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Li W, Xu M, Zhang Z, Liang J, Fu R, Lin W, Luo W, Zhang X, Ren T. Regulatory Effects of 198-bp Structural Variants in the GSTA2 Promoter Region on Adipogenesis in Chickens. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7155. [PMID: 39000259 PMCID: PMC11241197 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Molecular breeding accelerates animal breeding and improves efficiency by utilizing genetic mutations. Structural variations (SVs), a significant source of genetic mutations, have a greater impact on phenotypic variation than SNPs. Understanding SV functional mechanisms and obtaining precise information are crucial for molecular breeding. In this study, association analysis revealed significant correlations between 198-bp SVs in the GSTA2 promoter region and abdominal fat weight, intramuscular fat content, and subcutaneous fat thickness in chickens. High expression of GSTA2 in adipose tissue was positively correlated with the abdominal fat percentage, and different genotypes of GSTA2 exhibited varied expression patterns in the liver. The 198-bp SVs regulate GSTA2 expression by binding to different transcription factors. Overexpression of GSTA2 promoted preadipocyte proliferation and differentiation, while interference had the opposite effect. Mechanistically, the 198-bp fragment contains binding sites for transcription factors such as C/EBPα that regulate GSTA2 expression and fat synthesis. These SVs are significantly associated with chicken fat traits, positively influencing preadipocyte development by regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. Our work provides compelling evidence for the use of 198-bp SVs in the GSTA2 promoter region as molecular markers for poultry breeding and offers new insights into the pivotal role of the GSTA2 gene in fat generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangyu Li
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China (R.F.); (W.L.); (W.L.)
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Genome and Molecular Breeding of Agricultural Animals and Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetic Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Meng Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Zihao Zhang
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China;
| | - Jiaying Liang
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China (R.F.); (W.L.); (W.L.)
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Genome and Molecular Breeding of Agricultural Animals and Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetic Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Rong Fu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China (R.F.); (W.L.); (W.L.)
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Genome and Molecular Breeding of Agricultural Animals and Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetic Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Wujian Lin
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China (R.F.); (W.L.); (W.L.)
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Genome and Molecular Breeding of Agricultural Animals and Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetic Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Wen Luo
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China (R.F.); (W.L.); (W.L.)
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Genome and Molecular Breeding of Agricultural Animals and Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetic Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiquan Zhang
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China (R.F.); (W.L.); (W.L.)
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Genome and Molecular Breeding of Agricultural Animals and Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetic Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Tuanhui Ren
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China (R.F.); (W.L.); (W.L.)
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Genome and Molecular Breeding of Agricultural Animals and Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetic Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Guangzhou 510642, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
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Zong W, Wang J, Zhao R, Niu N, Su Y, Hu Z, Liu X, Hou X, Wang L, Wang L, Zhang L. Associations of genome-wide structural variations with phenotypic differences in cross-bred Eurasian pigs. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:136. [PMID: 37805653 PMCID: PMC10559557 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00929-x] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During approximately 10,000 years of domestication and selection, a large number of structural variations (SVs) have emerged in the genome of pig breeds, profoundly influencing their phenotypes and the ability to adapt to the local environment. SVs (≥ 50 bp) are widely distributed in the genome, mainly in the form of insertion (INS), mobile element insertion (MEI), deletion (DEL), duplication (DUP), inversion (INV), and translocation (TRA). While studies have investigated the SVs in pig genomes, genome-wide association studies (GWAS)-based on SVs have been rarely conducted. RESULTS Here, we obtained a high-quality SV map containing 123,151 SVs from 15 Large White and 15 Min pigs through integrating the power of several SV tools, with 53.95% of the SVs being reported for the first time. These high-quality SVs were used to recover the population genetic structure, confirming the accuracy of genotyping. Potential functional SV loci were then identified based on positional effects and breed stratification. Finally, GWAS were performed for 36 traits by genotyping the screened potential causal loci in the F2 population according to their corresponding genomic positions. We identified a large number of loci involved in 8 carcass traits and 6 skeletal traits on chromosome 7, with FKBP5 containing the most significant SV locus for almost all traits. In addition, we found several significant loci in intramuscular fat, abdominal circumference, heart weight, and liver weight, etc. CONCLUSIONS: We constructed a high-quality SV map using high-coverage sequencing data and then analyzed them by performing GWAS for 25 carcass traits, 7 skeletal traits, and 4 meat quality traits to determine that SVs may affect body size between European and Chinese pig breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencheng Zong
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jinbu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Runze Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, 030801, China
| | - Naiqi Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yanfang Su
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ziping Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Xin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xinhua Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ligang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lixian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Longchao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
