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Neal SJ, Rajasekaran A, Jusić N, Taylor L, Read M, Alfandari D, Pignoni F, Moody SA. Using Xenopus to discover new candidate genes involved in BOR and other congenital hearing loss syndromes. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART B, MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2024; 342:212-240. [PMID: 37830236 PMCID: PMC11014897 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.23222] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Hearing in infants is essential for brain development, acquisition of verbal language skills, and development of social interactions. Therefore, it is important to diagnose hearing loss soon after birth so that interventions can be provided as early as possible. Most newborns in the United States are screened for hearing deficits and commercially available next-generation sequencing hearing loss panels often can identify the causative gene, which may also identify congenital defects in other organs. One of the most prevalent autosomal dominant congenital hearing loss syndromes is branchio-oto-renal syndrome (BOR), which also presents with defects in craniofacial structures and the kidney. Currently, mutations in three genes, SIX1, SIX5, and EYA1, are known to be causative in about half of the BOR patients that have been tested. To uncover new candidate genes that could be added to congenital hearing loss genetic screens, we have combined the power of Drosophila mutants and protein biochemical assays with the embryological advantages of Xenopus, a key aquatic animal model with a high level of genomic similarity to human, to identify potential Six1 transcriptional targets and interacting proteins that play a role during otic development. We review our transcriptomic, yeast 2-hybrid, and proteomic approaches that have revealed a large number of new candidates. We also discuss how we have begun to identify how Six1 and co-factors interact to direct developmental events necessary for normal otic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott J. Neal
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Anindita Rajasekaran
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Nisveta Jusić
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Louis Taylor
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Mai Read
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Dominique Alfandari
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Francesca Pignoni
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Sally A. Moody
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
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Wang SX, Streit A. Shared features in ear and kidney development - implications for oto-renal syndromes. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050447. [PMID: 38353121 PMCID: PMC10886756 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050447] [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] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The association between ear and kidney anomalies has long been recognized. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. In the last two decades, embryonic development of the inner ear and kidney has been studied extensively. Here, we describe the developmental pathways shared between both organs with particular emphasis on the genes that regulate signalling cross talk and the specification of progenitor cells and specialised cell types. We relate this to the clinical features of oto-renal syndromes and explore links to developmental mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scarlet Xiaoyan Wang
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Andrea Streit
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
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He J, Mahmoudi A, Gu Y, Fu J, Yuan Q, Liu W. Case report: A novel mutation in the EYA1 gene in a child with branchiootic syndrome with secretory otitis media and bilateral vestibular hypofunction. Front Genet 2024; 14:1292085. [PMID: 38259619 PMCID: PMC10801012 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1292085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Branchiootic syndrome (BOS) is a rare, autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by malformations of the ear associated with hearing loss, second branchial arch anomalies, and the absence of renal anomalies. Herein, we report the case of an 8-year-old male patient with BOS. The proband also experiences mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss in the right ear, and severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss in the left ear. Preauricular pits, branchial fistulae, and cochlear hypoplasia were present bilaterally. Type III cup-shaped ear, and external auditory canal stenosis were detected in the right ear. Lateral semicircular canal-vestibule dysplasia was detected in the left ear. Moreover, the patient had unilateral secretory otitis media (SOM) in the right ear and bilateral vestibular hypofunction (VH), which has not been reported in previous studies. The patient's hearing on the right side was restored to nearly normal after myringotomy. Whole exome sequencing identified a novel frameshift mutation in EYA1 (NM_000503.6): c.1697_1698delinT [p.(Lys566IlefsTer73)] in the proband, which was defined a "pathogenic" mutation according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. This is the first report of a child presenting with BOS, SOM and VH, which expands the known clinical manifestations of this syndrome. We also observed a novel EYA1 gene mutation in this patient with BOS, which enriches the mutation map and provides a reference for genetic diagnosis of this syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun He
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ahmad Mahmoudi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Yu Gu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jinfeng Fu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiulin Yuan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Chen A, Ling J, Peng X, Liu X, Mao S, Chen Y, Qin M, Zhang S, Bai Y, Song J, Feng Z, Ma L, He D, Mei L, He C, Feng Y. A Novel EYA1 Mutation Causing Alternative RNA Splicing in a Chinese Family With Branchio-Oto Syndrome: Implications for Molecular Diagnosis and Clinical Application. Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 16:342-358. [PMID: 37817567 DOI: 10.21053/ceo.2023.00668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Branchio-oto syndrome (BOS) primarily manifests as hearing loss, preauricular pits, and branchial defects. EYA1 is the most common pathogenic gene, and splicing mutations account for a substantial proportion of cases. However, few studies have addressed the structural changes in the protein caused by splicing mutations and potential pathogenic factors, and several studies have shown that middle-ear surgery has limited effectiveness in improving hearing in these patients. BOS has also been relatively infrequently reported in the Chinese population. This study explored the genetic etiology in the family of a proband with BOS and provided clinical treatment to improve the patient's hearing. METHODS We collected detailed clinical features and peripheral blood samples from the patients and unaffected individuals within the family. Pathogenic mutations were identified by whole-exome sequencing and cosegregation analysis and classified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. Alternative splicing was verified through a minigene assay. The predicted three-dimensional protein structure and biochemical experiments were used to investigate the pathogenicity of the mutation. The proband underwent middle-ear surgery and was followed up at 1 month and 6 months postoperatively to monitor auditory improvement. RESULTS A novel heterozygous EYA1 splicing variant (c.1050+4 A>C) was identified and classified as pathogenic (PVS1(RNA), PM2, PP1). Skipping of exon 11 of the EYA1 pre-mRNA was confirmed using a minigene assay. This mutation may impair EYA1-SIX1 interactions, as shown by an immunoprecipitation assay. The EYA1-Mut protein exhibited cellular mislocalization and decreased protein expression in cytological experiments. Middle-ear surgery significantly improved hearing loss caused by bone-conduction abnormalities in the proband. CONCLUSION We reported a novel splicing variant of EYA1 in a Chinese family with BOS and revealed the potential molecular pathogenic mechanism. The significant hearing improvement observed in the proband after middle-ear surgery provides a reference for auditory rehabilitation in similar patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anhai Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Major Disease Research of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Ling
- Medical Functional Experiment Center, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Peng
- National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xianlin Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Major Disease Research of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuang Mao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Major Disease Research of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yongjia Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Major Disease Research of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mengyao Qin
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Major Disease Research of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Major Disease Research of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yijiang Bai
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Major Disease Research of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jian Song
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Major Disease Research of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhili Feng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
- MOE Key Lab of Rare Pediatric Diseases and Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of South China, Changsha, China
| | - Lu Ma
- MOE Key Lab of Rare Pediatric Diseases and Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of South China, Changsha, China
- The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Dinghua He
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Affiliated Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
| | - Lingyun Mei
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Major Disease Research of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chufeng He
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Major Disease Research of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Feng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
- MOE Key Lab of Rare Pediatric Diseases and Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of South China, Changsha, China
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Affiliated Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
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Jourdeuil K, Neilson KM, Cousin H, Tavares ALP, Majumdar HD, Alfandari D, Moody SA. Zmym4 is required for early cranial gene expression and craniofacial cartilage formation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1274788. [PMID: 37854072 PMCID: PMC10579616 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1274788] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The Six1 transcription factor plays important roles in the development of cranial sensory organs, and point mutations underlie craniofacial birth defects. Because Six1's transcriptional activity can be modulated by interacting proteins, we previously screened for candidate interactors and identified zinc-finger MYM-containing protein 4 (Zmym4) by its inclusion of a few domains with a bona fide cofactor, Sine oculis binding protein (Sobp). Although Zmym4 has been implicated in regulating early brain development and certain cancers, its role in craniofacial development has not previously been described. Methods: We used co-immunoprecipitation and luciferase-reporter assays in cultured cells to test interactions between Zmym4 and Six1. We used knock-down and overexpression of Zmym4 in embryos to test for its effects on early ectodermal gene expression, neural crest migration and craniofacial cartilage formation. Results: We found no evidence that Zmym4 physically or transcriptionally interacts with Six1 in cultured cells. Nonetheless, knockdown of endogenous Zmym4 in embryos resulted in altered early cranial gene expression, including those expressed in the neural border, neural plate, neural crest and preplacodal ectoderm. Experimentally increasing Zmym4 levels had minor effects on neural border or neural plate genes, but altered the expression of neural crest and preplacodal genes. At larval stages, genes expressed in the otic vesicle and branchial arches showed reduced expression in Zmym4 morphants. Although we did not detect defects in neural crest migration into the branchial arches, loss of Zmym4 resulted in aberrant morphology of several craniofacial cartilages. Discussion: Although Zmym4 does not appear to function as a Six1 transcriptional cofactor, it plays an important role in regulating the expression of embryonic cranial genes in tissues critical for normal craniofacial development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karyn Jourdeuil
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Karen M. Neilson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Helene Cousin
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Andre L. P. Tavares
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Himani D. Majumdar
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Dominique Alfandari
