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Summers KM. Genetic models of fibrillinopathies. Genetics 2024; 226:iyad189. [PMID: 37972149 PMCID: PMC11021029 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad189] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The fibrillinopathies represent a group of diseases in which the 10-12 nm extracellular microfibrils are disrupted by genetic variants in one of the genes encoding fibrillin molecules, large glycoproteins of the extracellular matrix. The best-known fibrillinopathy is Marfan syndrome, an autosomal dominant condition affecting the cardiovascular, ocular, skeletal, and other systems, with a prevalence of around 1 in 3,000 across all ethnic groups. It is caused by variants of the FBN1 gene, encoding fibrillin-1, which interacts with elastin to provide strength and elasticity to connective tissues. A number of mouse models have been created in an attempt to replicate the human phenotype, although all have limitations. There are also natural bovine models and engineered models in pig and rabbit. Variants in FBN2 encoding fibrillin-2 cause congenital contractural arachnodactyly and mouse models for this condition have also been produced. In most animals, including birds, reptiles, and amphibians, there is a third fibrillin, fibrillin-3 (FBN3 gene) for which the creation of models has been difficult as the gene is degenerate and nonfunctional in mice and rats. Other eukaryotes such as the nematode C. elegans and zebrafish D. rerio have a gene with some homology to fibrillins and models have been used to discover more about the function of this family of proteins. This review looks at the phenotype, inheritance, and relevance of the various animal models for the different fibrillinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim M Summers
- Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba QLD 4102, Australia
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de Souza RB, Lemes RB, Foresto-Neto O, Cassiano LL, Reinhardt DP, Meek KM, Koh IHJ, Lewis PN, Pereira LV. Extracellular matrix and vascular dynamics in the kidney of a murine model for Marfan syndrome. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285418. [PMID: 37159453 PMCID: PMC10168582 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrillin-1 is a pivotal structural component of the kidney's glomerulus and peritubular tissue. Mutations in the fibrillin-1 gene result in Marfan syndrome (MFS), an autosomal dominant disease of the connective tissue. Although the kidney is not considered a classically affected organ in MFS, several case reports describe glomerular disease in patients. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the kidney in the mgΔlpn-mouse model of MFS. Affected animals presented a significant reduction of glomerulus, glomerulus-capillary, and urinary space, and a significant reduction of fibrillin-1 and fibronectin in the glomerulus. Transmission electron microscopy and 3D-ultrastructure analysis revealed decreased amounts of microfibrils which also appeared fragmented in the MFS mice. Increased collagen fibers types I and III, MMP-9, and α-actin were also observed in affected animals, suggesting a tissue-remodeling process in the kidney. Video microscopy analysis showed an increase of microvessel distribution coupled with reduction of blood-flow velocity, while ultrasound flow analysis revealed significantly lower blood flow in the kidney artery and vein of the MFS mice. The structural and hemodynamic changes of the kidney indicate the presence of kidney remodeling and vascular resistance in this MFS model. Both processes are associated with hypertension which is expected to worsen the cardiovascular phenotype in MFS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renan Barbosa Lemes
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Orestes Foresto-Neto
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Renal Division, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Dieter P Reinhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology Dentistry and Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Keith M Meek
- Structural Biophysics Research Group, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Ivan Hong Jun Koh
- Department of Surgery, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Philip N Lewis
- Structural Biophysics Research Group, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Lygia V Pereira
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Guido MC, Lopes NDM, Albuquerque CI, Tavares ER, Jensen L, Carvalho PDO, Tavoni TM, Dias RR, Pereira LDV, Laurindo FRM, Maranhão RC. Treatment With Methotrexate Associated With Lipid Core Nanoparticles Prevents Aortic Dilation in a Murine Model of Marfan Syndrome. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:893774. [PMID: 35757348 PMCID: PMC9226570 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.893774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In Marfan syndrome (MFS), dilation, dissection, and rupture of the aorta occur. Inflammation can be involved in the pathogenicity of aortic defects and can thus be a therapeutic target for MFS. Previously, we showed that the formulation of methotrexate (MTX) associated with lipid nanoparticles (LDE) has potent anti-inflammatory effects without toxicity. To investigate whether LDEMTX treatment can prevent the development of aortic lesions in the MFS murine model. MgΔloxPneo MFS (n = 40) and wild-type (WT, n = 60) mice were allocated to 6 groups weekly injected with IP solutions of: (1) only LDE; (2) commercial MTX; (3) LDEMTX (dose = 1mg/kg) between 3rd and 6th months of life. After 12 weeks of treatments, animals were examined by echocardiography and euthanatized for