1
|
Biagioni M, Baronchelli F, Fossati M. Multiscale spatio-temporal dynamics of UBE3A gene in brain physiology and neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 201:106669. [PMID: 39293689 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106669] [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: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 09/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The UBE3A gene, located in the chromosomal region 15q11-13, is subject to neuron-specific genomic imprinting and it plays a critical role in brain development. Genetic defects of UBE3A cause severe neurodevelopmental disorders, namely the Angelman syndrome (AS) and the 15q11.2-q13.3 duplication syndrome (Dup15q). In the last two decades, the development of in vitro and in vivo models of AS and Dup15q were fundamental to improve the understanding of UBE3A function in the brain. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of these diseases remain elusive and effective treatments are lacking. Recent evidence suggests that UBE3A functions are both spatially and temporally specific, varying across subcellular compartments, brain regions, and neuronal circuits. In the present review, we summarize current knowledge on the role of UBE3A in neuronal pathophysiology under this spatio-temporal perspective. Additionally, we propose key research questions that will be instrumental to better understand the pathogenic mechanisms underpinning AS and Dup15q disorders and provide the rationale to develop novel therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Biagioni
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, via Manzoni 56, Rozzano 20089, MI, Italy
| | - Federica Baronchelli
- CNR - Institute of Neuroscience, Section of Milano, via Manzoni 56, Rozzano 20089, MI, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, via Rita Levi Montalcini, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
| | - Matteo Fossati
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, via Manzoni 56, Rozzano 20089, MI, Italy; CNR - Institute of Neuroscience, Section of Milano, via Manzoni 56, Rozzano 20089, MI, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vihma H, Li K, Welton-Arndt A, Smith AL, Bettadapur KR, Gilmore RB, Gao E, Cotney JL, Huang HC, Collins JL, Chamberlain SJ, Lee HM, Aubé J, Philpot BD. Ube3a unsilencer for the potential treatment of Angelman syndrome. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5558. [PMID: 38977672 PMCID: PMC11231141 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49788-8] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Deletion of the maternal UBE3A allele causes Angelman syndrome (AS); because paternal UBE3A is epigenetically silenced by a long non-coding antisense (UBE3A-ATS) in neurons, this nearly eliminates UBE3A protein in the brain. Reactivating paternal UBE3A holds promise for treating AS. We previously showed topoisomerase inhibitors can reactivate paternal UBE3A, but their therapeutic challenges prompted our search for small molecule unsilencers with a different mechanism of action. Here, we found that (S)-PHA533533 acts through a novel mechanism to significantly increase paternal Ube3a mRNA and UBE3A protein levels while downregulating Ube3a-ATS in primary neurons derived from AS model mice. Furthermore, peripheral delivery of (S)-PHA533533 in AS model mice induces widespread neuronal UBE3A expression. Finally, we show that (S)-PHA533533 unsilences paternal UBE3A in AS patient-derived neurons, highlighting its translational potential. Our findings provide a lead for developing a small molecule treatment for AS that could be safe, non-invasively delivered, and capable of brain-wide unsilencing of paternal UBE3A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Vihma
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Neuroscience Center, and Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kelin Li
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Anna Welton-Arndt
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Audrey L Smith
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Neuroscience Center, and Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kiran R Bettadapur
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Neuroscience Center, and Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rachel B Gilmore
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Eric Gao
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Neuroscience Center, and Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Justin L Cotney
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Hsueh-Cheng Huang
- Deerfield Discovery and Development, Deerfield Management, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jon L Collins
- Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Stormy J Chamberlain
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Hyeong-Min Lee
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Neuroscience Center, and Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Jeffrey Aubé
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Benjamin D Philpot
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Neuroscience Center, and Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jourdain J, Capitan A, Saintilan R, Hozé C, Fouéré C, Fritz S, Boichard D, Barbat A. Genetic parameters, GWAS and selection perspective on gestation length in 16 French cattle breeds. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)00918-4. [PMID: 38876217 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2024-24736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
In this paper, we present a comprehensive study of gestation length (GL) in 16 cattle breeds by using large genotype and animal record databases. Data included over 20 million gestations since 2000 and genotypes from one million calves. The study addressed the GL variability within and between breeds, estimation of its direct and maternal heritability coefficients, association with fitness and several economic traits, and QTL detection. The breed average GL varied from 279.7 to 294.4 d, in Holstein and Blonde d'Aquitaine breeds, respectively. Standard deviations per breed were similar and ranged from 5.2 to 5.8 d. Direct heritability (i.e., for GL defined as a trait of the calf) was moderate to high (h2 = 0.40 to 0.67), whereas the maternal heritability was low (0.04 to 0.06). Extreme breeding values for GL were strongly associated with a higher mortality during the first 2 d of life and were associated with milk production of dams for dairy breeds and precocity of females. Finally, several QTL were detected affecting GL with cumulated effects up to a few days, and at least 2 QTL were found to be shared between different breeds. Our study highlights the risks that would be associated with selection toward a reduced gestation length. Further genomic studies are needed to identify the causal variants, and their association with juvenile mortality and other economic traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeanlin Jourdain
- Eliance, 149 Rue de Bercy, 75012 Paris, France; Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, G2B, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - Aurélien Capitan
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, G2B, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Romain Saintilan
- Eliance, 149 Rue de Bercy, 75012 Paris, France; Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, G2B, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Chris Hozé
- Eliance, 149 Rue de Bercy, 75012 Paris, France; Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, G2B, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Corentin Fouéré
- Eliance, 149 Rue de Bercy, 75012 Paris, France; Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, G2B, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Sébastien Fritz
- Eliance, 149 Rue de Bercy, 75012 Paris, France; Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, G2B, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Didier Boichard
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, G2B, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Anne Barbat
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, G2B, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gonzalez Ramirez C, Salvador SG, Patel RKR, Clark S, Miller NW, James LM, Ringelberg NW, Simon JM, Bennett J, Amaral DG, Burette AC, Philpot BD. Regional and cellular organization of the autism-associated protein UBE3A/E6AP and its antisense transcript in the brain of the developing rhesus monkey. Front Neuroanat 2024; 18:1410791. [PMID: 38873093 PMCID: PMC11169893 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2024.1410791] [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: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurogenetic disorder caused by mutations or deletions in the maternally-inherited UBE3A allele, leading to a loss of UBE3A protein expression in neurons. The paternally-inherited UBE3A allele is epigenetically silenced in neurons during development by a noncoding transcript (UBE3A-ATS). The absence of neuronal UBE3A results in severe neurological symptoms, including speech and language impairments, intellectual disability, and seizures. While no cure exists, therapies aiming to restore UBE3A function-either by gene addition or by targeting UBE3A-ATS-are under development. Progress in developing these treatments relies heavily on inferences drawn from mouse studies about the function of UBE3A in the human brain. To aid translational efforts and to gain an understanding of UBE3A and UBE3A-ATS biology with greater relevance to human neurodevelopmental contexts, we investigated UBE3A and UBE3A-ATS expression in the developing brain of the rhesus macaque, a species that exhibits complex social behaviors, resembling aspects of human behavior to a greater degree than mice. Combining immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, we mapped UBE3A and UBE3A-ATS regional and cellular expression in normal prenatal, neonatal, and adolescent rhesus macaque brains. We show that key hallmarks of UBE3A biology, well-known in rodents, are also present in macaques, and suggest paternal UBE3A silencing in neurons-but not glial cells-in the macaque brain, with onset between gestational day 48 and 100. These findings support proposals that early-life, perhaps even prenatal, intervention is optimal for overcoming the maternal allele loss of UBE3A linked to AS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chavely Gonzalez Ramirez
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Sarah G. Salvador
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Ridthi Kartik Rekha Patel
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Sarah Clark
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Noah W. Miller
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Lucas M. James
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Nicholas W. Ringelberg
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Jeremy M. Simon
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jeffrey Bennett
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, Davis, CA, United States
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - David G. Amaral
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, Davis, CA, United States
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Alain C. Burette
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Benjamin D. Philpot
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ferrer J, Dimitrova N. Transcription regulation by long non-coding RNAs: mechanisms and disease relevance. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024; 25:396-415. [PMID: 38242953 PMCID: PMC11045326 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00694-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) outnumber protein-coding transcripts, but their functions remain largely unknown. In this Review, we discuss the emerging roles of lncRNAs in the control of gene transcription. Some of the best characterized lncRNAs have essential transcription cis-regulatory functions that cannot be easily accomplished by DNA-interacting transcription factors, such as XIST, which controls X-chromosome inactivation, or imprinted lncRNAs that direct allele-specific repression. A growing number of lncRNA transcription units, including CHASERR, PVT1 and HASTER (also known as HNF1A-AS1) act as transcription-stabilizing elements that fine-tune the activity of dosage-sensitive genes that encode transcription factors. Genetic experiments have shown that defects in such transcription stabilizers often cause severe phenotypes. Other lncRNAs, such as lincRNA-p21 (also known as Trp53cor1) and Maenli (Gm29348) contribute to local activation of gene transcription, whereas distinct lncRNAs influence gene transcription in trans. We discuss findings of lncRNAs that elicit a function through either activation of their transcription, transcript elongation and processing or the lncRNA molecule itself. We also discuss emerging evidence of lncRNA involvement in human diseases, and their potential as therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Ferrer
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Nadya Dimitrova
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bruns R, Liaqat K, Nasir A, Treat K, Murthy VS, Mantcheva L, Torres W, Conboy E, Vetrini F. Undiagnosed rare disease clinic identifies a novel UBE3A variant in two sisters with Angelman syndrome: The end of a diagnostic odyssey. Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 2024; 64:155-160. [PMID: 38520260 DOI: 10.1111/cga.12566] [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: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS, MIM #105830) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe intellectual disability, profound developmental delay, movement or balance problems, an excessively cheerful disposition, and seizures. AS results from inadequate expression of the maternal UBE3A gene (MIM #601623), which encodes an E3 ligase in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Here we present the case of two sisters with features consistent with AS who had negative methylation analyses. An autism/intellectual disability expanded panel revealed a maternally inherited novel UBE3A (NM_001354506.2) variant c.2443C>T p.(Pro815Ser) in both patients that was initially classified as a variant of uncertain significance. The patients were enrolled in Indiana University's Undiagnosed Rare Disease Clinic (URDC) to further investigate the variant. Additional data, including deep phenotyping, familial segregation analysis, and in silico studies, suggest that the variant is likely pathogenic. 3D modeling studies based on the available crystal structure revealed that the Pro815Ser variant can introduce more flexibility into the protein and alter its enzymatic activity. Recent literature confirms the pathogenic nature of the variant. Reanalysis of the UBE3A variant has heightened existing knowledge of AS and has offered this family an end to their diagnostic odyssey.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Bruns
