene expression via the formation of multi-protein complexes with specific transcription factors. During development, CHD7 controls several differentiation programs, mainly by acting on neural progenitors and neural crest (NC) cells. Thus, its roles range from the central nervous system to the peripheral nervous system and the organs colonized by NC cells, including the heart. Accordingly, mutated CHD7 is linked to CHARGE syndrome, which is characterized by several neuronal dysfunctions and by malformations of NC-derived/populated organs. Altered CHD7 has also been associated with different neoplastic transformations. Interestingly, recent evidence revealed that semaphorins, a class of molecules involved in developmental and pathological processes similar to those controlled by CHD7, are regulated by CHD7 in a context-specific manner. In this article, we will review the recent insights that support the existence of genetic interactions between these pathways, both during developmental processes and cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Lettieri
- CRC Aldo Ravelli for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Oleari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alyssa J J Paganoni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Gervasini
- CRC Aldo Ravelli for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Massa
- CRC Aldo Ravelli for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fantin
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Cariboni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Naulé L, Maione L, Kaiser UB. Puberty, A Sensitive Window of Hypothalamic Development and Plasticity. Endocrinology 2021; 162:bqaa209. [PMID: 33175140 PMCID: PMC7733306 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Puberty is a developmental period characterized by a broad range of physiologic changes necessary for the acquisition of adult sexual and reproductive maturity. These changes mirror complex modifications within the central nervous system, including within the hypothalamus. These modifications result in the maturation of a fully active hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, the neuroendocrine cascade ensuring gonadal activation, sex steroid secretion, and gametogenesis. A complex and finely regulated neural network overseeing the HPG axis, particularly the pubertal reactivation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, has been progressively unveiled in the last 3 decades. This network includes kisspeptin, neurokinin B, GABAergic, and glutamatergic neurons as well as glial cells. In addition to substantial modifications in the expression of key targets, several changes in neuronal morphology, neural connections, and synapse organization occur to establish mature and coordinated neurohormonal secretion, leading to puberty initiation. The aim of this review is to outline the current knowledge of the major changes that neurons secreting GnRH and their neuronal and glial partners undergo before and after puberty. Emerging mediators upstream of GnRH, uncovered in recent years, are also addressed herein. In addition, the effects of sex steroids, particularly estradiol, on changes in hypothalamic neurodevelopment and plasticity are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydie Naulé
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Luigi Maione
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Paris Saclay University, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Department Endocrinology and Reproductive Diseases, Bicêtre Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Ursula B Kaiser
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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36
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Zhang J, Tang SY, Zhu XB, Li P, Lu JQ, Cong JS, Wang LB, Zhang F, Li Z. Whole exome sequencing and trio analysis to broaden the variant spectrum of genes in idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Asian J Androl 2021; 23:288-293. [PMID: 33208564 PMCID: PMC8152424 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_65_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dozens of genes are associated with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) and an oligogenic etiology has been suggested. However, the associated genes may account for only approximately 50% cases. In addition, a genomic systematic pedigree analysis is still lacking. Here, we conducted whole exome sequencing (WES) on 18 unrelated men affected by IHH and their corresponding parents. Notably, one reported and 10 novel variants in eight known IHH causative genes (AXL, CCDC141, CHD7, DMXL2, FGFR1, PNPLA6, POLR3A, and PROKR2), nine variants in nine recently reported candidate genes (DCAF17, DCC, EGF, IGSF10, NOTCH1, PDE3A, RELN, SLIT2, and TRAPPC9), and four variants in four novel candidate genes for IHH (CCDC88C, CDON, GADL1, and SPRED3) were identified in 77.8% (14/18) of IHH cases. Among them, eight (8/18, 44.4%) cases carried more than one variant in IHH-related genes, supporting the oligogenic model. Interestingly, we found that those variants tended to be maternally inherited (maternal with n = 17 vs paternal with n = 7; P = 0.028). Our further retrospective investigation of published reports replicated the maternal bias (maternal with n = 46 vs paternal with n = 28; P = 0.024). Our study extended a variant spectrum for IHH and provided thefirst evidence that women are probably more tolerant to variants of IHH-related genes than men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Shu-Yan Tang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xiao-Bin Zhu
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Jian-Qi Lu
- Department of Research Institute, Reproduction Medical Center, The first Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jiang-Shan Cong
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Ling-Bo Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200080, China
