1
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Conradt G, Hausser I, Nyström A. Epidermal or Dermal Collagen VII Is Sufficient for Skin Integrity: Insights to Anchoring Fibril Homeostasis. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:1301-1310.e7. [PMID: 38007090 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Collagen VII forms anchoring fibrils that are essential for the stability of the skin and other epithelial organs. In addition to such structural functions, it is emerging that collagen VII fills instructive functions. Collagen VII is synthesized by both epithelial cells and fibroblasts. Genetic loss of collagen VII causes dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, which manifests with chronic skin fragility and fibrosis. Significant progress has been made in developing therapies for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa; however, such work has also raised questions on the importance of the cellular source of collagen VII for maintenance of tissue integrity and homeostasis. Toward this end, we engineered mice that kept the physiological expression of collagen VII only in epithelial cells or in fibroblasts. Our study revealed that production of collagen VII either by keratinocytes or fibroblasts alone is sufficient for creation of mechanically robust skin. Importantly, we also show tissue-diverse dependence on epithelial and mesenchymal production of collagen VII and provide support for limited amounts of collagen VII being sufficient for tissue protection. Furthermore, a disconnect between collagen VII abundance and anchoring fibril numbers supports the concept that restoration of fully physiological collagen VII levels may not be needed to achieve complete mechanical protection of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Conradt
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ingrid Hausser
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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2
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Sproule TJ, Wilpan RY, Wilson JJ, Low BE, Kabata Y, Ushiki T, Abe R, Wiles MV, Roopenian DC, Sundberg JP. Dystonin modifiers of junctional epidermolysis bullosa and models of epidermolysis bullosa simplex without dystonia musculorum. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293218. [PMID: 37883475 PMCID: PMC10602294 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The Lamc2jeb junctional epidermolysis bullosa (EB) mouse model has been used to demonstrate that significant genetic modification of EB symptoms is possible, identifying as modifiers Col17a1 and six other quantitative trait loci, several with strong candidate genes including dystonin (Dst/Bpag1). Here, CRISPR/Cas9 was used to alter exon 23 in mouse skin specific isoform Dst-e (Ensembl GRCm38 transcript name Dst-213, transcript ID ENSMUST00000183302.5, protein size 2639AA) and validate a proposed arginine/glutamine difference at amino acid p1226 in B6 versus 129 mice as a modifier of EB. Frame shift deletions (FSD) in mouse Dst-e exon 23 (Dst-eFSD/FSD) were also identified that cause mice carrying wild-type Lamc2 to develop a phenotype similar to human EB simplex without dystonia musculorum. When combined, Dst-eFSD/FSD modifies Lamc2jeb/jeb (FSD+jeb) induced disease in unexpected ways implicating an altered balance between DST-e (BPAG1e) and a rarely reported rodless DST-eS (BPAG1eS) in epithelium as a possible mechanism. Further, FSD+jeb mice with pinnae removed are found to provide a test bed for studying internal epithelium EB disease and treatment without severe skin disease as a limiting factor while also revealing and accelerating significant nasopharynx symptoms present but not previously noted in Lamc2jeb/jeb mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Y. Wilpan
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States of America
| | - John J. Wilson
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States of America
| | - Benjamin E. Low
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States of America
| | - Yudai Kabata
- Division of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
- Division of Microscopic Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Ushiki
- Division of Microscopic Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Riichiro Abe
- Division of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Michael V. Wiles
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States of America
| | | | - John P. Sundberg
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States of America
- Department of Dermatology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
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3
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Nanić L, Cedilak A, Vidaček NŠ, Gruber F, Huzak M, Bader M, Rubelj I. In Vivo Skin Regeneration and Wound Healing Using Cell Micro-Transplantation. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091955. [PMID: 36145701 PMCID: PMC9501230 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The accumulation of senescent cells in tissues alters tissue homeostasis and affects wound healing. It is also considered to be the main contributing factor to aging. In addition to losing their ability to divide, senescent cells exert detrimental effects on surrounding tissues through their senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). They also affect stem cells and their niche, reducing their capacity to divide which increasingly reduces tissue regenerative capacity over time. The aim of our study was to restore aged skin by increasing the fraction of young cells in vivo using a young cell micro-transplantation technique on Fischer 344 rats. Employing the same technique, we also used wild-type skin fibroblasts and stem cells in order to heal Dominant Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bulosa (DDEB) wounds and skin blistering. Results: We demonstrate that implantation of young fibroblasts restores cell density, revitalizes cell proliferation in the dermis and epidermis, rejuvenates collagen I and III matrices, and boosts epidermal stem cell proliferation in rats with advancing age. We were also able to reduce blistering in DDEB rats by transplantation of skin stem cells but not skin fibroblasts. Conclusions: Our intervention proves that a local increase of young cells in the dermis changes tissue homeostasis well enough to revitalize the stem cell niche, ensuring overall skin restoration and rejuvenation as well as healing DDEB skin. Our method has great potential for clinical applications in skin aging, as well as for the treatment of various skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Nanić
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Division of Molecular Biology, Ruder Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Andrea Cedilak
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Division of Molecular Biology, Ruder Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nikolina Škrobot Vidaček
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Division of Molecular Biology, Ruder Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Florian Gruber
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Miljenko Huzak
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Michael Bader
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125 Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, 10785 Berlin, Germany
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Biology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ivica Rubelj
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Division of Molecular Biology, Ruder Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Correspondence:
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Nyström A, Bruckner-Tuderman L, Kiritsi D. Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa: Secondary Disease Mechanisms and Disease Modifiers. Front Genet 2021; 12:737272. [PMID: 34650598 PMCID: PMC8505774 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.737272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The phenotypic presentation of monogenetic diseases is determined not only by the nature of the causative mutations but also is influenced by manifold cellular, microenvironmental, and external factors. Here, heritable extracellular matrix diseases, including dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB), are no exceptions. Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is caused by mutations in the COL7A1 gene encoding collagen VII. Deficiency of collagen VII leads to skin and mucosal fragility, which progresses from skin blistering to severe fibrosis and cancer. Clinical and pre-clinical studies suggest that targeting of secondary disease mechanisms or employment of natural disease modifiers can alleviate DEB severity and progression. However, since many of these mechanisms are needed for tissue homeostasis, informed, selective targeting is essential for safe and efficacious treatment. Here, we discuss a selection of key disease modifiers and modifying processes active in DEB, summarize the still scattered knowledge of them, and reflect on ways forward toward their utilization for symptom-relief or enhancement of curative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Leena Bruckner-Tuderman
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dimitra Kiritsi
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Smith BRC, Nyström A, Nowell CJ, Hausser I, Gretzmeier C, Robertson SJ, Varigos GA, Has C, Kern JS, Pang KC. Mouse models for dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa carrying common human point mutations recapitulate the human disease. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:dmm048082. [PMID: 34085701 PMCID: PMC8214732 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.048082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterozygous missense mutations in the human COL7A1 gene - coding for collagen VII - lead to the rare, dominantly inherited skin disorder dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DDEB), which is characterised by skin fragility, blistering, scarring and nail dystrophy. To better understand the pathophysiology of DDEB and develop more effective treatments, suitable mouse models for DDEB are required but to date none have existed. We identified the two most common COL7A1 mutations in DDEB patients (p.G2034R and p.G2043R) and used CRISPR-Cas9 to introduce the corresponding mutations into mouse Col7a1 (p.G2028R and p.G2037R). Dominant inheritance of either of these two alleles results in a phenotype that closely resembles that seen in DDEB patients. Specifically, mice carrying these alleles show recurrent blistering that is first observed transiently around the mouth and paws in the early neonatal period and then again around the digits from 5-10 weeks of age. Histologically, the mice show micro-blistering and reduced collagen VII immunostaining. Biochemically, collagen VII from these mice displays reduced thermal stability, which we also observed to be the case for DDEB patients carrying the analogous mutations. Unlike previous rodent models of epidermolysis bullosa, which frequently show early lethality and severe disease, these mouse models, which to our knowledge are the first for DDEB, show no reduction in growth and survival, and - together with a relatively mild phenotype - represent a practically and ethically tractable tool for better understanding and treating epidermolysis bullosa. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake R. C. Smith