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Sally A. Moody
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
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Baxi A, Jourdeuil K, Cox TC, Clouthier DE, Tavares ALP. Transcriptomic analysis reveals the role of SIX1 in mouse cranial neural crest patterning and bone development. Dev Dyn 2023; 252:1303-1315. [PMID: 37183792 PMCID: PMC10592572 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic variants of the transcription factor SIX1 and its co-factor EYA1 underlie 50% of Branchio-oto-renal syndrome (BOR) cases. BOR is characterized by craniofacial defects, including malformed middle ear ossicles leading to conductive hearing loss. In this work, we expand our knowledge of the Six1 gene regulatory network by using a Six1-null mouse line to assess gene expression profiles of E10.5 mandibular arches, which give rise to the neural crest (NC)-derived middle ear ossicles and lower jaw, via bulk RNA sequencing. RESULTS Our transcriptomic analysis led to the identification of 808 differentially expressed genes that are related to translation, NC cell differentiation, osteogenesis, and chondrogenesis including components of the WNT signaling pathway. As WNT signaling is a known contributor to bone development, we demonstrated that SIX1 is required for expression of the WNT antagonist Frzb in the mandibular arch, and determined that SIX1 expression results in repression of WNT signaling. CONCLUSION Our results clarify the mechanisms by which SIX1 regulates the development of NC-derived craniofacial elements that are altered in SIX1-associated disorders. In addition, this work identifies novel genes that could be causative to this birth defect and establishes a link between SIX1 and WNT signaling during patterning of NC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Baxi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, DC 20037, USA
| | - Karyn Jourdeuil
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, DC 20037, USA
| | - Timothy C. Cox
- Departments of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - David E. Clouthier
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Andre L. P. Tavares
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, DC 20037, USA
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Baxi AB, Nemes P, Moody SA. Time-resolved quantitative proteomic analysis of the developing Xenopus otic vesicle reveals putative congenital hearing loss candidates. iScience 2023; 26:107665. [PMID: 37670778 PMCID: PMC10475516 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 200 genes are known to underlie human congenital hearing loss (CHL). Although transcriptomic approaches have identified candidate regulators of otic development, little is known about the abundance of their protein products. We used a multiplexed quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomic approach to determine protein abundances over key stages of Xenopus otic morphogenesis to reveal a dynamic expression of cytoskeletal, integrin signaling, and extracellular matrix proteins. We correlated these dynamically expressed proteins to previously published lists of putative downstream targets of human syndromic hearing loss genes: SIX1 (BOR syndrome), CHD7 (CHARGE syndrome), and SOX10 (Waardenburg syndrome). We identified transforming growth factor beta-induced (Tgfbi), an extracellular integrin-interacting protein, as a putative target of Six1 that is required for normal otic vesicle formation. Our findings demonstrate the application of this Xenopus dataset to understanding the dynamic regulation of proteins during otic development and to discovery of additional candidates for human CHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna B. Baxi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Peter Nemes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Sally A. Moody
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20052, USA
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Lee S, Yun Y, Cha JH, Han JH, Lee DH, Song JJ, Park MK, Lee JH, Oh SH, Choi BY, Lee SY. Phenotypic and molecular basis of SIX1 variants linked to non-syndromic deafness and atypical branchio-otic syndrome in South Korea. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11776. [PMID: 37479820 PMCID: PMC10361970 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38909-w] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Branchio-oto-renal (BOR)/branchio-otic (BO) syndrome is a rare disorder and exhibits clinically heterogenous phenotypes, marked by abnormalities in the ear, branchial arch, and renal system. Sporadic cases of atypical BOR/BO syndrome have been recently reported; however, evidence on genotype-phenotype correlations and molecular mechanisms of those cases is lacking. We herein identified five SIX1 heterozygous variants (c.307dupC:p.Leu103Profs*51, c.373G>A:p.Glu125Lys, c.386_391del:p.Tyr129_Cys130del, c.397_399del:p.Glu133del, and c.501G>C:p.Gln167His), including three novel variants, through whole-exome sequencing in five unrelated Korean families. All eight affected individuals with SIX1 variants displayed non-syndromic hearing loss (DFNA23) or atypical BO syndrome. The prevalence of major and minor criteria for BOR/BO syndrome was significantly reduced among individuals with SIX1 variants, compared to 15 BOR/BO syndrome families with EYA1 variants. All SIX1 variants interacted with the EYA1 wild-type; their complexes were localized in the nucleus except for the p.Leu103Profs*51 variant. All mutants also showed obvious but varying degrees of reduction in DNA binding affinity, leading to a significant decrease in transcriptional activity. This study presents the first report of SIX1 variants in South Korea, expanding the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of SIX1 variants, characterized by DFNA23 or atypical BO syndrome, and refines the diverse molecular aspects of SIX1 variants according to the EYA1-SIX1-DNA complex theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somin Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yejin Yun
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ju Hyuen Cha
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jin Hee Han
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dae Hee Lee
- CTCELLS, Inc., 21, Yuseong-Daero, 1205 Beon-Gil, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Jin Song
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Moo Kyun Park
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jun Ho Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung Ha Oh
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Byung Yoon Choi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang-Yeon Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Precision Medicine & Rare Disease Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Jongno-Gu, Daehak-Ro, 101, Seoul, South Korea.