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Cariboni A, Balasubramanian R. Kallmann syndrome and idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: The role of semaphorin signaling on GnRH neurons. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 182:307-315. [PMID: 34266601 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-819973-2.00022-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and Kallmann syndrome are rare genetic disorders characterized by isolated gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) deficiency (IGD) and delayed or absent puberty. Defective GnRH neuron migration during development or secretion of mature GnRH neurons secondary to molecular defects in several key developmental and neuroendocrine pathways are thought to be the primary causes of these disorders. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of semaphorins and their receptors in this system, by showing that these molecules play distinct roles during the development and plasticity of these neurons. Accordingly, mutations in the semaphoring-signaling pathway genes have been found in patients affected by IGD, underlying the importance of semaphorin-mediated signaling pathways in the neuroendocrine axis that control reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Cariboni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Ravikumar Balasubramanian
- Reproductive Endocrine Unit of the Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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38
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Oleari R, André V, Lettieri A, Tahir S, Roth L, Paganoni A, Eberini I, Parravicini C, Scagliotti V, Cotellessa L, Bedogni F, De Martini LB, Corridori MV, Gulli S, Augustin HG, Gaston-Massuet C, Hussain K, Cariboni A. A Novel SEMA3G Mutation in Two Siblings Affected by Syndromic GnRH Deficiency. Neuroendocrinology 2021; 111:421-441. [PMID: 32365351 DOI: 10.1159/000508375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) deficiency causes hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH), a rare genetic disorder that impairs sexual reproduction. HH can be due to defective GnRH-secreting neuron development or function and may be associated with other clinical signs in overlapping genetic syndromes. With most of the cases being idiopathic, genetics underlying HH is still largely unknown. OBJECTIVE To assess the contribution of mutated Semaphorin 3G (SEMA3G) in the onset of a syndromic form of HH, characterized by intellectual disability and facial dysmorphic features. METHOD By combining homozygosity mapping with exome sequencing, we identified a novel variant in the SEMA3G gene. We then applied mouse as a model organism to examine SEMA3Gexpression and its functional requirement in vivo. Further, we applied homology modelling in silico and cell culture assays in vitro to validate the pathogenicity of the identified gene variant. RESULTS We found that (i) SEMA3G is expressed along the migratory route of GnRH neurons and in the developing pituitary, (ii) SEMA3G affects GnRH neuron development, but is redundant in the adult hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and (iii) mutated SEMA3G alters binding properties in silico and in vitro to its PlexinA receptors and attenuates its effect on the migration of immortalized GnRH neurons. CONCLUSION In silico, in vitro, and in vivo models revealed that SEMA3G regulates GnRH neuron migration and that its mutation affecting receptor selectivity may be responsible for the HH-related defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Oleari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina André
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Lettieri
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sophia Tahir
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lise Roth
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alyssa Paganoni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ivano Eberini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Parravicini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Scagliotti
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ludovica Cotellessa
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Bedogni
- San Raffaele Rett Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute (NMHRI), Division of Neuroscience, School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Simona Gulli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Hellmut G Augustin
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), Heidelberg, Germany
- European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Carles Gaston-Massuet
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Khalid Hussain
- Sidra Medical & Research Center, Division of Endocrinology OPC, Department of Pediatric Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Anna Cariboni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy,
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Wang D, Niu Y, Tan J, Chen Y, Xu H, Ling Q, Gong J, Ling L, Wang J, Wang T, Liu J. Combined in vitro and in silico analyses of FGFR1 variants: genotype-phenotype study in idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Clin Genet 2020; 98:341-352. [PMID: 32666525 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) is an idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH)-associated gene, mutated in approximately 10% of the patients with this condition. Through targeted gene sequencing of 153 males with IHH and 100 healthy controls, we identified 10 mutations in FGFR1 from IHH patients with a frequency of 5.9% in the Chinese population of central China. These included nine missense mutations(NM_023110.2, p.Gly687Arg, p.Ala608Asp, p.Gly348Glu, p.Asn296Ser, p.Gly226Asp, p.Arg209Cys, p.Gly97Arg, p.Val71Met, p.Gly70Arg) and a splicing mutation c.1430 + 1G > T. in vitro and in silico analyses of FGFR1 variants were conducted to study the impact of the identified mutations. Our findings indicated that the splicing mutation dramatically affected premRNA processing, causing exon 10 and 6 nucleotides in the 3' end of exon 9 to be completely skipped. Two variants (p.Gly687Arg and p.Ala608Asp) markedly impaired tyrosine kinase activity, while the other variants had limited impact on the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. However, the functional impairment of the mutant receptors was not always consistent with the phenotypes, indicating that FGFR1 mutations might cause IHH in conjunction with other mutant genes. In this study, we expanded the knowledge on the mutation spectrum of FGFR1 in IHH patients and explored the genotype-phenotype relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoqi Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yonghua Niu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiahong Tan
