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Kim DH, Lee J, Ko JK, Lee K. Melanophilin regulates dendritogenesis in melanocytes for feather pigmentation. Commun Biol 2024; 7:592. [PMID: 38760591 PMCID: PMC11101434 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06284-5] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Limited studies using animal models with a few natural mutations in melanophilin (Mlph) provided partial functions of Mlph in melanosome trafficking. To investigate cellular functions of Mlph, especially ZnF motif of Mlph, we analyzed all three Mlph knockout (KO) quail lines, one and two base pair (bp) deletions as models for total KO, and three bp deletion causing deletion of one Cysteine (C84del) in the ZnF motif. All quail lines had diluted feather pigmentation with impaired dendritogenesis and melanosome transport in melanocytes. In vitro studies revealed capability of binding of the ZnF motif to PIP3, and impairment of PI3P binding and mislocalization of MLPH proteins with ZnF motif mutations. The shortened melanocyte dendrites by the C84del mutation were rescued by introducing WT Mlph in vitro. These results revealed the diluted feather pigmentation by Mlph mutations resulted from congregation of melanosomes in the cell bodies with impairment of the dendritogenesis and the transport of melanosomes to the cell periphery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hwan Kim
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Joonbum Lee
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jae-Kyun Ko
- Department of Surgery, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Pathology Advanced Translational Research Unit (PATRU), Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kichoon Lee
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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2
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Kosovsky GY, Glazko VI, Abramov OI, Glazko TT. Melanophilin Polymorphism in Ferrets of Different Color. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2023; 513:S12-S17. [PMID: 38189891 DOI: 10.1134/s1607672923700655] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
In mammals, the main contribution to the variability of pigmentation is made by two groups of genes directly related to the metabolic pathways of pigment synthesis and controlling the transport of melanosomes in melanocytes to keratinocytes. In order to identify the genetic basis of pigmentation variants, the nucleotide sequences of the melanophilin gene were compared in two groups of ferrets-silver-colored and wild-type animals-using sequencing of 16 exons. In carriers of silver color, a single nucleotide deletion was detected in the 9th exon, leading to a shift in the reading frame and the formation of a stop codon downstream. The protein encoded by the mutant allele is almost completely devoid of the C terminal domain of the protein responsible for the contact of melanosomes with actin during their moving to the periphery of melanocytes, but it retains the leading domain involved in the formation of melanosomes. The combination of the preservation of the N domain and the defect of the C domain of the mutant protein for the first time makes it possible to explain the incomplete dominance of the wild-type protein in heterozygotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Yu Kosovsky
- Afanas'ev Research Institute of Fur-Bearing Animal Breeding and Rabbit Breeding, Rodniki Village, Ramenki district, city, Moscow oblast, Russia.
| | - V I Glazko
- Afanas'ev Research Institute of Fur-Bearing Animal Breeding and Rabbit Breeding, Rodniki Village, Ramenki district, city, Moscow oblast, Russia
| | - O I Abramov
- Afanas'ev Research Institute of Fur-Bearing Animal Breeding and Rabbit Breeding, Rodniki Village, Ramenki district, city, Moscow oblast, Russia
| | - T T Glazko
- Afanas'ev Research Institute of Fur-Bearing Animal Breeding and Rabbit Breeding, Rodniki Village, Ramenki district, city, Moscow oblast, Russia
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3
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Ballan M, Bovo S, Bertolini F, Schiavo G, Schiavitto M, Negrini R, Fontanesi L. Population genomic structures and signatures of selection define the genetic uniqueness of several fancy and meat rabbit breeds. J Anim Breed Genet 2023; 140:663-678. [PMID: 37435689 DOI: 10.1111/jbg.12818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Following the recent domestication process of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), many different breeds and lines, distinguished primarily by exterior traits such as coat colour, fur structure and body size and shape, have been constituted. In this study, we genotyped, with a high-density single-nucleotide polymorphism panel, a total of 645 rabbits from 10 fancy breeds (Belgian Hare, Champagne d'Argent, Checkered Giant, Coloured Dwarf, Dwarf Lop, Ermine, Giant Grey, Giant White, Rex and Rhinelander) and three meat breeds (Italian White, Italian Spotted and Italian Silver). ADMIXTURE analysis indicated that breeds with similar phenotypic traits (e.g. coat colour and body size) shared common ancestries. Signatures of selection using two haplotype-based approaches (iHS and XP-EHH), combined with the results obtained with other methods previously reported that we applied to the same breeds, we identified a total of 5079 independent genomic regions with some signatures of selection, covering about 1777 Mb of the rabbit genome. These regions consistently encompassed many genes involved in pigmentation processes (ASIP, EDNRA, EDNRB, KIT, KITLG, MITF, OCA2, TYR and TYRP1), coat structure (LIPH) and body size, including two major genes (LCORL and HMGA2) among many others. This study revealed novel genomic regions under signatures of selection and further demonstrated that population structures and signatures of selection, left into the genome of these rabbit breeds, may contribute to understanding the genetic events that led to their constitution and the complex genetic mechanisms determining the broad phenotypic variability present in these untapped rabbit genetic resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Ballan