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Cameron J. Nowell
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Ingrid Hausser
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Christine Gretzmeier
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Susan J. Robertson
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Dermatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
- Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - George A. Varigos
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Dermatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Cristina Has
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Johannes S. Kern
- Dermatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Ken C. Pang
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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Bornert O, Kocher T, Gretzmeier C, Liemberger B, Hainzl S, Koller U, Nyström A. Generation of rabbit polyclonal human and murine collagen VII monospecific antibodies: A useful tool for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa therapy studies. Matrix Biol Plus 2019; 4:100017. [PMID: 33543014 PMCID: PMC7852329 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2019.100017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
High conservation of extracellular matrix proteins often makes the generation of potent species-specific antibodies challenging. For collagen VII there is a particular preclinical interest in the ability to discriminate between human and murine collagen VII. Deficiency of collagen VII causes dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) – a genetic skin blistering disease, which in its most severe forms is highly debilitating. Advances in gene and cell therapy approaches have made curative therapies for genetic diseases a realistic possibility. DEB is one disorder for which substantial progress has been made toward curative therapies and improved management of the disease. However, to increase their efficacy further preclinical studies are needed. The early neonatal lethality of complete collagen VII deficient mice, have led researches to resort to using models maintaining residual collagen VII expression or grafting of DEB model skin on wild-type mice for preclinical therapy studies. These approaches are challenged by collagen VII expression by the murine host. Thus, the ability to selectively visualize human and murine collagen VII would be a substantial advantage. Here, we describe a novel resource toward this end. By immunization with homologous peptides we generated rabbit polyclonal antibodies that recognize either human or murine collagen VII. Testing on additional species, including rat, sheep, dog, and pig, combined sequence alignment and peptide competition binding assays enabled identification of the major antisera recognizing epitopes. The species-specificity was maintained after denaturation and the antibodies allowed us to simultaneously, specifically visualize human and murine collagen VII in situ. High sequence conservation of murine and human collagen VII makes development of species-specific antibodies challenging. Divergence in the immune epitope of a conserved peptide allowed for generation of species-specific collagen VII antibodies. The antibodies allow strong, simultaneous visualization of human and murine collagen VII in immunocompetent hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Bornert
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Kocher
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christine Gretzmeier
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bernadette Liemberger
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Stefan Hainzl
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Ulrich Koller
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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7
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Bornert O, Peking P, Bremer J, Koller U, van den Akker PC, Aartsma-Rus A, Pasmooij AMG, Murauer EM, Nyström A. RNA-based therapies for genodermatoses. Exp Dermatol 2017; 26:3-10. [PMID: 27376675 PMCID: PMC5593095 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Genetic disorders affecting the skin, genodermatoses, constitute a large and heterogeneous group of diseases, for which treatment is generally limited to management of symptoms. RNA-based therapies are emerging as a powerful tool to treat genodermatoses. In this review, we discuss in detail RNA splicing modulation by antisense oligonucleotides and RNA trans-splicing, transcript replacement and genome editing by in vitro-transcribed mRNAs, and gene knockdown by small interfering RNA and antisense oligonucleotides. We present the current state of these therapeutic approaches and critically discuss their opportunities, limitations and the challenges that remain to be solved. The aim of this review was to set the stage for the development of new and better therapies to improve the lives of patients and families affected by a genodermatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Bornert
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center – University of
Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Patricia Peking
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of
Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus
Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Jeroen Bremer
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Groningen,
University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Koller
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of
Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus
Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Peter C. van den Akker
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Groningen,
University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen,
University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center,
Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anna M. G. Pasmooij
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Groningen,
University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eva M. Murauer
- EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of
Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus
Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center – University of
Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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8
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Pausch H, Ammermüller S, Wurmser C, Hamann H, Tetens J, Drögemüller C, Fries R. A nonsense mutation in the COL7A1 gene causes epidermolysis bullosa in Vorderwald cattle. BMC Genet 2016; 17:149. [PMID: 27905875 PMCID: PMC5131490 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-016-0458-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The widespread use of individual sires for artificial insemination promotes the propagation of recessive conditions. Inadvertent matings between unnoticed carriers of deleterious alleles may result in the manifestation of fatal phenotypes in their progeny. Breeding consultants and farmers reported on Vorderwald calves with a congenital skin disease. The clinical findings in affected calves were compatible with epidermolysis bullosa. Results Pedigree analysis indicated autosomal recessive inheritance of epidermolysis bullosa in Vorderwald cattle. We genotyped two diseased and 41 healthy animals at 41,436 single nucleotide polymorphisms and performed whole-genome haplotype-based association testing, which allowed us to map the locus responsible for the skin disease to the distal end of bovine chromosome 22 (P = 8.0 × 10−14). The analysis of whole-genome re-sequencing data of one diseased calf, three obligate mutation carriers and 1682 healthy animals from various bovine breeds revealed a nonsense mutation (rs876174537, p.Arg1588X) in the COL7A1 gene that segregates with the disease. The same mutation was previously detected in three calves with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa from the Rotes Höhenvieh cattle breed. We show that diseased animals from Vorderwald and Rotes Höhenvieh cattle are identical by descent for an 8.72 Mb haplotype encompassing rs876174537 indicating they inherited the deleterious allele from a recent common ancestor. Conclusions Autosomal recessive epidermolysis bullosa in Vorderwald and Rotes Höhenvieh cattle is caused by a nonsense mutation in the COL7A1 gene. Our findings demonstrate that deleterious alleles may segregate across cattle populations without apparent admixture. The identification of the causal mutation now enables the reliable detection of carrier animals. Genome-based mating strategies can avoid inadvertent matings of carrier animals thereby preventing the birth of homozygous calves that suffer from a painful skin disease. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12863-016-0458-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubert Pausch
- Chair of Animal Breeding, Technical University of Munich, Freising, 85354, Germany. .,Present address: Biosciences Research, Agriculture Victoria, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, AgriBio, Bundoora, 3083, Australia.
| | - Simon Ammermüller
- Chair of Animal Breeding, Technical University of Munich, Freising, 85354, Germany
| | - Christine Wurmser
- Chair of Animal Breeding, Technical University of Munich, Freising, 85354, Germany
| | - Henning Hamann
- Federal Bureau for Geo Information and Rural Development of Baden-Württemberg, Kornwestheim, 70806, Germany
| | - Jens Tetens
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, 24098, Germany
| | - Cord Drögemüller
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bern, Bern, 3001, Switzerland
| | - Ruedi Fries
- Chair of Animal Breeding, Technical University of Munich, Freising, 85354, Germany
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Charfeddine C, Ktaifi C, Laroussi N, Hammami H, Jmel H, Landoulsi Z, Badri T, Benmously R, Bchetnia M, Boubaker M, Fenniche S, Abdelhak S, Mokni M. Clinical and molecular investigation of Buschke-Fischer-Brauer in consanguineous Tunisian families. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2016; 30:2122-2130. [DOI: 10.1111/jdv.13787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Charfeddine
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics (LR11IPT05); University of Tunis El Manar; Pasteur Institut of Tunis; Tunis Tunisia
- High Institut of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet; University of Manouba; Biotechpole of SidiThabet; Ariana Tunisia
| | - C. Ktaifi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics (LR11IPT05); University of Tunis El Manar; Pasteur Institut of Tunis; Tunis Tunisia