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yinwei Chen
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Ling
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianan Gong
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Le Ling
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Mancini A, Howard SR, Marelli F, Cabrera CP, Barnes MR, Sternberg MJ, Leprovots M, Hadjidemetriou I, Monti E, David A, Wehkalampi K, Oleari R, Lettieri A, Vezzoli V, Vassart G, Cariboni A, Bonomi M, Garcia MI, Guasti L, Dunkel L. LGR4 deficiency results in delayed puberty through impaired Wnt/β-catenin signaling. JCI Insight 2020; 5:133434. [PMID: 32493844 PMCID: PMC7308048 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.133434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The initiation of puberty is driven by an upsurge in hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. In turn, GnRH secretion upsurge depends on the development of a complex GnRH neuroendocrine network during embryonic life. Although delayed puberty (DP) affects up to 2% of the population, is highly heritable, and is associated with adverse health outcomes, the genes underlying DP remain largely unknown. We aimed to discover regulators by whole-exome sequencing of 160 individuals of 67 multigenerational families in our large, accurately phenotyped DP cohort. LGR4 was the only gene remaining after analysis that was significantly enriched for potentially pathogenic, rare variants in 6 probands. Expression analysis identified specific Lgr4 expression at the site of GnRH neuron development. LGR4 mutant proteins showed impaired Wnt/β-catenin signaling, owing to defective protein expression, trafficking, and degradation. Mice deficient in Lgr4 had significantly delayed onset of puberty and fewer GnRH neurons compared with WT, whereas lgr4 knockdown in zebrafish embryos prevented formation and migration of GnRH neurons. Further, genetic lineage tracing showed strong Lgr4-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activation during GnRH neuron development. In conclusion, our results show that LGR4 deficiency impairs Wnt/β-catenin signaling with observed defects in GnRH neuron development, resulting in a DP phenotype. Defects of LGR4/Wnt-β-catenin activity compromise the development of the GnRH neuroendocrine network, resulting in delayed onset of puberty in humans and mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Mancini
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sasha R Howard
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Federica Marelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Lab of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia P Cabrera
- Centre for Translational Bioinformatics, William Harvey Research Institute, and.,NIHR Barts Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Centre, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael R Barnes
- Centre for Translational Bioinformatics, William Harvey Research Institute, and.,NIHR Barts Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Centre, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Je Sternberg
- Centre for Integrative Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Irene Hadjidemetriou
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Monti
- St George's NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alessia David
- Centre for Integrative Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Karoliina Wehkalampi
- Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Roberto Oleari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Lettieri
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Vezzoli
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Lab of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Anna Cariboni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Bonomi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Lab of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Leonardo Guasti
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leo Dunkel
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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41
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Butz H, Nyírő G, Kurucz PA, Likó I, Patócs A. Molecular genetic diagnostics of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: from panel design towards result interpretation in clinical practice. Hum Genet 2020; 140:113-134. [PMID: 32222824 PMCID: PMC7864839 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-020-02148-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous congenital disease. Symptoms cover a wide spectrum from mild forms to complex phenotypes due to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) deficiency. To date, more than 40 genes have been identified as pathogenic cause of CHH. These genes could be grouped into two major categories: genes controlling development and GnRH neuron migration and genes being responsible for neuroendocrine regulation and GnRH neuron function. High-throughput, next-generation sequencing (NGS) allows to analyze numerous gene sequences at the same time. Nowadays, whole exome or whole genome datasets could be investigated in clinical genetic diagnostics due to their favorable cost-benefit. The increasing genetic data generated by NGS reveal novel candidate genes and gene variants with unknown significance (VUSs). To provide clinically valuable genetic results, complex clinical and bioinformatics work are needed. The multifaceted genetics of CHH, the variable mode of inheritance, the incomplete penetrance, variable expressivity and oligogenic characteristics further complicate the interpretation of the genetic variants detected. The objective of this work, apart from reviewing the currently known genes associated with CHH, was to summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the NGS-based platforms and through the authors' own practice to guide through the whole workflow starting from gene panel design, performance analysis and result interpretation. Based on our results, a genetic diagnosis was clearly identified in 21% of cases tested (8/38).
