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Sterling NA, Cho SH, Kim S. Entosis implicates a new role for P53 in microcephaly pathogenesis, beyond apoptosis. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300245. [PMID: 38778437 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300245] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Entosis, a form of cell cannibalism, is a newly discovered pathogenic mechanism leading to the development of small brains, termed microcephaly, in which P53 activation was found to play a major role. Microcephaly with entosis, found in Pals1 mutant mice, displays P53 activation that promotes entosis and apoptotic cell death. This previously unappreciated pathogenic mechanism represents a novel cellular dynamic in dividing cortical progenitors which is responsible for cell loss. To date, various recent models of microcephaly have bolstered the importance of P53 activation in cell death leading to microcephaly. P53 activation caused by mitotic delay or DNA damage manifests apoptotic cell death which can be suppressed by P53 removal in these animal models. Such genetic studies attest P53 activation as quality control meant to eliminate genomically unfit cells with minimal involvement in the actual function of microcephaly associated genes. In this review, we summarize the known role of P53 activation in a variety of microcephaly models and introduce a novel mechanism wherein entotic cell cannibalism in neural progenitors is triggered by P53 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelle A Sterling
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Seo-Hee Cho
- Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sydney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Seonhee Kim
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Chen H, Zheng Y, Wu H, Cai N, Xu G, Lin Y, Li JJ. Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly type 2 associated with a novel WDR62 splicing variant that disrupts the expression of the functional transcript. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1341864. [PMID: 38576530 PMCID: PMC10993775 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1341864] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized primarily by congenital microcephaly and intellectual disability but without extra-central nervous system malformations. This investigation aimed to elucidate the genetic underpinnings of microcephaly in a patient from a Chinese consanguineous family. Methods A comprehensive clinical assessment, including brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalogram (EEG), and genetic analyses, was conducted to evaluate the patient's condition. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was employed to identify the causative gene, followed by Sanger sequencing, to confirm the mutation and its segregation within the family. Reverse transcript polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was utilized to detect changes in splicing. Western blot was employed to reveal the difference of protein expression level between the wild-type and mutant WDR62 in vitro. Results The patient exhibited classic MCPH symptoms, including microcephaly, recurrent epilepsy, delayed psychomotor development, and intellectual disability. Additionally, asymmetrical limb length was noted as a prominent feature. MRI findings indicated reduced brain volume with cortical malformations, while EEG demonstrated heightened sharp wave activity. A molecular analysis uncovered a novel homozygous variant c.4154-6 C > G in the WDR62 intron, and a functional analysis confirmed the pathogenicity of this mutation, resulting in the formation of an abnormal transcript with premature termination codons. Conclusion This study enhances our understanding of the genetic heterogeneity associated with MCPH and highlights the pivotal role of genetic testing in the diagnosing and managing of rare neurodevelopmental disorders. Furthermore, it highlights the potential of emerging genetic therapies in treating conditions such as MCPH2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haizhu Chen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, and Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, and Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hua Wu
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, and Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Naiqing Cai
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, and Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guorong Xu
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, and Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yi Lin
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, and Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jin-Jing Li
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, and Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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Sarli A, Al Sudani ZM, Vaghefi F, Motallebi F, Khosravi T, Rezaie N, Oladnabi M. Second report of TEDC1-related microcephaly caused by a novel biallelic mutation in an Iranian consanguineous family. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:181. [PMID: 38252227 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09136-3] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary autosomal recessive microcephaly (MCPH) is a rare developmental disorder characterized by cognitive impairment, delayed neurodevelopment, and reduced brain size. It is a genetically heterogeneous condition, and several genes have been identified as associated with MCPH. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, we utilized whole-exome sequencing (WES) to identify disease-causing variations in two brothers from an Iranian family affected by MCPH, who had consanguineous parents. In the patients, we detected a novel homozygous missense mutation (c.806A > G, p.Gln269Arg) in the TEDC1 gene in one of the patients. Co-segregation analysis using Sanger sequencing confirmed that this variant was inherited from parents. The identified variant was evaluated for its pathogenicity and novelty using various databases. Additionally, bioinformatics tools were employed to predict the three-dimensional structure of the mutant TEDC1 protein. CONCLUSIONS This study presents the second documented report of a mutation in the TEDC1 gene associated with MCPH. The identification of this novel biallelic mutation as a causative factor for MCPH in the proband further underscores the utility of genetic testing techniques, such as WES, as reliable diagnostic tools for individuals with this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolazim Sarli
