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He(何璇) XA, Berenson A, Bernard M, Weber C, Cook LE, Visel A, Fuxman Bass JI, Fisher S. Identification of conserved skeletal enhancers associated with craniosynostosis risk genes. Hum Mol Genet 2024; 33:837-849. [PMID: 37883470 PMCID: PMC11070136 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Craniosynostosis, defined by premature fusion of one or multiple cranial sutures, is a common congenital defect affecting more than 1/2000 infants and results in restricted brain expansion. Single gene mutations account for 15%-20% of cases, largely as part of a syndrome, but the majority are nonsyndromic with complex underlying genetics. We hypothesized that the two noncoding genomic regions identified by a GWAS for craniosynostosis contain distal regulatory elements for the risk genes BMPER and BMP2. To identify such regulatory elements, we surveyed conserved noncoding sequences from both risk loci for enhancer activity in transgenic Danio rerio. We identified enhancers from both regions that direct expression to skeletal tissues, consistent with the endogenous expression of bmper and bmp2. For each locus, we also found a skeletal enhancer that also contains a sequence variant associated with craniosynostosis risk. We examined the activity of each enhancer during craniofacial development and found that the BMPER-associated enhancer is active in the restricted region of cartilage closely associated with frontal bone initiation. The same enhancer is active in mouse skeletal tissues, demonstrating evolutionarily conserved activity. Using enhanced yeast one-hybrid assays, we identified transcription factors that bind each enhancer and observed differential binding between alleles, implicating multiple signaling pathways. Our findings help unveil the genetic mechanism of the two craniosynostosis risk loci. More broadly, our combined in vivo approach is applicable to many complex genetic diseases to build a link between association studies and specific genetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Anita He(何璇)
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Boston University, 700 Albany St, W607, Boston, MA 02118, United States
- Graduate Program in Biomolecular Medicine, Boston University, 72 East Concord St, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Anna Berenson
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, United States
- Program in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Michelle Bernard
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Boston University, 700 Albany St, W607, Boston, MA 02118, United States
- College of Arts and Sciences, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Chris Weber
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6058, United States
| | - Laura E Cook
- Environmental Genomics & System Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
| | - Axel Visel
- Environmental Genomics & System Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States
- School of Natural Sciences, 5200 Lake Road, University of California Merced, Merced, CA 95343, United States
| | - Juan I Fuxman Bass
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Shannon Fisher
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Boston University, 700 Albany St, W607, Boston, MA 02118, United States
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2
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Deitch I, Itskov S, Panneman D, Abu Shtaya A, Saban T, Goldberg Y, Ehrenberg M, Cremers FPM, Roosing S, Ben-Yosef T. Autosomal Recessive Rod-Cone Dystrophy with Mild Extra-Ocular Manifestations Due to a Splice-Affecting Variant in BBS9. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:2566-2575. [PMID: 38534779 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46030163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS), one of the most common forms of syndromic inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), is characterized by the combination of retinal degeneration with additional extra-ocular manifestations, including obesity, intellectual disability, kidney disease, polydactyly and other skeletal abnormalities. We observed an Israeli patient with autosomal recessive apparently non-syndromic rod-cone dystrophy (RCD). Extra-ocular findings were limited to epilepsy and dental problems. Genetic analysis with a single molecule molecular inversion probes-based panel that targets the exons and splice sites of 113 genes associated with retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis revealed a homozygous rare missense variant in the BBS9 gene (c.263C>T;p.(Ser88Leu)). This variant, which affects a highly conserved amino acid, is also located in the last base of Exon 3, and predicted to be splice-altering. An in vitro minigene splice assay demonstrated that this variant leads to the partial aberrant splicing of Exon 3. Therefore, we suggest that this variant is likely hypomorphic. This is in agreement with the relatively mild phenotype observed in the patient. Hence, the findings in our study expand the phenotypic spectrum associated with BBS9 variants and indicate that variants in this gene should be considered not only in BBS patients but also in individuals with non-syndromic IRD or IRD with very mild extra-ocular manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Deitch
- Rabin Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Sofia Itskov
- Ruth & Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel
| | - Daan Panneman
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Aasem Abu Shtaya
- Raphael Recanati Genetic Institute, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel
- Unit of Gastroenterology, Carmel Medical Center, Haifa 3436212, Israel
| | - Tal Saban
- Rabin Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Yael Goldberg
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Raphael Recanati Genetic Institute, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel
| | - Miriam Ehrenberg
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Department of Ophthalmology, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel
| | - Frans P M Cremers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne Roosing
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tamar Ben-Yosef
- Ruth & Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel
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Liu J, Xie H, Wu M, Hu Y, Kang Y. The role of cilia during organogenesis in zebrafish. Open Biol 2023; 13:230228. [PMID: 38086423 PMCID: PMC10715920 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cilia are hair-like organelles that protrude from the surface of eukaryotic cells and are present on the surface of nearly all human cells. Cilia play a crucial role in signal transduction, organ development and tissue homeostasis. Abnormalities in the structure and function of cilia can lead to a group of human diseases known as ciliopathies. Currently, zebrafish serves as an ideal model for studying ciliary function and ciliopathies due to its relatively conserved structure and function of cilia compared to humans. In this review, we will summarize the different types of cilia that present in embryonic and adult zebrafish, and provide an overview of the advantages of using zebrafish as a vertebrate model for cilia research. We will specifically focus on the roles of cilia during zebrafish organogenesis based on recent studies. Additionally, we will highlight future prospects for ciliary research in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Liu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Haibo Xie
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengfan Wu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yidan Hu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunsi Kang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, People's Republic of China
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Jung HJ, Dixon EE, Coleman R, Watnick T, Reiter JF, Outeda P, Cebotaru V, Woodward OM, Welling PA. Polycystin-2-dependent transcriptome reveals early response of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Physiol Genomics 2023; 55:565-577. [PMID: 37720991 PMCID: PMC11178268 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00040.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is caused by mutations in polycystin genes, Pkd1 and Pkd2, but the underlying pathogenic mechanisms are poorly understood. To identify genes and pathways that operate downstream of polycystin-2 (PC2), a comprehensive gene expression database was created, cataloging changes in the transcriptome immediately following PC2 protein depletion. To explore cyst initiation processes, an immortalized mouse inner medullary collecting duct line was developed with the ability to knock out the Pkd2 gene conditionally. Genome-wide transcriptome profiling was performed using RNA sequencing in the cells immediately after PC2 was depleted and compared with isogenic control cells. Differentially expressed genes were identified, and a bioinformatic analysis pipeline was implemented. Altered expression of candidate cystogenic genes was validated in Pkd2 knockout mice. The expression of nearly 900 genes changed upon PC2 depletion. Differentially expressed genes were enriched for genes encoding components of the primary cilia, the canonical Wnt pathway, and MAPK signaling. Among the PC2-dependent ciliary genes, the transcription factor Glis3 was significantly downregulated. MAPK signaling formed a key node at the epicenter of PC2-dependent signaling networks. Activation of Wnt and MAPK signaling, concomitant with the downregulation of Glis3, was corroborated in Pkd2 knockout mice. The data identify a PC2 cilia-to-nucleus signaling axis and dysregulation of the Gli-similar subfamily of transcription factors as a potential initiator of cyst formation in ADPKD. The catalog of PC2-regulated genes should provide a valuable resource for future ADPKD research and new opportunities for drug development.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited kidney disease. Mutations in polycystin genes cause the disease, but the underlying mechanisms of cystogenesis are unknown. To help fill this knowledge gap, we created an inducible cell model of ADPKD and assembled a catalog of genes that respond in immediate proximity to polycystin-2 depletion using transcriptomic profiling. The catalog unveils a ciliary signaling-to-nucleus axis proximal to polycystin-2 dysfunction, highlighting Glis, Wnt, and MAPK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jun Jung
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Eryn E Dixon
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Richard Coleman
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Terry Watnick
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Jeremy F Reiter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Patricia Outeda
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Valeriu Cebotaru
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Owen M Woodward
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Paul A Welling
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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5
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Vaseghi H, Akrami SM, Rashidi‐Nezhad A. The challenges in the interpretation of genetic variants detected by genomics techniques in patients with congenital anomalies. J Clin Lab Anal 2023; 37:e24967. [PMID: 37823350 PMCID: PMC10623530 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the efforts that have been made to standardize the interpretation of variants, in some cases, their pathogenicity remains vague and confusing, and sometimes their interpretation does not help clinicians to establish clinical correlation using genetic test results. This study aims to shed more lights on these challenging variants. METHODS In a clinical setting, the variants found from 81 array CGH and 79 whole exome sequencing (WES) in patients with congenital anomalies were interpreted based on American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. RESULTS In this study, the interpretation of the disease-causing variants and the variants with uncertain clinical significance detected by WES was far more challenging than the variants detected by array CGH. The presence of unreported clinical symptoms, incomplete penetrance, variable expressivity, parents' reluctance to analyze segregation in the family, and the limitations of prenatal tests, were among the challenging factors in the interpretation of variants in this study. CONCLUSION A careful study of the pedigree and disease mode of inheritance, as well as a careful clinical examination of the carrier parents in diseases with autosomal dominant inheritance, are among the primary strategies for determining the clinical significance of the variants. Continued efforts to mitigate these challenges are needed to improve the interpretation of variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Vaseghi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of MedicineTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Akrami
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of MedicineTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Ali Rashidi‐Nezhad
- Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Research Center, Family Health Research InstituteTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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6
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Chiuso F, Delle Donne R, Giamundo G, Rinaldi L, Borzacchiello D, Moraca F, Intartaglia D, Iannucci R, Senatore E, Lignitto L, Garbi C, Conflitti P, Catalanotti B, Conte I, Feliciello A. Ubiquitylation of BBSome is required for ciliary assembly and signaling. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e55571. [PMID: 36744302 PMCID: PMC10074118 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202255571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a ciliopathy characterized by retinal degeneration, obesity, renal abnormalities, postaxial polydactyly, and developmental defects. Genes mutated in BBS encode for components and regulators of the BBSome, an octameric complex that controls the trafficking of cargos and receptors within the primary cilium. Although both structure and function of the BBSome have been extensively studied, the impact of ubiquitin signaling on BBSome is largely unknown. We identify the E3 ubiquitin ligase PJA2 as a novel resident of the ciliary compartment and regulator of the BBSome. Upon GPCR-cAMP stimulation, PJA2 ubiquitylates BBSome subunits. We demonstrate that ubiquitylation of BBS1 at lysine 143 increases the stability of the BBSome and promotes its binding to BBS3, an Arf-like GTPase protein controlling the targeting of the BBSome to the ciliary membrane. Downregulation of PJA2 or expression of a ubiquitylation-defective BBS1 mutant (BBS1K143R ) affects the trafficking of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and Shh-dependent gene transcription. Expression of BBS1K143R in vivo impairs cilium formation, embryonic development, and photoreceptors' morphogenesis, thus recapitulating the BBS phenotype in the medaka fish model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Chiuso
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Rossella Delle Donne
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Giuliana Giamundo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Domenica Borzacchiello
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Moraca
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.,Net4Science srl, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Rosa Iannucci
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuela Senatore
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Lignitto
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.,Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), CNRS, Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Corrado Garbi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Conflitti
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Computational Science, Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Bruno Catalanotti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Ivan Conte
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Feliciello
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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7
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Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenesis Underlying Inherited Retinal Dystrophies. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020271. [PMID: 36830640 PMCID: PMC9953031 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020271] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are congenital retinal degenerative diseases that have various inheritance patterns, including dominant, recessive, X-linked, and mitochondrial. These diseases are most often the result of defects in rod and/or cone photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium function, development, or both. The genes associated with these diseases, when mutated, produce altered protein products that have downstream effects in pathways critical to vision, including phototransduction, the visual cycle, photoreceptor development, cellular respiration, and retinal homeostasis. The aim of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive review of the underlying molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis of IRDs by delving into many of the genes associated with IRD development, their protein products, and the pathways interrupted by genetic mutation.