- Division of Animal Sciences, Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Samuele Bovo
- Division of Animal Sciences, Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Bertolini
- Division of Animal Sciences, Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Schiavo
- Division of Animal Sciences, Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Schiavitto
- Associazione Nazionale Coniglicoltori Italiani (ANCI), Volturara Appula, Italy
| | | | - Luca Fontanesi
- Division of Animal Sciences, Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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4
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Lederer I, Shahid B, Dao U, Brogdon A, Byrtus H, Delva M, Deva O, Hatfield P, Hertz M, Justice J, Mavor S, Pilbeam E, Rice Z, Simpson A, Temar H, Wynn R, Xhangolli J, Graves C, Seidel H. A frameshift variant in the melanophilin gene is associated with loss of pigment from shed skin in ball pythons ( Python regius ). MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2023; 2023:10.17912/micropub.biology.000896. [PMID: 37637270 PMCID: PMC10448248 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Melanophilin is a myosin adaptor required for transporting the pigment melanin within cells. Loss of melanophilin in fish, birds, and mammals causes pigmentation defects, but little is known about the role of melanophilin in non-avian reptiles. Here we show that a frameshift in the melanophilin gene in ball python ( P. regius ) is associated with loss of pigment from shed skin. This variant is predicted to remove the myosin-binding domain of melanophilin and thereby impair transport of melanin-containing organelles. Our study represents the first description of a melanophilin variant in a non-avian reptile and confirms the role of melanophilin across vertebrates.
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Elkin J, Martin A, Courtier-Orgogozo V, Santos ME. Analysis of the genetic loci of pigment pattern evolution in vertebrates. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1250-1277. [PMID: 37017088 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrate pigmentation patterns are amongst the best characterised model systems for studying the genetic basis of adaptive evolution. The wealth of available data on the genetic basis for pigmentation evolution allows for analysis of trends and quantitative testing of evolutionary hypotheses. We employed Gephebase, a database of genetic variants associated with natural and domesticated trait variation, to examine trends in how cis-regulatory and coding mutations contribute to vertebrate pigmentation phenotypes, as well as factors that favour one mutation type over the other. We found that studies with lower ascertainment bias identified higher proportions of cis-regulatory mutations, and that cis-regulatory mutations were more common amongst animals harbouring a higher number of pigment cell classes. We classified pigmentation traits firstly according to their physiological basis and secondly according to whether they affect colour or pattern, and identified that carotenoid-based pigmentation and variation in pattern boundaries are preferentially associated with cis-regulatory change. We also classified genes according to their developmental, cellular, and molecular functions. We found a greater proportion of cis-regulatory mutations in genes implicated in upstream developmental processes compared to those involved in downstream cellular functions, and that ligands were associated with a higher proportion of cis-regulatory mutations than their respective receptors. Based on these trends, we discuss future directions for research in vertebrate pigmentation evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Elkin
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Arnaud Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, 800 22nd St. NW, Suite 6000, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | | | - M Emília Santos
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
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Yuan Z, Zhang X, Pang Y, Qi Y, Wang Q, Hu Y, Zhao Y, Ren S, Huo L. Association analysis of melanophilin ( MLPH) gene expression and polymorphism with plumage color in quail. Arch Anim Breed 2023; 66:131-139. [PMID: 37124941 PMCID: PMC10134764 DOI: 10.5194/aab-66-131-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We explore the relationship between the melanophilin (MLPH) gene and quail plumage color and provide a reference for subsequent quail plumage color breeding. In this experiment, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) technology was used to analyze the relative mRNA expression levels of Korean quail (maroon) and Beijing white quail embryos at different developmental stages. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the MLPH gene were screened based on the RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) data of skin tissues of Korean quail and Beijing white quail during the embryonic stage. Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) technology was used for genotyping in the resource population, and correlation analysis was carried out with the plumage color traits of quail. Finally, bioinformatics was used to predict the effects of these two SNPs on the structure and function of the encoded protein. The results showed that the expression level of the MLPH gene during embryonic development of Beijing white quail was significantly higher than that of Korean quail ( P < 0.01 ). The frequency distribution of the three genotypes (CC, CA and AA) of the Beijing white quail at the c.1807C > A mutation site was significantly different from that of the Korean quail ( P < 0.01 ). The frequency distribution of the three genotypes (GG, GA and AA) of the Beijing white quail at the c.2129G > A mutation site was significantly different from that of the Korean quail ( P < 0.01 ). And there was a significant correlation between the c.1807C > A mutation site and the white plumage phenotype. Bioinformatics showed that SNP1 (c.1807C > A) was a neutral mutation and that SNP2 (c.2129G > A) was a deleterious mutation. The prediction of protein conservation showed that the mutation sites of coding proteins R603S and G710D caused by SNP1 (c.1807C > A) and SNP2 (c.2129G > A) were highly conserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwen Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology,
Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology,
Luoyang 471003, China
- Luoyang Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Luoyang
471003, China
| | - Youzhi Pang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology,
Luoyang 471003, China
- Luoyang Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Luoyang
471003, China
| | - Yanxia Qi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology,
Luoyang 471003, China
- Luoyang Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Luoyang
471003, China
| | - Qiankun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology,
Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Yunqi Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology,
Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Yiwei Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology,
Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Shiwei Ren
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology,
Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Linke Huo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology,
Luoyang 471003, China
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7
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Chen Y, Hu S, Liu M, Zhao B, Yang N, Li J, Chen Q, Zhou J, Bao G, Wu X. Analysis of Genome DNA Methylation at Inherited Coat Color Dilutions of Rex Rabbits. Front Genet 2021; 11:603528. [PMID: 33552123 PMCID: PMC7859435 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.603528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The dilution of color in rabbits is associated with many different genetic mechanisms that form different color groups. A number of previous studies have revealed potential regulatory mechanisms by which epigenetics regulate pigmentation. However, the genome-wide DNA methylation involved in animal coat color dilution remains unknown. Results: We compared genome-wide DNA methylation profiles in Rex rabbit hair follicles in a Chinchilla group (Ch) and a diluted Chinchilla group (DCh) through whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS). Approximately 3.5% of the cytosine sites were methylated in both groups, of which the CG methylation type was in greatest abundance. In total, we identified 126,405 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between the two groups, corresponding to 11,459 DMR-associated genes (DMGs). Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis revealed that these DMGs were principally involved in developmental pigmentation and Wnt signaling pathways. In addition, two DMRs were randomly selected to verify that the WGBS data were reliable using bisulfite sequencing PCR, and seven DMGs were analyzed to establish the relationship between the level of DNA methylation and mRNA expression using qRT-PCR. Due to the limitation of small sample size, replication of the results with a larger sample size would be important in future studies. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that there is an association between inherited color dilution and DNA methylation alterations in hair follicles, greatly contributing to our understanding of the epigenetic regulation of rabbit pigmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Shuaishuai Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Ming Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Bohao Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Naisu Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jiali Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Qiuran Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Juan Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Guolian Bao
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Research Institute Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinsheng Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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8
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Analysis of MC1R, MITF, TYR, TYRP1, and MLPH Genes Polymorphism in Four Rabbit Breeds with Different Coat Colors. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010081. [PMID: 33466315 PMCID: PMC7824738 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Coat color is an important breed characteristic and economic trait for rabbits, and it is regulated by a few genes. In this study, the gene frequencies of some pigmentation genes were investigated in four Chinese native rabbit breeds with different coat colors. A total of 14 genetic variants were detected in the gene fragments of MC1R, MITF, TYR, TYRP1, and MLPH genes, and there was low-to-moderate polymorphism in the populations. The gene frequency showed significant differences among the four rabbit populations. The above results suggest that these genetic variations play an important role in regulating the coat color of rabbits. This study will provide potential molecular markers for the breeding of coat color traits in rabbits. Abstract Pigmentation genes such as MC1R, MITF, TYR, TYRP1, and MLPH play a major role in rabbit coat color. To understand the genotypic profile underlying coat color in indigenous Chinese rabbit breeds, portions of the above-mentioned genes were amplified and variations in them were analyzed by DNA sequencing. Based on the analysis of 24 Tianfu black rabbits, 24 Sichuan white rabbits, 24 Sichuan gray rabbits, and 24 Fujian yellow rabbits, two indels in MC1R, three SNPs in MITF, five SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in TYR, one SNP in TYRP1, and three SNPs in MLPH were discovered. These variations have low-to-moderate polymorphism, and there are significant differences in their distribution among the different breeds (p < 0.05). These results provide more information regarding the genetic background of these native rabbit breeds and reveal their high-quality genetic resources.