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Khurram Liaqat
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana Univervsity School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Undiagnosed Rare Disease Clinic (URDC), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Abdul Nasir
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kayla Treat
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana Univervsity School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Undiagnosed Rare Disease Clinic (URDC), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Vinaya S Murthy
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana Univervsity School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Lili Mantcheva
- Undiagnosed Rare Disease Clinic (URDC), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Wilfredo Torres
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana Univervsity School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Erin Conboy
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana Univervsity School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Undiagnosed Rare Disease Clinic (URDC), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Francesco Vetrini
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana Univervsity School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Undiagnosed Rare Disease Clinic (URDC), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Roy B, Amemasor E, Hussain S, Castro K. UBE3A: The Role in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and a Potential Candidate for Biomarker Studies and Designing Therapeutic Strategies. Diseases 2023; 12:7. [PMID: 38248358 PMCID: PMC10814747 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Published reports from the CDC's Autism and Development Disabilities Monitoring Networks have shown that an average of 1 in every 44 (2.3%) 8-year-old children were estimated to have ASD in 2018. Many of the ASDs exhibiting varying degrees of autism-like phenotypes have chromosomal anomalies in the Chr15q11-q13 region. Numerous potential candidate genes linked with ASD reside in this chromosomal segment. However, several clinical, in vivo, and in vitro studies selected one gene more frequently than others randomly and unbiasedly. This gene codes for UBE3A or Ubiquitin protein ligase E3A [also known as E6AP ubiquitin-protein ligase (E6AP)], an enzyme involved in the cellular degradation of proteins. This gene has been listed as one of the several genes with a high potential of causing ASD in the Autism Database. The gain of function mutations, triplication, or duplication in the UBE3A gene is also associated with ASDs like Angelman Syndrome (AS) and Dup15q Syndrome. The genetic imprinting of UBE3A in the brain and a preference for neuronal maternal-specific expression are the key features of various ASDs. Since the UBE3A gene is involved in two main important diseases associated with autism-like symptoms, there has been widespread research going on in understanding the link between this gene and autism. Additionally, since no universal methodology or mechanism exists for identifying UBE3A-mediated ASD, it continues to be challenging for neurobiologists, neuroscientists, and clinicians to design therapies or diagnostic tools. In this review, we focus on the structure and functional aspects of the UBE3A protein, discuss the primary relevance of the 15q11-q13 region in the cause of ASDs, and highlight the link between UBE3A and ASD. We try to broaden the knowledge of our readers by elaborating on the possible mechanisms underlying UBE3A-mediated ASDs, emphasizing the usage of UBE3A as a prospective biomarker in the preclinical diagnosis of ASDs and discuss the positive outcomes, advanced developments, and the hurdles in the field of therapeutic strategies against UBE3A-mediated ASDs. This review is novel as it lays a very detailed and comprehensive platform for one of the most important genes associated with diseases showing autistic-like symptoms. Additionally, this review also attempts to lay optimistic feedback on the possible steps for the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of these UBE3A-mediated ASDs in the upcoming years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bidisha Roy
- Life Science Centre, Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University-Newark, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (E.A.); (S.H.); (K.C.)
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Camões dos Santos J, Appleton C, Cazaux Mateus F, Covas R, Bekman EP, da Rocha ST. Stem cell models of Angelman syndrome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1274040. [PMID: 37928900 PMCID: PMC10620611 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1274040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is an imprinted neurodevelopmental disorder that lacks a cure, characterized by developmental delay, intellectual impairment, seizures, ataxia, and paroxysmal laughter. The condition arises due to the loss of the maternally inherited copy of the UBE3A gene in neurons. The paternally inherited UBE3A allele is unable to compensate because it is silenced by the expression of an antisense transcript (UBE3A-ATS) on the paternal chromosome. UBE3A, encoding enigmatic E3 ubiquitin ligase variants, regulates target proteins by either modifying their properties/functions or leading them to degradation through the proteasome. Over time, animal models, particularly the Ube3a mat-/pat+ Knock-Out (KO) mice, have significantly contributed to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying AS. However, a shift toward human pluripotent stem cell models (PSCs), such as human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), has gained momentum. These stem cell models accurately capture human genetic and cellular characteristics, offering an alternative or a complement to animal experimentation. Human stem cells possess the remarkable ability to recapitulate neurogenesis and generate "brain-in-a-dish" models, making them valuable tools for studying neurodevelopmental disorders like AS. In this review, we provide an overview of the current state-of-the-art human stem cell models of AS and explore their potential to become the preclinical models of choice for drug screening and development, thus propelling AS therapeutic advancements and improving the lives of affected individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Camões dos Santos
- iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carolina Appleton
- iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Francisca Cazaux Mateus
- iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Covas
- iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Evguenia Pavlovna Bekman
- iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- The Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Caparica, Portugal
| | - Simão Teixeira da Rocha
- iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Di Michele F, Chillón I, Feil R. Imprinted Long Non-Coding RNAs in Mammalian Development and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13647. [PMID: 37686455 PMCID: PMC10487962 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Imprinted genes play diverse roles in mammalian development, homeostasis, and disease. Most imprinted chromosomal domains express one or more long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Several of these lncRNAs are strictly nuclear and their mono-allelic expression controls in cis the expression of protein-coding genes, often developmentally regulated. Some imprinted lncRNAs act in trans as well, controlling target gene expression elsewhere in the genome. The regulation of imprinted gene expression-including that of imprinted lncRNAs-is susceptible to stochastic and environmentally triggered epigenetic changes in the early embryo. These aberrant changes persist during subsequent development and have long-term phenotypic consequences. This review focuses on the expression and the cis- and trans-regulatory roles of imprinted lncRNAs and describes human disease syndromes associated with their perturbed expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Di Michele
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of Montpellier (IGMM), CNRS, 1919 Route de Mende, 34093 Montpellier, France
- University of Montpellier, 163 Rue Auguste Broussonnet, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Isabel Chillón
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of Montpellier (IGMM), CNRS, 1919 Route de Mende, 34093 Montpellier, France
- University of Montpellier, 163 Rue Auguste Broussonnet, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Robert Feil
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of Montpellier (IGMM), CNRS, 1919 Route de Mende, 34093 Montpellier, France
- University of Montpellier, 163 Rue Auguste Broussonnet, 34090 Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Loftus D, Bae B, Whilden CM, Whipple AJ. Allelic chromatin structure precedes imprinted expression of Kcnk9 during neurogenesis. Genes Dev 2023; 37:829-843. [PMID: 37821107 PMCID: PMC10620047 DOI: 10.1101/gad.350896.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Differences in chromatin state inherited from the parental gametes influence the regulation of maternal and paternal alleles in offspring. This phenomenon, known as genomic imprinting, results in genes preferentially transcribed from one parental allele. While local epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation are known to be important for the establishment of imprinted gene expression, less is known about the mechanisms by which differentially methylated regions (DMRs) lead to differences in allelic expression across broad stretches of chromatin. Allele-specific higher-order chromatin structure has been observed at multiple imprinted loci, consistent with the observation of allelic binding of the chromatin-organizing factor CTCF at multiple DMRs. However, whether allelic chromatin structure impacts allelic gene expression is not known for most imprinted loci. Here we characterize the mechanisms underlying brain-specific imprinted expression of the Peg13-Kcnk9 locus, an imprinted region associated with intellectual disability. We performed region capture Hi-C on mouse brains from reciprocal hybrid crosses and found imprinted higher-order chromatin structure caused by the allelic binding of CTCF to the Peg13 DMR. Using an in vitro neuron differentiation system, we showed that imprinted chromatin structure precedes imprinted expression at the locus. Additionally, activation of a distal enhancer induced imprinted expression of Kcnk9 in an allelic chromatin structure-dependent manner. This work provides a high-resolution map of imprinted chromatin structure and demonstrates that chromatin state established in early development can promote imprinted expression upon differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Loftus
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Bongmin Bae
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Courtney M Whilden
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Amanda J Whipple
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang SE, Jiang YH. Novel epigenetic molecular therapies for imprinting disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3182-3193. [PMID: 37626134 PMCID: PMC10618104 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02208-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Genomic imprinting disorders are caused by the disruption of genomic imprinting processes leading to a deficit or increase of an active allele. Their unique molecular mechanisms underlying imprinted genes offer an opportunity to investigate epigenetic-based therapy for reactivation of an inactive allele or reduction of an active allele. Current treatments are based on managing symptoms, not targeting the molecular mechanisms underlying imprinting disorders. Here, we highlight molecular approaches of therapeutic candidates in preclinical and clinical studies for individual imprinting disorders. These include the significant progress of discovery and testing of small molecules, antisense oligonucleotides, and CRISPR mediated genome editing approaches as new therapeutic strategies. We discuss the significant challenges of translating these promising therapies from the preclinical stage to the clinic, especially for genome editing based approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sung Eun Wang
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Yong-Hui Jiang
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li J, Shen Z, Liu Y, Yan Z, Liu Y, Lin X, Tang J, Lv R, Geng G, Xiong ZQ, Zhou C, Yang H. A high-fidelity RNA-targeting Cas13 restores paternal Ube3a expression and improves motor functions in Angelman syndrome mice. Mol Ther 2023; 31:2286-2295. [PMID: 36805082 PMCID: PMC10362381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss of function mutations in maternally expressed UBE3A. No gene-specific treatment is available for patients so far. Although intact and transcriptionally active, paternally inherited UBE3A is silenced by elongation of antisense long noncoding RNA UBE3A-ATS in neurons. Here, we demonstrated that RNA targeting of paternal Ube3a-ATS with a high-fidelity CRISPR-Cas13 (hfCas13x.1) system could restore Ube3a expression to similar levels as that of maternal Ube3a in the cultured mouse neurons. Furthermore, injection into lateral ventricles with neuron-specific hSyn1 promoter-driven hfCas13x.1 packaged in adeno-associated virus (AAV-PHP.eb) could restore paternal Ube3a expression in cortex and hippocampus of neonatal AS mice for up to 4 months after treatment. Behavioral tests showed that expression of paternal Ube3a significantly alleviated AS-related symptoms, including obesity and motor function. Our results suggested that hfCas13x.1-mediated suppression of the Ube3a-ATS lncRNA potentially serves as a promising targeted intervention for AS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinhui Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhixin Shen