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8
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Forrest K, Barricella AC, Pohar SA, Hinman AM, Amack JD. Understanding laterality disorders and the left-right organizer: Insights from zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1035513. [PMID: 36619867 PMCID: PMC9816872 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1035513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vital internal organs display a left-right (LR) asymmetric arrangement that is established during embryonic development. Disruption of this LR asymmetry-or laterality-can result in congenital organ malformations. Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a complete concordant reversal of internal organs that results in a low occurrence of clinical consequences. Situs ambiguous, which gives rise to Heterotaxy syndrome (HTX), is characterized by discordant development and arrangement of organs that is associated with a wide range of birth defects. The leading cause of health problems in HTX patients is a congenital heart malformation. Mutations identified in patients with laterality disorders implicate motile cilia in establishing LR asymmetry. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying SIT and HTX are not fully understood. In several vertebrates, including mouse, frog and zebrafish, motile cilia located in a "left-right organizer" (LRO) trigger conserved signaling pathways that guide asymmetric organ development. Perturbation of LRO formation and/or function in animal models recapitulates organ malformations observed in SIT and HTX patients. This provides an opportunity to use these models to investigate the embryological origins of laterality disorders. The zebrafish embryo has emerged as an important model for investigating the earliest steps of LRO development. Here, we discuss clinical characteristics of human laterality disorders, and highlight experimental results from zebrafish that provide insights into LRO biology and advance our understanding of human laterality disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadeen Forrest
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Alexandria C. Barricella
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Sonny A. Pohar
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Anna Maria Hinman
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Jeffrey D. Amack
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- BioInspired Syracuse: Institute for Material and Living Systems, Syracuse, NY, United States
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Precision gynecologic oncology: circulating cell free DNA epigenomic analysis, artificial intelligence and the accurate detection of ovarian cancer. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18625. [PMID: 36329159 PMCID: PMC9633647 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23149-1] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecologic cancer due primarily to its asymptomatic nature and late stage at diagnosis. The development of non-invasive markers is an urgent priority. We report the accurate detection of epithelial OC using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and genome-wide epigenetic analysis of circulating cell free tumor DNA (cfTDNA). In a prospective study, we performed genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of cytosine (CpG) markers. Both conventional logistic regression and six AI platforms were used for OC detection. Further, we performed Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) analysis to elucidate the molecular pathogenesis of OC. A total of 179,238 CpGs were significantly differentially methylated (FDR p-value < 0.05) genome-wide in OC. High OC diagnostic accuracies were achieved. Conventional logistic regression achieved an area under the ROC curve (AUC) [95% CI] 0.99 [± 0.1] with 95% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Multiple AI platforms each achieved high diagnostic accuracies (AUC = 0.99-1.00). For example, for Deep Learning (DL)/AI AUC = 1.00, sensitivity = 100% and 88% specificity. In terms of OC pathogenesis: GSEA analysis identified 'Adipogenesis' and 'retinoblastoma gene in cancer' as the top perturbed molecular pathway in OC. This finding of epigenomic dysregulation of molecular pathways that have been previously linked to cancer adds biological plausibility to our results.
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10
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Fabregat M, Niño-Rivero S, Pose S, Cárdenas-Rodríguez M, Bresque M, Hernández K, Prieto-Echagüe V, Schlapp G, Crispo M, Lagos P, Lago N, Escande C, Irigoín F, Badano JL. Generation and characterization of Ccdc28b mutant mice links the Bardet-Biedl associated gene with mild social behavioral phenotypes. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1009896. [PMID: 35653384 PMCID: PMC9197067 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
CCDC28B (coiled-coil domain-containing protein 28B) was identified as a modifier in the ciliopathy Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS). Our previous work in cells and zebrafish showed that CCDC28B plays a role regulating cilia length in a mechanism that is not completely understood. Here we report the generation of a Ccdc28b mutant mouse using CRISPR/Cas9 (Ccdc28b mut). Depletion of CCDC28B resulted in a mild phenotype. Ccdc28b mut animals i) do not present clear structural cilia affectation, although we did observe mild defects in cilia density and cilia length in some tissues, ii) reproduce normally, and iii) do not develop retinal degeneration or obesity, two hallmark features of reported BBS murine models. In contrast, Ccdc28b mut mice did show clear social interaction defects as well as stereotypical behaviors. This finding is indeed relevant regarding CCDC28B as a modifier of BBS since behavioral phenotypes have been documented in BBS. Overall, this work reports a novel mouse model that will be key to continue evaluating genetic interactions in BBS, deciphering the contribution of CCDC28B to modulate the presentation of BBS phenotypes. In addition, our data underscores a novel link between CCDC28B and behavioral defects, providing a novel opportunity to further our understanding of the genetic, cellular, and molecular basis of these complex phenotypes. BBS is caused by mutations in any one of 22 genes known to date. In some families, BBS can be inherited as an oligogenic trait whereby mutations in more than one BBS gene collaborate in the presentation of the syndrome. In addition, CCDC28B was originally identified as a modifier of BBS, whereby a reduction in CCDC28B levels was associated with a more severe presentation of the syndrome. Different mechanisms, all relying on functional redundancy, have been proposed to explain these genetic interactions. The characterization of BBS proteins supported this functional redundancy hypothesis: BBS proteins play a role in cilia maintenance/function and subsets of BBS proteins can even interact directly in multiprotein complexes. We have previously shown that CCDC28B also participates in cilia biology regulating the length of the organelle: knockdown of CCDC28B in cells results in cilia shortening and targeting ccdc28b in zebrafish also results in early embryonic phenotypes characteristic of other cilia mutants. In this work, we generated a Ccdc28b mutant mouse to determine whether abrogating Ccdc28b function would be sufficient to cause a ciliopathy phenotype in mammals, and to generate a tool to continue dissecting its modifying role in the context of BBS. Overall, Ccdc28b mutant mice presented a mild phenotype, a finding fully compatible with its role as a modifier, rather than a causal BBS gene. In addition, we found that Ccdc28b mutants showed behavioral phenotypes, similar to the deficits observed in rodent autism spectrum disorder (ASD) models. Thus, our results underscore a novel causal link between CCDC28B and behavioral phenotypes in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías Fabregat
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- INDICyO Institutional Program, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Sofía Niño-Rivero
- Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Sabrina Pose
- Neuroinflammation and Gene Therapy Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Magdalena Cárdenas-Rodríguez
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- INDICyO Institutional Program, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Mariana Bresque
- INDICyO Institutional Program, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Metabolic Diseases and Aging Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Karina Hernández
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Victoria Prieto-Echagüe
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- INDICyO Institutional Program, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Geraldine Schlapp
- Laboratory Animal Biotechnology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Martina Crispo
- Laboratory Animal Biotechnology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Patricia Lagos
- Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Natalia Lago
- Neuroinflammation and Gene Therapy Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Carlos Escande
- INDICyO Institutional Program, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Metabolic Diseases and Aging Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Florencia Irigoín
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- INDICyO Institutional Program, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- * E-mail: (FI); (JLB)
| | - Jose L. Badano
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- INDICyO Institutional Program, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- * E-mail: (FI); (JLB)
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11
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Guan B, Xu T, Zhao Y, Li Y, Dong X. A random grouping-based self-regulating artificial bee colony algorithm for interactive feature detection. Knowl Based Syst 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.knosys.2022.108434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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12
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Simpson CL, Musolf AM, Cordero RY, Cordero JB, Portas L, Murgia F, Lewis DD, Middlebrooks CD, Ciner EB, Bailey-Wilson JE, Stambolian D. Myopia in African Americans Is Significantly Linked to Chromosome 7p15.2-14.2. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:16. [PMID: 34241624 PMCID: PMC8287048 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.9.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to perform genetic linkage analysis and association analysis on exome genotyping from highly aggregated African American families with nonpathogenic myopia. African Americans are a particularly understudied population with respect to myopia. Methods One hundred six African American families from the Philadelphia area with a family history of myopia were genotyped using an Illumina ExomePlus array and merged with previous microsatellite data. Myopia was initially measured in mean spherical equivalent (MSE) and converted to a binary phenotype where individuals were identified as affected, unaffected, or unknown. Parametric linkage analysis was performed on both individual variants (single-nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs] and microsatellites) as well as gene-based markers. Family-based association analysis and transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) analysis modified for rare variants was also performed. Results Genetic linkage analysis identified 2 genomewide significant variants at 7p15.2 and 7p14.2 (in the intergenic region between MIR148A and NFE2L3 and in the noncoding RNA LOC401324) and 2 genomewide significant genes (CRHR2 and AVL9) both at 7p14.3. No genomewide results were found in the association analyses. Conclusions This study identified a significant linkage peak in African American families for myopia at 7p15.2 to 7p14.2, the first potential risk locus for myopia in African Americans. Interesting candidate genes are located in the region, including PDE1C, which is highly expressed in the eyes, and known to be involved in retinal development. Further identification of the causal variants at this linkage peak will help elucidate the genetics of myopia in this understudied population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L. Simpson
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics and Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States
- Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Anthony M. Musolf
- Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Roberto Y. Cordero
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics and Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States
| | - Jennifer B. Cordero
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics and Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States
| | - Laura Portas
- Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Federico Murgia
- Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Deyana D. Lewis
- Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Candace D. Middlebrooks
- Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Elise B. Ciner
- The Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Joan E. Bailey-Wilson
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics and Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States
| | - Dwight Stambolian
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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13