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Udine E, Jain A, van Blitterswijk M. Advances in sequencing technologies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:4. [PMID: 36635726 PMCID: PMC9838075 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-022-00593-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is caused by upper and lower motor neuron loss and has a fairly rapid disease progression, leading to fatality in an average of 2-5 years after symptom onset. Numerous genes have been implicated in this disease; however, many cases remain unexplained. Several technologies are being used to identify regions of interest and investigate candidate genes. Initial approaches to detect ALS genes include, among others, linkage analysis, Sanger sequencing, and genome-wide association studies. More recently, next-generation sequencing methods, such as whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing, have been introduced. While those methods have been particularly useful in discovering new ALS-linked genes, methodological advances are becoming increasingly important, especially given the complex genetics of ALS. Novel sequencing technologies, like long-read sequencing, are beginning to be used to uncover the contribution of repeat expansions and other types of structural variation, which may help explain missing heritability in ALS. In this review, we discuss how popular and/or upcoming methods are being used to discover ALS genes, highlighting emerging long-read sequencing platforms and their role in aiding our understanding of this challenging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Udine
- grid.417467.70000 0004 0443 9942Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA ,grid.417467.70000 0004 0443 9942Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Angita Jain
- grid.417467.70000 0004 0443 9942Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA ,grid.417467.70000 0004 0443 9942Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA ,grid.417467.70000 0004 0443 9942Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Marka van Blitterswijk
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
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An increase in mitochondrial TOM activates apoptosis to drive retinal neurodegeneration. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21634. [PMID: 36517509 PMCID: PMC9750964 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23280-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Intronic polymorphic TOMM40 variants increasing TOMM40 mRNA expression are strongly correlated to late onset Alzheimer's Disease. The gene product, hTomm40, encoded in the APOE gene cluster, is a core component of TOM, the translocase that imports nascent proteins across the mitochondrial outer membrane. We used Drosophila melanogaster eyes as an in vivo model to investigate the relationship between elevated Tom40 (the Drosophila homologue of hTomm40) expression and neurodegeneration. Here we provide evidence that an overabundance of Tom40 in mitochondria invokes caspase-dependent cell death in a dose-dependent manner, leading to degeneration of the primarily neuronal eye tissue. Degeneration is contingent on the availability of co-assembling TOM components, indicating that an increase in assembled TOM is the factor that triggers apoptosis and degeneration in a neural setting. Eye death is not contingent on inner membrane translocase components, suggesting it is unlikely to be a direct consequence of impaired import. Another effect of heightened Tom40 expression is upregulation and co-association of a mitochondrial oxidative stress biomarker, DmHsp22, implicated in extension of lifespan, providing new insight into the balance between cell survival and death. Activation of regulated death pathways, culminating in eye degeneration, suggests a possible causal route from TOMM40 polymorphisms to neurodegenerative disease.
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Pang H, Lin J, Luo S, Huang G, Li X, Xie Z, Zhou Z. The missing heritability in type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Obes Metab 2022; 24:1901-1911. [PMID: 35603907 PMCID: PMC9545639 DOI: 10.1111/dom.14777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin. It affects more than 20 million people worldwide and imposes an enormous financial burden on patients. The underlying pathogenic mechanisms of T1D are still obscure, but it is widely accepted that both genetics and the environment play an important role in its onset and development. Previous studies have identified more than 60 susceptible loci associated with T1D, explaining approximately 80%-85% of the heritability. However, most identified variants confer only small increases in risk, which restricts their potential clinical application. In addition, there is still a so-called 'missing heritability' phenomenon. While the gap between known heritability and true heritability in T1D is small compared with that in other complex traits and disorders, further elucidation of T1D genetics has the potential to bring novel insights into its aetiology and provide new therapeutic targets. Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain the missing heritability, including variants remaining to be found (variants with small effect sizes, rare variants and structural variants) and interactions (gene-gene and gene-environment interactions; e.g. epigenetic effects). In the following review, we introduce the possible sources of missing heritability and discuss the existing related knowledge in the context of T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haipeng Pang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and EndocrinologyThe Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Jian Lin
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and EndocrinologyThe Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Shuoming Luo
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and EndocrinologyThe Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Gan Huang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and EndocrinologyThe Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Xia Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and EndocrinologyThe Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Zhiguo Xie
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and EndocrinologyThe Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Zhiguang Zhou
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and EndocrinologyThe Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South UniversityChangshaChina
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6
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Theunissen F, Flynn LL, Anderton RS, Akkari PA. Short structural variants as informative genetic markers for ALS disease risk and progression. BMC Med 2022; 20:11. [PMID: 35034660 PMCID: PMC8762977 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-02206-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is considerable variability in disease progression for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) including the age of disease onset, site of disease onset, and survival time. There is growing evidence that short structural variations (SSVs) residing in frequently overlooked genomic regions can contribute to complex disease mechanisms and can explain, in part, the phenotypic variability in ALS patients. Here, we discuss SSVs recently characterized by our laboratory and how these discoveries integrate into the current literature on ALS, particularly in the context of application to future clinical trials. These markers may help to identify and differentiate patients for clinical trials that have a similar ALS disease mechanism(s), thereby reducing the impact of participant heterogeneity. As evidence accumulates for the genetic markers discovered in SQSTM1, SCAF4, and STMN2, we hope to improve the outcomes of future ALS clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Theunissen
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, First floor, RR block, QEII Medical Centre, 8 Verdun St, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.