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yajing Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zixiang Yan
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Yuanhua Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xiang Lin
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Medical University, #20, Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Junjie Tang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Ruimin Lv
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Guannan Geng
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhi-Qi Xiong
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Changyang Zhou
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Hui Yang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 201210, China; HuidaGene Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200131, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Keary CJ, McDougle CJ. Current and emerging treatment options for Angelman syndrome. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:835-844. [PMID: 37599585 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2245568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability, limited expressive language, epilepsy, and motor impairment. Angelman syndrome is caused by haploinsufficiency of the UBE3A gene on the maternal copy of chromosome 15. There have been ongoing advances in the understanding of neurological, behavioral, and sleep-based problems and associated treatments for patients with AS. These results along with gene-based therapies entering into clinical development prompted this review. AREAS COVERED The authors summarize the research basis describing phenomenology of epilepsy and behavioral concerns such as hyperactivity behavior, aggression, self-injury, repetitive behavior, and sleep disorder. The evidence for recent treatment advances in these target symptom domains of concern is reviewed, and the potential for emerging gene therapy treatments is considered. EXPERT OPINION The prospect for emerging gene therapies means that increasing efforts should be directed toward the early identification of AS implemented equitably. Recent studies emphasize the important role of behavioral therapy in addressing mental health concerns such as aggression and disordered sleep.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Keary
- Department is department of psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Angelman Syndrome Program, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher J McDougle
- Department is department of psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Lurie Center for Autism, Lexington, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Loftus D, Bae B, Whilden CM, Whipple AJ. Allelic chromatin structure primes imprinted expression of Kcnk9 during neurogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.09.544389. [PMID: 37333073 PMCID: PMC10274912 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.09.544389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Differences in chromatin state inherited from the parental gametes influence the regulation of maternal and paternal alleles in offspring. This phenomenon, known as genomic imprinting, results in genes preferentially transcribed from one parental allele. While local epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation are known to be important for the establishment of imprinted gene expression, less is known about the mechanisms by which differentially methylated regions (DMRs) lead to differences in allelic expression across broad stretches of chromatin. Allele-specific higher-order chromatin structure has been observed at multiple imprinted loci, consistent with the observation of allelic binding of the chromatin-organizing factor CTCF at multiple DMRs. However, whether allelic chromatin structure impacts allelic gene expression is not known for most imprinted loci. Here we characterize the mechanisms underlying brain-specific imprinted expression of the Peg13-Kcnk9 locus, an imprinted region associated with intellectual disability. We performed region capture Hi-C on mouse brain from reciprocal hybrid crosses and found imprinted higher-order chromatin structure caused by the allelic binding of CTCF to the Peg13 DMR. Using an in vitro neuron differentiation system, we show that on the maternal allele enhancer-promoter contacts formed early in development prime the brain-specific potassium leak channel Kcnk9 for maternal expression prior to neurogenesis. In contrast, these enhancer-promoter contacts are blocked by CTCF on the paternal allele, preventing paternal Kcnk9 activation. This work provides a high-resolution map of imprinted chromatin structure and demonstrates that chromatin state established in early development can promote imprinted expression upon differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Loftus
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
| | - Bongmin Bae
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
| | - Courtney M. Whilden
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
| | - Amanda J. Whipple
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Dindot SV, Christian S, Murphy WJ, Berent A, Panagoulias J, Schlafer A, Ballard J, Radeva K, Robinson R, Myers L, Jepp T, Shaheen H, Hillman P, Konganti K, Hillhouse A, Bredemeyer KR, Black L, Douville J. An ASO therapy for Angelman syndrome that targets an evolutionarily conserved region at the start of the UBE3A-AS transcript. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabf4077. [PMID: 36947593 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abf4077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome is a devastating neurogenetic disorder for which there is currently no effective treatment. It is caused by mutations or epimutations affecting the expression or function of the maternally inherited allele of the ubiquitin-protein ligase E3A (UBE3A) gene. The paternal UBE3A allele is imprinted in neurons of the central nervous system (CNS) by the UBE3A antisense (UBE3A-AS) transcript, which represents the distal end of the small nucleolar host gene 14 (SNHG14) transcription unit. Reactivating the expression of the paternal UBE3A allele in the CNS has long been pursued as a therapeutic option for Angelman syndrome. Here, we described the development of an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapy for Angelman syndrome that targets an evolutionarily conserved region demarcating the start of the UBE3A-AS transcript. We designed and chemically optimized gapmer ASOs targeting specific sequences at the start of the human UBE3A-AS transcript. We showed that ASOs targeting this region precisely and efficiently repress the transcription of UBE3A-AS, reactivating the expression of the paternal UBE3A allele in neurotypical and Angelman syndrome induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons. We further showed that human-targeted ASOs administered to the CNS of cynomolgus macaques by lumbar intrathecal injection repress UBE3A-AS and reactivate the expression of the paternal UBE3A allele throughout the CNS. These findings support the advancement of this investigational molecular therapy for Angelman syndrome into clinical development (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04259281).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott V Dindot
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- GeneTx Biotherapeutics LLC, Sarasota, FL 34233, USA
- Research Department, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Novato, CA 94949, USA
| | - Sarah Christian
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - William J Murphy
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | | | | | - Annalise Schlafer
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Johnathan Ballard
- Texas A&M Institute for Genomic Medicine (TIGM), Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Kamelia Radeva
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Ruth Robinson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Luke Myers
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Thomas Jepp
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Hillary Shaheen
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Paul Hillman
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Kranti Konganti
- Texas A&M University Institute for Genome Sciences and Society (TIGSS), Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Andrew Hillhouse
- Texas A&M University Institute for Genome Sciences and Society (TIGSS), Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Kevin R Bredemeyer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | | | - Julie Douville
- Charles River Laboratories, Montreal, Senneville, Quebec H9X 1C1, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lee D, Chen W, Kaku HN, Zhuo X, Chao ES, Soriano A, Kuncheria A, Flores S, Kim JH, Rivera A, Rigo F, Jafar-Nejad P, Beaudet AL, Caudill MS, Xue M. Antisense oligonucleotide therapy rescues disturbed brain rhythms and sleep in juvenile and adult mouse models of Angelman syndrome. eLife 2023; 12:e81892. [PMID: 36594817 PMCID: PMC9904759 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
UBE3A encodes ubiquitin protein ligase E3A, and in neurons its expression from the paternal allele is repressed by the UBE3A antisense transcript (UBE3A-ATS). This leaves neurons susceptible to loss-of-function of maternal UBE3A. Indeed, Angelman syndrome, a severe neurodevelopmental disorder, is caused by maternal UBE3A deficiency. A promising therapeutic approach to treating Angelman syndrome is to reactivate the intact paternal UBE3A by suppressing UBE3A-ATS. Prior studies show that many neurological phenotypes of maternal Ube3a knockout mice can only be rescued by reinstating Ube3a expression in early development, indicating a restricted therapeutic window for Angelman syndrome. Here, we report that reducing Ube3a-ATS by antisense oligonucleotides in juvenile or adult maternal Ube3a knockout mice rescues the abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) rhythms and sleep disturbance, two prominent clinical features of Angelman syndrome. Importantly, the degree of phenotypic improvement correlates with the increase of Ube3a protein levels. These results indicate that the therapeutic window of genetic therapies for Angelman syndrome is broader than previously thought, and EEG power spectrum and sleep architecture should be used to evaluate the clinical efficacy of therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongwon Lee
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
- The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Wu Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
- The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Heet Naresh Kaku
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
- The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Xinming Zhuo
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Eugene S Chao
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
- The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | | | - Allen Kuncheria
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Stephanie Flores
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Joo Hyun Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
- The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Armando Rivera
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
- The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, United States
| | | | - Arthur L Beaudet
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Matthew S Caudill
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Mingshan Xue
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
- The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Becker J, Sun B, Alammari F, Haerty W, Vance KW, Szele FG. What has single-cell transcriptomics taught us about long non-coding RNAs in the ventricular-subventricular zone? Stem Cell Reports 2022; 18:354-376. [PMID: 36525965 PMCID: PMC9860170 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.11.011] [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: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) function is mediated by the process of transcription or through transcript-dependent associations with proteins or nucleic acids to control gene regulatory networks. Many lncRNAs are transcribed in the ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ), a postnatal neural stem cell niche. lncRNAs in the V-SVZ are implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders, cancer, and brain disease, but their functions are poorly understood. V-SVZ neurogenesis capacity declines with age due to stem cell depletion and resistance to neural stem cell activation. Here we analyzed V-SVZ transcriptomics by pooling current single-cell RNA-seq data. They showed consistent lncRNA expression during stem cell activation, lineage progression, and aging. In conjunction with epigenetic and genetic data, we predicted V-SVZ lncRNAs that regulate stem cell activation and differentiation. Some of the lncRNAs validate known epigenetic mechanisms, but most remain uninvestigated. Our analysis points to several lncRNAs that likely participate in key aspects of V-SVZ stem cell activation and neurogenesis in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jemima Becker
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Bin Sun
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Farah Alammari
- Department of Blood and Cancer Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Keith W. Vance
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Francis George Szele
