1
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Joshi D, Coon BG, Chakraborty R, Deng H, Yang Z, Babar MU, Fernandez-Tussy P, Meredith E, Attanasio J, Joshi N, Traylor JG, Orr AW, Fernandez-Hernando C, Libreros S, Schwartz MA. Endothelial γ-protocadherins inhibit KLF2 and KLF4 to promote atherosclerosis. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2024:10.1038/s44161-024-00522-z. [PMID: 39232138 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-024-00522-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Laminar shear stress from blood flow, sensed by vascular endothelial cells, protects from ASCVD by upregulating the transcription factors KLF2 and KLF4, which induces an anti-inflammatory program that promotes vascular resilience. Here we identify clustered γ-protocadherins as therapeutically targetable, potent KLF2 and KLF4 suppressors whose upregulation contributes to ASCVD. Mechanistic studies show that γ-protocadherin cleavage results in translocation of the conserved intracellular domain to the nucleus where it physically associates with and suppresses signaling by the Notch intracellular domain. γ-Protocadherins are elevated in human ASCVD endothelium; their genetic deletion or antibody blockade protects from ASCVD in mice without detectably compromising host defense against bacterial or viral infection. These results elucidate a fundamental mechanism of vascular inflammation and reveal a method to target the endothelium rather than the immune system as a protective strategy in ASCVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyesh Joshi
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Brian G Coon
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Raja Chakraborty
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hanqiang Deng
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ziyu Yang
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Muhammad Usman Babar
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Emily Meredith
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - John Attanasio
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nikhil Joshi
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - James G Traylor
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, LSU Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Anthony Wayne Orr
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, LSU Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | | | - Stephania Libreros
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Martin A Schwartz
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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2
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Vaz A, Salgado A, Patrício P, Pinto L. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells: Tools to advance the understanding and drug discovery in Major Depressive Disorder. Psychiatry Res 2024; 339:116033. [PMID: 38968917 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.116033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a pleomorphic disease with substantial patterns of symptoms and severity with mensurable deficits in several associated domains. The broad spectrum of phenotypes observed in patients diagnosed with depressive disorders is the reflection of a very complex disease where clusters of biological and external factors (e.g., response/processing of life events, intrapsychic factors) converge and mediate pathogenesis, clinical presentation/phenotypes and trajectory. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) enable their differentiation into specialised cell types in the central nervous system to explore the pathophysiological substrates of MDD. These models may complement animal models to advance drug discovery and identify therapeutic approaches, such as cell therapy, drug repurposing, and elucidation of drug metabolism, toxicity, and mechanisms of action at the molecular/cellular level, to pave the way for precision psychiatry. Despite the remarkable scientific and clinical progress made over the last few decades, the disease is still poorly understood, the incidence and prevalence continue to increase, and more research is needed to meet clinical demands. This review aims to summarise and provide a critical overview of the research conducted thus far using patient-derived iPSCs for the modelling of psychiatric disorders, with a particular emphasis on MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Vaz
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal; Bn'ML, Behavioral and Molecular Lab, Braga, Portugal
| | - António Salgado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Patrício
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal; Bn'ML, Behavioral and Molecular Lab, Braga, Portugal
| | - Luísa Pinto
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal; Bn'ML, Behavioral and Molecular Lab, Braga, Portugal.
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3
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Theisen JG, Chorich LP, Xu H, Knight J, Kim HG, Layman LC. Identification of rare genetic variants in the PCDH genetic family in a cohort of transgender women. F&S SCIENCE 2024; 5:283-292. [PMID: 38942387 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2024.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the identification of rare genetic variants in the PCDH genetic family in a cohort of transgender women (TGW) and their potential role in gender identity. DESIGN Exome sequencing and functional ontology analysis. SETTING Outpatient gender health and reproductive endocrinology clinics. PATIENT(S) A total of 24 TGW and 22 cisgender men (CM). INTERVENTION(S) Exome sequencing followed by variant confirmation through Sanger sequencing and functional classification analysis using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery tool. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Identification of rare, functionally significant genetic variants in the PCDH gene family and their prevalence in TGW compared with CM. RESULT(S) Exome sequencing revealed 38,524 genetic variants, of which 2,441 were rare and predicted to be functionally significant. The Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery analysis demonstrated a statistically enriched functional group, "homophilic cell adhesion via plasma membrane adhesion molecules," containing 55 genes, including 18 PCDH gene family members. A total of 37 rare variants in 21 PCDH genes were identified, with 36 confirmed using Sanger sequencing. A statistically significant increase in these variants was observed in TGW compared with CM (Z = 2.08905). CONCLUSION(S) Transgender women exhibited a greater than threefold increase in functionally significant PCDH gene variants compared with CM. These findings suggest that the PCDH family may play a role in the genetic pathways associated with gender identity in TGW.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G Theisen
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, and Genetics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia.