| | - N. Laroussi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics (LR11IPT05); University of Tunis El Manar; Pasteur Institut of Tunis; Tunis Tunisia
| | - H. Hammami
- Department of Dermatology; Habib Thameur Hospital; Tunis Tunisia
- Laboratory of Genodermatosis and Cancer (LR12SP03); University of Tunis El Manar; Faculty of Medecine Tunis; Tunis Tunisia
| | - H. Jmel
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics (LR11IPT05); University of Tunis El Manar; Pasteur Institut of Tunis; Tunis Tunisia
| | - Z. Landoulsi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics (LR11IPT05); University of Tunis El Manar; Pasteur Institut of Tunis; Tunis Tunisia
| | - T. Badri
- Department of Dermatology; Habib Thameur Hospital; Tunis Tunisia
| | - R. Benmously
- Department of Dermatology; Habib Thameur Hospital; Tunis Tunisia
| | - M. Bchetnia
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics (LR11IPT05); University of Tunis El Manar; Pasteur Institut of Tunis; Tunis Tunisia
| | - M.S. Boubaker
- Department of Human and Experimental Pathology; Pasteur Institute of Tunis; Tunis Tunisia
| | - S. Fenniche
- Department of Dermatology; Habib Thameur Hospital; Tunis Tunisia
- Laboratory of Genodermatosis and Cancer (LR12SP03); University of Tunis El Manar; Faculty of Medecine Tunis; Tunis Tunisia
| | - S. Abdelhak
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics (LR11IPT05); University of Tunis El Manar; Pasteur Institut of Tunis; Tunis Tunisia
| | - M. Mokni
- Department of Dermatology; CHU La Rabta Tunis; Tunis Tunisia
- CHU La Rabta Tunis; Research Unit on Hereditary Keratinizaton Disorders UR12SP07; Tunis Tunisia
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10
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Bornert O, Kühl T, Bremer J, van den Akker PC, Pasmooij AM, Nyström A. Analysis of the functional consequences of targeted exon deletion in COL7A1 reveals prospects for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa therapy. Mol Ther 2016; 24:1302-11. [PMID: 27157667 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2016.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetically evoked deficiency of collagen VII causes dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB)-a debilitating disease characterized by chronic skin fragility and progressive fibrosis. Removal of exons carrying frame-disrupting mutations can reinstate protein expression in genetic diseases. The therapeutic potential of this approach is critically dependent on gene, protein, and disease intrinsic factors. Naturally occurring exon skipping in COL7A1, translating collagen VII, suggests that skipping of exons containing disease-causing mutations may be feasible for the treatment of DEB. However, despite a primarily in-frame arrangement of exons in the COL7A1 gene, no general conclusion of the aptitude of exon skipping for DEB can be drawn, since regulation of collagen VII functionality is complex involving folding, intra- and intermolecular interactions. To directly address this, we deleted two conceptually important exons located at both ends of COL7A1, exon 13, containing recurrent mutations, and exon 105, predicted to impact folding. The resulting recombinantly expressed proteins showed conserved functionality in biochemical and in vitro assays. Injected into DEB mice, the proteins promoted skin stability. By demonstrating functionality of internally deleted collagen VII variants, our study provides support of targeted exon deletion or skipping as a potential therapy to treat a large number of individuals with DEB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Bornert
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Kühl
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jeroen Bremer
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Peter C van den Akker
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.,Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Anna Mg Pasmooij
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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11
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Eden KB, Peterson A, Payne HR, Corapi WV, Mansell J, Hoffman AR. Congenital dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) in Sprague Dawley rats: a case series. Vet Dermatol 2016; 27:122-6e34. [PMID: 26914716 DOI: 10.1111/vde.12293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare skin disease caused by defects in the basement membrane and/or other dermoepidermal junction components. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES We describe a series of spontaneous cases of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) in a colony of Sprague Dawley rats investigated with histopathology, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and inheritance pattern. ANIMALS Four, 4-day-old pups from a litter of Sprague Dawley rats developed blistering, haemorrhagic skin lesions and were euthanized. Age-matched controls from the same litter were normal. Several months later two more litters presented with identical findings. All three litters had the same sire, suggesting a genetic component. METHODS Skin from affected and control animals was evaluated histologically and with TEM. Unaffected sibling pairs from affected litters were bred in order to potentially reproduce the disease and determine the mode of inheritance. RESULTS Histologically, there was significant dermoepidermal clefting below the basement membrane with variable amounts of haemorrhage and cellular debris within the clefts. Ultrastructurally, clefting occurred below the basement membrane with an intact lamina densa and normal hemidesmosomes. Anchoring filaments were strikingly absent. Litters produced from phenotypically unaffected sibling pairs resulted in a total of four more litters with approximately a quarter of pups affected. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Based on the gross lesions, histopathological features and TEM determination of separation below the lamina densa and lack of normal anchoring fibrils, these cases are most consistent with DEB. This is the first report of naturally occurring, localized and reproducible recessive DEB in Sprague Dawley rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin B Eden
