1
|
Nogueira C, Pereira C, Silva L, Laranjeira M, Lopes A, Neiva R, Rodrigues E, Campos T, Martins E, Bandeira A, Coelho M, Magalhães M, Damásio J, Gaspar A, Janeiro P, Gomes AL, Ferreira AC, Jacinto S, Vieira JP, Diogo L, Santos H, Mendonça C, Vilarinho L. The genetic landscape of mitochondrial diseases in the next-generation sequencing era: a Portuguese cohort study. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1331351. [PMID: 38465286 PMCID: PMC10920333 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1331351] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Rare disorders that are genetically and clinically heterogeneous, such as mitochondrial diseases (MDs), have a challenging diagnosis. Nuclear genes codify most proteins involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, despite all mitochondria having their own DNA. The development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies has revolutionized the understanding of many genes involved in the pathogenesis of MDs. In this new genetic era, using the NGS approach, we aimed to identify the genetic etiology for a suspected MD in a cohort of 450 Portuguese patients. Methods: We examined 450 patients using a combined NGS strategy, starting with the analysis of a targeted mitochondrial panel of 213 nuclear genes, and then proceeding to analyze the whole mitochondrial DNA. Results and Discussion: In this study, we identified disease-related variants in 134 (30%) analyzed patients, 88 with nuclear DNA (nDNA) and 46 with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants, most of them being pediatric patients (66%), of which 77% were identified in nDNA and 23% in mtDNA. The molecular analysis of this cohort revealed 72 already described pathogenic and 20 novel, probably pathogenic, variants, as well as 62 variants of unknown significance. For this cohort of patients with suspected MDs, the use of a customized gene panel provided a molecular diagnosis in a timely and cost-effective manner. Patients who cannot be diagnosed after this initial approach will be further selected for whole-exome sequencing. Conclusion: As a national laboratory for the study and research of MDs, we demonstrated the power of NGS to achieve a molecular etiology, expanding the mutational spectrum and proposing accurate genetic counseling in this group of heterogeneous diseases without therapeutic options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C. Nogueira
- Research & Development Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
- Newborn Screening, Metabolism & Genetics Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - C. Pereira
- Newborn Screening, Metabolism & Genetics Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - L. Silva
- Research & Development Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
- Newborn Screening, Metabolism & Genetics Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mateus Laranjeira
- Research & Development Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - A. Lopes
- Newborn Screening, Metabolism & Genetics Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - R. Neiva
- Newborn Screening, Metabolism & Genetics Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - E. Rodrigues
- Inherited Metabolic Diseases Reference Centre, São João Hospital University Centre, Porto, Portugal
| | - T. Campos
- Inherited Metabolic Diseases Reference Centre, São João Hospital University Centre, Porto, Portugal
| | - E. Martins
- Inherited Metabolic Diseases Reference Centre, Santo António Hospital University Centre, Porto, Portugal
| | - A. Bandeira
- Inherited Metabolic Diseases Reference Centre, Santo António Hospital University Centre, Porto, Portugal
| | - M. Coelho
- Inherited Metabolic Diseases Reference Centre, Santo António Hospital University Centre, Porto, Portugal
| | - M. Magalhães
- Neurology Department, Santo António Hospital University Centre, Porto, Portugal
| | - J. Damásio
- Neurology Department, Santo António Hospital University Centre, Porto, Portugal
| | - A. Gaspar
- Inherited Metabolic Diseases Reference Centre, Lisboa Norte Hospital University Centre, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - P Janeiro
- Inherited Metabolic Diseases Reference Centre, Lisboa Norte Hospital University Centre, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - A. Levy Gomes
- Neurology Department, Lisboa Norte Hospital University Centre, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - A. C. Ferreira
- Inherited Metabolic Diseases Reference Centre, Lisboa Central Hospital Centre, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - S. Jacinto
- Inherited Metabolic Diseases Reference Centre, Lisboa Central Hospital Centre, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - J. P. Vieira
- Inherited Metabolic Diseases Reference Centre, Lisboa Central Hospital Centre, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - L. Diogo
- Inherited Metabolic Diseases Reference Centre, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - H. Santos
- Inherited Metabolic Diseases Reference Centre, Vila Nova de Gaia Hospital Centre, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - C. Mendonça
- Pediatric Department, Faro Hospital and University Centre, Faro, Portugal
| | - L. Vilarinho
- Research & Development Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