| | - Lynn P Chorich
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, and Genetics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Hongyan Xu
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, and Genetics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - James Knight
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Yale Center for Genome Analysis, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Hyung-Goo Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Jersey, New Jersey
| | - Lawrence C Layman
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology, Infertility, and Genetics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia; Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia; Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
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4
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O'Connor AM, Hagenauer MH, Thew Forrester LC, Maras PM, Arakawa K, Hebda-Bauer EK, Khalil H, Richardson ER, Rob FI, Sannah Y, Watson SJ, Akil H. Adolescent environmental enrichment induces social resilience and alters neural gene expression in a selectively bred rodent model with anxious phenotype. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 31:100651. [PMID: 38933284 PMCID: PMC11201356 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Stress is a major influence on mental health status; the ways that individuals respond to or copes with stressors determine whether they are negatively affected in the future. Stress responses are established by an interplay between genetics, environment, and life experiences. Psychosocial stress is particularly impactful during adolescence, a critical period for the development of mood disorders. In this study we compared two established, selectively-bred Sprague Dawley rat lines, the "internalizing" bred Low Responder (bLR) line versus the "externalizing" bred High Responder (bHR) line, to investigate how genetic temperament and adolescent environment impact future responses to social interactions and psychosocial stress, and how these determinants of stress response interact. Male bLR and bHR rats were exposed to social and environmental enrichment in adolescence prior to experiencing social defeat and were then assessed for social interaction and anxiety-like behavior. Adolescent enrichment caused rats to display more social interaction, as well as nominally less social avoidance, less submission during defeat, and resilience to the effects of social stress on corticosterone, in a manner that seemed more notable in bLRs. For bHRs, enrichment also caused greater aggression during a neutral social encounter and nominally during defeat, and decreased anxiety-like behavior. To explore the neurobiology underlying the development of social resilience in the anxious phenotype bLRs, RNA-seq was conducted on the hippocampus and nucleus accumbens, two brain regions that mediate stress regulation and social behavior. Gene sets previously associated with stress, social behavior, aggression and exploratory activity were enriched with differential expression in both regions, with a particularly large effect on gene sets that regulate social behaviors. Our findings provide further evidence that adolescent enrichment can serve as an inoculating experience against future stressors. The ability to induce social resilience in a usually anxious line of animals by manipulating their environment has translational implications, as it underscores the feasibility of intervention strategies targeted at genetically vulnerable adolescent populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Megan Hastings Hagenauer
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, 205 Zina Pitcher Place, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, 48109
| | - Liam Cannon Thew Forrester
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, 205 Zina Pitcher Place, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, 48109
| | - Pamela M. Maras
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, 205 Zina Pitcher Place, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, 48109
| | - Keiko Arakawa
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, 205 Zina Pitcher Place, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, 48109
| | - Elaine K. Hebda-Bauer
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, 205 Zina Pitcher Place, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, 48109
| | - Huzefa Khalil
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, 205 Zina Pitcher Place, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, 48109
| | - Evelyn R. Richardson
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, 205 Zina Pitcher Place, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, 48109
| | - Farizah I. Rob
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, 205 Zina Pitcher Place, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, 48109
| | - Yusra Sannah
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, 205 Zina Pitcher Place, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, 48109
| | - Stanley J. Watson
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, 205 Zina Pitcher Place, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, 48109
| | - Huda Akil
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, 205 Zina Pitcher Place, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, 48109
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5
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Zhang J, Hu G, Lu Y, Ren H, Huang Y, Wen Y, Ji B, Wang D, Wang H, Liu H, Ma N, Zhang L, Pan G, Qu Y, Wang H, Zhang W, Miao Z, Yao H. CTCF mutation at R567 causes developmental disorders via 3D genome rearrangement and abnormal neurodevelopment. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5524. [PMID: 38951485 PMCID: PMC11217373 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49684-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The three-dimensional genome structure organized by CTCF is required for development. Clinically identified mutations in CTCF have been linked to adverse developmental outcomes. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. In this investigation, we explore the regulatory roles of a clinically relevant R567W point mutation, located within the 11th zinc finger of CTCF, by introducing this mutation into both murine models and human embryonic stem cell-derived cortical organoid models. Mice with homozygous CTCFR567W mutation exhibit growth impediments, resulting in postnatal mortality, and deviations in brain, heart, and lung development at the pathological and single-cell transcriptome levels. This mutation induces premature stem-like cell exhaustion, accelerates the maturation of GABAergic neurons, and disrupts neurodevelopmental and synaptic pathways. Additionally, it specifically hinders CTCF binding to peripheral motifs upstream to the core consensus site, causing alterations in local chromatin structure and gene expression, particularly at the clustered protocadherin locus. Comparative analysis using human cortical organoids mirrors the consequences induced by this mutation. In summary, this study elucidates the influence of the CTCFR567W mutation on human neurodevelopmental disorders, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gongcheng Hu
- Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuli Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huawei Ren
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Yin Huang
- Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yulin Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Binrui Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Diyang Wang
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haidong Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Huisheng Liu
- Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ning Ma
- Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine (Ministry of Education), Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guangjin Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yibo Qu
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine (Ministry of Education), Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhichao Miao
- Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongjie Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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6
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Su M, Xuan E, Sun X, Pan G, Li D, Zheng H, Zhang YW, Li Y. Synaptic adhesion molecule protocadherin-γC5 mediates β-amyloid-induced neuronal hyperactivity and cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease. J Neurochem 2024; 168:1060-1079. [PMID: 38308496 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Neuronal hyperactivity induced by β-amyloid (Aβ) is an early pathological feature in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and contributes to cognitive decline in AD progression. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Here, we revealed that Aβ increased the expression level of synaptic adhesion molecule protocadherin-γC5 (Pcdh-γC5) in a Ca2+-dependent manner, associated with aberrant elevation of synapses in both Aβ-treated neurons in vitro and the cortex of APP/PS1 mice in vivo. By using Pcdhgc5 gene knockout mice, we demonstrated the critical function of Pcdh-γC5 in regulating neuronal synapse formation, synaptic transmission, and cognition. To further investigate the role of Pcdh-γC5 in AD pathogenesis, the aberrantly enhanced expression of Pcdh-γC5 in the brain of APP/PS1 mice was knocked down by shRNA. Downregulation of Pcdh-γC5 efficiently rescued neuronal hyperactivity and impaired cognition in APP/PS1 mice. Our findings revealed the pathophysiological role of Pcdh-γC5 in mediating Aβ-induced neuronal hyperactivity and cognitive deficits in AD and identified a novel mechanism underlying AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Su
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Erying Xuan
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiangyi Sun
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Gaojie Pan
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Dandan Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Honghua Zheng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yun-Wu Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yanfang Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Xiamen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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7
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Schmithorst V, Bais A, Badaly D, Williams K, Gabriel G, Ceschin R, Wallace J, Lee V, Lopez O, Cohen A, Martin LJ, Lo C, Panigrahy A. Complex Regulation of Protocadherin Epigenetics on Aging-Related Brain Health. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.04.21.24306143. [PMID: 38712165 PMCID: PMC11071558 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.21.24306143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Life expectancy continues to increase in the high-income world due to advances in medical care; however, quality of life declines with increasing age due to normal aging processes. Current research suggests that various aspects of aging are genetically modulated and thus may be slowed via genetic modification. Here, we show evidence for epigenetic modulation of the aging process in the brain from over 1800 individuals as part of the Framingham Heart Study. We investigated the methylation of genes in the protocadherin (PCDH) clusters, including the alpha (PCHDA), beta (PCDHB), and gamma (PCDHG) clusters. Reduced PCDHG, elevated PCDHA, and elevated PCDHB methylation levels were associated with substantial reductions in the rate of decline of regional white matter volume as well as certain cognitive skills, independent of overall accelerated or retarded aging as estimated by a DNA clock. These results are likely due to the different effects of the expression of genes in the alpha, beta, and gamma PCHD clusters and suggest that experience-based aging processes related to a decline in regional brain volume and select cognitive skills may be slowed via targeted epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Schmithorst
- UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Radiology
| | - Abha Bais
- University of Pittsburgh Department of Developmental Biology
| | | | | | | | - Rafael Ceschin
- UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Radiology
| | - Julia Wallace
- UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Radiology
| | - Vince Lee
- UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Radiology
| | - Oscar Lopez
- University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurology
| | - Annie Cohen
- University of Pittsburgh Department of Psychiatry
| | - Lisa J. Martin
- Department of Pediatrics Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Cecilia Lo
- University of Pittsburgh Integrative Systems Biology