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Affiliation(s)
- Henriett Butz
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, Budapest, 1089, Hungary.,Hereditary Tumours Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Molecular Genetics, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Nyírő
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, Budapest, 1089, Hungary.,Molecular Medicine Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Petra Anna Kurucz
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, Budapest, 1089, Hungary
| | - István Likó
- Hereditary Tumours Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Patócs
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, Budapest, 1089, Hungary. .,Hereditary Tumours Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. .,Department of Molecular Genetics, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary.
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42
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Cangiano B, Swee DS, Quinton R, Bonomi M. Genetics of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: peculiarities and phenotype of an oligogenic disease. Hum Genet 2020; 140:77-111. [PMID: 32200437 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-020-02147-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
A genetic basis of congenital isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) can be defined in almost 50% of cases, albeit not necessarily the complete genetic basis. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques have led to the discovery of a great number of loci, each of which has illuminated our understanding of human gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, either in respect of their embryonic development or their neuroendocrine regulation as the "pilot light" of human reproduction. However, because each new gene linked to CHH only seems to underpin another small percentage of total patient cases, we are still far from achieving a comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis of CHH. Patients have generally not benefited from advances in genetics in respect of novel therapies. In most cases, even genetic counselling is limited by issues of apparent variability in expressivity and penetrance that are likely underpinned by oligogenicity in respect of known and unknown genes. Robust genotype-phenotype relationships can generally only be established for individuals who are homozygous, hemizygous or compound heterozygotes for the same gene of variant alleles that are predicted to be deleterious. While certain genes are purely associated with normosmic CHH (nCHH) some purely with the anosmic form (Kallmann syndrome-KS), other genes can be associated with both nCHH and KS-sometimes even within the same kindred. Even though the anticipated genetic overlap between CHH and constitutional delay in growth and puberty (CDGP) has not materialised, previously unanticipated genetic relationships have emerged, comprising conditions of combined (or multiple) pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD), hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) and CHARGE syndrome. In this review, we report the current evidence in relation to phenotype and genetic peculiarities regarding 60 genes whose loss-of-function variants can disrupt the central regulation of reproduction at many levels: impairing GnRH neurons migration, differentiation or activation; disrupting neuroendocrine control of GnRH secretion; preventing GnRH neuron migration or function and/or gonadotropin secretion and action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biagio Cangiano
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20100, Milan, Italy.,Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - Du Soon Swee
- Department of Endocrinology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Richard Quinton
- Endocrine Unit, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Hospitals, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK. .,Translational and Clinical Research Institute, University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK.
| | - Marco Bonomi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20100, Milan, Italy. .,Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy.
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43
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Qi Z, Mi C, Wu F, Yang X, Sang Y, Liu Y, Li J, Yang H, Xu B, Liu W, Xu Z, Deng Y. The effect of manganese exposure on GnRH secretion via Nrf2/mGluR5/COX-2/PGE2/signaling pathway. Toxicol Ind Health 2020; 35:211-227. [PMID: 30862296 DOI: 10.1177/0748233719825720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There are limited studies focused on the precise mechanism of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion dysfunction after overexposure to manganese (Mn). The objective of the present study was to explore the mechanism of Mn disruption of GnRH synthesis via nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2)/metabotropic glutamate receptor-5 (mGluR5)/cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. Primary astrocytes were cultured and treated with different doses of Mn, tert-butylhydroquinonet (tBHQ; Nrf2 agonists), 3-[(2-methyl-4-thaizolyl) ethynyl] pyridine (MTEP; mGluR5 inhibitor), and celecoxib (COX-2 inhibitor) to measure the levels of COX-2, mGluR5, Nrf2, and Nrf2 target genes. Mice were randomly divided into 11 groups, of which included the control group, 12.5-, 25-, and 50-mg/kg MnCl2 group, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group, tBHQ control group, tBHQ pretreatment group, MTEP control group, MTEP pretreatment group, celecoxib control group, and celecoxib pretreatment group. The injection was administered every day for 2 weeks. Then, levels of GnRH, PGE2, COX-2, mGluR5, Nrf2, Nrf2 target genes, and morphological changes in the hypothalamus of mice were measured. Mn reduced protein levels of Nrf2 and mRNA expression of Nrf2 target genes and increased mGluR5, COX-2, PGE2, and GnRH levels. Meanwhile, injury-related histomorphology changes in the hypothalamus of mice were significantly present. In conclusion, excessive exposure to Mn disrupts GnRH secretion through Nrf2/mGluR5/COX-2/PGE2 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Qi