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Hsiao TH, Lee GH, Chang YS, Chen BH, Fu TF. The Incoherent Fluctuation of Folate Pools and Differential Regulation of Folate Enzymes Prioritize Nucleotide Supply in the Zebrafish Model Displaying Folate Deficiency-Induced Microphthalmia and Visual Defects. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:702969. [PMID: 34268314 PMCID: PMC8277299 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.702969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Congenital eye diseases are multi-factorial and usually cannot be cured. Therefore, proper preventive strategy and understanding the pathomechanism underlying these diseases become important. Deficiency in folate, a water-soluble vitamin B, has been associated with microphthalmia, a congenital eye disease characterized by abnormally small and malformed eyes. However, the causal-link and the underlying mechanism between folate and microphthalmia remain incompletely understood. Methods We examined the eye size, optomotor response, intracellular folate distribution, and the expression of folate-requiring enzymes in zebrafish larvae displaying folate deficiency (FD) and ocular defects. Results FD caused microphthalmia and impeded visual ability in zebrafish larvae, which were rescued by folate and dNTP supplementation. Cell cycle analysis revealed cell accumulation at S-phase and sub-G1 phase. Decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis were found in FD larvae during embryogenesis in a developmental timing-specific manner. Lowered methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (mthfr) expression and up-regulated methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (NADP+-dependent)-1-like (mthfd1L) expression were found in FD larvae. Knocking-down mthfd1L expression worsened FD-induced ocular anomalies; whereas increasing mthfd1L expression provided a protective effect. 5-CH3-THF is the most sensitive folate pool, whose levels were the most significantly reduced in response to FD; whereas 10-CHO-THF levels were less affected. 5-CHO-THF is the most effective folate adduct for rescuing FD-induced microphthalmia and defective visual ability. Conclusion FD impeded nucleotides formation, impaired cell proliferation and differentiation, caused apoptosis and interfered active vitamin A production, contributing to ocular defects. The developmental timing-specific and incoherent fluctuation among folate adducts and increased expression of mthfd1L in response to FD reflect the context-dependent regulation of folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism, endowing the larvae to prioritize the essential biochemical pathways for supporting the continuous growth in response to folate depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsun-Hsien Hsiao
- The Institute of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Gang-Hui Lee
- The Institute of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Sheng Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Hung Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Center for Biomarkers and Biotech Drugs, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Fun Fu
- The Institute of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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14
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Corkins ME, Krneta-Stankic V, Kloc M, Miller RK. Aquatic models of human ciliary diseases. Genesis 2021; 59:e23410. [PMID: 33496382 PMCID: PMC8593908 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23410] [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: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cilia are microtubule-based structures that either transmit information into the cell or move fluid outside of the cell. There are many human diseases that arise from malfunctioning cilia. Although mammalian models provide vital insights into the underlying pathology of these diseases, aquatic organisms such as Xenopus and zebrafish provide valuable tools to help screen and dissect out the underlying causes of these diseases. In this review we focus on recent studies that identify or describe different types of human ciliopathies and outline how aquatic organisms have aided our understanding of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E. Corkins
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Center, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, Houston Texas 77030
| | - Vanja Krneta-Stankic
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Center, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, Houston Texas 77030
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Program in Genes & Development, Houston Texas 77030
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Program in Genetics & Epigenetics, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Malgorzata Kloc
- Houston Methodist, Research Institute, Houston Texas 77030
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston Texas 77030
| | - Rachel K. Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Center, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, Houston Texas 77030
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Program in Genetics & Epigenetics, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston Texas 77030
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Program in Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Houston Texas 77030
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15
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Yahaya TO, Liman UU, Abdullahi H, Koko YS, Ribah SS, Adamu Z, Abubakar S. Genes predisposing to syndromic and nonsyndromic infertility: a narrative review. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-020-00088-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Advanced biological techniques have helped produce more insightful findings on the genetic etiology of infertility that may lead to better management of the condition. This review provides an update on genes predisposing to syndromic and nonsyndromic infertility.
Main body
The review identified 65 genes linked with infertility and infertility-related disorders. These genes regulate fertility. However, mutational loss of the functions of the genes predisposes to infertility. Twenty-three (23) genes representing 35% were linked with syndromic infertility, while 42 genes (65%) cause nonsyndromic infertility. Of the 42 nonsyndromic genes, 26 predispose to spermatogenic failure and sperm morphological abnormalities, 11 cause ovarian failures, and 5 cause sex reversal and puberty delay. Overall, 31 genes (48%) predispose to male infertility, 15 genes (23%) cause female infertility, and 19 genes (29%) predispose to both. The common feature of male infertility was spermatogenic failure and sperm morphology abnormalities, while ovarian failure has been the most frequently reported among infertile females. The mechanisms leading to these pathologies are gene-specific, which, if targeted in the affected, may lead to improved treatment.
Conclusions
Mutational loss of the functions of some genes involved in the development and maintenance of fertility may predispose to syndromic or nonsyndromic infertility via gene-specific mechanisms. A treatment procedure that targets the affected gene(s) in individuals expressing infertility may lead to improved treatment.
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16
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Estrada-Cuzcano A, Etard C, Delvallée C, Stoetzel C, Schaefer E, Scheidecker S, Geoffroy V, Schneider A, Studer F, Mattioli F, Chennen K, Sigaudy S, Plassard D, Poch O, Piton A, Strahle U, Muller J, Dollfus H. Novel IQCE variations confirm its role in postaxial polydactyly and cause ciliary defect phenotype in zebrafish. Hum Mutat 2019; 41:240-254. [PMID: 31549751 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Polydactyly is one of the most frequent inherited defects of the limbs characterized by supernumerary digits and high-genetic heterogeneity. Among the many genes involved, either in isolated or syndromic forms, eight have been implicated in postaxial polydactyly (PAP). Among those, IQCE has been recently identified in a single consanguineous family. Using whole-exome sequencing in patients with uncharacterized ciliopathies, including PAP, we identified three families with biallelic pathogenic variations in IQCE. Interestingly, the c.895_904del (p.Val301Serfs*8) was found in all families without sharing a common haplotype, suggesting a recurrent mechanism. Moreover, in two families, the systemic phenotype could be explained by additional pathogenic variants in known genes (TULP1, ATP6V1B1). RNA expression analysis on patients' fibroblasts confirms that the dysfunction of IQCE leads to the dysregulation of genes associated with the hedgehog-signaling pathway, and zebrafish experiments demonstrate a full spectrum of phenotypes linked to defective cilia: Body curvature, kidney cysts, left-right asymmetry, misdirected cilia in the pronephric duct, and retinal defects. In conclusion, we identified three additional families confirming IQCE as a nonsyndromic PAP gene. Our data emphasize the importance of taking into account the complete set of variations of each individual, as each clinical presentation could finally be explained by multiple genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Estrada-Cuzcano
- Laboratoire de Génétique médicale, UMR_S INSERM U1112, IGMA, Faculté de Médecine, FMTS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Christelle Etard
- Institute of Toxicology and Genetics (ITG), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Clarisse Delvallée
- Laboratoire de Génétique médicale, UMR_S INSERM U1112, IGMA, Faculté de Médecine, FMTS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Corinne Stoetzel
- Laboratoire de Génétique médicale, UMR_S INSERM U1112, IGMA, Faculté de Médecine, FMTS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Elise Schaefer
- Laboratoire de Génétique médicale, UMR_S INSERM U1112, IGMA, Faculté de Médecine, FMTS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Service de Génétique Médicale, Institut de Génétique Médicale d'Alsace, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sophie Scheidecker
- Laboratoire de Génétique médicale, UMR_S INSERM U1112, IGMA, Faculté de Médecine, FMTS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Laboratoires de Diagnostic Génétique, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Véronique Geoffroy
- Laboratoire de Génétique médicale, UMR_S INSERM U1112, IGMA, Faculté de Médecine, FMTS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Aline Schneider
- Laboratoire de Génétique médicale, UMR_S INSERM U1112, IGMA, Faculté de Médecine, FMTS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Fouzia Studer
- Centre de Référence pour les affections rares en génétique ophtalmologique, CARGO, Filière SENSGENE, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Francesca Mattioli
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France.,Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, INSERM U1258, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France.,Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS UMR 7104, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France.,Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Kirsley Chennen
- Laboratoire de Génétique médicale, UMR_S INSERM U1112, IGMA, Faculté de Médecine, FMTS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Complex Systems and Translational Bioinformatics, ICube UMR 7357, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sabine Sigaudy
- Département de Génétique Médicale, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | | | - Olivier Poch
- Complex Systems and Translational Bioinformatics, ICube UMR 7357, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Amélie Piton
- Laboratoires de Diagnostic Génétique, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France.,Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, INSERM U1258, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France.,Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS UMR 7104, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France.,Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Uwe Strahle
- Institute of Toxicology and Genetics (ITG), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Jean Muller
- Laboratoire de Génétique médicale, UMR_S INSERM U1112, IGMA, Faculté de Médecine, FMTS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Laboratoires de Diagnostic Génétique, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Hélène Dollfus
- Laboratoire de Génétique médicale, UMR_S INSERM U1112, IGMA, Faculté de Médecine, FMTS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Service de Génétique Médicale, Institut de Génétique Médicale d'Alsace, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Centre de Référence pour les affections rares en génétique ophtalmologique, CARGO, Filière SENSGENE, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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17
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Functional analysis of new human Bardet-Biedl syndrome loci specific variants in the zebrafish model. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12936. [PMID: 31506453 PMCID: PMC6736949 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49217-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The multiple genetic approaches available for molecular diagnosis of human diseases have made possible to identify an increasing number of pathogenic genetic changes, particularly with the advent of next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. However, the main challenge lies in the interpretation of their functional impact, which has resulted in the widespread use of animal models. We describe here the functional modelling of seven BBS loci variants, most of them novel, in zebrafish embryos to validate their in silico prediction of pathogenicity. We show that target knockdown (KD) of known BBS (BBS1, BB5 or BBS6) loci leads to developmental defects commonly associated with ciliopathies, as previously described. These KD pleiotropic phenotypes were rescued by co-injecting human wild type (WT) loci sequence but not with the equivalent mutated mRNAs, providing evidence of the pathogenic effect of these BBS changes. Furthermore, direct assessment of cilia located in Kupffer's vesicle (KV) showed a reduction of ciliary length associated with all the studied variants, thus confirming a deleterious effect. Taken together, our results seem to prove the pathogenicity of the already classified and unclassified new BBS variants, as well as highlight the usefulness of zebrafish as an animal model for in vivo assays in human ciliopathies.