| | - Ashok Panigrahy
- UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Radiology
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8
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Butto T, Chongtham MC, Mungikar K, Hartwich D, Linke M, Ruffini N, Radyushkin K, Schweiger S, Winter J, Gerber S. Characterization of transcriptional profiles associated with stress-induced neuronal activation in Arc-GFP mice. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02555-z. [PMID: 38649752 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02555-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Chronic stress has become a predominant factor associated with a variety of psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety, in both human and animal models. Although multiple studies have looked at transcriptional changes after social defeat stress, these studies primarily focus on bulk tissues, which might dilute important molecular signatures of social interaction in activated cells. In this study, we employed the Arc-GFP mouse model in conjunction with chronic social defeat (CSD) to selectively isolate activated nuclei (AN) populations in the ventral hippocampus (vHIP) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) of resilient and susceptible animals. Nuclear RNA-seq of susceptible vs. resilient populations revealed distinct transcriptional profiles linked predominantly with neuronal and synaptic regulation mechanisms. In the vHIP, susceptible AN exhibited increased expression of genes related to the cytoskeleton and synaptic organization. At the same time, resilient AN showed upregulation of cell adhesion genes and differential expression of major glutamatergic subunits. In the PFC, susceptible mice exhibited upregulation of synaptotagmins and immediate early genes (IEGs), suggesting a potentially over-amplified neuronal activity state. Our findings provide a novel view of stress-exposed neuronal activation and the molecular response mechanisms in stress-susceptible vs. resilient animals, which may have important implications for understanding mental resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamer Butto
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Kanak Mungikar
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Dewi Hartwich
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Linke
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nicolas Ruffini
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, Wallstr 7, 55122, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Susann Schweiger
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, Wallstr 7, 55122, Mainz, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jennifer Winter
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, Wallstr 7, 55122, Mainz, Germany.
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Susanne Gerber
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
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9
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O'Connor AM, Hagenauer MH, Forrester LCT, Maras PM, Arakawa K, Hebda-Bauer EK, Khalil H, Richardson ER, Rob FI, Sannah Y, Watson SJ, Akil H. Adolescent environmental enrichment induces social resilience and alters neural gene expression in a selectively bred rodent model with anxious phenotype. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.10.03.560702. [PMID: 38645129 PMCID: PMC11030238 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.03.560702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Stress is a major influence on mental health status; the ways that individuals respond to or copes with stressors determine whether they are negatively affected in the future. Stress responses are established by an interplay between genetics, environment, and life experiences. Psychosocial stress is particularly impactful during adolescence, a critical period for the development of mood disorders. In this study we compared two established, selectively-bred Sprague Dawley rat lines, the "internalizing" bred Low Responder (bLR) line versus the "externalizing" bred High Responder (bHR) line, to investigate how genetic temperament and adolescent environment impact future responses to social interactions and psychosocial stress, and how these determinants of stress response interact. Male bLR and bHR rats were exposed to social and environmental enrichment in adolescence prior to experiencing social defeat and were then assessed for social interaction and anxiety-like behavior. Adolescent enrichment caused rats to display more social interaction, as well as nominally less social avoidance, less submission during defeat, and resilience to the effects of social stress on corticosterone, in a manner that seemed more notable in bLRs. For bHRs, enrichment also caused greater aggression during a neutral social encounter and nominally during defeat, and decreased anxiety-like behavior. To explore the neurobiology underlying the development of social resilience in the anxious phenotype bLRs, RNA-seq was conducted on the hippocampus and nucleus accumbens, two brain regions that mediate stress regulation and social behavior. Gene sets previously associated with stress, social behavior, aggression and exploratory activity were enriched with differential expression in both regions, with a particularly large effect on gene sets that regulate social behaviors. Our findings provide further evidence that adolescent enrichment can serve as an inoculating experience against future stressors. The ability to induce social resilience in a usually anxious line of animals by manipulating their environment has translational implications, as it underscores the feasibility of intervention strategies targeted at genetically vulnerable adolescent populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Huda Akil
- Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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10