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Tanas JK, Kerr DD, Wang L, Rai A, Wallaard I, Elgersma Y, Sidorov MS. Multidimensional analysis of behavior predicts genotype with high accuracy in a mouse model of Angelman syndrome. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:426. [PMID: 36192373 PMCID: PMC9529912 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02206-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss of expression of the maternal copy of the UBE3A gene. Individuals with AS have a multifaceted behavioral phenotype consisting of deficits in motor function, epilepsy, cognitive impairment, sleep abnormalities, as well as other comorbidities. Effectively modeling this behavioral profile and measuring behavioral improvement will be crucial for the success of ongoing and future clinical trials. Foundational studies have defined an array of behavioral phenotypes in the AS mouse model. However, no single behavioral test is able to fully capture the complex nature of AS-in mice, or in children. We performed multidimensional analysis (principal component analysis + k-means clustering) to quantify the performance of AS model mice (n = 148) and wild-type littermates (n = 138) across eight behavioral domains. This approach correctly predicted the genotype of mice based on their behavioral profile with ~95% accuracy, and remained effective with reasonable sample sizes (n = ~12-15). Multidimensional analysis was effective using different combinations of behavioral inputs and was able to detect behavioral improvement as a function of treatment in AS model mice. Overall, multidimensional behavioral analysis provides a tool for evaluating the effectiveness of preclinical treatments for AS. Multidimensional analysis of behavior may also be applied to rodent models of related neurodevelopmental disorders, and may be particularly valuable for disorders where individual behavioral tests are less reliable than in AS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph K. Tanas
- grid.239560.b0000 0004 0482 1586Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC USA
| | - Devante D. Kerr
- grid.239560.b0000 0004 0482 1586Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC USA ,grid.257127.40000 0001 0547 4545Howard University, Washington, DC USA
| | - Li Wang
- grid.239560.b0000 0004 0482 1586Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC USA
| | - Anika Rai
- grid.239560.b0000 0004 0482 1586Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC USA
| | - Ilse Wallaard
- grid.5645.2000000040459992XDepartment of Clinical Genetics and the ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ype Elgersma
- grid.5645.2000000040459992XDepartment of Clinical Genetics and the ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Michael S. Sidorov
- grid.239560.b0000 0004 0482 1586Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC USA ,grid.253615.60000 0004 1936 9510Departments of Pediatrics and Pharmacology & Physiology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Samanta D. Pharmacotherapeutic management of seizures in patients with Angleman syndrome. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:1511-1522. [PMID: 35862628 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2105141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 80-90% of patients with Angelman syndrome (AS) develop childhood-onset intractable seizures with major negative impact on the quality of life.Thus adequate management of seizures is the most critical priority to improve health-related quality of life in children with AS. AREAS COVERED The primary focus of the review is on pharmacotherapeutic management of seizures. The first part of the review briefly discusses epileptogenesis and polymorphic seizure phenotypes associated with AS to understand pharmacotherapeutic decision-making better. Next, the review explores individual antiseizure medicines (ASMs) and their potential therapeutic utility. Lastly, some future and emerging treatment options are discussed that can transform the management of seizures in patients with AS. EXPERT OPINION Evidence for treating seizures in AS mainly derives from low-quality studies. Levetiracetam and clobazam are the most commonly used ASMs. Although the potential utility of several other ASMs(valproate, topiramate, lamotrigine, ethosuximide, clonazepam) has been well documented for some time, the treatment landscape may rapidly evolve due to the availability of newer and better tolerated ASMs(cannabidiol oil, brivaracetam, perampanel). In addition, a better understanding of the underlying pathogenesis and the development of molecular therapeutics offer hope for precision therapies for seizures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debopam Samanta
- Child Neurology Section, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zaletaev DV, Nemtsova MV, Strelnikov VV. Epigenetic Regulation Disturbances on Gene Expression in Imprinting Diseases. Mol Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893321050149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
21
|
Cosgrove JA, Kelly LK, Kiffmeyer EA, Kloth AD. Sex-dependent influence of postweaning environmental enrichment in Angelman syndrome model mice. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2468. [PMID: 34985196 PMCID: PMC8865162 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutation or loss of UBE3A and marked by intellectual disability, ataxia, autism-like symptoms, and other atypical behaviors. One route to treatment may lie in the role that environment plays early in postnatal life. Environmental enrichment (EE) is one manipulation that has shown therapeutic potential in preclinical models of many brain disorders, including neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we examined whether postweaning EE can rescue behavioral phenotypes in Ube3a maternal deletion mice (AS mice), and whether any improvements are sex-dependent. METHODS Male and female mice (C57BL/6J Ube3atm1Alb mice and wild-type (WT) littermates; ≥10 mice/group) were randomly assigned to standard housing (SH) or EE at weaning. EE had a larger footprint, a running wheel, and a variety of toys that promoted foraging, burrowing, and climbing. Following 6 weeks of EE, animals were submitted to a battery of tests that reliably elicit behavioral deficits in AS mice, including rotarod, open field, marble burying, and forced swim; weights were also monitored. RESULTS In male AS-EE mice, we found complete restoration of motor coordination, marble burying, and forced swim behavior to the level of WT-SH mice. We also observed a complete normalization of exploratory distance traveled in the open field, but we found no rescue of vertical behavior or center time. AS-EE mice also had weights comparable to WT-SH mice. Intriguingly, in the female AS-EE mice, we found a failure of EE to rescue the same behavioral deficits relative to female WT-SH mice. CONCLUSIONS Environmental enrichment is an effective route to correcting the most penetrant phenotypes in male AS mice but not female AS mice. This finding has important implications for the translatability of early behavioral intervention for AS patients, most importantly the potential dependency of treatment response on sex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jameson A. Cosgrove
- Department of BiologyAugustana University2001 S. Summit AvenueSioux FallsSouth DakotaUSA
| | - Lauren K. Kelly
- Department of BiologyAugustana University2001 S. Summit AvenueSioux FallsSouth DakotaUSA
| | - Elizabeth A. Kiffmeyer
- Department of BiologyAugustana University2001 S. Summit AvenueSioux FallsSouth DakotaUSA
| | - Alexander D. Kloth
- Department of BiologyAugustana University2001 S. Summit AvenueSioux FallsSouth DakotaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Pandya NJ, Meier S, Tyanova S, Terrigno M, Wang C, Punt AM, Mientjes EJ, Vautheny A, Distel B, Kremer T, Elgersma Y, Jagasia R. A cross-species spatiotemporal proteomic analysis identifies UBE3A-dependent signaling pathways and targets. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2590-2601. [PMID: 35264729 PMCID: PMC9135630 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01484-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the loss of neuronal E3 ligase UBE3A. Restoring UBE3A levels is a potential disease-modifying therapy for AS and has recently entered clinical trials. There is paucity of data regarding the molecular changes downstream of UBE3A hampering elucidation of disease therapeutics and biomarkers. Notably, UBE3A plays an important role in the nucleus but its targets have yet to be elucidated. Using proteomics, we assessed changes during postnatal cortical development in an AS mouse model. Pathway analysis revealed dysregulation of proteasomal and tRNA synthetase pathways at all postnatal brain developmental stages, while synaptic proteins were altered in adults. We confirmed pathway alterations in an adult AS rat model across multiple brain regions and highlighted region-specific differences. UBE3A reinstatement in AS model mice resulted in near complete and partial rescue of the proteome alterations in adolescence and adults, respectively, supporting the notion that restoration of UBE3A expression provides a promising therapeutic option. We show that the nuclear enriched transketolase (TKT), one of the most abundantly altered proteins, is a novel direct UBE3A substrate and is elevated in the neuronal nucleus of rat brains and human iPSC-derived neurons. Taken together, our study provides a comprehensive map of UBE3A-driven proteome remodeling in AS across development and species, and corroborates an early UBE3A reinstatement as a viable therapeutic option. To support future disease and biomarker research, we present an accessible large-scale multi-species proteomic resource for the AS community ( https://www.angelman-proteome-project.org/ ).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil J. Pandya
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sonja Meier
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefka Tyanova
- grid.417570.00000 0004 0374 1269pRED Informatics Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marco Terrigno
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Congwei Wang
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Basel, Switzerland
| | - A. Mattijs Punt
- grid.5645.2000000040459992XDepartment of Clinical Genetics and Department of Neuroscience, The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E. J. Mientjes
- grid.5645.2000000040459992XDepartment of Clinical Genetics and Department of Neuroscience, The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Audrey Vautheny
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ben Distel
- grid.5645.2000000040459992XDepartment of Clinical Genetics and Department of Neuroscience, The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Kremer
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ype Elgersma
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Department of Neuroscience, The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Ravi Jagasia
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wang T, Li J, Yang L, Wu M, Ma Q. The Role of Long Non-coding RNAs in Human Imprinting Disorders: Prospective Therapeutic Targets. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:730014. [PMID: 34760887 PMCID: PMC8573313 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.730014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is a term used for an intergenerational epigenetic inheritance and involves a subset of genes expressed in a parent-of-origin-dependent way. Imprinted genes are expressed preferentially from either the paternally or maternally inherited allele. Long non-coding RNAs play essential roles in regulating this allele-specific expression. In several well-studied imprinting clusters, long non-coding RNAs have been found to be essential in regulating temporal- and spatial-specific establishment and maintenance of imprinting patterns. Furthermore, recent insights into the epigenetic pathological mechanisms underlying human genomic imprinting disorders suggest that allele-specific expressed imprinted long non-coding RNAs serve as an upstream regulator of the expression of other protein-coding or non-coding imprinted genes in the same cluster. Aberrantly expressed long non-coding RNAs result in bi-allelic expression or silencing of neighboring imprinted genes. Here, we review the emerging roles of long non-coding RNAs in regulating the expression of imprinted genes, especially in human imprinting disorders, and discuss three strategies targeting the central long non-coding RNA UBE3A-ATS for the purpose of developing therapies for the imprinting disorders Prader-Willi syndrome and Angelman syndrome. In summary, a better understanding of long non-coding RNA-related mechanisms is key to the development of potential therapeutic targets for human imprinting disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingxuan Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianjian Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liuyi Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Manyin Wu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qing Ma
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Schmid RS, Deng X, Panikker P, Msackyi M, Breton C, Wilson JM. CRISPR/Cas9 directed to the Ube3a antisense transcript improves Angelman syndrome phenotype in mice. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:142574. [PMID: 33411694 DOI: 10.1172/jci142574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene editing holds the potential to correct mutations and cure devastating genetic disorders. The technology has not yet proven efficacious for therapeutic use in CNS diseases with ubiquitous neuronal defects. Angelman syndrome (AS), a severe neurodevelopmental disorder, is caused by a lack of maternal expression of the UBE3A gene. Because of genomic imprinting, only neurons are affected. One therapeutic approach focuses on the intact paternal UBE3A copy in patients with AS that is silenced by an antisense transcript (UBE3A-ATS). We show here that gene editing of Ube3a-ATS in the mouse brain resulted in the formation of base pair insertions/deletions (indels) in neurons and the subsequent unsilencing of the paternal Ube3a allele in neurons, which partially corrected the behavioral phenotype of a murine AS model. This study provides compelling evidence to further investigate editing of the homologous region of the human UBE3A-ATS because this may provide a lasting therapeutic effect for patients with AS.