- Sensory Organ Research Institute, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, South Korea.
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9
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Zhang T, Xu PX. The role of Eya1 and Eya2 in the taste system of mice from embryonic stage to adulthood. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1126968. [PMID: 37181748 PMCID: PMC10167055 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1126968] [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: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the Eya family, which are a class of transcription factors with phosphatase activity, are widely expressed in cranial sensory organs during development. However, it is unclear whether these genes are expressed in the taste system during development and whether they play any role in specifying taste cell fate. In this study, we report that Eya1 is not expressed during embryonic tongue development but that Eya1-expressing progenitors in somites or pharyngeal endoderm give rise to tongue musculature or taste organs, respectively. In the Eya1-deficient tongues, these progenitors do not proliferate properly, resulting in a smaller tongue at birth, impaired growth of taste papillae, and disrupted expression of Six1 in the papillary epithelium. On the other hand, Eya2 is specifically expressed in endoderm-derived circumvallate and foliate papillae located on the posterior tongue during development. In adult tongues, Eya1 is predominantly expressed in IP3R3-positive taste cells in the taste buds of the circumvallate and foliate papillae, while Eya2 is persistently expressed in these papillae at higher levels in some epithelial progenitors and at lower levels in some taste cells. We found that conditional knockout of Eya1 in the third week or Eya2 knockout reduced Pou2f3+, Six1+ and IP3R3+ taste cells. Our data define for the first time the expression patterns of Eya1 and Eya2 during the development and maintenance of the mouse taste system and suggest that Eya1 and Eya2 may act together to promote lineage commitment of taste cell subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Pin-Xian Xu
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Cell Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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10
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Luo S, Liu Z, Bian Q, Wang X. Ectomesenchymal Six1 controls mandibular skeleton formation. Front Genet 2023; 14:1082911. [PMID: 36845386 PMCID: PMC9946248 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1082911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Craniofacial development requires intricate cooperation between multiple transcription factors and signaling pathways. Six1 is a critical transcription factor regulating craniofacial development. However, the exact function of Six1 during craniofacial development remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the role of Six1 in mandible development using a Six1 knockout mouse model (Six1 -/- ) and a cranial neural crest-specific, Six1 conditional knockout mouse model (Six1 f/f ; Wnt1-Cre). The Six1 -/- mice exhibited multiple craniofacial deformities, including severe microsomia, high-arched palate, and uvula deformity. Notably, the Six1 f/f ; Wnt1-Cre mice recapitulate the microsomia phenotype of Six1 -/- mice, thus demonstrating that the expression of Six1 in ectomesenchyme is critical for mandible development. We further showed that the knockout of Six1 led to abnormal expression of osteogenic genes within the mandible. Moreover, the knockdown of Six1 in C3H10 T1/2 cells reduced their osteogenic capacity in vitro. Using RNA-seq, we showed that both the loss of Six1 in the E18.5 mandible and Six1 knockdown in C3H10 T1/2 led to the dysregulation of genes involved in embryonic skeletal development. In particular, we showed that Six1 binds to the promoter of Bmp4, Fat4, Fgf18, and Fgfr2, and promotes their transcription. Collectively, our results suggest that Six1 plays a critical role in regulating mandibular skeleton formation during mouse embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songyuan Luo
- Department of Oral and Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhixu Liu
- Department of Oral and Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Bian
- Department of Oral and Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Qian Bian, ; Xudong Wang,
| | - Xudong Wang
- Department of Oral and Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Qian Bian, ; Xudong Wang,
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11
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Li A, Liu S, Zhang P, Hu X, Li G, Gu W, Jiang Y. A novel heterozygous SIX1 missense mutation resulted in non-syndromic unilateral hearing loss. Front Genet 2022; 13:1047230. [PMID: 36482904 PMCID: PMC9723219 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1047230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Familial non-syndromic unilateral hearing loss (NS-UHL) is rare and its genetic etiology has not been clearly elucidated. This study aimed to identify the genetic cause of NS-UHL in a three-generation Chinese family. Detailed medical history consultation and clinical examination were conducted. Further, whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed to identify the genetic etiology of the proband, and the variant was verified by Sanger sequencing. A novel missense mutation, c.533G>C (p.Arg178Thr), in the SIX homeobox 1 gene (SIX1) was identified in four patients and co-segregated with NS-UHL in a three-generation Chinese family as a dominant trait. Using bioinformatics analyses, we show that this novel mutation is pathogenic and affects the structure of SIX1 protein. These data suggest that mutations in SIX1 gene are associated with NS-UHL. Our study added the NS-UHL phenotype associated with SIX1, and thereby improving the genetic counseling provided to individuals with SIX1 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ang Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Genetic Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Siwen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Genetic Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Genetic Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xintong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Genetic Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guiying Li