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Vukic M, Chouaref J, Della Chiara V, Dogan S, Ratner F, Hogenboom JZM, Epp TA, Chawengsaksophak K, Vonk KKD, Breukel C, Ariyurek Y, San Leon Granado D, Kloet SL, Daxinger L. CDCA7-associated global aberrant DNA hypomethylation translates to localized, tissue-specific transcriptional responses. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk3384. [PMID: 38335290 PMCID: PMC10857554 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk3384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Disruption of cell division cycle associated 7 (CDCA7) has been linked to aberrant DNA hypomethylation, but the impact of DNA methylation loss on transcription has not been investigated. Here, we show that CDCA7 is critical for maintaining global DNA methylation levels across multiple tissues in vivo. A pathogenic Cdca7 missense variant leads to the formation of large, aberrantly hypomethylated domains overlapping with the B genomic compartment but without affecting the deposition of H3K9 trimethylation (H3K9me3). CDCA7-associated aberrant DNA hypomethylation translated to localized, tissue-specific transcriptional dysregulation that affected large gene clusters. In the brain, we identify CDCA7 as a transcriptional repressor and epigenetic regulator of clustered protocadherin isoform choice. Increased protocadherin isoform expression frequency is accompanied by DNA methylation loss, gain of H3K4 trimethylation (H3K4me3), and increased binding of the transcriptional regulator CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF). Overall, our in vivo work identifies a key role for CDCA7 in safeguarding tissue-specific expression of gene clusters via the DNA methylation pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Vukic
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jihed Chouaref
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Serkan Dogan
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Fallon Ratner
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Trevor A. Epp
- Laboratory of Cell Differentiation, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- CZ-OPENSCREEN, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kallayanee Chawengsaksophak
- Laboratory of Cell Differentiation, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kelly K. D. Vonk
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Cor Breukel
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Yavuz Ariyurek
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Leiden Genome Technology Center, Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Susan L. Kloet
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Leiden Genome Technology Center, Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Lucia Daxinger
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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11
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Joshi D, Coon BG, Chakraborty R, Deng H, Fernandez-Tussy P, Meredith E, Traylor JG, Orr AW, Fernandez-Hernando C, Schwartz MA. Gamma protocadherins in vascular endothelial cells inhibit Klf2/4 to promote atherosclerosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.16.575958. [PMID: 38293157 PMCID: PMC10827163 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.16.575958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide1. Laminar shear stress (LSS) from blood flow in straight regions of arteries protects against ASCVD by upregulating the Klf2/4 anti-inflammatory program in endothelial cells (ECs)2-8. Conversely, disturbed shear stress (DSS) at curves or branches predisposes these regions to plaque formation9,10. We previously reported a whole genome CRISPR knockout screen11 that identified novel inducers of Klf2/4. Here we report suppressors of Klf2/4 and characterize one candidate, protocadherin gamma A9 (Pcdhga9), a member of the clustered protocadherin gene family12. Pcdhg deletion increases Klf2/4 levels in vitro and in vivo and suppresses inflammatory activation of ECs. Pcdhg suppresses Klf2/4 by inhibiting the Notch pathway via physical interaction of cleaved Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD Val1744) with nuclear Pcdhg C-terminal constant domain (CCD). Pcdhg inhibition by EC knockout (KO) or blocking antibody protects from atherosclerosis. Pcdhg is elevated in the arteries of human atherosclerosis. This study identifies a novel fundamental mechanism of EC resilience and therapeutic target for treating inflammatory vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyesh Joshi
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Brian G Coon
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Raja Chakraborty
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Hanqiang Deng
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Pablo Fernandez-Tussy
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Emily Meredith
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - James G Traylor
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, LSU Health Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | - Anthony Wayne Orr
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, LSU Health Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| | | | - Martin A Schwartz
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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12
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Dong H, Li J, Wu Q, Jin Y. Confluence and convergence of Dscam and Pcdh cell-recognition codes. Trends Biochem Sci 2023; 48:1044-1057. [PMID: 37839971 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2023.09.001] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
The ability of neurites of the same neuron to avoid each other (self-avoidance) is a conserved feature in both invertebrates and vertebrates. The key to self-avoidance is the generation of a unique subset of cell-surface proteins in individual neurons engaging in isoform-specific homophilic interactions that drive neurite repulsion rather than adhesion. Among these cell-surface proteins are fly Dscam1 and vertebrate clustered protocadherins (cPcdhs), as well as the recently characterized shortened Dscam (sDscam) in the Chelicerata. Herein, we review recent advances in our understanding of how cPcdh, Dscam, and sDscam cell-surface recognition codes are expressed and translated into cellular functions essential for neural wiring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Dong
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310006, Hangzhou, China; MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, ZJ310058, China
| | - Jinhuan Li
- Center for Comparative Biomedicine, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- Center for Comparative Biomedicine, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Yongfeng Jin
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310006, Hangzhou, China; MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, ZJ310058, China.