- Newborn Screening, Metabolism & Genetics Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gao Y, Guo L, Wang F, Wang Y, Li P, Zhang D. Development of mitochondrial gene-editing strategies and their potential applications in mitochondrial hereditary diseases: a review. Cytotherapy 2024; 26:11-24. [PMID: 37930294 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a critical genome contained within the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells, with many copies present in each mitochondrion. Mutations in mtDNA often are inherited and can lead to severe health problems, including various inherited diseases and premature aging. The lack of efficient repair mechanisms and the susceptibility of mtDNA to damage exacerbate the threat to human health. Heteroplasmy, the presence of different mtDNA genotypes within a single cell, increases the complexity of these diseases and requires an effective editing method for correction. Recently, gene-editing techniques, including programmable nucleases such as restriction endonuclease, zinc finger nuclease, transcription activator-like effector nuclease, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated 9 and base editors, have provided new tools for editing mtDNA in mammalian cells. Base editors are particularly promising because of their high efficiency and precision in correcting mtDNA mutations. In this review, we discuss the application of these techniques in mitochondrial gene editing and their limitations. We also explore the potential of base editors for mtDNA modification and discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with their application in mitochondrial gene editing. In conclusion, this review highlights the advancements, limitations and opportunities in current mitochondrial gene-editing technologies and approaches. Our insights aim to stimulate the development of new editing strategies that can ultimately alleviate the adverse effects of mitochondrial hereditary diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Gao
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Linlin Guo
- The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yin Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Peifeng Li
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dejiu Zhang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Baldo MS, Nogueira C, Pereira C, Janeiro P, Ferreira S, Lourenço CM, Bandeira A, Martins E, Magalhães M, Rodrigues E, Santos H, Ferreira AC, Vilarinho L. Leigh Syndrome Spectrum: A Portuguese Population Cohort in an Evolutionary Genetic Era. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1536. [PMID: 37628588 PMCID: PMC10454233 DOI: 10.3390/genes14081536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases are the most common inherited inborn error of metabolism resulting in deficient ATP generation, due to failure in homeostasis and proper bioenergetics. The most frequent mitochondrial disease manifestation in children is Leigh syndrome (LS), encompassing clinical, neuroradiological, biochemical, and molecular features. It typically affects infants but occurs anytime in life. Considering recent updates, LS clinical presentation has been stretched, and is now named LS spectrum (LSS), including classical LS and Leigh-like presentations. Apart from clinical diagnosis challenges, the molecular characterization also progressed from Sanger techniques to NGS (next-generation sequencing), encompassing analysis of nuclear (nDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). This upgrade resumed steps and favored diagnosis. Hereby, our paper presents molecular and clinical data on a Portuguese cohort of 40 positive cases of LSS. A total of 28 patients presented mutation in mtDNA and 12 in nDNA, with novel mutations identified in a heterogeneous group of genes. The present results contribute to the better knowledge of the molecular basis of LS and expand the clinical spectrum associated with this syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Schubert Baldo
- Research and Development Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal; (M.S.B.)
| | - Célia Nogueira
- Research and Development Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal; (M.S.B.)
- Neonatal Screening, Metabolism and Genetics Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Pereira
- Research and Development Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal; (M.S.B.)
- Neonatal Screening, Metabolism and Genetics Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Janeiro
- Inherited Metabolic Disease Reference Center, Lisbon North University Hospital Center (CHULN), EPE, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara Ferreira
- Inherited Metabolic Disease Reference Center, Pediatric Hospital, Hospital and University Center of Coimbra, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Charles M. Lourenço
- Neurogenetics Department, Faculdade de Medicina de São Jose do Rio Preto, São Jose do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil
| | - Anabela Bandeira
- Oporto Hospital Centre, University of Porto, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
| | - Esmeralda Martins
- Oporto Hospital Centre, University of Porto, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marina Magalhães
- Department of Neurology Porto Hospital and University Centre, EPE, 4050-011 Porto, Portugal
| | - Esmeralda Rodrigues
- Reference Center for Inherited Metabolic Disorders, University Hospital Centre S. João, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Helena Santos
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Centre, EPE, 4434-502 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | | | - Laura Vilarinho
- Research and Development Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal; (M.S.B.)