Collapse
|
25
|
Milazzo C, Mientjes EJ, Wallaard I, Rasmussen SV, Erichsen KD, Kakunuri T, van der Sman ASE, Kremer T, Miller MT, Hoener MC, Elgersma Y. Antisense oligonucleotide treatment rescues UBE3A expression and multiple phenotypes of an Angelman syndrome mouse model. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e145991. [PMID: 34369389 PMCID: PMC8410092 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.145991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder for which only symptomatic treatment with limited benefits is available. AS is caused by mutations affecting the maternally inherited ubiquitin protein ligase E3A (UBE3A) gene. Previous studies showed that the silenced paternal Ube3a gene can be activated by targeting the antisense Ube3a-ATS transcript. We investigated antisense oligonucleotide-induced (ASO-induced) Ube3a-ATS degradation and its ability to induce UBE3A reinstatement and rescue of AS phenotypes in an established Ube3a mouse model. We found that a single intracerebroventricular injection of ASOs at postnatal day 1 (P1) or P21 in AS mice resulted in potent and specific UBE3A reinstatement in the brain, with levels up to 74% of WT levels in the cortex and a full rescue of sensitivity to audiogenic seizures. AS mice treated with ASO at P1 also showed rescue of established AS phenotypes, such as open field and forced swim test behaviors, and significant improvement on the reversed rotarod. Hippocampal plasticity of treated AS mice was comparable to WT but not significantly different from PBS-treated AS mice. No rescue was observed for the marble burying and nest building phenotypes. Our findings highlight the promise of ASO-mediated reactivation of UBE3A as a disease-modifying treatment for AS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Milazzo
- Departments of Clinical Genetics and Neuroscience and.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Edwin J Mientjes
- Departments of Clinical Genetics and Neuroscience and.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ilse Wallaard
- Departments of Clinical Genetics and Neuroscience and.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Kamille Dumong Erichsen
- Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Horsholm, Denmark
| | - Tejaswini Kakunuri
- Departments of Clinical Genetics and Neuroscience and.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - A S Elise van der Sman
- Departments of Clinical Genetics and Neuroscience and.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Thomas Kremer
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Meghan T Miller
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marius C Hoener
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ype Elgersma
- Departments of Clinical Genetics and Neuroscience and.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Exploring chromatin structural roles of non-coding RNAs at imprinted domains. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:1867-1879. [PMID: 34338292 PMCID: PMC8421051 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Different classes of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) influence the organization of chromatin. Imprinted gene domains constitute a paradigm for exploring functional long ncRNAs (lncRNAs). Almost all express an lncRNA in a parent-of-origin dependent manner. The mono-allelic expression of these lncRNAs represses close by and distant protein-coding genes, through diverse mechanisms. Some control genes on other chromosomes as well. Interestingly, several imprinted chromosomal domains show a developmentally regulated, chromatin-based mechanism of imprinting with apparent similarities to X-chromosome inactivation. At these domains, the mono-allelic lncRNAs show a relatively stable, focal accumulation in cis. This facilitates the recruitment of Polycomb repressive complexes, lysine methyltranferases and other nuclear proteins — in part through direct RNA–protein interactions. Recent chromosome conformation capture and microscopy studies indicate that the focal aggregation of lncRNA and interacting proteins could play an architectural role as well, and correlates with close positioning of target genes. Higher-order chromatin structure is strongly influenced by CTCF/cohesin complexes, whose allelic association patterns and actions may be influenced by lncRNAs as well. Here, we review the gene-repressive roles of imprinted non-coding RNAs, particularly of lncRNAs, and discuss emerging links with chromatin architecture.
Collapse
|
27
|
Policarpo R, Sierksma A, De Strooper B, d'Ydewalle C. From Junk to Function: LncRNAs in CNS Health and Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:714768. [PMID: 34349622 PMCID: PMC8327212 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.714768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in RNA sequencing technologies helped to uncover the existence of tens of thousands of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that arise from the dark matter of the genome. These lncRNAs were originally thought to be transcriptional noise but an increasing number of studies demonstrate that these transcripts can modulate protein-coding gene expression by a wide variety of transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. The spatiotemporal regulation of lncRNA expression is particularly evident in the central nervous system, suggesting that they may directly contribute to specific brain processes, including neurogenesis and cellular homeostasis. Not surprisingly, lncRNAs are therefore gaining attention as putative novel therapeutic targets for disorders of the brain. In this review, we summarize the recent insights into the functions of lncRNAs in the brain, their role in neuronal maintenance, and their potential contribution to disease. We conclude this review by postulating how these RNA molecules can be targeted for the treatment of yet incurable neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Policarpo
- VIB-KU Leuven Center For Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Neuroscience Discovery, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., Beerse, Belgium
| | - Annerieke Sierksma
- VIB-KU Leuven Center For Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart De Strooper
- VIB-KU Leuven Center For Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Constantin d'Ydewalle
- Neuroscience Discovery, Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., Beerse, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Copping NA, McTighe SM, Fink KD, Silverman JL. Emerging Gene and Small Molecule Therapies for the Neurodevelopmental Disorder Angelman Syndrome. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1535-1547. [PMID: 34528170 PMCID: PMC8608975 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01082-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare (~1:15,000) neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe developmental delay and intellectual disability, impaired communication skills, and a high prevalence of seizures, sleep disturbances, ataxia, motor deficits, and microcephaly. AS is caused by loss-of-function of the maternally inherited UBE3A gene. UBE3A is located on chromosome 15q11-13 and is biallelically expressed throughout the body but only maternally expressed in the brain due to an RNA antisense transcript that silences the paternal copy. There is currently no cure for AS, but advancements in small molecule drugs and gene therapies offer a promising approach for the treatment of the disorder. Here, we review AS and how loss-of-function of the maternal UBE3A contributes to the disorder. We also discuss the strengths and limitations of current animal models of AS. Furthermore, we examine potential small molecule drug and gene therapies for the treatment of AS and associated challenges faced by the therapeutic design. Finally, gene therapy offers the opportunity for precision medicine in AS and advancements in the treatment of this disorder can serve as a foundation for other single-gene neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nycole A Copping
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California, Research II Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Suite 1001B, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, Department of Neurology, MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | | | - Kyle D Fink
- Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, Department of Neurology, MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jill L Silverman
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California, Research II Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Suite 1001B, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Elgersma Y, Sonzogni M. UBE3A reinstatement as a disease-modifying therapy for Angelman syndrome. Dev Med Child Neurol 2021; 63:802-807. [PMID: 33543479 PMCID: PMC8248324 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Half a century ago, Harry Angelman reported three patients with overlapping clinical features, now well known as Angelman syndrome. Angelman syndrome is caused by mutations affecting the maternally inherited UBE3A gene, which encodes an E3-ubiquitin ligase that is critical for typical postnatal brain development. Emerging evidence indicates that UBE3A plays a particularly important role in the nucleus. However, the critical substrates that are controlled by UBE3A remain elusive, which hinders the search for effective treatments. Moreover, given the multitude of signalling mechanisms that are derailed, it is unlikely that targeting a single pathway is going to be very effective. Therefore, expectations are very high for approaches that aim to restore UBE3A protein levels. A particular promising strategy is an antisense oligonucleotide approach, which activates the silenced paternal UBE3A gene. When successful, such treatments potentially offer a disease-modifying therapy for Angelman syndrome and several other neurodevelopmental disorders. What this paper adds Loss of UBE3A affects multiple signalling pathways in the brain. Emerging evidence suggests that UBE3A plays a critical role in the cell nucleus. Trials using antisense oligonucleotides to restore UBE3A levels are continuing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ype Elgersma
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Deptartment of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Monica Sonzogni
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Markati T, Duis J, Servais L. Therapies in preclinical and clinical development for Angelman syndrome. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:709-720. [PMID: 34112038 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1939674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Angelman syndrome is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder, caused by deficiency or abnormal function of the maternal ubiquitin protein-ligase E3A, known as UBE3A, in the central nervous system. There is no disease-modifying treatment available, but the therapeutic pipeline of Angelman syndrome includes at least 15 different approaches at preclinical or clinical development. In the coming years, several clinical trials will be enrolling patients, which prompted this comprehensive review.Areas covered: We summarize and critically review the different therapeutic approaches. Some approaches attempt to restore the missing or nonfunctional UBE3A protein in the neurons via gene replacement or enzyme replacement therapies. Other therapies aim to induce expression of the normal paternal copy of the UBE3A gene by targeting a long non-coding RNA, the UBE3A-ATS, which interferes with its own expression. Another therapeutic category includes compounds that target molecular pathways and effector proteins known to be involved in Angelman syndrome pathophysiology.Expert opinion: We believe that by 2022-2023, more than five disease-modifying treatments will be simultaneously at clinical testing. However, the are several challenges with regards to safety and efficacy, which need to be addressed. Additionally, there is still a significant unmet need for clinical trial readiness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Markati
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jessica Duis
- Section of Genetics & Inherited Metabolic Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Laurent Servais
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Center, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Division of Child Neurology, Centre De Références Des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège & University of Liège, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Keihani S, Kluever V, Fornasiero EF. Brain Long Noncoding RNAs: Multitask Regulators of Neuronal Differentiation and Function. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26133951. [PMID: 34203457 PMCID: PMC8272081 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26133951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The extraordinary cellular diversity and the complex connections established within different cells types render the nervous system of vertebrates one of the most sophisticated tissues found in living organisms. Such complexity is ensured by numerous regulatory mechanisms that provide tight spatiotemporal control, robustness and reliability. While the unusual abundance of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in nervous tissues was traditionally puzzling, it is becoming clear that these molecules have genuine regulatory functions in the brain and they are essential for neuronal physiology. The canonical view of RNA as predominantly a 'coding molecule' has been largely surpassed, together with the conception that lncRNAs only represent 'waste material' produced by cells as a side effect of pervasive transcription. Here we review a growing body of evidence showing that lncRNAs play key roles in several regulatory mechanisms of neurons and other brain cells. In particular, neuronal lncRNAs are crucial for orchestrating neurogenesis, for tuning neuronal differentiation and for the exact calibration of neuronal excitability. Moreover, their diversity and the association to neurodegenerative diseases render them particularly interesting as putative biomarkers for brain disease. Overall, we foresee that in the future a more systematic scrutiny of lncRNA functions will be instrumental for an exhaustive understanding of neuronal pathophysiology.