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Dorożyńska K, Maj D. Rabbits - their domestication and molecular genetics of hair coat development and quality. Anim Genet 2020; 52:10-20. [PMID: 33216407 DOI: 10.1111/age.13024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is the only representative of its genus living in present-day Europe and North Africa, and all domestic rabbits are descendants of this one species, which is native to the Iberian Peninsula. There are over 300 breeds of rabbits that differ in size, coat color, length of ears and type of fur. Rabbits are bred for various reasons, such as for laboratory animals and a source of meat, wool and fur, as well as for pets and exhibition animals. The hair coat is a important economic trait of rabbits. Its development and quality are influenced by various factors, both environmental and genetic. The genetic mechanisms underlying its development have not been thoroughly researched. The aim of this review is to discuss the domestication of rabbits and the different aspects of rabbit genetics. A brief review of the properties of rabbit hair coat, hair coat development and hair cycle will be provided, followed by discussion of the factors regulating hair coat development, molecular control of hair coat development and the role of non-coding RNAs in the regulation of gene expression in the hair follicles of rabbits. Information about genetic regulation of pathways could provide useful tools for improving hair coat quality and be of practical use in rabbit breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Dorożyńska
- Department of Genetics, Animal Breeding and Ethology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, al. Mickiewicza 24/28, Krakow, 30-059, Poland
| | - D Maj
- Department of Genetics, Animal Breeding and Ethology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, al. Mickiewicza 24/28, Krakow, 30-059, Poland
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10
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A Third MLPH Variant Causing Coat Color Dilution in Dogs. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11060639. [PMID: 32531980 PMCID: PMC7349360 DOI: 10.3390/genes11060639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered melanosome transport in melanocytes, resulting from variants in the melanophilin (MLPH) gene, are associated with inherited forms of coat color dilution in many species. In dogs, the MLPH gene corresponds to the D locus and two variants, c.-22G > A (d1) and c.705G > C (d2), leading to the dilution of coat color, as described. Here, we describe the independent investigations of dogs whose coat color dilution could not be explained by known variants, and who report a third MLPH variant, (c.667_668insC) (d3), which leads to a frameshift and premature stop codon (p.His223Profs*41). The d3 allele is found at low frequency in multiple dog breeds, as well as in wolves, wolf-dog hybrids, and indigenous dogs. Canids in which the d3 allele contributed to the grey (dilute) phenotype were d1/d3 compound heterozygotes or d3 homozygotes, and all non-dilute related dogs had one or two D alleles, consistent with a recessive inheritance. Similar to other loci responsible for coat colors in dogs, this, alongside likely additional allelic heterogeneity at the D locus, or other loci, must be considered when performing and interpreting genetic testing.