| | - Loren L Flynn
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, First floor, RR block, QEII Medical Centre, 8 Verdun St, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Black Swan Pharmaceuticals, Wake Forrest, NC, USA
| | - Ryan S Anderton
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery and Health Sciences, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, 6160, Australia
| | - P Anthony Akkari
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, First floor, RR block, QEII Medical Centre, 8 Verdun St, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Black Swan Pharmaceuticals, Wake Forrest, NC, USA
- Division of Neurology, Duke University Medical Centre, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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TOMM40 '523' poly-T repeat length is a determinant of longitudinal cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease. NPJ PARKINSONS DISEASE 2021; 7:56. [PMID: 34234128 PMCID: PMC8263775 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-021-00200-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 40 (TOMM40) ‘523’ polymorphism has previously been associated with age of Alzheimer’s disease onset and cognitive functioning in non-pathological ageing, but has not been explored as a candidate risk marker for cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Therefore, this longitudinal study investigated the role of the ‘523’ variant in cognitive decline in a patient cohort from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative. As such, a group of 368 people with PD were assessed annually for cognitive performance using multiple neuropsychological protocols, and were genotyped for the TOMM40 ‘523’ variant using whole-genome sequencing data. Covariate-adjusted generalised linear mixed models were utilised to examine the relationship between TOMM40 ‘523’ allele lengths and cognitive scores, while taking into account the APOE ε genotype. Cognitive scores declined over the 5-year study period and were lower in males than in females. When accounting for APOE ε4, the TOMM40 ‘523’ variant was not robustly associated with overall cognitive performance. However, in APOE ε3/ε3 carriers, who accounted for ~60% of the whole cohort, carriage of shorter ‘523’ alleles was associated with more severe cognitive decline in both sexes, while carriage of the longer alleles in females were associated with better preservation of global cognition and a number of cognitive sub-domains, and with a delay in progression to dementia. The findings indicate that when taken in conjunction with the APOE genotype, TOMM40 ‘523’ allele length is a significant independent determinant and marker for the trajectory of cognitive decline and risk of dementia in PD.
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Theunissen F, Anderton RS, Mastaglia FL, Flynn LL, Winter SJ, James I, Bedlack R, Hodgetts S, Fletcher S, Wilton SD, Laing NG, MacShane M, Needham M, Saunders A, Mackay-Sim A, Melamed Z, Ravits J, Cleveland DW, Akkari PA. Novel STMN2 Variant Linked to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Risk and Clinical Phenotype. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:658226. [PMID: 33841129 PMCID: PMC8033025 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.658226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective There is a critical need to establish genetic markers that explain the complex phenotypes and pathogenicity of ALS. This study identified a polymorphism in the Stathmin-2 gene and investigated its association with sporadic ALS (sALS) disease risk, age-of onset and survival duration. Methods The candidate CA repeat was systematically analyzed using PCR, Sanger sequencing and high throughput capillary separation for genotyping. Stathmin-2 expression was investigated using RT-PCR in patient olfactory neurosphere-derived (ONS) cells and RNA sequencing in laser-captured spinal motor neurons. Results In a case-control analysis of a combined North American sALS cohort (n = 321) and population control group (n = 332), long/long CA genotypes were significantly associated with disease risk (p = 0.042), and most strongly when one allele was a 24 CA repeat (p = 0.0023). In addition, longer CA allele length was associated with earlier age-of-onset (p = 0.039), and shorter survival duration in bulbar-onset cases (p = 0.006). In an Australian longitudinal sALS cohort (n = 67), ALS functional rating scale scores were significantly lower in carriers of the long/long genotype (p = 0.034). Stathmin-2 mRNA expression was reduced in sporadic patient ONS cells. Additionally, sALS patients and controls exhibited variable expression of Stathmin-2 mRNA according to CA genotype in laser-captured spinal motor neurons. Conclusions We report a novel non-coding CA repeat in Stathmin-2 which is associated with sALS disease risk and has disease modifying effects. The potential value of this variant as a disease marker and tool for cohort enrichment in clinical trials warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Theunissen
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ryan S Anderton
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,School of Health Sciences, Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia
| | - Frank L Mastaglia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Loren L Flynn
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Samantha J Winter
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,School of Health Sciences, Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia
| | - Ian James
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Disease, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Richard Bedlack
- Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Stuart Hodgetts
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Sue Fletcher
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Steve D Wilton
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Nigel G Laing
- Centre for Medical Research, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Mandi MacShane
- Centre for Medical Research, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Merrilee Needham
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Ann Saunders
- Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Alan Mackay-Sim
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Ze'ev Melamed
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - John Ravits
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Don W Cleveland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - P Anthony Akkari
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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9
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Gorecki AM, Bakeberg MC, Theunissen F, Kenna JE, Hoes ME, Pfaff AL, Akkari PA, Dunlop SA, Kõks S, Mastaglia FL, Anderton RS. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Associated With Gut Homeostasis Influence Risk and Age-at-Onset of Parkinson's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:603849. [PMID: 33328979 PMCID: PMC7718032 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.603849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Research is increasingly focusing on gut inflammation as a contributor to Parkinson's disease (PD). Such gut inflammation is proposed to arise from a complex interaction between various genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, however these factors are under-characterized. This study investigated the association between PD and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes responsible for binding of bacterial metabolites and intestinal homeostasis, which have been implicated in intestinal infections or inflammatory bowel disease. A case-control analysis was performed utilizing the following cohorts: (i) patients from the Australian Parkinson's Disease Registry (APDR) (n = 212); (ii) a Caucasian subset of the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) cohort (n = 376); (iii) a combined control group (n = 404). The following SNPs were analyzed: PGLYRP2 rs892145, PGLYRP4 rs10888557, TLR1 rs4833095, TLR2 rs3804099, TLR4 rs7873784, CD14 rs2569190, MUC1 rs4072037, MUC2 rs11825977, CLDN2 rs12008279 and rs12014762, and CLDN4 rs8629. PD risk was significantly associated with PGLYRP4 rs10888557 genotype in both cohorts. PGLYRP2 rs892145 and TLR1 rs4833095 were also associated with disease risk in the APDR cohort, and TLR2 rs3804099 and MUC2 rs11825977 genotypes in the PPMI cohort. Interactive risk effects between PGLYRP2/PGLYRP4 and PGLYRP4/TLR2 were evident in the APDR and PPMI cohorts, respectively. In the APDR cohort, the PGLYRP4 GC genotype was significantly associated with age of symptom onset, independently of gender, toxin exposure or smoking status. This study demonstrates that genetic variation in the bacterial receptor PGLYRP4 may modulate risk and age-of-onset in idiopathic PD, while variants in PGLYRP2, TLR1/2, and MUC2 may also influence PD risk. Overall, this study provides evidence to support the role of dysregulated host-microbiome signaling and gut inflammation in PD, and further investigation of these SNPs and proteins may help identify people at risk of developing PD or increase understanding of early disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastazja M Gorecki
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Megan C Bakeberg
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Frances Theunissen
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,The Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Jade E Kenna
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Madison E Hoes
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Abigail L Pfaff
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,The Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - P Anthony Akkari
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,The Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Sarah A Dunlop
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.,Minderoo Foundation, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Sulev Kõks
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,The Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Frank L Mastaglia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Ryan S Anderton
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia.,School of Health Sciences, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia
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10
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Lamb HJ, Hayes BJ, Nguyen LT, Ross EM. The Future of Livestock Management: A Review of Real-Time Portable Sequencing Applied to Livestock. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E1478. [PMID: 33317066 PMCID: PMC7763041 DOI: 10.3390/genes11121478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxford Nanopore Technologies' MinION has proven to be a valuable tool within human and microbial genetics. Its capacity to produce long reads in real time has opened up unique applications for portable sequencing. Examples include tracking the recent African swine fever outbreak in China and providing a diagnostic tool for disease in the cassava plant in Eastern Africa. Here we review the current applications of Oxford Nanopore sequencing in livestock, then focus on proposed applications in livestock agriculture for rapid diagnostics, base modification detection, reference genome assembly and genomic prediction. In particular, we propose a future application: 'crush-side genotyping' for real-time on-farm genotyping for extensive industries such as northern Australian beef production. An initial in silico experiment to assess the feasibility of crush-side genotyping demonstrated promising results. SNPs were called from simulated Nanopore data, that included the relatively high base call error rate that is characteristic of the data, and calling parameters were varied to understand the feasibility of SNP calling at low coverages in a heterozygous population. With optimised genotype calling parameters, over 85% of the 10,000 simulated SNPs were able to be correctly called with coverages as low as 6×. These results provide preliminary evidence that Oxford Nanopore sequencing has potential to be used for real-time SNP genotyping in extensive livestock operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison J. Lamb
- Centre for Animal Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia; (B.J.H.); (L.T.N.); (E.M.R.)