- 1 Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Mi
- 2 Department of School Health Supervision, Institute of Shenyang Health Inspection, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengdi Wu
- 1 Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinxin Yang
- 1 Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanqi Sang
- 1 Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanan Liu
- 1 Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiashuo Li
- 1 Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Haibo Yang
- 1 Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China.,3 Department of Occupational Diseases, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Xu
- 1 Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Liu
- 1 Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaofa Xu
- 1 Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Deng
- 1 Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
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Liu L, Zhao M, Xie ZG, Liu J, Peng HP, Pei YF, Sun HP, Zhang L. Twelve New Genomic Loci Associated With Bone Mineral Density. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:243. [PMID: 32390946 PMCID: PMC7188784 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aiming to identify more genomic loci associated with bone mineral density (BMD), we conducted a joint association analysis of 2 genome-wide association study (GWAS) by the integrative association method multi-trait analysis of GWAS (MTAG). The first one is the single GWAS of estimated heel BMD (eBMD) in the UK biobank (UKB) cohort (N = 426,824), and the second one is the GWAS meta-analysis of total body BMD (TB-BMD) in 66,628 participants from 30 studies. Approximate conditional association analysis was performed in the identified novel loci to identify secondary association signal. Statistical fine-mapping was conducted to prioritize plausible credible risk variants (CRVs). Candidate genes were prioritized based on the analyses of cis- expression quantitative trait locus (cis-eQTL) and cis-protein QTL (cis-pQTL) information as well as the functional category of the SNP. By integrating the information carried in over 490,000 participants, this largest joint analysis of BMD GWAS identified 12 novel genomic loci at the genome-wide significance level (GWS, p = 5.0 × 10-8), nine of which were for eBMD and four were for TB-BMD, explaining an additional 0.11 and 0.23% heritability for the two traits, respectively. These loci include 1p33 (lead SNP rs10493130, peBMD = 3.19 × 10-8), 5q13.2 (rs4703589, peBMD = 4.78 × 10-8), 5q31.3 (rs9324887, pTB-BMD = 1.36 × 10-9), 6p21.32 (rs6905837, peBMD = 3.32 × 10-8), 6q14.1 (rs10806234, peBMD = 2.63 × 10-8), 7q21.11 (rs10806234, pTB-BMD = 3.37 × 10-8), 8q24.12 (rs11995866, peBMD = 6.72 × 10-9), 12p13.31 (rs1639122, peBMD = 4.43 × 10-8), 12p12.1 (rs58489179, peBMD = 4.74 × 10-8), 12q24.23 (rs75499226, peBMD = 1.44 × 10-8), 19q13.31 (rs7255083, pTB-BMD = 2.18 × 10-8) and 22q11.23 (rs13056137, pTB-BMD = 2.54 × 10-8). All lead SNPs in these 12 loci are nominally significant in both original studies as well as consistent in effect direction between them, providing solid evidence of replication. Approximate conditional analysis identified one secondary signal in 5q13.2 (rs11738874, pconditional = 5.06 × 10-9). Statistical fine-mapping analysis prioritized 269 CRVs. A total of 65 candidate genes were prioritized, including those with known biological function to bone development (such as FGF1, COL11A2 and DEPTOR). Our findings provide novel insights into a better understanding of the genetic mechanism underlying bone development as well as candidate genes for future functional investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology and Genomics, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
- Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology and Genomics, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zong-Gang Xie
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ju Liu
- Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui-Ping Peng
- Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu-Fang Pei
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
- *Correspondence: Yu-Fang Pei
| | - Hong-Peng Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Children Health and Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
- Hong-Peng Sun
| | - Lei Zhang
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology and Genomics, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
- Lei Zhang
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Barredo CG, Gil-Marti B, Deveci D, Romero NM, Martin FA. Timing the Juvenile-Adult Neurohormonal Transition: Functions and Evolution. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:602285. [PMID: 33643219 PMCID: PMC7909313 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.602285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Puberty and metamorphosis are two major developmental transitions linked to the reproductive maturation. In mammals and vertebrates, the central brain acts as a gatekeeper, timing the developmental transition through the activation of a neuroendocrine circuitry. In addition to reproduction, these neuroendocrine axes and the sustaining genetic network play additional roles in metabolism, sleep and behavior. Although neurohormonal axes regulating juvenile-adult transition have been classically considered the result of convergent evolution (i.e., analogous) between mammals and insects, recent findings challenge this idea, suggesting that at least some neuroendocrine circuits might be present in the common bilaterian ancestor Urbilateria. The initial signaling pathways that trigger the transition in different species appear to be of a single evolutionary origin and, consequently, many of the resulting functions are conserved with a few other molecular players being co-opted during evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia G. Barredo