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13
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Bukhnikashvili L. Overlaps Between CDS Regions of Protein-Coding Genes in the Human Genome: A Case Study on the NR1D1-THRA Gene Pair. J Mol Evol 2023; 91:963-975. [PMID: 38006429 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-023-10147-8] [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: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
For several decades, it has been known that a substantial number of genes within human DNA exhibit overlap; however, the biological and evolutionary significance of these overlaps remain poorly understood. This study focused on investigating specific instances of overlap where the overlapping DNA region encompasses the coding DNA sequences (CDSs) of protein-coding genes. The results revealed that proteins encoded by overlapping CDSs exhibit greater disorder than those from nonoverlapping CDSs. Additionally, these DNA regions were identified as GC-rich. This could be partially attributed to the absence of stop codons from two distinct reading frames rather than one. Furthermore, these regions were found to harbour fewer single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites, possibly due to constraints arising from the overlapping state where mutations could affect two genes simultaneously.While elucidating these properties, the NR1D1-THRA gene pair emerged as an exceptional case with highly structured proteins and a distinctly conserved sequence across eutherian mammals. Both NR1D1 and THRA are nuclear receptors lacking a ligand-binding domain at their C-terminus, which is the region where these gene pairs overlap. The NR1D1 gene is involved in the regulation of circadian rhythm, while the THRA gene encodes a thyroid hormone receptor, and both play crucial roles in various physiological processes. This study suggests that, in addition to their well-established functions, the specifically overlapping CDS regions of these genes may encode protein segments with additional, yet undiscovered, biological roles.
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14
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PCDH19 in Males: Are Hemizygous Variants Linked to Autism? Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030598. [PMID: 36980870 PMCID: PMC10048232 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability that impairs the social communication and interaction of affected individuals and leads to restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is genetically heterogeneous, with inheritable and de novo genetic variants in more than hundreds of genes contributing to the disease. However, these account for only around 20% of cases, while the molecular basis of the majority of cases remains unelucidated as of yet. Material and methods: Two unrelated Lebanese patients, a 7-year-old boy (patient A) and a 4-year-old boy (patient B), presenting with ASD were included in this study. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was carried out for these patients to identify the molecular cause of their diseases. Results: WES analysis revealed hemizygous variants in PCDH19 (NM_001184880.1) as being the candidate causative variants: p.Arg787Leu was detected in patient A and p.Asp1024Asn in patient B. PCDH19, located on chromosome X, encodes a membrane glycoprotein belonging to the protocadherin family. Heterozygous PCDH19 variants have been linked to epilepsy in females with mental retardation (EFMR), while mosaic PCDH19 mutations in males are responsible for treatment-resistant epilepsy presenting similarly to EFMR, with some reported cases of comorbid intellectual disability and autism. Interestingly, a hemizygous PCDH19 variant affecting the same amino acid that is altered in patient A was previously reported in a male patient with ASD. Conclusion: Here, we report hemizygous PCDH19 variants in two males with autism without epilepsy. Reporting further PCDH19 variants in male patients with ASD is important to assess the possible involvement of this gene in autism.