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11
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A robust benchmark for detection of germline large deletions and insertions. Nat Biotechnol 2020; 38:1347-1355. [PMID: 32541955 PMCID: PMC8454654 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-020-0538-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
New technologies and analysis methods are enabling genomic structural variants (SVs) to be detected with ever-increasing accuracy, resolution, and comprehensiveness. To help translate these methods to routine research and clinical practice, we developed the first sequence-resolved benchmark set for identification of both false negative and false positive germline large insertions and deletions. To create this benchmark for a broadly consented son in a Personal Genome Project trio with broadly available cells and DNA, the Genome in a Bottle (GIAB) Consortium integrated 19 sequence-resolved variant calling methods from diverse technologies. The final benchmark set contains 12745 isolated, sequence-resolved insertion (7281) and deletion (5464) calls ≥50 base pairs (bp). The Tier 1 benchmark regions, for which any extra calls are putative false positives, cover 2.51 Gbp and 5262 insertions and 4095 deletions supported by ≥1 diploid assembly. We demonstrate the benchmark set reliably identifies false negatives and false positives in high-quality SV callsets from short-, linked-, and long-read sequencing and optical mapping.
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12
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Nelson PT, Fardo DW, Katsumata Y. The MUC6/AP2A2 Locus and Its Relevance to Alzheimer's Disease: A Review. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2020; 79:568-584. [PMID: 32357373 PMCID: PMC7241941 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlaa024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently reported evidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD)-linked genetic variation within the mucin 6 (MUC6) gene on chromosome 11p, nearby the adaptor-related protein complex 2 subunit alpha 2 (AP2A2) gene. This locus has interesting features related to human genomics and clinical research. MUC6 gene variants have been reported to potentially influence viral-including herpesvirus-immunity and the gut microbiome. Within the MUC6 gene is a unique variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) region. We discovered an association between MUC6 VNTR repeat expansion and AD pathologic severity, particularly tau proteinopathy. Here, we review the relevant literature. The AD-linked VNTR polymorphism may also influence AP2A2 gene expression. AP2A2 encodes a polypeptide component of the adaptor protein complex, AP-2, which is involved in clathrin-coated vesicle function and was previously implicated in AD pathogenesis. To provide background information, we describe some key knowledge gaps in AD genetics research. The "missing/hidden heritability problem" of AD is highlighted. Extensive portions of the human genome, including the MUC6 VNTR, have not been thoroughly evaluated due to limitations of existing high-throughput sequencing technology. We present and discuss additional data, along with cautionary considerations, relevant to the hypothesis that MUC6 repeat expansion influences AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter T Nelson
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
- Department of Pathology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - David W Fardo
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Yuriko Katsumata
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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13
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Pytte J, Anderton RS, Flynn LL, Theunissen F, Jiang L, Pitout I, James I, Mastaglia FL, Saunders AM, Bedlack R, Siddique T, Siddique N, Akkari PA. Association of a structural variant within the SQSTM1 gene with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. NEUROLOGY-GENETICS 2020; 6:e406. [PMID: 32185242 PMCID: PMC7061286 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objective As structural variations may underpin susceptibility to complex neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the objective of this study was to investigate a structural variant (SV) within sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1). Methods A candidate insertion/deletion variant within intron 5 of the SQSTM1 gene was identified using a previously established SV evaluation algorithm and chosen according to its subsequent theoretical effect on gene expression. The variant was systematically assessed through PCR, polyacrylamide gel fractionation, Sanger sequencing, and reverse transcriptase PCR. Results A reliable and robust assay confirmed the polymorphic nature of this variant and that the variant may influence SQSTM1 transcript levels. In a North American cohort of patients with familial ALS (fALS) and sporadic ALS (sALS) (n = 403) and age-matched healthy controls (n = 562), we subsequently showed that the SQSTM1 variant is associated with fALS (p = 0.0036), particularly in familial superoxide dismutase 1 mutation positive patients (p = 0.0005), but not with patients with sALS (p = 0.97). Conclusions This disease association highlights the importance and implications of further investigation into SVs that may provide new targets for cohort stratification and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Pytte
- University of Western Australia (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, Crawley; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., I.P., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Nedlands; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), School of Health Sciences; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), Institute for Health Research, Fremantle; Murdoch University (L.L.F., I.P., P.A.A.), Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics; Murdoch University, Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases (I.J.), Western Australia, Australia; Department of Neurology (R.B.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals (A.M.S.), Inc.; Duke University (R.B.), ALS Clinic, Durham, NC; and Departments of Neurology, Pathology and Cell and Molecular Biology (T.S., N.S.), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, the Les Turner ALS Center and the Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Chicago, IL
| | - Ryan S Anderton
- University of Western Australia (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, Crawley; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., I.P., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Nedlands; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), School of Health Sciences; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), Institute for Health Research, Fremantle; Murdoch University (L.L.F., I.P., P.A.A.), Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics; Murdoch University, Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases (I.J.), Western Australia, Australia; Department of Neurology (R.B.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals (A.M.S.), Inc.; Duke University (R.B.), ALS Clinic, Durham, NC; and Departments of Neurology, Pathology and Cell and Molecular Biology (T.S., N.S.), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, the Les Turner ALS Center and the Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Chicago, IL
| | - Loren L Flynn