- Chigene (Beijing) Translational Medical Research Center Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Weiyue Gu
- Chigene (Beijing) Translational Medical Research Center Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Yanfang Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Genetic Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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12
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Calpena E, Wurmser M, McGowan SJ, Atique R, Bertola DR, Cunningham ML, Gustafson JA, Johnson D, Morton JEV, Passos-Bueno MR, Timberlake AT, Lifton RP, Wall SA, Twigg SRF, Maire P, Wilkie AOM. Unexpected role of SIX1 variants in craniosynostosis: expanding the phenotype of SIX1-related disorders. J Med Genet 2022; 59:165-169. [PMID: 33436522 PMCID: PMC8273188 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2020-107459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathogenic heterozygous SIX1 variants (predominantly missense) occur in branchio-otic syndrome (BOS), but an association with craniosynostosis has not been reported. METHODS We investigated probands with craniosynostosis of unknown cause using whole exome/genome (n=628) or RNA (n=386) sequencing, and performed targeted resequencing of SIX1 in 615 additional patients. Expression of SIX1 protein in embryonic cranial sutures was examined in the Six1nLacZ/+ reporter mouse. RESULTS From 1629 unrelated cases with craniosynostosis we identified seven different SIX1 variants (three missense, including two de novo mutations, and four nonsense, one of which was also present in an affected twin). Compared with population data, enrichment of SIX1 loss-of-function variants was highly significant (p=0.00003). All individuals with craniosynostosis had sagittal suture fusion; additionally four had bilambdoid synostosis. Associated BOS features were often attenuated; some carrier relatives appeared non-penetrant. SIX1 is expressed in a layer basal to the calvaria, likely corresponding to the dura mater, and in the mid-sagittal mesenchyme. CONCLUSION Craniosynostosis is associated with heterozygous SIX1 variants, with possible enrichment of loss-of-function variants compared with classical BOS. We recommend screening of SIX1 in craniosynostosis, particularly when sagittal±lambdoid synostosis and/or any BOS phenotypes are present. These findings highlight the role of SIX1 in cranial suture homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Calpena
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Maud Wurmser
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Simon J McGowan
- Centre for Computational Biology, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rodrigo Atique
- Centro de Estudos do Genoma Humano, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Débora R Bertola
- Unidade de Genética Clínica, Instituto da Criança do Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michael L Cunningham
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Seattle Children's Craniofacial Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, and Department of Pediatrics, Division of Craniofacial Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jonas A Gustafson
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - David Johnson
- Craniofacial Unit, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Jenny E V Morton
- West Midlands Regional Clinical Genetics Service and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Andrew T Timberlake
- Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Steven A Wall
- Craniofacial Unit, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Stephen R F Twigg
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Pascal Maire
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Andrew O M Wilkie
- Clinical Genetics Group, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Craniofacial Unit, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
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13
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Feng H, Xu H, Chen B, Sun S, Zhai R, Zeng B, Tang W, Lu W. Genetic and Phenotypic Variability in Chinese Patients With Branchio-Oto-Renal or Branchio-Oto Syndrome. Front Genet 2021; 12:765433. [PMID: 34868248 PMCID: PMC8634836 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.765433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Branchio-oto-renal syndrome (BOR) and branchio-oto syndrome (BOS) are rare autosomal dominant disorders defined by varying combinations of branchial, otic, and renal anomalies. Here, we characterized the clinical features and genetic etiology of BOR/BOS in several Chinese families and then explored the genotypes and phenotypes of BOR/BOS-related genes, as well as the outcomes of auditory rehabilitation in different modalities. Materials and Methods: Probands and all affected family members underwent detailed clinical examinations. Their DNA was subjected to whole-exome sequencing to explore the underlying molecular etiology of BOR/BOS; candidate variants were validated using Sanger sequencing and interpreted in accordance with the American College of Medical Genetics guidelines. In addition, a literature review concerning EYA1 and SIX1 alterations was performed to explore the genotypes and phenotypes of BOR/BOS-related genes. Results: Genetic testing identified the novel deletion (c.1425delC, p(Asp476Thrfs*4); NM_000,503.6), a nonsense variant (c.889C > T, p(Arg297*)), and two splicing variants in the EYA1 gene (c.1050+1G > T and c.1140+1G > A); it also identified one novel missense variant in the SIX1 gene (c.316G > A, p(Val106Met); NM_005,982.4). All cases exhibited a degree of phenotypic variability between or within families. Middle ear surgeries for improving bone-conduction component hearing loss had unsuccessful outcomes; cochlear implantation (CI) contributed to hearing gains. Conclusion: This is the first report of BOR/BOS caused by the SIX1 variant in China. Our findings increase the numbers of known EYA1 and SIX1 variants. They also emphasize the usefulness of genetic testing in the diagnosis and prevention of BOR/BOS while demonstrating that CI for auditory rehabilitation is a feasible option in some BOR/BOS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifeng Feng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongen Xu