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15
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A protein pattern regulates the positions and connections of neuronal cells. Nature 2022:10.1038/d41586-022-03623-6. [PMID: 36476764 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-022-03623-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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16
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Hagelkruys A, Horrer M, Taubenschmid-Stowers J, Kavirayani A, Novatchkova M, Orthofer M, Pai TP, Cikes D, Zhuk S, Balmaña M, Esk C, Koglgruber R, Moeseneder P, Lazovic J, Zopf LM, Cronin SJ, Elling U, Knoblich JA, Penninger JM. The HUSH complex controls brain architecture and protocadherin fidelity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo7247. [PMID: 36332029 PMCID: PMC9635835 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo7247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The HUSH (human silencing hub) complex contains the H3K9me3 binding protein M-phase phosphoprotein 8 (MPP8) and recruits the histone methyltransferase SETDB1 as well as Microrchidia CW-type zinc finger protein 2 (MORC2). Functional and mechanistic studies of the HUSH complex have hitherto been centered around SETDB1 while the in vivo functions of MPP8 and MORC2 remain elusive. Here, we show that genetic inactivation of Mphosph8 or Morc2a in the nervous system of mice leads to increased brain size, altered brain architecture, and behavioral changes. Mechanistically, in both mouse brains and human cerebral organoids, MPP8 and MORC2 suppress the repetitive-like protocadherin gene cluster in an H3K9me3-dependent manner. Our data identify MPP8 and MORC2, previously linked to silencing of repetitive elements via the HUSH complex, as key epigenetic regulators of protocadherin expression in the nervous system and thereby brain development and neuronal individuality in mice and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Hagelkruys
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria
| | - Marion Horrer
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Maria Novatchkova
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Orthofer
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria
| | - Tsung-Pin Pai
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria
| | - Domagoj Cikes
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria
| | - Sergei Zhuk
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria
| | - Meritxell Balmaña
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria
| | - Christopher Esk
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria
| | - Rubina Koglgruber
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul Moeseneder
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria
| | - Jelena Lazovic
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria
| | - Lydia M. Zopf
- Vienna Biocenter Core Facilities (VBCF), Vienna, Austria
| | - Shane J.F. Cronin
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrich Elling
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria
| | - Jürgen A. Knoblich
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria
- Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Josef M. Penninger
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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17
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Pallotta S, Cascianelli S, Masseroli M. RGMQL: scalable and interoperable computing of heterogeneous omics big data and metadata in R/Bioconductor. BMC Bioinformatics 2022; 23:123. [PMID: 35392801 PMCID: PMC8991469 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-022-04648-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heterogeneous omics data, increasingly collected through high-throughput technologies, can contain hidden answers to very important and still unsolved biomedical questions. Their integration and processing are crucial mostly for tertiary analysis of Next Generation Sequencing data, although suitable big data strategies still address mainly primary and secondary analysis. Hence, there is a pressing need for algorithms specifically designed to explore big omics datasets, capable of ensuring scalability and interoperability, possibly relying on high-performance computing infrastructures. Results We propose RGMQL, a R/Bioconductor package conceived to provide a set of specialized functions to extract, combine, process and compare omics datasets and their metadata from different and differently localized sources. RGMQL is built over the GenoMetric Query Language (GMQL) data management and computational engine, and can leverage its open curated repository as well as its cloud-based resources, with the possibility of outsourcing computational tasks to GMQL remote services. Furthermore, it overcomes the limits of the GMQL declarative syntax, by guaranteeing a procedural approach in dealing with omics data within the R/Bioconductor environment. But mostly, it provides full interoperability with other packages of the R/Bioconductor framework and extensibility over the most used genomic data structures and processing functions. Conclusions RGMQL is able to combine the query expressiveness and computational efficiency of GMQL with a complete processing flow in the R environment, being a fully integrated extension of the R/Bioconductor framework. Here we provide three fully reproducible example use cases of biological relevance that are particularly explanatory of its flexibility of use and interoperability with other R/Bioconductor packages. They show how RGMQL can easily scale up from local to parallel and cloud computing while it combines and analyzes heterogeneous omics data from local or remote datasets, both public and private, in a completely transparent way to the user. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12859-022-04648-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Pallotta
- Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Via Ponzio 34/5, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Cascianelli
- Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Via Ponzio 34/5, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Marco Masseroli
- Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Via Ponzio 34/5, 20133, Milan, Italy
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18