- University of Western Australia (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, Crawley; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., I.P., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Nedlands; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), School of Health Sciences; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), Institute for Health Research, Fremantle; Murdoch University (L.L.F., I.P., P.A.A.), Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics; Murdoch University, Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases (I.J.), Western Australia, Australia; Department of Neurology (R.B.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals (A.M.S.), Inc.; Duke University (R.B.), ALS Clinic, Durham, NC; and Departments of Neurology, Pathology and Cell and Molecular Biology (T.S., N.S.), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, the Les Turner ALS Center and the Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Chicago, IL
| | - Frances Theunissen
- University of Western Australia (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, Crawley; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., I.P., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Nedlands; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), School of Health Sciences; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), Institute for Health Research, Fremantle; Murdoch University (L.L.F., I.P., P.A.A.), Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics; Murdoch University, Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases (I.J.), Western Australia, Australia; Department of Neurology (R.B.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals (A.M.S.), Inc.; Duke University (R.B.), ALS Clinic, Durham, NC; and Departments of Neurology, Pathology and Cell and Molecular Biology (T.S., N.S.), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, the Les Turner ALS Center and the Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Chicago, IL
| | - Leanne Jiang
- University of Western Australia (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, Crawley; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., I.P., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Nedlands; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), School of Health Sciences; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), Institute for Health Research, Fremantle; Murdoch University (L.L.F., I.P., P.A.A.), Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics; Murdoch University, Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases (I.J.), Western Australia, Australia; Department of Neurology (R.B.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals (A.M.S.), Inc.; Duke University (R.B.), ALS Clinic, Durham, NC; and Departments of Neurology, Pathology and Cell and Molecular Biology (T.S., N.S.), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, the Les Turner ALS Center and the Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Chicago, IL
| | - Ianthe Pitout
- University of Western Australia (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, Crawley; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., I.P., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Nedlands; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), School of Health Sciences; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), Institute for Health Research, Fremantle; Murdoch University (L.L.F., I.P., P.A.A.), Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics; Murdoch University, Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases (I.J.), Western Australia, Australia; Department of Neurology (R.B.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals (A.M.S.), Inc.; Duke University (R.B.), ALS Clinic, Durham, NC; and Departments of Neurology, Pathology and Cell and Molecular Biology (T.S., N.S.), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, the Les Turner ALS Center and the Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Chicago, IL
| | - Ian James
- University of Western Australia (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, Crawley; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., I.P., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Nedlands; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), School of Health Sciences; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), Institute for Health Research, Fremantle; Murdoch University (L.L.F., I.P., P.A.A.), Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics; Murdoch University, Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases (I.J.), Western Australia, Australia; Department of Neurology (R.B.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals (A.M.S.), Inc.; Duke University (R.B.), ALS Clinic, Durham, NC; and Departments of Neurology, Pathology and Cell and Molecular Biology (T.S., N.S.), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, the Les Turner ALS Center and the Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Chicago, IL
| | - Frank L Mastaglia
- University of Western Australia (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, Crawley; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., I.P., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Nedlands; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), School of Health Sciences; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), Institute for Health Research, Fremantle; Murdoch University (L.L.F., I.P., P.A.A.), Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics; Murdoch University, Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases (I.J.), Western Australia, Australia; Department of Neurology (R.B.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals (A.M.S.), Inc.; Duke University (R.B.), ALS Clinic, Durham, NC; and Departments of Neurology, Pathology and Cell and Molecular Biology (T.S., N.S.), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, the Les Turner ALS Center and the Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Chicago, IL
| | - Ann M Saunders
- University of Western Australia (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, Crawley; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., I.P., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Nedlands; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), School of Health Sciences; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), Institute for Health Research, Fremantle; Murdoch University (L.L.F., I.P., P.A.A.), Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics; Murdoch University, Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases (I.J.), Western Australia, Australia; Department of Neurology (R.B.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals (A.M.S.), Inc.; Duke University (R.B.), ALS Clinic, Durham, NC; and Departments of Neurology, Pathology and Cell and Molecular Biology (T.S., N.S.), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, the Les Turner ALS Center and the Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Chicago, IL
| | - Richard Bedlack
- University of Western Australia (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, Crawley; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., I.P., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Nedlands; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), School of Health Sciences; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), Institute for Health Research, Fremantle; Murdoch University (L.L.F., I.P., P.A.A.), Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics; Murdoch University, Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases (I.J.), Western Australia, Australia; Department of Neurology (R.B.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals (A.M.S.), Inc.; Duke University (R.B.), ALS Clinic, Durham, NC; and Departments of Neurology, Pathology and Cell and Molecular Biology (T.S., N.S.), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, the Les Turner ALS Center and the Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Chicago, IL