- Center for Applied Precision Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Precision Medicine Center, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bei Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuping Sun
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Rongqun Zhai
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Beiping Zeng
- Precision Medicine Center, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenxue Tang
- Center for Applied Precision Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Precision Medicine Center, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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14
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Meurer L, Ferdman L, Belcher B, Camarata T. The SIX Family of Transcription Factors: Common Themes Integrating Developmental and Cancer Biology. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:707854. [PMID: 34490256 PMCID: PMC8417317 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.707854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The sine oculis (SIX) family of transcription factors are key regulators of developmental processes during embryogenesis. Members of this family control gene expression to promote self-renewal of progenitor cell populations and govern mechanisms of cell differentiation. When the function of SIX genes becomes disrupted, distinct congenital defects develops both in animal models and humans. In addition to the embryonic setting, members of the SIX family have been found to be critical regulators of tumorigenesis, promoting cell proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and metastasis. Research in both the fields of developmental biology and cancer research have provided an extensive understanding of SIX family transcription factor functions. Here we review recent progress in elucidating the role of SIX family genes in congenital disease as well as in the promotion of cancer. Common themes arise when comparing SIX transcription factor function during embryonic and cancer development. We highlight the complementary nature of these two fields and how knowledge in one area can open new aspects of experimentation in the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan Meurer
- Department of Basic Sciences, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, United States
| | - Leonard Ferdman
- Department of Basic Sciences, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, United States
| | - Beau Belcher
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, United States
| | - Troy Camarata
- Department of Basic Sciences, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, United States
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15
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Tavares ALP, Jourdeuil K, Neilson KM, Majumdar HD, Moody SA. Sobp modulates the transcriptional activation of Six1 target genes and is required during craniofacial development. Development 2021; 148:272053. [PMID: 34414417 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Branchio-oto-renal syndrome (BOR) is a disorder characterized by hearing loss, and craniofacial and/or renal defects. Variants in the transcription factor Six1 and its co-factor Eya1, both of which are required for otic development, are linked to BOR. We previously identified Sobp as a potential Six1 co-factor, and SOBP variants in mouse and humans cause otic phenotypes; therefore, we asked whether Sobp interacts with Six1 and thereby may contribute to BOR. Co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence experiments demonstrate that Sobp binds to and colocalizes with Six1 in the cell nucleus. Luciferase assays show that Sobp interferes with the transcriptional activation of Six1+Eya1 target genes. Experiments in Xenopus embryos that either knock down or increase expression of Sobp show that it is required for formation of ectodermal domains at neural plate stages. In addition, altering Sobp levels disrupts otic vesicle development and causes craniofacial cartilage defects. Expression of Xenopus Sobp containing the human variant disrupts the pre-placodal ectoderm similar to full-length Sobp, but other changes are distinct. These results indicate that Sobp modifies Six1 function and is required for vertebrate craniofacial development, and identify Sobp as a potential candidate gene for BOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre L P Tavares
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, DC 20037, USA
| | - Karyn Jourdeuil
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, DC 20037, USA
| | - Karen M Neilson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, DC 20037, USA
| | - Himani D Majumdar
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, DC 20037, USA
| | - Sally A Moody
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, DC 20037, USA
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16