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Posbergh CJ, Staiger EA, Huson HJ. A Stop-Gain Mutation within MLPH Is Responsible for the Lilac Dilution Observed in Jacob Sheep. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11060618. [PMID: 32512769 PMCID: PMC7349772 DOI: 10.3390/genes11060618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A coat color dilution, called lilac, was observed within the Jacob sheep breed. This dilution results in sheep appearing gray, where black would normally occur. Pedigree analysis suggested an autosomal recessive inheritance. Whole-genome sequencing of a dilute case, a known carrier, and sixteen non-dilute sheep was used to identify the molecular variant responsible for the coat color change. Through investigation of the genes MLPH, MYO5A, and RAB27A, we discovered a nonsynonymous mutation within MLPH, which appeared to match the reported autosomal recessive nature of the lilac dilution. This mutation (NC_019458.2:g.3451931C>A) results in a premature stop codon being introduced early in the protein (NP_001139743.1:p.Glu14*), likely losing its function. Validation testing of additional lilac Jacob sheep and known carriers, unrelated to the original case, showed a complete concordance between the mutation and the dilution. This stop-gain mutation is likely the causative mutation for dilution within Jacob sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian J. Posbergh
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA;
- Correspondence: (C.J.P.); (H.J.H.)
| | - Elizabeth A. Staiger
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA;
- Department of Animal Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Heather J. Huson
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA;
- Correspondence: (C.J.P.); (H.J.H.)
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12
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Li J, Chen Y, Liu M, Chen Q, Zhou J, Bao G, Wu X. Association of Melanophilin (MLPH) gene polymorphism with coat colour in Rex rabbits. WORLD RABBIT SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.4995/wrs.2020.12082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Rex rabbit, with multiple phenotypes and colourful fur, is an interesting model for assessing the effect of coat colour gene mutations on characteristic pigmentation phenotype. Based on previous study, the <em>melanophilin</em> (<em>MLPH</em>) gene is a positional candidate gene related coat colour dilution. The fur colours are a lighter shade, e.g. grey instead of black. We sequenced 1689 base pairs of the <em>MLPH</em> gene in Chinchilla and black Rex rabbit. A total of 13 polymorphisms were identified, including seven missense mutations. The rabbit <em>MLPH</em> gene has a very high GC content and the protein shows 64.87% identity to the orthologous human protein (lack of homologous amino acids encoded by human MLPH exon 9). Hardy-Weinberg test showed that, except for the g.606C>A single nucleotid polymorphism (SNP), all other SNPs were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Haplotype analysis revealed that the seven missense mutation SNPs of two strains of Rex rabbits formed 10 haplotypes, but there were only seven major types of haplotypes (haplotype frequency <em>P</em>>0.05). The major haplotypes of the Chinchilla and black Rex rabbits were H1/H2/H3/H4/H5 and H1/H2/H3/H6/H8, respectively. The special haplotypes of Chinchilla Rex rabbit (H4, H5, H7) were consistently associated with the Chinchilla phenotype. This study provides evidence that different coat colour formation may be caused by one or more mutations within <em>MLPH</em> gene in several Rex rabbit strains. The data on polymorphisms that are associated with the Chinchilla phenotype facilitate the breeding of rabbits with defined coat colours.
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Li D, Wang X, Fu Y, Zhang C, Cao Y, Wang J, Zhang Y, Li Y, Chen Y, Li Z, Li W, Jiang R, Sun G, Tian Y, Li G, Kang X. Transcriptome Analysis of the Breast Muscle of Xichuan Black-Bone Chickens Under Tyrosine Supplementation Revealed the Mechanism of Tyrosine-Induced Melanin Deposition. Front Genet 2019; 10:457. [PMID: 31156710 PMCID: PMC6529781 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The Xichuan black-bone chicken, which is a rare local chicken species in China, is an important genetic resource of black-bone chickens. Tyrosine can affect melanin production, but the molecular mechanism underlying tyrosine-induced melanin deposition in Xichuan black-bone chickens is poorly understood. Here, the blackness degree and melanin content of the breast muscle of Xichuan black-bone chickens fed a basic diet with five levels of added tyrosine (i.e., 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0%; these groups were denoted test groups I-V, respectively) were assessed, and the results showed that 0.8% tyrosine was the optimal level of added tyrosine. Moreover, the effects of tyrosine supplementation on the proliferation and tyrosinase content of melanocytes in Xichuan black-bone chickens were evaluated. The results revealed a dose-dependent relationship between tyrosine supplementation and melanocyte proliferation. In addition, 417 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 160 upregulated genes and 257 downregulated genes, were identified in a comparative analysis of the transcriptome profiles constructed using the pooled total RNA from breast