| | - Teepu Siddique
- University of Western Australia (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, Crawley; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., I.P., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Nedlands; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), School of Health Sciences; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), Institute for Health Research, Fremantle; Murdoch University (L.L.F., I.P., P.A.A.), Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics; Murdoch University, Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases (I.J.), Western Australia, Australia; Department of Neurology (R.B.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals (A.M.S.), Inc.; Duke University (R.B.), ALS Clinic, Durham, NC; and Departments of Neurology, Pathology and Cell and Molecular Biology (T.S., N.S.), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, the Les Turner ALS Center and the Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Chicago, IL
| | - Nailah Siddique
- University of Western Australia (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, Crawley; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., I.P., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Nedlands; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), School of Health Sciences; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), Institute for Health Research, Fremantle; Murdoch University (L.L.F., I.P., P.A.A.), Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics; Murdoch University, Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases (I.J.), Western Australia, Australia; Department of Neurology (R.B.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals (A.M.S.), Inc.; Duke University (R.B.), ALS Clinic, Durham, NC; and Departments of Neurology, Pathology and Cell and Molecular Biology (T.S., N.S.), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, the Les Turner ALS Center and the Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Chicago, IL
| | - P Anthony Akkari
- University of Western Australia (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, Crawley; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science (J.P., R.S.A., L.L.F., F.T., L.J., I.P., F.L.M., P.A.A.), Nedlands; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), School of Health Sciences; University of Notre Dame Australia (R.S.A.), Institute for Health Research, Fremantle; Murdoch University (L.L.F., I.P., P.A.A.), Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics; Murdoch University, Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases (I.J.), Western Australia, Australia; Department of Neurology (R.B.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals (A.M.S.), Inc.; Duke University (R.B.), ALS Clinic, Durham, NC; and Departments of Neurology, Pathology and Cell and Molecular Biology (T.S., N.S.), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, the Les Turner ALS Center and the Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Chicago, IL
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14
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Theunissen F, Flynn LL, Anderton RS, Mastaglia F, Pytte J, Jiang L, Hodgetts S, Burns DK, Saunders A, Fletcher S, Wilton SD, Akkari PA. Structural Variants May Be a Source of Missing Heritability in sALS. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:47. [PMID: 32082115 PMCID: PMC7005198 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms that drive amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remain poorly understood. Structural variants within the genome can play a significant role in neurodegenerative disease risk, such as the repeat expansion in C9orf72 and the tri-nucleotide repeat in ATXN2, both of which are associated with familial and sporadic ALS. Many such structural variants reside in uncharacterized regions of the human genome, and have been under studied. Therefore, characterization of structural variants located in and around genes associated with ALS could provide insight into disease pathogenesis, and lead to the discovery of highly informative genetic tools for stratification in clinical trials. Such genomic variants may provide a deeper understanding of how gene expression can affect disease etiology, disease severity and trajectory, patient response to treatment, and may hold the key to understanding the genetics of sporadic ALS. This article outlines the current understanding of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis genetics and how structural variations may underpin some of the missing heritability of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Theunissen
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Loren L Flynn
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ryan S Anderton
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,School of Health Sciences, Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia
| | - Frank Mastaglia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Julia Pytte
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Leanne Jiang
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Stuart Hodgetts
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Daniel K Burns
- Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Ann Saunders
- Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Sue Fletcher
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Steve D Wilton
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Patrick Anthony Akkari
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
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15
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Mejzini R, Flynn LL, Pitout IL, Fletcher S, Wilton SD, Akkari PA. ALS Genetics, Mechanisms, and Therapeutics: Where Are We Now? Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1310. [PMID: 31866818 PMCID: PMC6909825 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 435] [Impact Index Per Article: 87.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The scientific landscape surrounding amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) continues to shift as the number of genes associated with the disease risk and pathogenesis, and the cellular processes involved, continues to grow. Despite decades of intense research and over 50 potentially causative or disease-modifying genes identified, etiology remains unexplained and treatment options remain limited for the majority of ALS patients. Various factors have contributed to the slow progress in understanding and developing therapeutics for this disease. Here, we review the genetic basis of ALS, highlighting factors that have contributed to the elusiveness of genetic heritability. The most commonly mutated ALS-linked genes are reviewed with an emphasis on disease-causing mechanisms. The cellular processes involved in ALS pathogenesis are discussed, with evidence implicating their involvement in ALS summarized. Past and present therapeutic strategies and the benefits and limitations of the model systems available to ALS researchers are discussed with future directions for research that may lead to effective treatment strategies outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Mejzini
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Loren L. Flynn
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ianthe L. Pitout
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Sue Fletcher
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Steve D. Wilton
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - P. Anthony Akkari
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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16