- Gorgan Congenital Malformations Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | | | - Fatemeh Vaghefi
- Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Motallebi
- Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Teymoor Khosravi
- Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Nahid Rezaie
- Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Morteza Oladnabi
- Gorgan Congenital Malformations Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
- Ischemic Disorders Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
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Yuan W, Xiao Y, Zhang Y, Xiang K, Huang T, Diaby M, Gao J. Apoptotic mechanism of development inhibition in zebrafish induced by esketamine. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 482:116789. [PMID: 38103741 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Esketamine, a widely used intravenous general anesthetic, is also employed for obstetric and pediatric anesthesia, and depression treatment. However, concerns regarding esketamine abuse have emerged. Moreover, the potential in vivo toxicity of esketamine on growth and development remains unclear. To address these concerns, we investigated the effects of esketamine exposure on developmental parameters, cell apoptosis, and gene expression in zebrafish. Esketamine exposure concentration-dependently decreased the heart rate and body length of zebrafish embryos/larvae while increasing the hatching rate and spontaneous movement frequency. Developmental retardation of zebrafish larvae, including shallow pigmentation, small eyes, and delayed yolk sac absorption, was also observed following esketamine treatment. Esketamine exposure altered the expression of apoptosis-related genes in zebrafish heads, primarily downregulating bax, caspase9, caspase3, caspase6, and caspase7. Intriguingly, BTSA1, a Bax agonist, reversed the anti-apoptotic and decelerated body growth effects of esketamine in zebrafish. Collectively, our findings suggest that esketamine may hinder embryonic development by inhibiting embryonic apoptosis via the Bax/Caspase9/Caspase3 pathway. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the lethal toxicity of esketamine in zebrafish. We have elucidated the developmental toxic effects of esketamine on zebrafish larvae and its potential apoptotic mechanisms. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the safety of esketamine in animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Yuan
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesia, Emergency and Critical Care, Yangzhou University Affiliated Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yinggang Xiao
- Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesia, Emergency and Critical Care, Yangzhou University Affiliated Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesia, Emergency and Critical Care, Yangzhou University Affiliated Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kuilin Xiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tianfeng Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesia, Emergency and Critical Care, Yangzhou University Affiliated Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mohamed Diaby
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ju Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesia, Emergency and Critical Care, Yangzhou University Affiliated Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Heide M, Huttner WB. Causes of microcephaly in human-theoretical considerations. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1306166. [PMID: 38075281 PMCID: PMC10701273 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1306166] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
As is evident from the theme of the Research Topic “Small Size, Big Problem: Understanding the Molecular Orchestra of Brain Development from Microcephaly,” the pathomechanisms leading to mirocephaly in human are at best partially understood. As molecular cell biologists and developmental neurobiologists, we present here a treatise with theoretical considerations that systematically dissect possible causes of microcephaly, which we believe is timely. Our considerations address the cell types affected in microcephaly, that is, the cortical stem and progenitor cells as well as the neurons and macroglial cell generated therefrom. We discuss issues such as progenitor cell types, cell lineages, modes of cell division, cell proliferation and cell survival. We support our theoretical considerations by discussing selected examples of factual cases of microcephaly, in order to point out that there is a much larger range of possible pathomechanisms leading to microcephaly in human than currently known.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Heide
- German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wieland B. Huttner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
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