muscle tissues of the control group and test group IV, respectively (fold change ≥2.0, P < 0.05). These DEGs were mainly involved in melanogenesis, the calcium signaling pathway, the Wnt signaling pathway, the mTOR signaling pathway, and vascular smooth muscle contraction. The pathway analysis of the DEGs identified some key genes associated with pigmentation, such as DCT and EDNRB2. In summary, the melanin content of breast muscle could be markedly enhanced by adding an appropriate amount of tyrosine to the diet of Xichuan black-bone chickens, and the EDNRB2-mediated molecular regulatory network could play a key role in the biological process of tyrosine-induced melanin deposition. These results have deepened the understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanism of melanin deposition in black-bone chickens and provide a basis for the regulation of nutrition and genetic breeding associated with melanin deposition in Xichuan black-bone chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghua Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinlei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yawei Fu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chenxi Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanfang Cao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jie Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanhua Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuanfang Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yi Chen
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhuanjian Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenting Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruirui Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Innovative Engineering Research Center of Poultry Germplasm Resource, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guirong Sun
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Innovative Engineering Research Center of Poultry Germplasm Resource, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yadong Tian
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Innovative Engineering Research Center of Poultry Germplasm Resource, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guoxi Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Innovative Engineering Research Center of Poultry Germplasm Resource, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiangtao Kang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Innovative Engineering Research Center of Poultry Germplasm Resource, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
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14
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Demars J, Iannuccelli N, Utzeri VJ, Auvinet G, Riquet J, Fontanesi L, Allain D. New Insights into the Melanophilin ( MLPH) Gene Affecting Coat Color Dilution in Rabbits. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9090430. [PMID: 30142960 PMCID: PMC6162760 DOI: 10.3390/genes9090430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Coat color dilution corresponds to a specific pigmentation phenotype that leads to a dilution of wild type pigments. It affects both eumelanin and pheomelanin containing melanosomes. The mode of inheritance of the dilution phenotype is autosomal recessive. Candidate gene approaches focused on the melanophilin (MLPH) gene highlighted two variants associated with the dilution phenotype in rabbits: The c.111-5C>A variant that is located in an acceptor splice site or the c.585delG variant, a frameshift mutation. On the transcript level, the skipping of two exons has been reported as the molecular mechanism responsible for the coat color dilution. To clarify, which of the two variants represents the causal variant, (i) we analyzed their allelic segregation by genotyping Castor and Chinchilla populations, and (ii) we evaluated their functional effects on the stability of MLPH transcripts in skin samples of animals with diluted or wild type coat color. Firstly, we showed that the c.585delG variant showed perfect association with the dilution phenotype in contrast to the intronic c.111-5C>A variant. Secondly, we identified three different MLPH isoforms including the wild type isoform, the exon-skipping isoform and a retained intron isoform. Thirdly, we observed a drastic and significant decrease of MLPH transcript levels in rabbits with a coat color dilution (p-values ranging from 10−03 to 10−06). Together, our results bring new insights into the coat color dilution trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Demars
- GenPhySE, INRA Animal Genetics, Toulouse Veterinary School (ENVT), Université de Toulouse, 31326 Castanet Tolosan, France.
| | - Nathalie Iannuccelli
- GenPhySE, INRA Animal Genetics, Toulouse Veterinary School (ENVT), Université de Toulouse, 31326 Castanet Tolosan, France.
| | - Valerio Joe Utzeri
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), Division of Animal Sciences, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
| | | | - Juliette Riquet
- GenPhySE, INRA Animal Genetics, Toulouse Veterinary School (ENVT), Université de Toulouse, 31326 Castanet Tolosan, France.
| | - Luca Fontanesi
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), Division of Animal Sciences, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Daniel Allain
- GenPhySE, INRA Animal Genetics, Toulouse Veterinary School (ENVT), Université de Toulouse, 31326 Castanet Tolosan, France.