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Larsen PA, Hunnicutt KE, Larsen RJ, Yoder AD, Saunders AM. Warning SINEs: Alu elements, evolution of the human brain, and the spectrum of neurological disease. Chromosome Res 2018; 26:93-111. [PMID: 29460123 PMCID: PMC5857278 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-018-9573-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Alu elements are a highly successful family of primate-specific retrotransposons that have fundamentally shaped primate evolution, including the evolution of our own species. Alus play critical roles in the formation of neurological networks and the epigenetic regulation of biochemical processes throughout the central nervous system (CNS), and thus are hypothesized to have contributed to the origin of human cognition. Despite the benefits that Alus provide, deleterious Alu activity is associated with a number of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. In particular, neurological networks are potentially vulnerable to the epigenetic dysregulation of Alu elements operating across the suite of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes that are critical for both mitochondrial and CNS function. Here, we highlight the beneficial neurological aspects of Alu elements as well as their potential to cause disease by disrupting key cellular processes across the CNS. We identify at least 37 neurological and neurodegenerative disorders wherein deleterious Alu activity has been implicated as a contributing factor for the manifestation of disease, and for many of these disorders, this activity is operating on genes that are essential for proper mitochondrial function. We conclude that the epigenetic dysregulation of Alu elements can ultimately disrupt mitochondrial homeostasis within the CNS. This mechanism is a plausible source for the incipient neuronal stress that is consistently observed across a spectrum of sporadic neurological and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Larsen
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
- Duke Lemur Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
- Department of Biology, Duke University, 130 Science Drive, Box 90338, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
| | | | - Roxanne J Larsen
- Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Anne D Yoder
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
- Duke Lemur Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Ann M Saunders
- Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals Inc, Chapel Hill, NC, 27709, USA
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17
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An update on the genetics of dementia with Lewy bodies. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2017; 43:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2017.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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18
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Larsen PA, Lutz MW, Hunnicutt KE, Mihovilovic M, Saunders AM, Yoder AD, Roses AD. The Alu neurodegeneration hypothesis: A primate-specific mechanism for neuronal transcription noise, mitochondrial dysfunction, and manifestation of neurodegenerative disease. Alzheimers Dement 2017; 13:828-838. [PMID: 28242298 PMCID: PMC6647845 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2017.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
It is hypothesized that retrotransposons have played a fundamental role in primate evolution and that enhanced neurologic retrotransposon activity in humans may underlie the origin of higher cognitive function. As a potential consequence of this enhanced activity, it is likely that neurons are susceptible to deleterious retrotransposon pathways that can disrupt mitochondrial function. An example is observed in the TOMM40 gene, encoding a β-barrel protein critical for mitochondrial preprotein transport. Primate-specific Alu retrotransposons have repeatedly inserted into TOMM40 introns, and at least one variant associated with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease originated from an Alu insertion event. We provide evidence of enriched Alu content in mitochondrial genes and postulate that Alus can disrupt mitochondrial populations in neurons, thereby setting the stage for progressive neurologic dysfunction. This Alu neurodegeneration hypothesis is compatible with decades of research and offers a plausible mechanism for the disruption of neuronal mitochondrial homeostasis, ultimately cascading into neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Larsen
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Michael W Lutz
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Mirta Mihovilovic
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ann M Saunders
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Anne D Yoder
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Lemur Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Allen D Roses
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Durham, NC, USA
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19
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Roses A, Sundseth S, Saunders A, Gottschalk W, Burns D, Lutz M. Understanding the genetics of APOE and TOMM40 and role of mitochondrial structure and function in clinical pharmacology of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2016; 12:687-94. [PMID: 27154058 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2016.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The methodology of Genome-Wide Association Screening (GWAS) has been applied for more than a decade. Translation to clinical utility has been limited, especially in Alzheimer's Disease (AD). It has become standard practice in the analyses of more than two dozen AD GWAS studies to exclude the apolipoprotein E (APOE) region because of its extraordinary statistical support, unique thus far in complex human diseases. New genes associated with AD are proposed frequently based on SNPs associated with odds ratio (OR) < 1.2. Most of these SNPs are not located within the associated gene exons or introns but are located variable distances away. Often pathologic hypotheses for these genes are presented, with little or no experimental support. By eliminating the analyses of the APOE-TOMM40 linkage disequilibrium region, the relationship and data of several genes that are co-located in that LD region have been largely ignored. Early negative interpretations limited the interest of understanding the genetic data derived from GWAS, particularly regarding the TOMM40 gene. This commentary describes the history and problem(s) in interpretation of the genetic interrogation of the "APOE" region and provides insight into a metabolic mitochondrial basis for the etiology of AD using both APOE and TOMM40 genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen Roses
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Semillon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Scott Sundseth
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Semillon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ann Saunders
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Semillon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - William Gottschalk
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Semillon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dan Burns
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Semillon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael Lutz
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Semillon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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