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18
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Niazi RK, Gjesing AP, Hollensted M, Have CT, Borisevich D, Grarup N, Pedersen O, Ullah A, Shahid G, Shafqat I, Gul A, Hansen T. Screening of 31 genes involved in monogenic forms of obesity in 23 Pakistani probands with early-onset childhood obesity: a case report. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2019; 20:152. [PMID: 31488071 PMCID: PMC6727494 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-019-0886-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Consanguine families display a high degree of homozygosity which increases the risk of family members suffering from autosomal recessive disorders. Thus, homozygous mutations in monogenic obesity genes may be a more frequent cause of childhood obesity in a consanguineous population. METHODS We identified 23 probands from 23 Pakistani families displaying autosomal recessive obesity. We have previously excluded mutations in MC4R, LEP and LEPR in all probands. Using a chip-based, target-region capture array, 31 genes involved in monogenic forms of obesity, were screened in all probands. RESULTS We identified 31 rare non-synonymous possibly pathogenic variants (28 missense and three nonsense) within the 31 selected genes. All variants were heterozygous, thus no homozygous pathogenic variants were found. Two of the rare heterozygous nonsense variants identified (p.R75X and p.R481X) were found in BBS9 within one proband, suggesting that obesity is caused by compound heterozygosity. Sequencing of the parents supported the compound heterozygous nature of obesity as each parent was carrying one of the variants. Subsequent clinical investigation strongly indicated that the proband had Bardet-Biedl syndrome. CONCLUSIONS Mutation screening in 31 genes among probands with severe early-onset obesity from Pakistani families did not reveal the presence of homozygous obesity causing variants. However, a compound heterozygote carrier of BBS9 mutations was identified, indicating that compound heterozygosity must not be overlooked when investigating the genetic etiology of severe childhood obesity in populations with a high degree of consanguinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robina Khan Niazi
- Department of Biological Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Children Hospital, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Anette Prior Gjesing
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette Hollensted
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Theil Have
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dmitrii Borisevich
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Grarup
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Oluf Pedersen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Asmat Ullah
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, PIMS, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Gulbin Shahid
- Children Hospital, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Ifrah Shafqat
- Department of Biological Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Asma Gul
- Department of Biological Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Torben Hansen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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19
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Williams LB, Javed A, Sabri A, Morgan DJ, Huff CD, Grigg JR, Heng XT, Khng AJ, Hollink IHIM, Morrison MA, Owen LA, Anderson K, Kinard K, Greenlees R, Novacic D, Nida Sen H, Zein WM, Rodgers GM, Vitale AT, Haider NB, Hillmer AM, Ng PC, Shankaracharya, Cheng A, Zheng L, Gillies MC, van Slegtenhorst M, van Hagen PM, Missotten TOAR, Farley GL, Polo M, Malatack J, Curtin J, Martin F, Arbuckle S, Alexander SI, Chircop M, Davila S, Digre KB, Jamieson RV, DeAngelis MM. ALPK1 missense pathogenic variant in five families leads to ROSAH syndrome, an ocular multisystem autosomal dominant disorder. Genet Med 2019; 21:2103-2115. [PMID: 30967659 PMCID: PMC6752478 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-019-0476-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To identify the molecular cause in five unrelated families with a distinct autosomal dominant ocular systemic disorder we called ROSAH syndrome due to clinical features of retinal dystrophy, optic nerve edema, splenomegaly, anhidrosis, and migraine headache. Methods Independent discovery exome and genome sequencing in families 1, 2, and 3, and confirmation in families 4 and 5. Expression of wild-type messenger RNA and protein in human and mouse tissues and cell lines. Ciliary assays in fibroblasts from affected and unaffected family members. Results We found the heterozygous missense variant in the ɑ-kinase gene, ALPK1, (c.710C>T, [p.Thr237Met]), segregated with disease in all five families. All patients shared the ROSAH phenotype with additional low-grade ocular inflammation, pancytopenia, recurrent infections, and mild renal impairment in some. ALPK1 was notably expressed in retina, retinal pigment epithelium, and optic nerve, with immunofluorescence indicating localization to the basal body of the connecting cilium of the photoreceptors, and presence in the sweat glands. Immunocytofluorescence revealed expression at the centrioles and spindle poles during metaphase, and at the base of the primary cilium. Affected family member fibroblasts demonstrated defective ciliogenesis. Conclusion Heterozygosity for ALPK1, p.Thr237Met leads to ROSAH syndrome, an autosomal dominant ocular systemic disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd B Williams
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Asif Javed
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Amin Sabri
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Denise J Morgan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Chad D Huff
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Division of OVP, Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John R Grigg
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Discipline of Ophthalmology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Margaux A Morrison
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Leah A Owen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Krista Kinard
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Rebecca Greenlees
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Danica Novacic
- National Institutes of Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - H Nida Sen
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Wadih M Zein
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - George M Rodgers
- Department of Hematology, Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Albert T Vitale
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Neena B Haider
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute/Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Pauline C Ng
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shankaracharya
- Department of Epidemiology, Division of OVP, Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anson Cheng
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Linda Zheng
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark C Gillies
- Discipline of Ophthalmology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Michael Polo
- Drs. Farley, Polo and Ho, Colonial Heights, VA, USA
| | - James Malatack
- Nemours/Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Julie Curtin
- Department of Haematology, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Frank Martin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Susan Arbuckle
- Department of Pathology, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen I Alexander
- Department of Nephrology, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Megan Chircop
- Cell Cycle Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sonia Davila
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kathleen B Digre
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Robyn V Jamieson
- Eye Genetics Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. .,Disciplines of Genomic Medicine, and Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. .,Department of Clinical Genetics, Western Sydney Genetics Program, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Margaret M DeAngelis
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. .,Department of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. .,Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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20
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Sewda A, White SR, Erazo M, Hao K, García-Fructuoso G, Fernández-Rodriguez I, Heuzé Y, Richtsmeier JT, Romitti PA, Reva B, Jabs EW, Peter I. Nonsyndromic craniosynostosis: novel coding variants. Pediatr Res 2019; 85:463-468. [PMID: 30651579 PMCID: PMC6398438 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-019-0274-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Craniosynostosis (CS), the premature fusion of one or more neurocranial sutures, is associated with approximately 200 syndromes; however, about 65-85% of patients present with no additional major birth defects. METHODS We conducted targeted next-generation sequencing of 60 known syndromic and other candidate genes in patients with sagittal nonsyndromic CS (sNCS, n = 40) and coronal nonsyndromic CS (cNCS, n = 19). RESULTS We identified 18 previously published and 5 novel pathogenic variants, including three de novo variants. Novel variants included a paternally inherited c.2209C>G:p.(Leu737Val) variant in BBS9 of a patient with cNCS. Common variants in BBS9, a gene required for ciliogenesis during cranial suture development, have been associated with sNCS risk in a previous genome-wide association study. We also identified c.313G>T:p.(Glu105*) variant in EFNB1 and c.435G>C:p.(Lys145Asn) variant in TWIST1, both in patients with cNCS. Mutations in EFNB1 and TWIST1 have been linked to craniofrontonasal and Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, respectively; both present with coronal CS. CONCLUSIONS We provide additional evidence that variants in genes implicated in syndromic CS play a role in isolated CS, supporting their inclusion in genetic panels for screening patients with NCS. We also identified a novel BBS9 variant that further shows the potential involvement of BBS9 in the pathogenesis of CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshuman Sewda
- Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Sierra R. White
- Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Monica Erazo
- Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Ke Hao
- Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | | | | | - Yann Heuzé
- University Bordeaux, CNRS, MCC, PACEA, UMR5199, Bordeaux Archaeological Sciences Cluster of Excellence, Pessac, France
| | - Joan T. Richtsmeier
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Paul A. Romitti
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Boris Reva
- Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Ethylin Wang Jabs
- Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Inga Peter
- Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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21