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15
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Koseniuk A, Ropka-Molik K, Rubiś D, Smołucha G. Genetic background of coat colour in sheep. Arch Anim Breed 2018. [DOI: 10.5194/aab-61-173-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract. The coat colour of animals is an extremely important trait that affects their
behaviour and is decisive for survival in the natural environment. In farm
animal breeding, as a result of the selection of a certain coat colour type,
animals are characterized by a much greater variety of coat types. This makes
them an appropriate model in research in this field. A very important aspect
of the coat colour types of farm animals is distinguishing between breeds and
varieties based on this trait. Furthermore, for the sheep breeds which are
kept for skins and wool, coat/skin colour is an important economic trait.
Until now the study of coat colour inheritance in sheep proved the dominance
of white colour over pigmented/black coat or skin and of black over brown.
Due to the current knowledge of the molecular basis of ovine coat colour
inheritance, there is no molecular test to distinguish coat colour types in
sheep although some are available for other species, such as cattle, dogs,
and horses. Understanding the genetic background of variation in one of the
most important phenotypic traits in livestock would help to identify new
genes which have a great effect on the coat colour type. Considering that
coat colour variation is a crucial trait for discriminating between breeds
(including sheep), it is important to broaden our knowledge of the genetic
background of pigmentation. The results may be used in the future to
determine the genetic pattern of a breed. Until now, identified candidate
genes that have a significant impact on colour type in mammals mainly code
for factors located in melanocytes. The proposed candidate genes code for the
melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), agouti signaling
protein (ASIP), tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1),
microphthalmia-associated transcription factor MITF, and v-kit
Hardy–Zuckerman 4 feline sarcoma viral oncogene homologue (KIT).
However, there is still no conclusive evidence of established polymorphisms
for specific coat colour types in sheep.
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16
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Bauer A, Kehl A, Jagannathan V, Leeb T. A novel MLPH variant in dogs with coat colour dilution. Anim Genet 2018; 49:94-97. [PMID: 29349785 DOI: 10.1111/age.12632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Coat colour dilution may be the result of altered melanosome transport in melanocytes. Loss-of-function variants in the melanophilin gene (MLPH) cause a recessively inherited form of coat colour dilution in many mammalian and avian species including the dog. MLPH corresponds to the D locus in many domestic animals, and recessive alleles at this locus are frequently denoted with d. In this study, we investigated dilute coloured Chow Chows whose coat colour could not be explained by their genotype at the previously known MLPH:c.-22G>A variant. Whole genome sequencing of such a dilute Chow Chow revealed another variant in the MLPH gene: MLPH:c.705G>C. We propose to designate the corresponding mutant alleles at these two variants d1 and d2 . We performed an association study in a cohort of 15 dilute and 28 non-dilute Chow Chows. The dilute dogs were all either compound heterozygous d1 /d2 or homozygous d2 /d2 , whereas the non-dilute dogs carried at least one wildtype allele D. The d2 allele did not occur in 417 dogs from diverse other breeds. However, when we genotyped a Sloughi family, in which a dilute coloured puppy had been born out of non-dilute parents, we again observed perfect co-segregation of the newly discovered d2 allele with coat colour dilution. Finally, we identified a blue Thai Ridgeback with the d1 /d2 genotype. Thus, our data identify the MLPH:c.705G>C as a variant explaining a second canine dilution allele. Although relatively rare overall, this d2 allele is segregating in at least three dog breeds, Chow Chows, Sloughis and Thai Ridgebacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bauer
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland.,DermFocus, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - A Kehl
- Laboklin, 97688, Bad Kissingen, Germany
| | - V Jagannathan
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland.,DermFocus, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - T Leeb
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland.,DermFocus, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
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17
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Li W, Sartelet A, Tamma N, Coppieters W, Georges M, Charlier C. Reverse genetic screen for loss-of-function mutations uncovers a frameshifting deletion in the melanophilin gene accountable for a distinctive coat color in Belgian Blue cattle. Anim Genet 2015; 47:110-3. [PMID: 26582259 DOI: 10.1111/age.12383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In the course of a reverse genetic screen in the Belgian Blue cattle breed, we uncovered a 10-bp deletion (c.87_96del) in the first coding exon of the melanophilin gene (MLPH), which introduces a premature stop codon (p.Glu32Aspfs*1) in the same exon, truncating 94% of the protein. Recessive damaging mutations in the MLPH gene are well known to cause skin, hair, coat or plumage color dilution phenotypes in numerous species, including human, mice, dog, cat, mink, rabbit, chicken and quail. Large-scale array genotyping undertaken to identify p.Glu32Aspfs*1 homozygous mutant animals revealed a mutation frequency of 5% in the breed and allowed for the identification of 10 homozygous mutants. As expression of a colored coat requires at least one wild-type allele at the co-dominant Roan locus encoded by the KIT ligand gene (KITLG), homozygous mutants for p.Ala227Asp corresponding with the missense mutation were excluded. The six remaining colored calves displayed a distinctive dilution phenotype as anticipated. This new coat color was named 'cool gray'. It is the first damaging mutation in the MLPH gene described in cattle and extends the already long list of species with diluted color due to recessive mutations in MLPH and broadens the color palette of gray in this breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanbo Li