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Zheng J, Suo L, Zhou Y, Jia L, Li J, Kuang Y, Cui D, Zhang X, Wu Q. Pyk2 suppresses contextual fear memory in an autophosphorylation-independent manner. J Mol Cell Biol 2021; 13:808-821. [PMID: 34529077 PMCID: PMC8782590 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjab057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clustered protocadherins (Pcdhs) are a large family of cadherin-like cell adhesion proteins that are central for neurite self-avoidance and neuronal connectivity in the brain. Their downstream non-receptor tyrosine kinase Pyk2 (proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2, also known as Ptk2b, Cakb, Raftk, Fak2, and Cadtk) is predominantly expressed in the hippocampus. We constructed Pyk2 null mouse lines and found that these mutant mice showed enhancement in contextual fear memory, without any change in auditory-cued and spatial-referenced learning and memory. In addition, by preparing Y402F mutant mice, we observed that Pyk2 suppressed contextual fear memory in an autophosphorylation-independent manner. Moreover, using high-throughput RNA sequencing, we found that immediate early genes, such as Npas4, cFos, Zif268/Egr1, Arc, and Nr4a1, were enhanced in Pyk2 null mice. We further showed that Pyk2 disruption affected pyramidal neuronal complexity and spine dynamics. Thus, we demonstrated that Pyk2 is a novel fear memory suppressor molecule and Pyk2 null mice provide a model for understanding fear-related disorders. These findings have interesting implications regarding dysregulation of the Pcdh‒Pyk2 axis in neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zheng
- Center for Comparative Biomedicine, Ministry of Education Key Lab of Systems Biomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.,WLA Laboratories, Shanghai, China
| | - Lun Suo
- Center for Comparative Biomedicine, Ministry of Education Key Lab of Systems Biomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.,Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Yuxiao Zhou
- Center for Comparative Biomedicine, Ministry of Education Key Lab of Systems Biomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.,WLA Laboratories, Shanghai, China
| | - Liling Jia
- Center for Comparative Biomedicine, Ministry of Education Key Lab of Systems Biomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.,WLA Laboratories, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingwei Li
- Center for Comparative Biomedicine, Ministry of Education Key Lab of Systems Biomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.,WLA Laboratories, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanping Kuang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Donghong Cui
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- Center for Comparative Biomedicine, Ministry of Education Key Lab of Systems Biomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- Center for Comparative Biomedicine, Ministry of Education Key Lab of Systems Biomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.,WLA Laboratories, Shanghai, China
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19
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Sun D, Weng J, Dong Y, Jiang Y. Three-dimensional genome organization in the central nervous system, implications for neuropsychological disorders. J Genet Genomics 2021; 48:1045-1056. [PMID: 34426099 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2021.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Chromosomes in eukaryotic cell nuclei are highly compacted and finely organized into hierarchical three-dimensional (3D) configuration. In recent years, scientists have gained deeper understandings of 3D genome structures and revealed novel evidence linking 3D genome organization to various important cell events on the molecular level. Most importantly, alteration of 3D genome architecture has emerged as an intriguing higher order mechanism that connects disease-related genetic variants in multiple heterogenous and polygenic neuropsychological disorders, delivering novel insights into the etiology. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the hierarchical structures of 3D genome and two proposed regulatory models, loop extrusion and phase separation. We then focus on recent Hi-C data in the central nervous system and discuss 3D genome alterations during normal brain development and in mature neurons. Most importantly, we make a comprehensive review on current knowledge and discuss the role of 3D genome in multiple neuropsychological disorders, including schizophrenia, repeat expansion disorders, 22q11 deletion syndrome, and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daijing Sun
- Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jie Weng
- Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuhao Dong
- Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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20
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Yamagata M, Bannai H. Editorial: Neuroscience and Neurotechnology of Neuronal Cell Surface Molecules in Neural Circuits. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:703300. [PMID: 34248506 PMCID: PMC8261147 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.703300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Masahito Yamagata
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Hiroko Bannai
- School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
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21
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Tang Y, Jia Z, Xu H, Da LT, Wu Q. Mechanism of REST/NRSF regulation of clustered protocadherin α genes. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:4506-4521. [PMID: 33849071 PMCID: PMC8096226 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST) or neuron-restrictive silencer factor (NRSF) is a zinc-finger (ZF) containing transcriptional repressor that recognizes thousands of neuron-restrictive silencer elements (NRSEs) in mammalian genomes. How REST/NRSF regulates gene expression remains incompletely understood. Here, we investigate the binding pattern and regulation mechanism of REST/NRSF in the clustered protocadherin (PCDH) genes. We find that REST/NRSF directionally forms base-specific interactions with NRSEs via tandem ZFs in an anti-parallel manner but with striking conformational changes. In addition, REST/NRSF recruitment to the HS5-1 enhancer leads to the decrease of long-range enhancer-promoter interactions and downregulation of the clustered PCDHα genes. Thus, REST/NRSF represses PCDHα gene expression through directional binding to a repertoire of NRSEs within the distal enhancer and variable target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanxiao Tang
- Center for Comparative Biomedicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zhilian Jia
- Center for Comparative Biomedicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Honglin Xu
- Center for Comparative Biomedicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lin-tai Da
- Center for Comparative Biomedicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- Center for Comparative Biomedicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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