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Barba M, Di Pietro L, Massimi L, Geloso MC, Frassanito P, Caldarelli M, Michetti F, Della Longa S, Romitti PA, Di Rocco C, Arcovito A, Parolini O, Tamburrini G, Bernardini C, Boyadjiev SA, Lattanzi W. BBS9 gene in nonsyndromic craniosynostosis: Role of the primary cilium in the aberrant ossification of the suture osteogenic niche. Bone 2018; 112:58-70. [PMID: 29674126 PMCID: PMC5970090 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2018.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (NCS) is the premature ossification of skull sutures, without associated clinical features. Mutations in several genes account for a small number of NCS patients; thus, the molecular etiopathogenesis of NCS remains largely unclear. Our study aimed at characterizing the molecular signaling implicated in the aberrant ossification of sutures in NCS patients. Comparative gene expression profiling of NCS patient sutures identified a fused suture-specific signature, including 17 genes involved in primary cilium signaling and assembly. Cells from fused sutures displayed a reduced potential to form primary cilia compared to cells from control patent sutures of the same patient. We identified specific upregulated splice variants of the Bardet Biedl syndrome-associated gene 9 (BBS9), which encodes a structural component of the ciliary BBSome complex. BBS9 expression increased during in vitro osteogenic differentiation of suture-derived mesenchymal cells of NCS patients. Also, Bbs9 expression increased during in vivo ossification of rat sutures. BBS9 functional knockdown affected the expression of primary cilia on patient suture cells and their osteogenic potential. Computational modeling of the upregulated protein isoforms (observed in patients) predicted that their binding affinity within the BBSome may be affected, providing a possible explanation for the aberrant suture ossification in NCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Barba
- Istituto di Anatomia Umana e Biologia Cellulare, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli", 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorena Di Pietro
- Istituto di Anatomia Umana e Biologia Cellulare, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Massimi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli", 00168 Rome, Italy; Istituto di Neurochirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Geloso
- Istituto di Anatomia Umana e Biologia Cellulare, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli", 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Frassanito
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli", 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Caldarelli
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli", 00168 Rome, Italy; Istituto di Neurochirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Michetti
- Istituto di Anatomia Umana e Biologia Cellulare, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Della Longa
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Paul A Romitti
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 52242, IA, USA
| | - Concezio Di Rocco
- Department of Neurosurgery, International Neuroscience Institute, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Alessandro Arcovito
- Istituto di Neurochirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Ornella Parolini
- Istituto di Anatomia Umana e Biologia Cellulare, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli", 00168 Rome, Italy; Centro di Ricerca E. Menni, Fondazione Poliambulanza-Istituto Ospedaliero, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Gianpiero Tamburrini
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli", 00168 Rome, Italy; Istituto di Neurochirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Bernardini
- Istituto di Anatomia Umana e Biologia Cellulare, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli", 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Simeon A Boyadjiev
- Section of Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, 95817 Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Wanda Lattanzi
- Istituto di Anatomia Umana e Biologia Cellulare, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli", 00168 Rome, Italy.
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22
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Cytogenomic identification and long-read single molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing of a Bardet-Biedl Syndrome 9 ( BBS9) deletion. NPJ Genom Med 2018; 3:3. [PMID: 29367880 PMCID: PMC5778042 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-017-0042-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a recessive disorder characterized by heterogeneous clinical manifestations, including truncal obesity, rod-cone dystrophy, renal anomalies, postaxial polydactyly, and variable developmental delays. At least 20 genes have been implicated in BBS, and all are involved in primary cilia function. We report a 1-year-old male child from Guyana with obesity, postaxial polydactyly on his right foot, hypotonia, ophthalmologic abnormalities, and developmental delay, which together indicated a clinical diagnosis of BBS. Clinical chromosomal microarray (CMA) testing and high-throughput BBS gene panel sequencing detected a homozygous 7p14.3 deletion of exons 1–4 of BBS9 that was encompassed by a 17.5 Mb region of homozygosity at chromosome 7p14.2–p21.1. The precise breakpoints of the deletion were delineated to a 72.8 kb region in the proband and carrier parents by third-generation long-read single molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing (Pacific Biosciences), which suggested non-homologous end joining as a likely mechanism of formation. Long-read SMRT sequencing of the deletion breakpoints also determined that the aberration included the neighboring RP9 gene implicated in retinitis pigmentosa; however, the clinical significance of this was considered uncertain given the paucity of reported cases with unambiguous RP9 mutations. Taken together, our study characterized a BBS9 deletion, and the identification of this shared haplotype in the parents suggests that this pathogenic aberration may be a BBS founder mutation in the Guyanese population. Importantly, this informative case also highlights the utility of long-read SMRT sequencing to map nucleotide breakpoints of clinically relevant structural variants.
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23
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Justice CM, Kim J, Kim SD, Kim K, Yagnik G, Cuellar A, Carrington B, Lu CL, Sood R, Boyadjiev SA, Wilson AF. A variant associated with sagittal nonsyndromic craniosynostosis alters the regulatory function of a non-coding element. Am J Med Genet A 2017; 173:2893-2897. [PMID: 28985029 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.38392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Craniosynostosis presents either as a nonsyndromic congenital anomaly or as a finding in nearly 200 genetic syndromes. Our previous genome-wide association study of sagittal nonsyndromic craniosynostosis identified associations with variants downstream from BMP2 and intronic in BBS9. Because no coding variants in BMP2 were identified, we hypothesized that conserved non-coding regulatory elements may alter BMP2 expression. In order to identify and characterize noncoding regulatory elements near BMP2, two conserved noncoding regions near the associated region on chromosome 20 were tested for regulatory activity with a Renilla luciferase assay. For a 711 base pair noncoding fragment encompassing the most strongly associated variant, rs1884302, the luciferase assay showed that the risk allele (C) of rs1884302 drives higher expression of the reporter than the common allele (T). When this same DNA fragment was tested in zebrafish transgenesis studies, a strikingly different expression pattern of the green fluorescent reporter was observed depending on whether the transgenic fish had the risk (C) or the common (T) allele at rs1884302. The in vitro results suggest that altered BMP2 regulatory function at rs1884302 may contribute to the etiology of sagittal nonsyndromic craniosynostosis. The in vivo results indicate that differences in regulatory activity depend on the presence of a C or T allele at rs1884302.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina M Justice
- Genometrics Section, Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jinoh Kim
- Division of Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - Sun-Don Kim
- Division of Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California
| | - Kyunhgho Kim
- Division of Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California
| | - Garima Yagnik
- Division of Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California
| | - Araceli Cuellar
- Division of Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California
| | - Blake Carrington
- Zebrafish Core, Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Chung-Ling Lu
- Division of Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - Raman Sood
- Zebrafish Core, Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Simeon A Boyadjiev
- Division of Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California
| | - Alexander F Wilson
- Genometrics Section, Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
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24
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Weihbrecht K, Goar WA, Pak T, Garrison JE, DeLuca AP, Stone EM, Scheetz TE, Sheffield VC. Keeping an Eye on Bardet-Biedl Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review of the Role of Bardet-Biedl Syndrome Genes in the Eye. MEDICAL RESEARCH ARCHIVES 2017; 5. [PMID: 29457131 DOI: 10.18103/mra.v5i9.1526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Upwards of 90% of individuals with Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) display rod-cone dystrophy with early macular involvement. BBS is an autosomal recessive, genetically heterogeneous, pleiotropic ciliopathy for which 21 causative genes have been discovered to date. In addition to retinal degeneration, the cardinal features of BBS include obesity, cognitive impairment, renal anomalies, polydactyly, and hypogonadism. Here, we review the genes, proteins, and protein complexes involved in BBS and the BBS model organisms available for the study of retinal degeneration. We include comprehensive lists for all known BBS genes, their known phenotypes, and the model organisms available. We also review the molecular mechanisms believed to lead to retinal degeneration. We provide an overview of the mode of inheritance and describe the relationships between BBS genes and Joubert syndrome, Leber Congenital Amaurosis, Senior-Løken syndrome, and non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa. Finally, we propose ways that new advances in technology will allow us to better understand the role of different BBS genes in retinal formation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Weihbrecht
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.,Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Wesley A Goar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.,Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Thomas Pak
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.,Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Janelle E Garrison
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.,Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Adam P DeLuca
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.,Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Edwin M Stone
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.,Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Todd E Scheetz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.,Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Val C Sheffield
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.,Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa; Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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25