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Mutations in SIX1 Associated with Branchio-oto-Renal Syndrome (BOR) Differentially Affect Otic Expression of Putative Target Genes. J Dev Biol 2021; 9:jdb9030025. [PMID: 34208995 PMCID: PMC8293042 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9030025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Several single-nucleotide mutations in SIX1 underlie branchio-otic/branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome, but the clinical literature has not been able to correlate different variants with specific phenotypes. We previously assessed whether variants in either the cofactor binding domain (V17E, R110W) or the DNA binding domain (W122R, Y129C) might differentially affect early embryonic gene expression, and found that each variant had a different combination of effects on neural crest and placode gene expression. Since the otic vesicle gives rise to the inner ear, which is consistently affected in BOR, herein we focused on whether the variants differentially affected the otic expression of genes previously found to be likely Six1 targets. We found that V17E, which does not bind Eya cofactors, was as effective as wild-type Six1 in reducing most otic target genes, whereas R110W, W122R and Y129C, which bind Eya, were significantly less effective. Notably, V17E reduced the otic expression of prdm1, whereas R110W, W122R and Y129C expanded it. Since each mutant has defective transcriptional activity but differs in their ability to interact with Eya cofactors, we propose that altered cofactor interactions at the mutated sites differentially interfere with their ability to drive otic gene expression, and these differences may contribute to patient phenotype variability.
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17
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Warnecke A, Giesemann A. Embryology, Malformations, and Rare Diseases of the Cochlea. Laryngorhinootologie 2021; 100:S1-S43. [PMID: 34352899 PMCID: PMC8354575 DOI: 10.1055/a-1349-3824] [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] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite the low overall prevalence of individual rare diseases, cochlear
dysfunction leading to hearing loss represents a symptom in a large
proportion. The aim of this work was to provide a clear overview of rare
cochlear diseases, taking into account the embryonic development of the
cochlea and the systematic presentation of the different disorders. Although
rapid biotechnological and bioinformatic advances may facilitate the
diagnosis of a rare disease, an interdisciplinary exchange is often required
to raise the suspicion of a rare disease. It is important to recognize that
the phenotype of rare inner ear diseases can vary greatly not only in
non-syndromic but also in syndromic hearing disorders. Finally, it becomes
clear that the phenotype of the individual rare diseases cannot be
determined exclusively by classical genetics even in monogenetic
disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasia Warnecke
- Klinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover.,Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft Exzellenzcluster"Hearing4all" - EXC 2177/1 - Project ID 390895286
| | - Anja Giesemann
- Institut für Neuroradiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover
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18
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Chen A, Song J, Acke FRE, Mei L, Cai X, Feng Y, He C. Otological manifestations in branchiootorenal spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Genet 2021; 100:3-13. [PMID: 33624842 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13949] [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: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Branchiootorenal spectrum disorder (BORSD) is a group of rare autosomal dominant entities characterized by branchiogenic malformations, hearing loss (HL) and renal anomalies. It comprises branchiootorenal syndrome and branchiootic syndrome, distinguished by the presence or absence of renal abnormalities. Pathogenic variants have been discovered in the following genes: EYA1, SIX5, SIX1 and SALL1. As the otological phenotype in BORSD is inconsistently reported, we performed a systematic review to provide an up-to-date overview, correlated with the genotype. Forty publications were included, describing 295 individual patients. HL was diagnosed in 95%, usually bilateral and mixed-type, and differed among the different genes involved. Mixed moderate-to-severe HL was the predominant finding in patients with EYA1 involvement, regardless of the presence of renal abnormalities. The sensorineural HL of profound severity was more prevalent in patients with SIX1 mutations. No significant differences among different mutation types or location within the genes could be observed. Structural otological manifestations, ranging from periauricular to inner ear anomalies, were common in both genes. Especially periauricular anomalies were more common and more severe in EYA1. In summary, otological differences among the different genes involved in BORSD are observed, so the molecular analysis is strongly advised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anhai Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Major Disease Research of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jian Song
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Major Disease Research of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Frederic R E Acke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ghent University/Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lingyun Mei
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Major Disease Research of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xinzhang Cai
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Major Disease Research of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Feng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Major Disease Research of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Changsha Central Hospital, University of South China, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chufeng He