- Molecular Physiology of Behavior Laboratory, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Gil-Marti
- Molecular Physiology of Behavior Laboratory, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Derya Deveci
- Sartorius Netherlands BV, Amersfoor, Netherlands
| | - Nuria M. Romero
- Developmental Timing, Environment and Behaviors Laboratory, Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, Université Côte d’Azur-INRAE-CNRS-INSERM, Sophia Antipolis, France
- *Correspondence: Nuria M. Romero, ; Francisco A. Martin,
| | - Francisco A. Martin
- Molecular Physiology of Behavior Laboratory, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Nuria M. Romero, ; Francisco A. Martin,
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46
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Song X, Wang X, Ding L, He D, Sun J, Xi N, Yin Y, Peng H, Sun L. Identification of a novel heterozygous missense mutation of SEMA3E (c.1327G>A; p. Ala443Thr) in a labor induced fetus with CHARGE syndrome. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2019; 8:e1034. [PMID: 31691538 PMCID: PMC6978240 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CHARGE syndrome is a complex multisystem genetic disease. We aimed to find the potential gene mutation in the labor induced fetus with CHARGE syndrome. METHODS Genomic DNA was extracted from the fetal thigh muscle tissue and the peripheral blood of his parents. The resulting exomes were sequenced using whole exome sequencing (WES) followed by the selection of the candidate causative mutation genes. The deleteriousness of the identified variants was predicted. Analysis of multiple alignment of protein sequences and protein conserved domains was performed by online software. Finally, Sanger sequencing was applied for validation of the identified variants in the WES. RESULTS After sequencing and bioinformatics filtering, a heterozygous missense mutation of SEMA3E (c.1327G>A; p. Ala443Thr) was found in the fetus, while the mutation was absent in his parents. Genotyping results showed that the mutation cosegregated fully with definite CHARGE phenotypes between the fetus and his parents. This change was located in the Sema superfamily and highly conserved across different species. Sanger validation result was consistent with the WES analysis. CONCLUSION Our investigations suggested that the heterozygous missense mutation of SEMA3E (c.1327G>A; p. Ala443Thr) may be a potential causal variant in the fetus with CHARGE syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Song
- Department of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Sichuan Provincial Hospital for Women and Children, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xueyan Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Sichuan Provincial Hospital for Women and Children, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Radiology, Sichuan Provincial Hospital for Women and Children, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dan He
- Department of Maternal and Child Health Management, Sichuan Provincial Hospital for Women and Children, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jin Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial Hospital for Women and Children, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Na Xi
- Department of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Sichuan Provincial Hospital for Women and Children, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Yin
- Department of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Sichuan Provincial Hospital for Women and Children, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Peng
- Department of Ultrasound, Sichuan Provincial Hospital for Women and Children, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lingling Sun
- Department of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Sichuan Provincial Hospital for Women and Children, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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47
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Oleari R, Caramello A, Campinoti S, Lettieri A, Ioannou E, Paganoni A, Fantin A, Cariboni A, Ruhrberg C. PLXNA1 and PLXNA3 cooperate to pattern the nasal axons that guide gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons. Development 2019; 146:146/21/dev176461. [PMID: 31690636 DOI: 10.1242/dev.176461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons regulate puberty onset and sexual reproduction by secreting GnRH to activate and maintain the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. During embryonic development, GnRH neurons migrate along olfactory and vomeronasal axons through the nose into the brain, where they project to the median eminence to release GnRH. The secreted glycoprotein SEMA3A binds its receptors neuropilin (NRP) 1 or NRP2 to position these axons for correct GnRH neuron migration, with an additional role for the NRP co-receptor PLXNA1. Accordingly, mutations in SEMA3A, NRP1, NRP2 and PLXNA1 have been linked to defective GnRH neuron development in mice and inherited GnRH deficiency in humans. Here, we show that only the combined loss of PLXNA1 and PLXNA3 phenocopied the full spectrum of nasal axon and GnRH neuron defects of SEMA3A knockout mice. Together with Plxna1, the human orthologue of Plxna3 should therefore be investigated as a candidate gene for inherited GnRH deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Oleari
- University of Milan, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Via G. Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Caramello
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Sara Campinoti
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Antonella Lettieri
- University of Milan, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Via G. Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Ioannou
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Alyssa Paganoni
- University of Milan, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Via G. Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fantin
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Anna Cariboni