morphometric and molecular studies. MFS mice treated with LDEMTX showed narrower lumens in the aortic arch, as well as in the ascending and descending aorta. LDEMTX reduced fibrosis and the number of dissections in MFS but not the number of elastic fiber disruptions. In MFS mice, LDEMTX treatment lowered protein expression of pro-inflammatory factors macrophages (CD68), T-lymphocytes (CD3), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), apoptotic factor cleaved-caspase 3, and type 1 collagen and lowered the protein expression of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), extracellular signal-regulated kinases ½ (ERK1/2), and SMAD3. Protein expression of CD68 and CD3 had a positive correlation with an area of aortic lumen (r2 = 0.36; p < 0.001), suggesting the importance of inflammation in the causative mechanisms of aortic dilation. Enhanced adenosine availability by LDEMTX was suggested by higher aortic expression of an anti-adenosine A2a receptor (A2a) and lower adenosine deaminase expression. Commercial MTX had negligible effects. LDEMTX prevented the development of MFS-associated aortic defects and can thus be a candidate for testing in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carolina Guido
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Lipids, Heart Institute (InCor) of the Medical School Hospital, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Natalia de Menezes Lopes
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Lipids, Heart Institute (InCor) of the Medical School Hospital, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Inagaki Albuquerque
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Lipids, Heart Institute (InCor) of the Medical School Hospital, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elaine Rufo Tavares
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Lipids, Heart Institute (InCor) of the Medical School Hospital, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Jensen
- Laboratory of Hypertension, Heart Institute (InCor) of the Medical School Hospital, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscila de Oliveira Carvalho
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Lipids, Heart Institute (InCor) of the Medical School Hospital, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thauany Martins Tavoni
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Lipids, Heart Institute (InCor) of the Medical School Hospital, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Ribeiro Dias
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart Institute (InCor), Medical School Hospital, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lygia da Veiga Pereira
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Raul Cavalcante Maranhão
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Lipids, Heart Institute (InCor) of the Medical School Hospital, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Raul Cavalcante Maranhão
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de Filippi Sartori J, Osaki TH, Osaki MH, de Souza RB, Allemann N. "Split-Face" Evaluation of Collagen Changes Induced by Periorbital Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing. Aesthet Surg J 2022; 42:239-248. [PMID: 34618888 DOI: 10.1093/asj/sjab357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Periorbital fractional CO2 laser resurfacing has been employed for facial rejuvenation purposes. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has objectively assessed periorbital neoformation and remodeling of local cutaneous collagen, in a split-face model, from skin samples obtained during upper blepharoplasty. OBJECTIVES The authors sought to objectively evaluate neoformation and remodeling of local cutaneous collagen after periorbital skin fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. METHODS Sixteen female patients presenting with dermatochalasis and periorbital rhytids were evaluated in a prospective and comparative study. All patients underwent unilateral periorbital fractional CO2 laser resurfacing 30 days before upper blepharoplasty. Quantification of types I and III collagen from laser-treated and untreated eyelid skin samples obtained during upper blepharoplasty was assessed with histochemical analysis (Picrosirius Red staining). Laser resurfacing treatment was applied to the untreated side immediately after the upper blepharoplasty. Two blinded, independent physicians evaluated clinical improvement in pretreatment and 1- and 6-month posttreatment digital images. RESULTS Histochemical analysis showed significantly higher intensity in collagen types I (treated: 158.7 ± 5.3, untreated: 139.2 ± 5.0; P < 0.0001) and III (treated: 105.1 ± 7.7, untreated: 104.1 ± 7.1; P < 0.0001) in the fractional CO2 laser treatment samples; a greater difference was detected in collagen type I. A significant improvement in periorbital rhytidosis was observed 1 month after laser resurfacing (23%); a greater improvement in the periorbital region was observed 6 months after laser resurfacing and upper blepharoplasty (43.67%). CONCLUSIONS Periorbital fractional CO2 laser resurfacing was an effective method to improve palpebral skin, with histochemical evidence of increase in collagen types I and III. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana de Filippi Sartori
- Division of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo (EPM/ UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Tammy Hentona Osaki
- Division of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo (EPM/ UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Midori Hentona Osaki
- Periorbital Aesthetics Sector, Division of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo (EPM/UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Barbosa de Souza