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Maria M, Lamers IJC, Schmidts M, Ajmal M, Jaffar S, Ullah E, Mustafa B, Ahmad S, Nazmutdinova K, Hoskins B, van Wijk E, Koster-Kamphuis L, Khan MI, Beales PL, Cremers FPM, Roepman R, Azam M, Arts HH, Qamar R. Genetic and clinical characterization of Pakistani families with Bardet-Biedl syndrome extends the genetic and phenotypic spectrum. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34764. [PMID: 27708425 PMCID: PMC5052523 DOI: 10.1038/srep34764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is an autosomal recessive disorder that is both genetically and clinically heterogeneous. To date 19 genes have been associated with BBS, which encode proteins active at the primary cilium, an antenna-like organelle that acts as the cell’s signaling hub. In the current study, a combination of mutation screening, targeted sequencing of ciliopathy genes associated with BBS, and whole-exome sequencing was used for the genetic characterization of five families including four with classic BBS symptoms and one BBS-like syndrome. This resulted in the identification of novel mutations in BBS genes ARL6 and BBS5, and recurrent mutations in BBS9 and CEP164. In the case of CEP164, this is the first report of two siblings with a BBS-like syndrome with mutations in this gene. Mutations in this gene were previously associated with nephronophthisis 15, thus the current results expand the CEP164-associated phenotypic spectrum. The clinical and genetic spectrum of BBS and BBS-like phenotypes is not fully defined in Pakistan. Therefore, genetic studies are needed to gain insights into genotype-phenotype correlations, which will in turn improve the clinician’s ability to make an early and accurate diagnosis, and facilitate genetic counseling, leading to directly benefiting families with affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maleeha Maria
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.,Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ideke J C Lamers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Miriam Schmidts
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, UK.,Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric Genetics Division, University Hospital Freiburg, Germany
| | - Muhammad Ajmal
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Ehsan Ullah
- School of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.,Auckland City Hospital, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Bilal Mustafa
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Shakeel Ahmad
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Katia Nazmutdinova
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, UK
| | - Bethan Hoskins
- North East Thames Regional Genetics Service, Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Erwin van Wijk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Donders Center for Neurosciences, Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Linda Koster-Kamphuis
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Muhammad Imran Khan
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Phil L Beales
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, UK.,Centre for Translational Omics-GOSgene, Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Frans P M Cremers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Donders Center for Neurosciences, Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald Roepman
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Maleeha Azam
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Heleen H Arts
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Raheel Qamar
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.,Department of Biochemistry, Al-Nafees Medical College &Hospital, Isra University, Islamabad, Pakistan.,Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Constitution Avenue, Islamabad, Pakistan
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26
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Sung YJ, Pérusse L, Sarzynski MA, Fornage M, Sidney S, Sternfeld B, Rice T, Terry G, Jacobs DR, Katzmarzyk P, Curran JE, Carr JJ, Blangero J, Ghosh S, Després JP, Rankinen T, Rao D, Bouchard C. Genome-wide association studies suggest sex-specific loci associated with abdominal and visceral fat. Int J Obes (Lond) 2016; 40:662-74. [PMID: 26480920 PMCID: PMC4821694 DOI: 10.1038/ijo.2015.217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To identify loci associated with abdominal fat and replicate prior findings, we performed genome-wide association (GWA) studies of abdominal fat traits: subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT); visceral adipose tissue (VAT); total adipose tissue (TAT) and visceral to subcutaneous adipose tissue ratio (VSR). SUBJECTS AND METHODS Sex-combined and sex-stratified analyses were performed on each trait with (TRAIT-BMI) or without (TRAIT) adjustment for body mass index (BMI), and cohort-specific results were combined via a fixed effects meta-analysis. A total of 2513 subjects of European descent were available for the discovery phase. For replication, 2171 European Americans and 772 African Americans were available. RESULTS A total of 52 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) encompassing 7 loci showed suggestive evidence of association (P<1.0 × 10(-6)) with abdominal fat in the sex-combined analyses. The strongest evidence was found on chromosome 7p14.3 between a SNP near BBS9 gene and VAT (rs12374818; P=1.10 × 10(-7)), an association that was replicated (P=0.02). For the BMI-adjusted trait, the strongest evidence of association was found between a SNP near CYCSP30 and VAT-BMI (rs10506943; P=2.42 × 10(-7)). Our sex-specific analyses identified one genome-wide significant (P<5.0 × 10(-8)) locus for SAT in women with 11 SNPs encompassing the MLLT10, DNAJC1 and EBLN1 genes on chromosome 10p12.31 (P=3.97 × 10(-8) to 1.13 × 10(-8)). The THNSL2 gene previously associated with VAT in women was also replicated (P=0.006). The six gene/loci showing the strongest evidence of association with VAT or VAT-BMI were interrogated for their functional links with obesity and inflammation using the Biograph knowledge-mining software. Genes showing the closest functional links with obesity and inflammation were ADCY8 and KCNK9, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide evidence for new loci influencing abdominal visceral (BBS9, ADCY8, KCNK9) and subcutaneous (MLLT10/DNAJC1/EBLN1) fat, and confirmed a locus (THNSL2) previously reported to be associated with abdominal fat in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Ju Sung
- Division of Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine, St-Louis, MO
| | - Louis Pérusse
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Medicine and Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Laval University, Québec, QC
| | - Mark A. Sarzynski
- Human Genomics Laboratory, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA
| | - Myriam Fornage
- Center for Human Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX
| | - Steve Sidney
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA
| | - Barbara Sternfeld
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA
| | - Treva Rice
- Division of Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine, St-Louis, MO
| | - Gregg Terry
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nahsville, TN
| | - David R. Jacobs
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Peter Katzmarzyk
- Human Genomics Laboratory, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA
| | - Joanne E Curran
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, TX
| | - John Jeffrey Carr
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nahsville, TN
| | - John Blangero
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, TX
| | - Sujoy Ghosh
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program and Center for Computational Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Jean-Pierre Després
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Medicine and Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Laval University, Québec, QC
- Centre de recherché de l’Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Québec, QC
| | - Tuomo Rankinen
- Human Genomics Laboratory, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA
| | - D.C. Rao
- Division of Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine, St-Louis, MO
| | - Claude Bouchard
- Human Genomics Laboratory, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA
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Khan MA, Mohan S, Zubair M, Windpassinger C. Homozygosity mapping identified a novel protein truncating mutation (p.Ser100Leufs*24) of the BBS9 gene in a consanguineous Pakistani family with Bardet Biedl syndrome. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2016; 17:10. [PMID: 26846096 PMCID: PMC4743198 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-016-0271-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bardet Biedl Syndrome (BBS) is a rare condition of multi-organ dysfunction with characteristic clinical features of retinal degeneration, truncal obesity, postaxial polydactyly, genital anomaly, intellectual disability and renal dysfunction. It is a hetero-genetic disorder and nineteen BBS genes have been discovered so far. METHODS Whole genome SNP genotyping was performed by using CytoScan® 750 K array (Affymetrix). Subsequently, the segregation of the disease locus in the whole family was carried out by genotyping STS markers within the homozygous interval. Finally, the mutation analysis was performed by Sanger DNA sequencing. RESULTS In the present molecular study a consanguineous Pakistani family, with autosomal recessive BBS, was analyzed. The clinical analysis of affected individuals presented with synpolydactyly, obesity, intellectual disability, renal abnormality and retinitis pigmentosa. The presented phenotype was consistent with the major features of BBS syndrome. Homozygosity mapping identified a common homozygous interval within the known BBS9 locus. Sequence analysis of BBS9/PTHB1 gene revealed a single base deletion of c.299delC (p.Ser100Leufs*24) in exon 4. This frame-shift mutation presumably leads to a 122 amino acid truncated protein with complete loss of its C-terminal PTHB1 domain in combination with a partial loss of the N-terminal PTHB1 domain as well. BBS9/PTHB1 gene mutations have been shown to be associated with BBS syndrome and to the best of our knowledge this study reports the first Pakistani family linked to the BBS9 gene. CONCLUSION Our molecular findings expand the mutational spectrum of BBS9 gene and also explain the genetic heterogeneity of Pakistan families with BBS syndrome. The growing number of mutations in BBS genes in combination with a detailed phenotypical description of patients will be helpful for genotype-phenotype correlation, targeted genetic diagnosis, prenatal screening and carrier testing of familial and non-familial BBS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzammil Ahmad Khan
- Gomal Centre of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Gomal University Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa, Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa, 29050, Pakistan.
- Interim Translational Research Institute, Genomic Core Facility, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, 3050, Qatar.
| | - Sumitra Mohan
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, 8010, Austria.
| | - Muhammad Zubair
- Gomal Centre of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Gomal University Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa, Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa, 29050, Pakistan.