Collapse
|
32
|
Aliperti V, Skonieczna J, Cerase A. Long Non-Coding RNA (lncRNA) Roles in Cell Biology, Neurodevelopment and Neurological Disorders. Noncoding RNA 2021; 7:36. [PMID: 34204536 PMCID: PMC8293397 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna7020036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Development is a complex process regulated both by genetic and epigenetic and environmental clues. Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of gene expression in several tissues including the brain. Altered expression of lncRNAs has been linked to several neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental and mental disorders. The identification and characterization of lncRNAs that are deregulated or mutated in neurodevelopmental and mental health diseases are fundamental to understanding the complex transcriptional processes in brain function. Crucially, lncRNAs can be exploited as a novel target for treating neurological disorders. In our review, we first summarize the recent advances in our understanding of lncRNA functions in the context of cell biology and then discussing their association with selected neuronal development and neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Aliperti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Justyna Skonieczna
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK;
| | - Andrea Cerase
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK;
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Yang N, Wang H, Zhang L, Lv J, Niu Z, Liu J, Zhang Z. Long non-coding RNA SNHG14 aggravates LPS-induced acute kidney injury through regulating miR-495-3p/HIPK1. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2021; 53:719-728. [PMID: 33856026 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmab034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complex syndrome with an abrupt decrease of kidney function, which is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Sepsis is the common cause of AKI. Mounting evidence has demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in the development and progression of sepsis-induced AKI. In this study, we aimed to illustrate the function and mechanism of lncRNA SNHG14 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced AKI. We found that SNHG14 was highly expressed in the plasma of sepsis patients with AKI. SNHG14 inhibited cell proliferation and autophagy and promoted cell apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine production in LPS-stimulated HK-2 cells. Functionally, SNHG14 acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to negatively regulate miR-495-3p expression in HK-2 cells. Furthermore, we identified that HIPK1 is a direct target of miR-495-3p in HK-2 cells. We also revealed that the SNHG14/miR-495-3p/HIPK1 interaction network regulated HK-2 cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammatory cytokine production upon LPS stimulation. In addition, we demonstrated that the SNHG14/miR-495-3p/HIPK1 interaction network regulated the production of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) via modulating NF-κB/p65 signaling in LPS-challenged HK-2 cells. In conclusion, our findings suggested a novel therapeutic axis of SNHG14/miR-495-3p/HIPK1 to treat sepsis-induced AKI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ni Yang
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Hai Wang
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Junhua Lv
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Zequn Niu
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| | - Zhengliang Zhang
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710004, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Ozlu C, Bailey RM, Sinnett S, Goodspeed KD. Gene Transfer Therapy for Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Dev Neurosci 2021; 43:230-240. [PMID: 33882495 DOI: 10.1159/000515434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) include a broad spectrum of disorders that disrupt normal brain development. Though some NDDs are caused by acquired insults (i.e., toxic or infectious encephalopathy) or may be cryptogenic, many NDDs are caused by variants in a single gene or groups of genes that disrupt neuronal development or function. In this review, we will focus on those NDDs with a genetic etiology. The exact mechanism, timing, and progression of the molecular pathology are seldom well known; however, the abnormalities in development typically manifest in similar patterns such as delays or regression in motor function, social skills, and language or cognitive abilities. Severity of impairment can vary widely. At present, only symptomatic treatments are available to manage seizures and behavioral problems commonly seen in NDDs. In recent years, there has been a rapid expansion of research into gene therapy using adeno-associated viruses (AAVs). Using AAVs as vectors to replace the non- or dysfunctional gene in vivo is a relatively simple model which has created an unprecedented opportunity for the future of NDD treatment. Advances in this field are of paramount importance as NDDs lead to a massive lifelong burden of disease on the affected individuals and families. In this article, we review the unique advantages and challenges of AAV gene therapies. We then look at potential applications of gene therapy for 3 of the more common NDDs (Rett syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and Angelman syndrome), as well as 2 less common NDDs (SLC13A5 deficiency disorder and SLC6A1-related disorder). We will review the available natural history of each disease and current state of preclinical studies including a discussion on the application of AAV gene therapies for each disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Can Ozlu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Rachel M Bailey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Center for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Sarah Sinnett
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Kimberly D Goodspeed
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Adhikari A, Copping NA, Beegle J, Cameron DL, Deng P, O'Geen H, Segal DJ, Fink KD, Silverman JL, Anderson JS. Functional rescue in an Angelman syndrome model following treatment with lentivector transduced hematopoietic stem cells. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:1067-1083. [PMID: 33856035 PMCID: PMC8188406 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired communication skills, ataxia, motor and balance deficits, intellectual disabilities, and seizures. The genetic cause of AS is the neuronal loss of UBE3A expression in the brain. A novel approach, described here, is a stem cell gene therapy which uses lentivector-transduced hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells to deliver functional UBE3A to affected cells. We have demonstrated both the prevention and reversal of AS phenotypes upon transplantation and engraftment of human CD34+ cells transduced with a Ube3a lentivector in a novel immunodeficient Ube3amat−/pat+ IL2rg−/y mouse model of AS. A significant improvement in motor and cognitive behavioral assays as well as normalized delta power measured by electroencephalogram was observed in neonates and adults transplanted with the gene modified cells. Human hematopoietic profiles observed in the lymphoid organs by detection of human immune cells were normal. Expression of UBE3A was detected in the brains of the adult treatment group following immunohistochemical staining illustrating engraftment of the gene-modified cells expressing UBE3A in the brain. As demonstrated with our data, this stem cell gene therapy approach offers a promising treatment strategy for AS, not requiring a critical treatment window.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Adhikari
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Nycole A Copping
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Julie Beegle
- Stem Cell Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - David L Cameron
- Stem Cell Program, Department of Neurology, Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Peter Deng
- Stem Cell Program, Department of Neurology, Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Henriette O'Geen
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Microbiology, UC Davis Genome Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - David J Segal
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Microbiology, UC Davis Genome Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Kyle D Fink
- Stem Cell Program, Department of Neurology, Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Jill L Silverman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Joseph S Anderson
- Stem Cell Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Early Developmental EEG and Seizure Phenotypes in a Full Gene Deletion of Ubiquitin Protein Ligase E3A Rat Model of Angelman Syndrome. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0345-20.2020. [PMID: 33531368 PMCID: PMC8114899 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0345-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with unique behavioral phenotypes, seizures, and distinctive electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns. Recent studies identified motor, social communication, and learning and memory deficits in a CRISPR engineered rat model with a complete maternal deletion of the Ube3a gene. It is unknown whether this model recapitulates other aspects of the clinical disorder. We report here the effect of Ube3a maternal deletion in the rat on epileptiform activity, seizure threshold, and quantitative EEG. Using video-synchronized EEG (vEEG) monitoring, we assessed spectral power and epileptiform activity early postnatally through adulthood. While EEG power was similar to wild-type (WT) at 1.5 weeks postnatally, at all other ages analyzed, our findings were similar to the AS phenotype in mice and humans with significantly increased δ power. Analysis of epileptiform activity in juvenile and adult rats showed increased time spent in epileptiform activity in AS compared with WT rats. We evaluated seizure threshold using pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), audiogenic stimulus, and hyperthermia to provoke febrile seizures (FSs). Behavioral seizure scoring following PTZ induction revealed no difference in seizure threshold in AS rats, however behavioral recovery from the PTZ-induced seizure was longer in the adult group with significantly increased hippocampal epileptiform activity during this phase. When exposed to hyperthermia, AS rat pups showed a significantly lower temperature threshold to first seizure than WT. Our findings highlight an age-dependence for the EEG and epileptiform phenotypes in a preclinical model of AS, and support the use of quantitative EEG and increased δ power as a potential biomarker of AS.