- Neonatal Screening, Metabolism and Genetics Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Alkhaldi HA, Phan DH, Vik SB. Analysis of Human Clinical Mutations of Mitochondrial ND1 in a Bacterial Model System for Complex I. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:1934. [PMID: 36431069 PMCID: PMC9696053 DOI: 10.3390/life12111934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common causes of mitochondrial dysfunction and disease include mutations in subunits and assembly factors of Complex I. Numerous mutations in the mitochondrial gene ND1 have been identified in humans. Currently, a bacterial model system provides the only method for rapid construction and analysis of mutations in homologs of human ND1. In this report, we have identified nine mutations in human ND1 that are reported to be pathogenic and are located at subunit interfaces. Our hypothesis was that these mutations would disrupt Complex I assembly. Seventeen mutations were constructed in the homologous nuoH gene in an E. coli model system. In addition to the clinical mutations, alanine substitutions were constructed in order to distinguish between a deleterious effect from the introduction of the mutant residue and the loss of the original residue. The mutations were moved to an expression vector containing all thirteen genes of the E. coli nuo operon coding for Complex I. Membrane vesicles were prepared and rates of deamino-NADH oxidase activity and proton translocation were measured. Samples were also tested for assembly by native gel electrophoresis and for expression of NuoH by immunoblotting. A range of outcomes was observed: Mutations at four of the sites allow normal assembly with moderate activity (50−76% of wild type). Mutations at the other sites disrupt assembly and/or activity, and in some cases the outcomes depend upon the amino acid introduced. In general, the outcomes are consistent with the proposed pathogenicity in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Steven B. Vik
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75275, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy plus dystonia caused by the mitochondrial ND1 gene m.4160 T > C mutation. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:5581-5592. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-06165-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
6
|
Hayashi Y, Iwasaki Y, Yoshikura N, Yamada M, Kimura A, Inuzuka T, Miyahara H, Goto Y, Nishino I, Yoshida M, Shimohata T. Clinicopathological findings of a mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes/Leigh syndrome overlap patient with a novel m.3482A>G mutation in MT-ND1. Neuropathology 2020; 41:84-90. [PMID: 33300189 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
We report clinicopathological findings of a patient with mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes/Leigh syndrome (MELAS/LS) associated with a novel m.3482A>G mutation in MT-ND1. A 41-year-old woman had experienced multiple stroke-like episodes since age 16. She developed akinetic mutism two months before admission to our hospital. Neurological examination revealed akinetic mutism, bilateral deafness, and muscular atrophy. Cerebrospinal fluid tests revealed elevated pyruvate and lactate levels. Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images on magnetic resonance imaging showed hyperintense areas in the right frontal and both sides of temporal and occipital lobes, both sides of the striatum, and the midbrain. Muscle biopsy revealed strongly succinate dehydrogenase-reactive blood vessels. L-arginine therapy improved her consciousness and prevented further stroke-like episodes. However, she died from aspiration pneumonia. Postmortem autopsy revealed scattered infarct-like lesions with cavitation in the cerebral cortex and necrotic lesions in the striatum and midbrain. The patient was pathologically confirmed as having MELAS/LS based on two characteristic clinicopathological findings: presenting MELAS/LS overlap phenotype and effectiveness of L-arginine treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Hayashi
- Department of Neurology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yasushi Iwasaki
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Yoshikura
- Department of Neurology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Megumi Yamada
- Department of Neurology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Akio Kimura
- Department of Neurology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takashi Inuzuka
- Department of Neurology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Gifu Municipal Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Miyahara
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Yuichi Goto
- Department of Mental Retardation and Birth Defect Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Ichizo Nishino
- Department of Neuromuscular Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Mari Yoshida
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Shimohata
- Department of Neurology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| |
Collapse
|