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Norma Allemann
- Division of Ocular Imaging, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/ EPM), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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JACK N, MUTO T, IEMITSU K, WATANABE T, UMEYAMA K, OHGANE J, NAGASHIMA H. Genetically engineered animal models for Marfan syndrome: challenges associated with the generation of pig models for diseases caused by haploinsufficiency. J Reprod Dev 2022; 68:233-237. [PMID: 35598970 PMCID: PMC9334321 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2022-027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent developments in reproductive biology have enabled the generation of genetically engineered pigs as models for inherited human diseases. Although a variety of such models for
monogenic diseases are currently available, reproduction of human diseases caused by haploinsufficiency remains a major challenge. The present study compares the phenotypes of mouse and pig
models of Marfan syndrome (MFS), with a special focus on the expressivity and penetrance of associated symptoms. Furthermore, investigation of the gene regulation mechanisms associated with
haploinsufficiency will be of immense utility in developing faithful MFS pig models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi JACK
- Meiji University International Institute for Bio-Resource Research, Kawasaki 214-7824, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki MUTO
- Laboratory of Medical Bioengineering, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kawasaki 214-8571, Japan
| | - Keigo IEMITSU
- Laboratory of Medical Bioengineering, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kawasaki 214-8571, Japan
| | - Tamaki WATANABE
- Laboratory of Medical Bioengineering, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kawasaki 214-8571, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro UMEYAMA
- Meiji University International Institute for Bio-Resource Research, Kawasaki 214-7824, Japan
| | - Jun OHGANE
- Meiji University International Institute for Bio-Resource Research, Kawasaki 214-7824, Japan
| | - Hiroshi NAGASHIMA
- Meiji University International Institute for Bio-Resource Research, Kawasaki 214-7824, Japan
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Souza RBD, Kawahara EI, Farinha-Arcieri LE, Gyuricza IG, Neofiti-Papi B, Miranda-Rodrigues M, Teixeira MBCG, Fernandes GR, Lemes RB, Reinhardt DP, Gouveia CH, Pereira LV. Hyperkyphosis is not dependent on bone mass and quality in the mouse model of Marfan syndrome. Bone 2021; 152:116073. [PMID: 34171513 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2021.116073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant disease affecting cardiovascular, ocular and skeletal systems. It is caused by mutations in the fibrillin-1 (FBN1) gene, leading to structural defects of connective tissue and increased activation of TGF-β. Angiotensin II (ang-II) is involved in TGF-β activity and in bone mass regulation. Inhibition of TGF-β signaling by blockage of the ang-II receptor 1 (AT1R) via losartan administration leads to improvement of cardiovascular and pulmonary phenotypes, but has no effect on skeletal phenotype in the haploinsufficient mouse model of MFS mgR, suggesting a distinct mechanism of pathogenesis in the skeletal system. Here we characterized the skeletal phenotypes of the dominant-negative model for MFS mgΔlpn and tested the effect of inhibition of ang-II signaling in improving those phenotypes. As previously shown, heterozygous mice present hyperkyphosis, however we now show that only males also present osteopenia. Inhibition of ang-II production by ramipril minimized the kyphotic deformity, but had no effect on bone microstructure in male mutant animals. Histological analysis revealed increased thickness of the anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) of the spine in mutant animals (25.8 ± 6.3 vs. 29.7 ± 7.7 μm), coupled with a reduction in type I (164.1 ± 8.7 vs. 139.0 ± 4.4) and increase in type III (86.5 ± 10.2 vs. 140.4 ± 5.6) collagen in the extracellular matrix of this ligament. In addition, we identified in the MFS mice alterations in the erector spinae muscles which presented thinner muscle fibers (1035.0 ± 420.6 vs. 655.6 ± 239.5 μm2) surrounded by increased area of connective tissue (58.17 ± 6.52 vs. 105.0 ± 44.54 μm2). Interestingly, these phenotypes were ameliorated by ramipril treatment. Our results reveal a sex-dependency of bone phenotype in MFS, where females do not present alterations in bone microstructure. More importantly, they indicate that hyperkyphosis is not a result of osteopenia in the MFS mouse model, and suggest that incompetent spine ligaments and muscles are responsible for the development of that phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Barbosa de Souza
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Elisa Ito Kawahara
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Luis Ernesto Farinha-Arcieri
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Isabela Gerdes Gyuricza
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Bianca Neofiti-Papi
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Manuela Miranda-Rodrigues
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | | | - Gustavo Ribeiro Fernandes
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Renan Barbosa Lemes
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Dieter P Reinhardt
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Cecília Helena Gouveia
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Lygia V Pereira
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brazil.