Collapse
|
37
|
Sen D, Drobna Z, Keung AJ. Evaluation of UBE3A antibodies in mice and human cerebral organoids. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6323. [PMID: 33737669 PMCID: PMC7973473 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85923-x] [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: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UBE3A is an E3 ubiquitin ligase encoded by the neurally imprinted UBE3A gene. The abundance and subcellular distribution of UBE3A has been the topic of many previous studies as its dosage and localization has been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders including Autism, Dup15q syndrome, and Angelman syndrome. While commercially available antibodies have been widely employed to determine UBE3A localization, an extensive analysis and comparison of the performance of different UBE3A antibodies has not been conducted. Here we evaluated the specificities of seven commercial UBE3A antibodies in two of the major experimental models used in UBE3A research, mouse and human pluripotent stem cell-derived neural cells and tissues. We tested these antibodies in their two most common assays, immunofluorescence and western blot. In addition, we also assessed the ability of these antibodies to capture dynamic spatiotemporal changes of UBE3A by utilizing human cerebral organoid models. Our results reveal that among the seven antibodies tested, three antibodies demonstrated substantial nonspecific immunoreactivity. While four antibodies show specific localization patterns in both mouse brain sections and human cerebral organoids, these antibodies varied significantly in background signals and staining patterns in undifferentiated human pluripotent stem cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dilara Sen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7905, USA
| | - Zuzana Drobna
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7905, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7614, USA
| | - Albert J Keung
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7905, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Influence of pentoxifylline on gene expression of PAG1/ miR-1206/ SNHG14 in ischemic heart disease. Biochem Biophys Rep 2021; 25:100911. [PMID: 33553684 PMCID: PMC7846894 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2021.100911] [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: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulation by immune checkpoint is able to prevent excessive tissue damage caused by ischemia reperfusion (I/R); therefore, the study aims to investigate the behavior of phosphoprotein associated with glycosphingolipid-enriched microdomains 1 (PAG1) mRNA, miR-1206 and small nucleolar RNA host gene 14 (SNHG14) during I/R and intake of pentoxifylline (PTX) as a protective drug. The relative expression level of PAG1/miR-1206/SNHG14 was determined by qRT-PCR. Cardiac tissue levels of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) and PAG1 protein expression were determined by ELISA technique. The regulatory T cells achieved by the flow cytometry. The results found that the relative expression of SNHG14 was significantly upregulated in I/R, but suppressed in PTX treated groups with enhancement of the relative expression level of miR-1206. The gene and protein expression of PAG1 were downregulated with effective doses of PTX. The results showed that (30 and 40 mg/kg bwt) PTX dose suppressed the CTLA4 development significantly. The mean of the regulatory T cell in PTX protective groups is significantly reduced at (p < 0.001) in a comparison with I/R group. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between SNHG14 and miR-1206, but a significant positive correlation between SNHG14 and PAG1 in I/R heart tissue. The results indicated that miR-1206 and SNHG14 can be used as biomarkers with perfect sensitivity and specificity. Using PTX reduced cardiac tissue damage. SNHG14 and miR-1206 can be used as a diagnostic tool in I/R. Positive correlation between SNHG14 and PAG1 relative expression in I/R heart tissues. SNHG14 and miR-1206 can be used as a diagnostic tool in ischemia reperfusion. Negative correlation between SNHG14 and miR-1206. Using pentoxifylline as a protective drug renders cardiac tissues more resistance to ischemia.
Collapse
|
39
|
Copping NA, Silverman JL. Abnormal electrophysiological phenotypes and sleep deficits in a mouse model of Angelman Syndrome. Mol Autism 2021; 12:9. [PMID: 33549123 PMCID: PMC7866697 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00416-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by impaired communication, motor and balance deficits, intellectual disabilities, recurring seizures and abnormal sleep patterns. The genetic cause of AS is neuronal-specific loss of expression of UBE3A (ubiquitin-protein ligase E6-AP), an imprinted gene. Seizure and sleep disorders are highly prevalent (> 80%) in the AS population. The present experiments were designed to identify translational, neurophysiological outcome measures in a model of AS. Methods We used the exon-2 deletion mouse (Ube3a-del) on a C57BL/6J background to assess seizure, sleep and electrophysiological phenotypes. Seizure susceptibility has been reported in Ube3a-del mice with a variety of seizure induction methods. Here, we provoked seizures by a single high-dose injection of 80 mg/kg pentylenetetrazole. Novel experiments included the utilization of wireless telemetry devices to acquire global electroencephalogram (EEG) and neurophysiological data on electrographic seizures, power spectra, light–dark cycles, sleep stages and sleep spindles in Ube3a-del and WT mice. Results Ube3a-del mice exhibited reduced seizure threshold compared to WT. EEG illustrated that Ube3a-del mice had increased epileptiform spiking activity and delta power, which corroborates findings from other laboratories and recapitulates clinical reports in AS. This is the first report to use a cortical surface-based recording by a wireless telemetry device over tethered/fixed head-mount depth recordings. Less time in both paradoxical and slow-wave sleep, longer latencies to paradoxical sleep stages and total less sleep time in Ube3a-del mice were observed compared to WT. For the first time, we detected fewer sleep spindles in the AS mouse model. Limitations This study was limited to the exon 2 deletion mouse model, and future work will investigate the rat model of AS, containing a complete Ube3a deletion and pair EEG with behavior. Conclusions Our data enhance rigor and translatability as our study provides important corroboration of previous reports on epileptiform and elevated delta power. For the first time we report neurophysiological phenotypes collected via translational methodology. Furthermore, this is the first report of reduced sleep spindles, a critical marker of memory consolidation during sleep, in an AS model. Our results are useful outcomes for therapeutic testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N A Copping
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Room 1001B, Research II Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - J L Silverman
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Room 1001B, Research II Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Searles Quick VB, Wang B, State MW. Leveraging large genomic datasets to illuminate the pathobiology of autism spectrum disorders. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:55-69. [PMID: 32668441 PMCID: PMC7688655 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-0768-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
"Big data" approaches in the form of large-scale human genomic studies have led to striking advances in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) genetics. Similar to many other psychiatric syndromes, advances in genotyping technology, allowing for inexpensive genome-wide assays, has confirmed the contribution of polygenic inheritance involving common alleles of small effect, a handful of which have now been definitively identified. However, the past decade of gene discovery in ASD has been most notable for the application, in large family-based cohorts, of high-density microarray studies of submicroscopic chromosomal structure as well as high-throughput DNA sequencing-leading to the identification of an increasingly long list of risk regions and genes disrupted by rare, de novo germline mutations of large effect. This genomic architecture offers particular advantages for the illumination of biological mechanisms but also presents distinctive challenges. While the tremendous locus heterogeneity and functional pleiotropy associated with the more than 100 identified ASD-risk genes and regions is daunting, a growing armamentarium of comprehensive, large, foundational -omics databases, across species and capturing developmental trajectories, are increasingly contributing to a deeper understanding of ASD pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica B Searles Quick
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Belinda Wang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Matthew W State
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Samanta D. Epilepsy in Angelman syndrome: A scoping review. Brain Dev 2021; 43:32-44. [PMID: 32893075 PMCID: PMC7688500 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2020.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Angelman Syndrome (AS) is characterized by severe developmental delays including marked speech impairment, movement abnormalities(ataxia, tremor), and unique behaviors such as frequent laughter and is caused by dysfunctional maternal UBE3A gene (maternal 15q11-13 deletions, maternal specific UBE3A mutation, uniparental disomy, and imprinting defect). Intractable epileptic seizures since early childhood with characteristic EEG abnormalities are present in 80-90% patients with AS. Underlying pathophysiology may involve neocortical and thalamocortical hyperexcitability secondary to severe reduction of GABAergic input, as well as dysfunctional synaptic plasticity, deficient synaptogenesis, and neuronal morphological immaturity. The onset of epilepsy is most prevalent between 1 and 3 years of age; however, approximately 25% of patients developed epilepsy before one year of age. Various types of generalized seizures are most prevalent, with most common types are myoclonic and atypical absence.More than 95% of epilepsy patients may have daily seizures at least for a limited time during early childhood, and two-third patients develop disabling seizures. Fever provoked seizures, and frequent occurrence of nonconvulsive status epilepticus are two unique features. Seizures are frequently pharmacoresistant. Considering underlying prominent GABAergic dysfunction, clinicians had used AEDs that target GABAergic signaling such as valproate, phenobarbital, and clonazepam as first-line therapies for AS. However, due to the unfavorable side effect profile of these AEDs, a recent treatment approach involves priority use of levetiracetam, clobazam, topiramate, lamotrigine, ethosuximide, VNS, and carbohydrate-restricted diets. Besides symptomatic management, there has been recent progress to find a curative treatment with the following approaches: 1. Gene/protein replacement therapy (Adeno and lentiviral vector therapy to deliver a gene or secretory protein); 2. Activation of the intact but silent paternal copy of UBE3A (antisense oligonucleotide therapy and artificial transcription factors); and 3. Downstream therapies (OV101/gaboxadol, ketone supplement, novel compounds/peptides, anti-inflammatory/regenerative therapy).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debopam Samanta
- Child Neurology Section, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Debopam Samanta 1 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Cruz E, Descalzi G, Steinmetz A, Scharfman HE, Katzman A, Alberini CM. CIM6P/IGF-2 Receptor Ligands Reverse Deficits in Angelman Syndrome Model Mice. Autism Res 2021; 14:29-45. [PMID: 33108069 PMCID: PMC8579913 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS), a genetic disorder that primarily affects the nervous system, is characterized by delayed development, intellectual disability, severe speech impairment, and problems with movement and balance (ataxia). Most affected children also have recurrent seizures (epilepsy). No existing therapies are capable of comprehensively treating the deficits in AS; hence, there is an urgent need to identify new treatments. Here we show that insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) and mannose-6-phosphate (M6P), ligands of two independent binding sites of the cation-independent M6P/IGF-2 receptor (CIM6P/IGF-2R), reverse most major deficits of AS modeled in mice. Subcutaneous injection of IGF-2 or M6P in mice modeling AS restored cognitive impairments as assessed by measurements of contextual and recognition memories, motor deficits assessed by rotarod and hindlimb clasping, and working memory/flexibility measured by Y-maze. IGF-2 also corrected deficits in marble burying and significantly attenuated acoustically induced seizures. An observational battery of tests confirmed that neither ligand changed basic functions including physical characteristics, general behavioral responses, and sensory reflexes, indicating that they are relatively safe. Our data provide strong preclinical evidence that targeting CIM6P/IGF-2R is a promising approach for developing novel therapeutics for AS. LAY SUMMARY: There is no effective treatment for the neurodevelopmental disorder Angelman syndrome (AS). Using a validated AS mouse model, the Ube3am-/p+ , in this study we show that systemic administration of ligands of the cation independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor, also known as insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (CIM6P/IGF-2R) reverses cognitive impairment, motor deficits, as well as seizures associated with AS. Thus, ligands that activate the CIM6P/IGF-2R may represent novel, potential therapeutic targets for AS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Cruz
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Giannina Descalzi
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Adam Steinmetz
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Helen E Scharfman
- Center for Dementia Research, The Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, New York, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Aaron Katzman
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Novel strategies to cure imprinting disorders. MED GENET-BERLIN 2020. [DOI: 10.1515/medgen-2020-2043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
In imprinting disorders, where the active copy of an imprinted gene is mutated or lost, there is a unique opportunity for causal treatment by unsilencing the other, dormant allele. Depending on the mechanism by which the allele is silenced, unsilencing can be achieved by epigenetic drugs, antisense-oligonucleotides (ASOs) or epigenome editing. While most of the research is still preclinical, first-in-humans studies with ASOs have started in 2020.