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28
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Chow CY, Kelsey KJP, Wolfner MF, Clark AG. Candidate genetic modifiers of retinitis pigmentosa identified by exploiting natural variation in Drosophila. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 25:651-9. [PMID: 26662796 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals carrying the same pathogenic mutation can present with a broad range of disease outcomes. While some of this variation arises from environmental factors, it is increasingly recognized that the background genetic variation of each individual can have a profound effect on the expressivity of a pathogenic mutation. In order to understand this background effect on disease-causing mutations, studies need to be performed across a wide range of backgrounds. Recent advancements in model organism biology allow us to test mutations across genetically diverse backgrounds and identify the genes that influence the expressivity of a mutation. In this study, we used the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel, a collection of ∼200 wild-derived strains, to test the variability of the retinal phenotype of the Rh1(G69D) Drosophila model of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). We found that the Rh1(G69D) retinal phenotype is quite a variable quantitative phenotype. To identify the genes driving this extensive phenotypic variation, we performed a genome-wide association study. We identified 106 candidate genes, including 14 high-priority candidates. Functional testing by RNAi indicates that 10/13 top candidates tested influence the expressivity of Rh1(G69D). The human orthologs of the candidate genes have not previously been implicated as RP modifiers and their functions are diverse, including roles in endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptosis and retinal degeneration and development. This study demonstrates the utility of studying a pathogenic mutation across a wide range of genetic backgrounds. These candidate modifiers provide new avenues of inquiry that may reveal new RP disease mechanisms and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clement Y Chow
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA and Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Keegan J P Kelsey
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA and
| | - Mariana F Wolfner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA and
| | - Andrew G Clark
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA and
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Abstract
Visual defects affect a large proportion of humanity, have a significant negative impact on quality of life, and cause significant economic burden. The wide variety of visual disorders and the large number of gene mutations responsible require a flexible animal model system to carry out research for possible causes and cures for the blinding conditions. With eyes similar to humans in structure and function, zebrafish are an important vertebrate model organism that is being used to study genetic and environmental eye diseases, including myopia, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, ciliopathies, albinism, and diabetes. This review details the use of zebrafish in modeling human ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A Link
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226; ,
| | - Ross F Collery
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226; ,
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30
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Knockenhauer KE, Schwartz TU. Structural Characterization of Bardet-Biedl Syndrome 9 Protein (BBS9). J Biol Chem 2015; 290:19569-83. [PMID: 26085087 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.649202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Bardet-Biedl syndrome protein complex (BBSome) is an octameric complex that transports membrane proteins into the primary cilium signaling organelle in eukaryotes and is implicated in human disease. Here we have analyzed the 99-kDa human BBS9 protein, one of the eight BBSome components. The protein is composed of four structured domains, including a β-stranded N-terminal domain. The 1.8 Å crystal structure of the 46-kDa N-terminal domain reveals a seven-bladed β-propeller. A structure-based homology search suggests that it functions in protein-protein interactions. We show that the Bardet-Biedl syndrome-causing G141R mutation in BBS9 likely results in misfolding of the β-propeller. Although the C-terminal half of BBS9 dimerizes in solution, the N-terminal domain only does so in the crystal lattice. This C-terminal dimerization interface might be important for the assembly of the BBSome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin E Knockenhauer
- From the Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
| | - Thomas U Schwartz
- From the Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
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31
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Christou-Savina S, Beales PL, Osborn DPS. Evaluation of zebrafish kidney function using a fluorescent clearance assay. J Vis Exp 2015:e52540. [PMID: 25742415 DOI: 10.3791/52540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish embryo offers a tractable model to study organogenesis and model human genetic disease. Despite its relative simplicity, the zebrafish kidney develops and functions in almost the same way as humans. A major difference in the construction of the human kidney is the presence of millions of nephrons compared to the zebrafish that has only two. However, simplifying such a complex system into basic functional units has aided our understanding of how the kidney develops and operates. In zebrafish, the midline located glomerulus is responsible for the initial blood filtration into two pronephric tubules that diverge to run bilaterally down the embryonic axis before fusing to each other at the cloaca. The pronephric tubules are heavily populated by motile cilia that facilitate the movement of filtrate along the segmented tubule, allowing the exchange of various solutes before finally exiting via the cloaca. Many genes responsible for CKD, including those related to ciliogenesis, have been studied in zebrafish. However, a major draw back has been the difficulty in evaluating zebrafish kidney function after genetic manipulation. Traditional assays to measure kidney dysfunction in humans have proved non translational to zebrafish, mainly due to their aquatic environment and small size. For example, it is not physically possible to extract blood from embryonic staged fish for analysis of urea and creatinine content, as they are too small. In addition, zebrafish do not produce enough urine for testing on a simple proteinuria 'dipstick', which is often performed during initial patient examinations. We describe a fluorescent assay that utilizes the optical transparency of the zebrafish to quantitatively monitor the clearance of a fluorescent dye, over time, from the vasculature and out through the kidney, to give a read out of renal function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philip L Beales
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Institute of Child Health, University College London
| | - Daniel P S Osborn
- Molecular Cell Science Research Centre, St. George's University of London;
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32
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Madhivanan K, Aguilar RC. Ciliopathies: the trafficking connection. Traffic 2014; 15:1031-56. [PMID: 25040720 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Revised: 06/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The primary cilium (PC) is a very dynamic hair-like membrane structure that assembles/disassembles in a cell-cycle-dependent manner and is present in almost every cell type. Despite being continuous with the plasma membrane, a diffusion barrier located at the ciliary base confers the PC properties of a separate organelle with very specific characteristics and membrane composition. Therefore, vesicle trafficking is the major process by which components are acquired for cilium formation and maintenance. In fact, a system of specific sorting signals controls the right of cargo admission into the cilia. Disruption to the ciliary structure or its function leads to multiorgan diseases known as ciliopathies. These illnesses arise from a spectrum of mutations in any of the more than 50 loci linked to these conditions. Therefore, it is not surprising that symptom variability (specific manifestations and severity) among and within ciliopathies appears to be an emerging characteristic. Nevertheless, one can speculate that mutations occurring in genes whose products contribute to the overall vesicle trafficking to the PC (i.e. affecting cilia assembly) will lead to more severe symptoms, whereas those involved in the transport of specific cargoes will result in milder phenotypes. In this review, we summarize the trafficking mechanisms to the cilia and also provide a description of the trafficking defects observed in some ciliopathies which can be correlated to the severity of the pathology.
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33
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Hao H, Veleri S, Sun B, Kim DS, Keeley PW, Kim JW, Yang HJ, Yadav SP, Manjunath SH, Sood R, Liu P, Reese BE, Swaroop A. Regulation of a novel isoform of Receptor Expression Enhancing Protein REEP6 in rod photoreceptors by bZIP transcription factor NRL. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 23:4260-71. [PMID: 24691551 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The Maf-family leucine zipper transcription factor NRL is essential for rod photoreceptor development and functional maintenance in the mammalian retina. Mutations in NRL are associated with human retinopathies, and loss of Nrl in mice leads to a cone-only retina with the complete absence of rods. Among the highly down-regulated genes in the Nrl(-/-) retina, we identified receptor expression enhancing protein 6 (Reep6), which encodes a member of a family of proteins involved in shaping of membrane tubules and transport of G-protein coupled receptors. Here, we demonstrate the expression of a novel Reep6 isoform (termed Reep6.1) in the retina by exon-specific Taqman assay and rapid analysis of complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) ends (5'-RACE). The REEP6.1 protein includes 27 additional amino acids encoded by exon 5 and is specifically expressed in rod photoreceptors of developing and mature retina. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay identified NRL binding within the Reep6 intron 1. Reporter assays in cultured cells and transfections in retinal explants mapped an intronic enhancer sequence that mediated NRL-directed Reep6.1 expression. We also demonstrate that knockdown of Reep6 in mouse and zebrafish resulted in death of retinal cells. Our studies implicate REEP6.1 as a key functional target of NRL-centered transcriptional regulatory network in rod photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Hao
- Neurobiology Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shobi Veleri
- Neurobiology Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bo Sun
- Neurobiology Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Douglas S Kim
- Neurobiology Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Janelia Farm Research Campus, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Patrick W Keeley
- Neuroscience Research Institute Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology and
| | - Jung-Woong Kim
- Neurobiology Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hyun-Jin Yang
- Neurobiology Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sharda P Yadav
- Neurobiology Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Souparnika H Manjunath
- Neurobiology Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Raman Sood
- Oncogenesis and Development Section and Zebrafish Core, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Paul Liu
- Oncogenesis and Development Section and Zebrafish Core, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Benjamin E Reese
- Neuroscience Research Institute Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California at Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Anand Swaroop
- Neurobiology Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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34
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Al-Hamed MH, van Lennep C, Hynes AM, Chrystal P, Eley L, Al-Fadhly F, El Sayed R, Simms RJ, Meyer B, Sayer JA. Functional modelling of a novel mutation in BBS5. Cilia 2014; 3:3. [PMID: 24559376 PMCID: PMC3931281 DOI: 10.1186/2046-2530-3-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is an autosomal recessive ciliopathy disorder with 18 known causative genes (BBS1-18). The primary clinical features are renal abnormalities, rod-cone dystrophy, post-axial polydactyly, learning difficulties, obesity and male hypogonadism. Results We describe the clinical phenotype in three Saudi siblings in whom we have identified a novel mutation in exon 12 of BBS5 (c.966dupT; p.Ala323CysfsX57). This single nucleotide duplication creates a frame shift results in a predicted elongated peptide. Translation blocking Morpholino oligonucleotides were used to create zebrafish bbs5 morphants. Morphants displayed retinal layering defects, abnormal cardiac looping and dilated, cystic pronephric ducts with reduced cilia expression. Morphants also displayed significantly reduced dextran clearance via the pronephros compared to wildtype embryos, suggesting reduced renal function in morphants. The eye, kidney and heart defects reported in morphant zebrafish resemble the human phenotype of BBS5 mutations. The pathogenicity of the novel BBS5 mutation was determined. Mutant mRNA was unable to rescue pleiotropic phenotypes of bbs5 morphant zebrafish and in cell culture we demonstrate a mislocalisation of mutant BBS5 protein which fails to localise discretely with the basal body. Conclusions We conclude that this novel BBS5 mutation has a deleterious function that accounts for the multisystem ciliopathy phenotype seen in affected human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - John A Sayer
- International Centre for Life, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Central Parkway, Newcastle NE1 3BZ, UK.
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Intraflagellar transport gene expression associated with short cilia in smoking and COPD. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85453. [PMID: 24465567 PMCID: PMC3896362 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Smoking and COPD are associated with decreased mucociliary clearance, and healthy smokers have shorter cilia in the large airway than nonsmokers. We hypothesized that changes in cilia length are consistent throughout the airway, and we further hypothesized that smokers with COPD have shorter cilia than healthy smokers. Because intraflagellar transport (IFT) is the process by which cilia of normal length are produced and maintained, and alterations in IFT lead to short cilia in model organisms, we also hypothesized that smoking induces changes in the expression of IFT-related genes in the airway epithelium of smokers and smokers with COPD. To assess these hypotheses, airway epithelium was obtained via bronchoscopic brushing. Cilia length was assessed by measuring 100 cilia (10 cilia on each of 10 cells) per subject and Affymetrix microarrays were used to evaluate IFT gene expression in nonsmokers and healthy smokers in 2 independent data sets from large and small airway as well as in COPD smokers in a data set from the small airway. In the large and small airway epithelium, cilia were significantly shorter in healthy smokers than nonsmokers, and significantly shorter in COPD smokers than in both healthy smokers and nonsmokers. The gene expression data confirmed that a set of 8 IFT genes were down-regulated in smokers in both data sets; however, no differences were seen in COPD smokers compared to healthy smokers. These results support the concept that loss of cilia length contributes to defective mucociliary clearance in COPD, and that smoking-induced changes in expression of IFT genes may be one mechanism of abnormally short cilia in smokers. Strategies to normalize cilia length may be an important avenue for novel COPD therapies.