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Souza RBD, Gyuricza IG, Cassiano LL, Farinha-Arcieri LE, Alvim Liberatore AM, Schuindt do Carmo S, Caldeira W, Cruz MV, Ribeiro AF, Tedesco RC, Reinhardt DP, Smith R, Jun Koh IH, Pereira LV. The mgΔ lpn mouse model for Marfan syndrome recapitulates the ocular phenotypes of the disease. Exp Eye Res 2021; 204:108461. [PMID: 33516761 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Fibrillin-1 and -2 are major components of tissue microfibrils that compose the ciliary zonule and cornea. While mutations in human fibrillin-1 lead to ectopia lentis, a major manifestation of Marfan syndrome (MFS), in mice fibrillin-2 can compensate for reduced/lack of fibrillin-1 and maintain the integrity of ocular structures. Here we examine the consequences of a heterozygous dominant-negative mutation in the Fbn1 gene in the ocular system of the mgΔlpn mouse model for MFS. METHODS Eyes from mgΔlpn and wild-type mice at 3 and 6 months of age were analyzed by histology. The ciliary zonule was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and immunofluorescence. RESULTS Mutant mice presented a significantly larger distance of the ciliary body to the lens at 3 and 6 months of age when compared to wild-type, and ectopia lentis. Immunofluorescence and SEM corroborated those findings in MFS mice, revealing a disorganized mesh of microfibrils on the floor of the ciliary body. Moreover, mutant mice also had a larger volume of the anterior chamber, possibly due to excess aqueous humor. Finally, losartan treatment had limited efficacy in improving ocular phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS In contrast with null or hypomorphic mutations, expression of a dominant-negative form of fibrillin-1 leads to disruption of microfibrils in the zonule of mice. This in turn causes lens dislocation and enlargement of the anterior chamber. Therefore, heterozygous mgΔlpn mice recapitulate the major ocular phenotypes of MFS and can be instrumental in understanding the development of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabela Gerdes Gyuricza
- University of São Paulo, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Waldir Caldeira
- University of São Paulo, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcio V Cruz
- University of São Paulo, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alberto F Ribeiro
- University of São Paulo, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Roberto Carlos Tedesco
- Federal University of São Paulo, Department of Morphological and Genetics, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Dieter P Reinhardt
- McGill University, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Faculty of Dentistry, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ricardo Smith
- Federal University of São Paulo, Department of Morphological and Genetics, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ivan Hong Jun Koh
- Federal University of São Paulo, Department of Surgery, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lygia V Pereira
- University of São Paulo, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Du Q, Zhang D, Zhuang Y, Xia Q, Wen T, Jia H. The Molecular Genetics of Marfan Syndrome. Int J Med Sci 2021; 18:2752-2766. [PMID: 34220303 PMCID: PMC8241768 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.60685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a complex connective tissue disease that is primarily characterized by cardiovascular, ocular and skeletal systems disorders. Despite its rarity, MFS severely impacts the quality of life of the patients. It has been shown that molecular genetic factors serve critical roles in the pathogenesis of MFS. FBN1 is associated with MFS and the other genes such as FBN2, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) receptors (TGFBR1 and TGFBR2), latent TGF-β-binding protein 2 (LTBP2) and SKI, amongst others also have their associated syndromes, however high overlap may exist between these syndromes and MFS. Abnormalities in the TGF-β signaling pathway also contribute to the development of aneurysms in patients with MFS, although the detailed molecular mechanism remains unclear. Mutant FBN1 protein may cause unstableness in elastic structures, thereby perturbing the TGF-β signaling pathway, which regulates several processes in cells. Additionally, DNA methylation of FBN1 and histone acetylation in an MFS mouse model demonstrated that epigenetic factors play a regulatory role in MFS. The purpose of the present review is to provide an up-to-date understanding of MFS-related genes and relevant assessment technologies, with the aim of laying a foundation for the early diagnosis, consultation and treatment of MFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Du
- Marfan Research Group, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Dingding Zhang
- Marfan Research Group, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China.,Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Disease, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China
| | - Yue Zhuang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiongrong Xia
- Marfan Research Group, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Taishen Wen
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Disease, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China
| | - Haiping Jia
- Department of Immunology, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637100, Sichuan, China
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