Collapse
|
44
|
Li J, Zhang C, Si H, Gu S, Liu X, Li D, Meng S, Yang X, Li S. Brain-specific monoallelic expression of bovine UBE3A is associated with genomic position. Anim Genet 2020; 52:47-54. [PMID: 33200847 DOI: 10.1111/age.13023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is a rare epigenetic process in mammalian cells that leads to monoallelic expression of a gene with a parent-specific pattern. The UBE3A (ubiquitin protein ligase E3A) gene is imprinted with maternal allelic expression in the brain but biallelically expressed in all other tissues in humans. The silencing of the paternal UBE3A allele is thought to be caused by the paternally expressed antisense RNA transcript of UBE3A-ATS. The aberrant imprinted expression of the UBE3A is associated with several neurodevelopmental syndromes and psychological disorders. Cattle are a valuable model species in determining the genetic etiology of sporadic human disorder, and maternal expression of UEB3A has been revealed by next-generation sequencing study in the bovine conceptus. In this study, we investigated the allelic expression of UBE3A and UBE3A-ATS in adult bovine somatic tissues. To confirm the splicing pattern of bovine UBE3A, five 5' alternative transcripts (MT210534-MT210538) were first obtained from bovine brain tissue by RT-PCR. Based on 10 SNP genotypes, we found that the brain-specific monoallelic expression of bovine UBE3A did not occur along the entire locus, and there was a shift from biallelic expression to monoallelic expression in exon 14 of the UBE3A gene. However, the brain-specific monoallelic expression of bovine UBE3A-ATS occurred in the entire gene. These observations demonstrated that the monoallelic expression did not occur along the bovine UBE3A entire locus and was associated with the genomic position.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Li
- College of Life Science, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - C Zhang
- College of Life Science, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - H Si
- College of Life Science, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - S Gu
- College of Life Science, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - X Liu
- College of Life Science, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - D Li
- College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - S Meng
- College of Life Science, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - X Yang
- College of Life Science, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - S Li
- College of Life Science, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, Hebei, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Panov J, Kaphzan H. Bioinformatics analyses show dysregulation of calcium-related genes in Angelman syndrome mouse model. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 148:105180. [PMID: 33212289 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angelman syndrome (AS) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the loss of function of the UBE3A protein in the brain. In a previous study, we showed that activity-dependent calcium dynamics in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons of AS mice is compromised, and its normalization rescues the hippocampal-dependent deficits. Therefore, we expected that the expression profiles of calcium-related genes would be altered in AS mice hippocampi. METHODS We analyzed mRNA sequencing data from AS model mice and WT controls in light of the newly published CaGeDB database of calcium-related genes. We validated our results in two independent RNA sequencing datasets from two additional different AS models: first one, a human neuroblastoma cell line where UBE3A expression was knocked down by siRNA, and the second, an iPSC-derived neurons from AS patient and healthy donor control. FINDINGS We found signatures of dysregulated calcium-related genes in AS mouse model hippocampus. Additionally, we show that these calcium-related genes function as signatures for AS in other human cellular models of AS, thus strengthening our findings. INTERPRETATION Our findings suggest the downstream implications and significance of the compromised calcium signaling in Angelman syndrome. Moreover, since AS share similar features with other autism spectrum disorders, we believe that these findings entail meaningful data and approach for other neurodevelopmental disorders, especially those with known alterations of calcium signaling. FUNDING This work was supported by the Angelman Syndrome Foundation and by the Israel Science Foundation, Grant Number 248/20.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Panov
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Hanoch Kaphzan
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Wolter JM, Mao H, Fragola G, Simon JM, Krantz JL, Bazick HO, Oztemiz B, Stein JL, Zylka MJ. Cas9 gene therapy for Angelman syndrome traps Ube3a-ATS long non-coding RNA. Nature 2020; 587:281-284. [PMID: 33087932 PMCID: PMC8020672 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2835-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a mutation or deletion of the maternally inherited UBE3A allele. In neurons, the paternally inherited UBE3A allele is silenced in cis by a long non-coding RNA called UBE3A-ATS. Here, as part of a systematic screen, we found that Cas9 can be used to activate ('unsilence') paternal Ube3a in cultured mouse and human neurons when targeted to Snord115 genes, which are small nucleolar RNAs that are clustered in the 3' region of Ube3a-ATS. A short Cas9 variant and guide RNA that target about 75 Snord115 genes were packaged into an adeno-associated virus and administered to a mouse model of AS during the embryonic and early postnatal stages, when the therapeutic benefit of restoring Ube3a is predicted to be greatest1,2. This early treatment unsilenced paternal Ube3a throughout the brain for at least 17 months and rescued anatomical and behavioural phenotypes in AS mice. Genomic integration of the adeno-associated virus vector into Cas9 target sites caused premature termination of Ube3a-ATS at the vector-derived polyA cassette, or when integrated in the reverse orientation, by transcriptional collision with the vector-derived Cas9 transcript. Our study shows that targeted genomic integration of a gene therapy vector can restore the function of paternally inherited UBE3A throughout life, providing a path towards a disease-modifying treatment for a syndromic neurodevelopmental disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Wolter
- UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hanqian Mao
- UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Giulia Fragola
- UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jeremy M Simon
- UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Genetics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - James L Krantz
- UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hannah O Bazick
- UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Baris Oztemiz
- UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jason L Stein
- UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Genetics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mark J Zylka
- UNC Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Mitake M, Hirano S, Kishino T. Imprinting analysis by droplet digital PCR coupled with locked nucleic acid TaqMan probes. Epigenetics 2020; 16:729-740. [PMID: 32970510 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1823160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Imprinted genes are differentially expressed in a parent-of-origin-specific manner. Parental origin of the alleles is discriminated by intragenic DNA polymorphisms. Comparisons of parental allelic expression have been analysed by semiquantitative RT-PCR. Here, we developed a novel quantitative method for allelic expression of the imprinted gene Ube3a, which inactivation and mutations cause Angelman syndrome and predominantly expressed by the maternal allele in neuronal tissues. In this method, cDNA was amplified by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) coupled with allele-specific locked nucleic acid (LNA) TaqMan probes, which labelled by FAM and HEX were designed to detect the SNPs in the target regions. ddPCR assay demonstrated that the sense transcript of Ube3a was equally expressed from both parental alleles in adult tissues except neuronal tissues, where Ube3a expression from the paternal allele was about 10 to 14% of total Ube3a expression in adult brain, and 20% in spinal cord. The antisense transcript of Ube3a was expressed at 60% to 70% of the sense transcript of Ube3a in adult brain. Changes in the Ube3a transcripts during postnatal brain development were also evaluated by ddPCR. The ddPCR method is far more reliable and simpler to use than semiquantitative PCR to analyse skewed or faint allelic expression of imprinted genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maiko Mitake
- Division of Functional Genomics, Centre for Frontier Life Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shiori Hirano
- Division of Functional Genomics, Centre for Frontier Life Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Kishino
- Division of Functional Genomics, Centre for Frontier Life Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Identification of Small-Molecule Activators of the Ubiquitin Ligase E6AP/UBE3A and Angelman Syndrome-Derived E6AP/UBE3A Variants. Cell Chem Biol 2020; 27:1510-1520.e6. [PMID: 32966807 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Genetic aberrations of the UBE3A gene encoding the E3 ubiquitin ligase E6AP underlie the development of Angelman syndrome (AS). Approximately 10% of AS individuals harbor UBE3A genes with point mutations, frequently resulting in the expression of full-length E6AP variants with defective E3 activity. Since E6AP exists in two states, an inactive and an active one, we hypothesized that distinct small molecules can stabilize the active state and that such molecules may rescue the E3 activity of AS-derived E6AP variants. Therefore, we established an assay that allows identifying modulators of E6AP in a high-throughput format. We identified several compounds that not only stimulate wild-type E6AP but also rescue the E3 activity of certain E6AP variants. Moreover, by chemical cross-linking coupled to mass spectrometry we provide evidence that the compounds stabilize an active conformation of E6AP. Thus, these compounds represent potential lead structures for the design of drugs for AS treatment.
Collapse
|
49
|
Javed S, Selliah T, Lee YJ, Huang WH. Dosage-sensitive genes in autism spectrum disorders: From neurobiology to therapy. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 118:538-567. [PMID: 32858083 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of heterogenous neurodevelopmental disorders affecting 1 in 59 children. Syndromic ASDs are commonly associated with chromosomal rearrangements or dosage imbalance involving a single gene. Many of these genes are dosage-sensitive and regulate transcription, protein homeostasis, and synaptic function in the brain. Despite vastly different molecular perturbations, syndromic ASDs share core symptoms including social dysfunction and repetitive behavior. However, each ASD subtype has a unique pathogenic mechanism and combination of comorbidities that require individual attention. We have learned a great deal about how these dosage-sensitive genes control brain development and behaviors from genetically-engineered mice. Here we describe the clinical features of eight monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders caused by dosage imbalance of four genes, as well as recent advances in using genetic mouse models to understand their pathogenic mechanisms and develop intervention strategies. We propose that applying newly developed quantitative molecular and neuroscience technologies will advance our understanding of the unique neurobiology of each disorder and enable the development of personalized therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sehrish Javed
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Tharushan Selliah
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Yu-Ju Lee
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Wei-Hsiang Huang
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Abstract
Genomic imprinting is a parent-of-origin dependent phenomenon that restricts transcription to predominantly one parental allele. Since the discovery of the first long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), which notably was an imprinted lncRNA, a body of knowledge has demonstrated pivotal roles for imprinted lncRNAs in regulating parental-specific expression of neighboring imprinted genes. In this Review, we will discuss the multiple functionalities attributed to lncRNAs and how they regulate imprinted gene expression. We also raise unresolved questions about imprinted lncRNA function, which may lead to new avenues of investigation. This Review is dedicated to the memory of Denise Barlow, a giant in the field of genomic imprinting and functional lncRNAs. With her passion for understanding the inner workings of science, her indominable spirit and her consummate curiosity, Denise blazed a path of scientific investigation that made many seminal contributions to genomic imprinting and the wider field of epigenetic regulation, in addition to inspiring future generations of scientists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William A. MacDonald
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Rangos Research Center, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Mellissa R. W. Mann
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|