- University of Milan, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Via G. Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy .,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Christiana Ruhrberg
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
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48
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Hiort O, Cools M, Springer A, McElreavey K, Greenfield A, Wudy SA, Kulle A, Ahmed SF, Dessens A, Balsamo A, Maghnie M, Bonomi M, Dattani M, Persani L, Audi L. Addressing gaps in care of people with conditions affecting sex development and maturation. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2019; 15:615-622. [PMID: 31406344 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-019-0238-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Differences of sex development are conditions with discrepancies between chromosomal, gonadal and phenotypic sex. In congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, a lack of gonadotropin activity results primarily in the absence of pubertal development with prenatal sex development being (almost) unaffected in most patients. To expedite progress in the care of people affected by differences of sex development and congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, the European Union has funded a number of scientific networks. Two Actions of the Cooperation of Science and Technology (COST) programmes - DSDnet (BM1303) and GnRH Network (BM1105) - provided the framework for ground-breaking research and allowed the development of position papers on diagnostic procedures and special laboratory analyses as well as clinical management. Both Actions developed educational programmes to increase expertise and promote interest in this area of science and medicine. In this Perspective article, we discuss the success of the COST Actions DSDnet and GnRH Network and the European Reference Network for Rare Endocrine Conditions (Endo-ERN), and provide recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaf Hiort
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Lübeck and University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Martine Cools
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alexander Springer
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Interdisciplinary Centre for Paediatric Urology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ken McElreavey
- Human Developmental Genetics, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Andy Greenfield
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Stefan A Wudy
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Kulle
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel & University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - S Faisal Ahmed
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Arianne Dessens
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Erasmus Medical Centre - Sophia, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Antonio Balsamo
- Paediatric Endocrinology Unit, External Consultant of the Reference Centre for Rare Endocrine Conditions, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mohamad Maghnie
- Department of Paediatrics, IRCCS, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Marco Bonomi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Milan, Italy
| | - Mehul Dattani
- Molecular Basis of Rare Disease Section, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, University College London, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Luca Persani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Audi
- Growth and Development Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
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49
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Cho HJ, Shan Y, Whittington NC, Wray S. Nasal Placode Development, GnRH Neuronal Migration and Kallmann Syndrome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:121. [PMID: 31355196 PMCID: PMC6637222 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of Gonadotropin releasing hormone-1 (GnRH) neurons is important for a functional reproduction system in vertebrates. Disruption of GnRH results in hypogonadism and if accompanied by anosmia is termed Kallmann Syndrome (KS). From their origin in the nasal placode, GnRH neurons migrate along the olfactory-derived vomeronasal axons to the nasal forebrain junction and then turn caudally into the developing forebrain. Although research on the origin of GnRH neurons, their migration and genes associated with KS has identified multiple factors that influence development of this system, several aspects still remain unclear. This review discusses development of the olfactory system, factors that regulate GnRH neuron formation and development of the olfactory system, migration of the GnRH neurons from the nose into the brain, and mutations in humans with KS that result from disruption of normal GnRH/olfactory systems development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ju Cho
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Yufei Shan
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Niteace C Whittington
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Susan Wray
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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50
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Zeltser LM. Axon Guidance Molecules Implicated in Early-Onset Obesity. Trends Neurosci 2019; 42:439-440. [PMID: 30981443 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Maternal nutritional status and the early growth rates of offspring influence the development of the melanocortin system and later susceptibility to metabolic dysregulation, but it is difficult to assess causality. A recent study by van der Klaauw et al. (Cell 2019;176:729-742) provides direct evidence that disrupting systems regulating neuronal circuit formation leads to early-onset obesity in zebrafish, mouse, and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori M Zeltser
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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