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Wheway G, Parry DA, Johnson CA. The role of primary cilia in the development and disease of the retina. Organogenesis 2014; 10:69-85. [PMID: 24162842 PMCID: PMC4049897 DOI: 10.4161/org.26710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Revised: 10/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The normal development and function of photoreceptors is essential for eye health and visual acuity in vertebrates. Mutations in genes encoding proteins involved in photoreceptor development and function are associated with a suite of inherited retinal dystrophies, often as part of complex multi-organ syndromic conditions. In this review, we focus on the role of the photoreceptor outer segment, a highly modified and specialized primary cilium, in retinal health and disease. We discuss the many defects in the structure and function of the photoreceptor primary cilium that can cause a class of inherited conditions known as ciliopathies, often characterized by retinal dystrophy and degeneration, and highlight the recent insights into disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Wheway
- Section of Ophthalmology and Neurosciences; Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine; The University of Leeds; Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - David A Parry
- Section of Genetics; Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine; The University of Leeds; Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Colin A Johnson
- Section of Ophthalmology and Neurosciences; Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine; The University of Leeds; Leeds, United Kingdom
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37
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Wang S, Dong Z. Primary cilia and kidney injury: current research status and future perspectives. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2013; 305:F1085-98. [PMID: 23904226 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00399.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cilia, membrane-enclosed organelles protruding from the apical side of cells, can be divided into two classes: motile and primary cilia. During the past decades, motile cilia have been intensively studied. However, it was not until the 1990s that people began to realize the importance of primary cilia as cellular-specific sensors, particularly in kidney tubular epithelial cells. Furthermore, accumulating evidence indicates that primary cilia may be involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and planar cell polarity. Many signaling pathways, such as Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog, and mammalian target of rapamycin, have been located to the primary cilia. Thus primary cilia have been regarded as a hub that integrates signals from the extracellular environment. More importantly, dysfunction of this organelle may contribute to the pathogenesis of a large spectrum of human genetic diseases, named ciliopathies. The significance of primary cilia in acquired human diseases such as hypertension and diabetes has gradually drawn attention. Interestingly, recent reports disclosed that cilia length varies during kidney injury, and shortening of cilia enhances the sensitivity of epithelial cells to injury cues. This review briefly summarizes the current status of cilia research and explores the potential mechanisms of cilia-length changes during kidney injury as well as provides some thoughts to allure more insightful ideas and promotes the further study of primary cilia in the context of kidney injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixuan Wang
- Dept. of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912.
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38
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Cardenas-Rodriguez M, Irigoín F, Osborn DPS, Gascue C, Katsanis N, Beales PL, Badano JL. The Bardet-Biedl syndrome-related protein CCDC28B modulates mTORC2 function and interacts with SIN1 to control cilia length independently of the mTOR complex. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 22:4031-42. [PMID: 23727834 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddt253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
CCDC28B encodes a coiled coil domain-containing protein involved in ciliogenesis that was originally identified as a second site modifier of the ciliopathy Bardet-Biedl syndrome. We have previously shown that the depletion of CCDC28B leads to shortened cilia; however, the mechanism underlying how this protein controls ciliary length is unknown. Here, we show that CCDC28B interacts with SIN1, a component of the mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2), and that this interaction is important both in the context of mTOR signaling and in a hitherto unknown, mTORC-independent role of SIN1 in cilia biology. We show that CCDC28B is a positive regulator of mTORC2, participating in its assembly/stability and modulating its activity, while not affecting mTORC1 function. Further, we show that Ccdc28b regulates cilia length in vivo, at least in part, through its interaction with Sin1. Importantly, depletion of Rictor, another core component of mTORC2, does not result in shortened cilia. Taken together, our findings implicate CCDC28B in the regulation of mTORC2, and uncover a novel function of SIN1 regulating cilia length that is likely independent of mTOR signaling.
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Riera M, Burguera D, Garcia-Fernàndez J, Gonzàlez-Duarte R. CERKL knockdown causes retinal degeneration in zebrafish. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64048. [PMID: 23671706 PMCID: PMC3650063 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2012] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The human CERKL gene is responsible for common and severe forms of retinal dystrophies. Despite intense in vitro studies at the molecular and cellular level and in vivo analyses of the retina of murine knockout models, CERKL function remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to approach the developmental and functional features of cerkl in Danio rerio within an Evo-Devo framework. We show that gene expression increases from early developmental stages until the formation of the retina in the optic cup. Unlike the high mRNA-CERKL isoform multiplicity shown in mammals, the moderate transcriptional complexity in fish facilitates phenotypic studies derived from gene silencing. Moreover, of relevance to pathogenicity, teleost CERKL shares the two main human protein isoforms. Morpholino injection has been used to generate a cerkl knockdown zebrafish model. The morphant phenotype results in abnormal eye development with lamination defects, failure to develop photoreceptor outer segments, increased apoptosis of retinal cells and small eyes. Our data support that zebrafish Cerkl does not interfere with proliferation and neural differentiation during early developmental stages but is relevant for survival and protection of the retinal tissue. Overall, we propose that this zebrafish model is a powerful tool to unveil CERKL contribution to human retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Riera
- Departament de Genètica, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERER, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Demian Burguera
- Departament de Genètica, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Garcia-Fernàndez
- Departament de Genètica, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Gonzàlez-Duarte
- Departament de Genètica, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERER, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Norton WHJ. Toward developmental models of psychiatric disorders in zebrafish. Front Neural Circuits 2013; 7:79. [PMID: 23637652 PMCID: PMC3636468 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2013.00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders are a diverse set of diseases that affect all aspects of mental function including social interaction, thinking, feeling, and mood. Although psychiatric disorders place a large economic burden on society, the drugs available to treat them are often palliative with variable efficacy and intolerable side-effects. The development of novel drugs has been hindered by a lack of knowledge about the etiology of these diseases. It is thus necessary to further investigate psychiatric disorders using a combination of human molecular genetics, gene-by-environment studies, in vitro pharmacological and biochemistry experiments, animal models, and investigation of the non-biological basis of these diseases, such as environmental effects. Many psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, mental retardation, and schizophrenia can be triggered by alterations to neural development. The zebrafish is a popular model for developmental biology that is increasingly used to study human disease. Recent work has extended this approach to examine psychiatric disorders as well. However, since psychiatric disorders affect complex mental functions that might be human specific, it is not possible to fully model them in fish. In this review, I will propose that the suitability of zebrafish for developmental studies, and the genetic tools available to manipulate them, provide a powerful model to study the roles of genes that are linked to psychiatric disorders during neural development. The relative speed and ease of conducting experiments in zebrafish can be used to address two areas of future research: the contribution of environmental factors to disease onset, and screening for novel therapeutic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H J Norton
- Department of Biology, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychiatry, University of Leicester Leicester, UK
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Cardenas-Rodriguez M, Osborn DPS, Irigoín F, Graña M, Romero H, Beales PL, Badano JL. Characterization of CCDC28B reveals its role in ciliogenesis and provides insight to understand its modifier effect on Bardet-Biedl syndrome. Hum Genet 2012; 132:91-105. [PMID: 23015189 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-012-1228-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2012] [Accepted: 09/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder that is generally inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. However, in some families, trans mutant alleles interact with the primary causal locus to modulate the penetrance and/or the expressivity of the phenotype. CCDC28B (MGC1203) was identified as a second site modifier of BBS encoding a protein of unknown function. Here we report the first functional characterization of this protein and show it affects ciliogenesis both in cultured cells and in vivo in zebrafish. Consistent with this biological role, our in silico analysis shows that the presence of CCDC28B homologous sequences is restricted to ciliated metazoa. Depletion of Ccdc28b in zebrafish results in defective ciliogenesis and consequently causes a number of phenotypes that are characteristic of BBS and other ciliopathy mutants including hydrocephalus, left-right axis determination defects and renal function impairment. Thus, this work reports CCDC28B as a novel protein involved in the process of ciliogenesis whilst providing functional insight into the cellular basis of its modifier effect in BBS patients.
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Estrada-Cuzcano A, Roepman R, Cremers FPM, den Hollander AI, Mans DA. Non-syndromic retinal ciliopathies: translating gene discovery into therapy. Hum Mol Genet 2012; 21:R111-24. [PMID: 22843501 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Homozygosity mapping and exome sequencing have accelerated the discovery of gene mutations and modifier alleles implicated in inherited retinal degeneration in humans. To date, 158 genes have been found to be mutated in individuals with retinal dystrophies. Approximately one-third of the gene defects underlying retinal degeneration affect the structure and/or function of the 'connecting cilium' in photoreceptors. This structure corresponds to the transition zone of a prototypic cilium, a region with increasing relevance for ciliary homeostasis. The connecting cilium connects the inner and outer segments of the photoreceptor, mediating bi-directional transport of phototransducing proteins required for vision. In fact, the outer segment, connecting cilium and associated basal body, forms a highly specialized sensory cilium, fully dedicated to photoreception and subsequent signal transduction to the brain. At least 21 genes that encode ciliary proteins are implicated in non-syndromic retinal dystrophies such as cone dystrophy, cone-rod dystrophy, Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The generation and characterization of vertebrate retinal ciliopathy animal models have revealed insights into the molecular disease mechanism which are indispensable for the development and evaluation of therapeutic strategies. Gene augmentation therapy has proven to be safe and successful in restoring long-term sight in mice, dogs and humans suffering from LCA or RP. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the genes, mutations and modifier alleles involved in non-syndromic retinal ciliopathies, review the progress in dissecting the associated retinal disease mechanisms and evaluate gene augmentation approaches to antagonize retinal degeneration in these ciliopathies.
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