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, 422 Raymond Stotzer Parkway, College Station, TX, 77845, USA.,Department of Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, 245 Duck Pond Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Ashley Peterson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, 422 Raymond Stotzer Parkway, College Station, TX, 77845, USA
| | - Harold R Payne
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, 422 Raymond Stotzer Parkway, College Station, TX, 77845, USA
| | - Wayne V Corapi
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, 422 Raymond Stotzer Parkway, College Station, TX, 77845, USA
| | - Joanne Mansell
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, 422 Raymond Stotzer Parkway, College Station, TX, 77845, USA
| | - Aline Rodrigues Hoffman
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, 422 Raymond Stotzer Parkway, College Station, TX, 77845, USA
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12
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Has C, Nyström A. Epidermal Basement Membrane in Health and Disease. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2015; 76:117-70. [PMID: 26610913 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2015.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Skin, as the organ protecting the individual from environmental aggressions, constantly meets external insults and is dependent on mechanical toughness for its preserved function. Accordingly, the epidermal basement membrane (BM) zone has adapted to enforce tissue integrity. It harbors anchoring structures created through unique organization of common BM components and expression of proteins exclusive to the epidermal BM zone. Evidence for the importance of its correct assembly and the nonredundancy of its components for skin integrity is apparent from the multiple skin blistering disorders caused by mutations in genes coding for proteins associated with the epidermal BM and from autoimmune disorders in which autoantibodies target these molecules. However, it has become clear that these proteins not only provide mechanical support but are also critically involved in tissue homeostasis, repair, and regeneration. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the unique organization and components of the epidermal BM. A special focus will be given to its function during regeneration, and in inherited and acquired diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Has
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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13
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Kühl T, Mezger M, Hausser I, Handgretinger R, Bruckner-Tuderman L, Nyström A. High Local Concentrations of Intradermal MSCs Restore Skin Integrity and Facilitate Wound Healing in Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. Mol Ther 2015; 23:1368-1379. [PMID: 25858020 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2015.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is an incurable skin fragility disorder caused by mutations in the COL7A1 gene, coding for the anchoring fibril protein collagen VII (C7). Life-long mechanosensitivity of skin and mucosal surfaces is associated with large body surface erosions, chronic wounds, and secondary fibrosis that severely impede functionality. Here, we present the first systematic long-term evaluation of the therapeutic potential of a mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-based therapy for DEB. Intradermal administration of MSCs in a DEB mouse model resulted in production and deposition of C7 at the dermal-epidermal junction, the physiological site of function. The effect was dose-dependent with MSCs being up to 10-fold more potent than dermal fibroblasts. MSCs promoted regeneration of DEB wounds via normalization of dermal and epidermal healing and improved skin integrity through de novo formation of functional immature anchoring fibrils. Additional benefits were gained by MSCs' anti-inflammatory effects, which led to decreased immune cell infiltration into injured DEB skin. In our setting, the clinical benefit of MSC injections lasted for more than 3 months. We conclude that MSCs are viable options for localized DEB therapy. Importantly, however, the cell number needed to achieve therapeutic efficacy excludes the use of systemic administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Kühl
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Markus Mezger
- Department of General Paediatrics, Oncology/Haematology, University Children's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ingrid Hausser
- EM-lab, Institute of Pathology, University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rupert Handgretinger
- Department of General Paediatrics, Oncology/Haematology, University Children's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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