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Major Disease Research of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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19
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Fan X, Ping L, Sun H, Chen Y, Wang P, Liu T, Jiang R, Zhang X, Chen X. Whole-Exome Sequencing of Discordant Monozygotic Twin Families for Identification of Candidate Genes for Microtia-Atresia. Front Genet 2020; 11:568052. [PMID: 33193662 PMCID: PMC7642525 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.568052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective We used data from twins and their families to probe the genetic factors contributing to microtia-atresia, in particular, early post-twinning variations that potentially account for the discordant phenotypes of monozygotic twin pairs. Methods Six families of monozygotic twins discordant for congenital microtia-atresia were recruited for study. The six patients shared a consistent clinical phenotype of unilateral microtia-atresia. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed for all six twin pairs and their parents. Family segregation and multiple bioinformatics methods were applied to identify suspicious mutations in all families. Recurring mutations commonly detected in at least two families were highlighted. All variants were validated via Sanger sequencing. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was performed to identify candidate gene sets and related pathways. Copy number variation (CNV), linkage analysis, association analysis and machine learning methods were additionally applied to isolate candidate mutations, and comparative genomics and structural modeling tools used to evaluate their potential roles in onset of microtia-atresia. Results Our analyses revealed 61 genes with suspected mutations associated with microtia-atresia. Five (HOXA4, MUC6, CHST15, TBX10, and AMER1) contained 7 de novo mutations that appeared in at least two families, which have been previously reported as pathogenic for other diseases. Among these, HOXA4 (c.920A>C, p.H307P) was determined as the most likely pathogenic variant for microtia-atresia. GO analysis revealed four gene sets involving 11 pathways potentially related to underlying pathogenesis of the disease. CNVs in three genes (UGT2B17, OVOS, and KATNAL2) were detected in at least two families. Linkage analysis disclosed 13 extra markers for the disease, of which two (FGFR1 and EYA1) were validated via machine learning analysis as plausible candidate genes for the disease. Conclusion Based on comprehensive genetic and bioinformatic analyses of WES data from six families of discordant monozygotic twins with microtia-atresia, we identified multiple candidate genes that may function in post-twinning onset of the disease. The collective findings provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of congenital microtia-atresia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmiao Fan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Ping
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Bioinformatics Division, BNRIST and MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yushan Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Pu Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Annoroad Gene Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Jiang
- Bioinformatics Division, BNRIST and MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuegong Zhang
- Bioinformatics Division, BNRIST and MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowei Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
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20
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SIX4 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through upregulating YAP1 and c-MET. Oncogene 2020; 39:7279-7295. [PMID: 33046796 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01500-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is the main reason for high mortality in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and the molecular mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, it is important to elucidate the mechanism underlying HCC metastasis. Here, we report a novel role of SIX homeobox 4 (SIX4), one of the SIX gene family, in promoting HCC metastasis. The elevated expression of SIX4 was positively correlated with loss of tumor encapsulation, microvascular invasion, higher TNM stage, and poor prognosis in human HCC. SIX4 expression was an independent and significant risk factor for the recurrence and survival in HCC patients. Upregulation of SIX4 promoted HCC invasion and metastasis, whereas downregulation of SIX4 decreased HCC invasion and metastasis. SIX4 transactivated Yes1 associated transcriptional regulator (YAP1) and MET proto-oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (MET) expression through directly binding to their promoters. Knockdown of YAP1 and c-MET inhibited SIX4-medicated HCC metastasis, while the stable overexpression of YAP1 and c-MET reversed the decreased metastasis induced by SIX4 knockdown. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), the specific ligand of c-MET, upregulated SIX4 expression through ERK/NF-κB pathway. Knockdown of SIX4 significantly decreased HGF-enhanced HCC metastasis. In human HCC tissues, SIX4 expression was positively correlated with nuclear YAP1, c-MET and HGF expression. Patients with positive coexpression of SIX4/ nuclear YAP1, SIX4/c-MET or HGF/SIX4 had the poorest prognosis. Moreover, the combination treatment of YAP1 inhibitor Verteporfin and c-MET inhibitor Capmatinib significantly suppressed SIX4-mediated HCC metastasis. In conclusion, SIX4 is a prognostic biomarker in HCC patients and targeting the HGF-SIX4-c-MET positive feedback loop may provide a promising strategy for the treatment of SIX4-driven HCC metastasis.
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