- GIGA-R and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 1 avenue de l'hôpital, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Sartelet
- Bovine Clinic, FARAH and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 20 boulevard de Colonster 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Nico Tamma
- GIGA-R and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 1 avenue de l'hôpital, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Wouter Coppieters
- GIGA-R and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 1 avenue de l'hôpital, 4000 Liège, Belgium.,GIGA-Genomics platform, University of Liège, 1 avenue de l'hôpital, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Michel Georges
- GIGA-R and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 1 avenue de l'hôpital, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Carole Charlier
- GIGA-R and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 1 avenue de l'hôpital, 4000 Liège, Belgium
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18
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Caparrós-Martín JA, De Luca A, Cartault F, Aglan M, Temtamy S, Otaify GA, Mehrez M, Valencia M, Vázquez L, Alessandri JL, Nevado J, Rueda-Arenas I, Heath KE, Digilio MC, Dallapiccola B, Goodship JA, Mill P, Lapunzina P, Ruiz-Perez VL. Specific variants in WDR35 cause a distinctive form of Ellis-van Creveld syndrome by disrupting the recruitment of the EvC complex and SMO into the cilium. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:4126-37. [PMID: 25908617 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Most patients with Ellis-van Creveld syndrome (EvC) are identified with pathogenic changes in EVC or EVC2, however further genetic heterogeneity has been suggested. In this report we describe pathogenic splicing variants in WDR35, encoding retrograde intraflagellar transport protein 121 (IFT121), in three families with a clinical diagnosis of EvC but having a distinctive phenotype. To understand why WDR35 variants result in EvC, we analysed EVC, EVC2 and Smoothened (SMO) in IFT-A deficient cells. We found that the three proteins failed to localize to Wdr35(-/-) cilia, but not to the cilium of the IFT retrograde motor mutant Dync2h1(-/-), indicating that IFT121 is specifically required for their entry into the ciliary compartment. Furthermore expression of Wdr35 disease cDNAs in Wdr35(-/-) fibroblasts revealed that the newly identified variants lead to Hedgehog signalling defects resembling those of Evc(-/-) and Evc2(-/-) mutants. Together our data indicate that splicing variants in WDR35, and possibly in other IFT-A components, underlie a number of EvC cases by disrupting targeting of both the EvC complex and SMO to cilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Caparrós-Martín
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain, CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alessandro De Luca
- Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, IRCCS, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - François Cartault
- CHU de la Réunion Hôpital Félix Guyon, Saint-Denis, Île de la Réunion, France
| | - Mona Aglan
- Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, Centre of Excellence of Human Genetics, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samia Temtamy
- Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, Centre of Excellence of Human Genetics, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ghada A Otaify
- Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, Centre of Excellence of Human Genetics, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mennat Mehrez
- Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, Centre of Excellence of Human Genetics, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - María Valencia
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain, CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Vázquez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jean-Luc Alessandri
- CHU de la Réunion Hôpital Félix Guyon, Saint-Denis, Île de la Réunion, France
| | - Julián Nevado
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain, Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM), Hospital Universitario La Paz-IdiPAZ, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Rueda-Arenas
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM), Hospital Universitario La Paz-IdiPAZ, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Karen E Heath
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain, Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM), Hospital Universitario La Paz-IdiPAZ, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Judith A Goodship
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK and
| | - Pleasantine Mill
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Pablo Lapunzina
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain, Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM), Hospital Universitario La Paz-IdiPAZ, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Victor L Ruiz-Perez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain, CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain,
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