1
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Johnson HK, Wahl SE, Sesay F, Litovchick L, Dickinson AJ. Dyrk1a is required for craniofacial development in Xenopus laevis. Dev Biol 2024; 511:63-75. [PMID: 38621649 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.04.004] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Loss of function variations in the dual specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1 A (DYRK1A) gene are associated with craniofacial malformations in humans. Here we characterized the effects of deficient DYRK1A in craniofacial development using a developmental model, Xenopus laevis. Dyrk1a mRNA and protein were expressed throughout the developing head and both were enriched in the branchial arches which contribute to the face and jaw. Consistently, reduced Dyrk1a function, using dyrk1a morpholinos and pharmacological inhibitors, resulted in orofacial malformations including hypotelorism, altered mouth shape, slanted eyes, and narrower face accompanied by smaller jaw cartilage and muscle. Inhibition of Dyrk1a function resulted in misexpression of key craniofacial regulators including transcription factors and members of the retinoic acid signaling pathway. Two such regulators, sox9 and pax3 are required for neural crest development and their decreased expression corresponds with smaller neural crest domains within the branchial arches. Finally, we determined that the smaller size of the faces, jaw elements and neural crest domains in embryos deficient in Dyrk1a could be explained by increased cell death and decreased proliferation. This study is the first to provide insight into why craniofacial birth defects might arise in humans with variants of DYRK1A.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stacey E Wahl
- Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Fatmata Sesay
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Larisa Litovchick
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA; Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Richmond, VA, USA
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2
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El Mir J, Nasrallah A, Thézé N, Cario M, Fayyad-Kazan H, Thiébaud P, Rezvani HR. Xenopus as a model system for studying pigmentation and pigmentary disorders. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2024. [PMID: 38849973 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Human pigmentary disorders encompass a broad spectrum of phenotypic changes arising from disruptions in various stages of melanocyte formation, the melanogenesis process, or the transfer of pigment from melanocytes to keratinocytes. A large number of pigmentation genes associated with pigmentary disorders have been identified, many of them awaiting in vivo confirmation. A more comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis of pigmentary disorders requires a vertebrate animal model where changes in pigmentation are easily observable in vivo and can be combined to genomic modifications and gain/loss-of-function tools. Here we present the amphibian Xenopus with its unique features that fulfill these requirements. Changes in pigmentation are particularly easy to score in Xenopus embryos, allowing whole-organism based phenotypic screening. The development and behavior of Xenopus melanocytes closely mimic those observed in mammals. Interestingly, both Xenopus and mammalian skins exhibit comparable reactions to ultraviolet radiation. This review highlights how Xenopus constitutes an alternative and complementary model to the more commonly used mouse and zebrafish, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in melanocyte cell biology and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joudi El Mir
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, UMR 1312, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ali Nasrallah
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, UMR 1312, Bordeaux, France
| | - Nadine Thézé
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, UMR 1312, Bordeaux, France
| | - Muriel Cario
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, UMR 1312, Bordeaux, France
- Aquiderm, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Hussein Fayyad-Kazan
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
| | - Pierre Thiébaud
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, UMR 1312, Bordeaux, France
| | - Hamid-Reza Rezvani
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, UMR 1312, Bordeaux, France
- Aquiderm, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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3
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Willsey HR, Seaby EG, Godwin A, Ennis S, Guille M, Grainger RM. Modelling human genetic disorders in Xenopus tropicalis. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050754. [PMID: 38832520 PMCID: PMC11179720 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050754] [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] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent progress in human disease genetics is leading to rapid advances in understanding pathobiological mechanisms. However, the sheer number of risk-conveying genetic variants being identified demands in vivo model systems that are amenable to functional analyses at scale. Here we provide a practical guide for using the diploid frog species Xenopus tropicalis to study many genes and variants to uncover conserved mechanisms of pathobiology relevant to human disease. We discuss key considerations in modelling human genetic disorders: genetic architecture, conservation, phenotyping strategy and rigour, as well as more complex topics, such as penetrance, expressivity, sex differences and current challenges in the field. As the patient-driven gene discovery field expands significantly, the cost-effective, rapid and higher throughput nature of Xenopus make it an essential member of the model organism armamentarium for understanding gene function in development and in relation to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Rankin Willsey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94518, USA
| | - Eleanor G Seaby
- Genomic Informatics Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Annie Godwin
- European Xenopus Resource Centre (EXRC), School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DY, UK
| | - Sarah Ennis
- Genomic Informatics Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Matthew Guille
- European Xenopus Resource Centre (EXRC), School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DY, UK
| | - Robert M Grainger
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
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4
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Johnson HK, Wahl SE, Sesay F, Litovchick L, Dickinson AJ. Dyrk1a is required for craniofacial development in Xenopus laevis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.13.575394. [PMID: 38260562 PMCID: PMC10802584 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.13.575394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Loss of function mutations in the dual specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) gene are associated with craniofacial malformations in humans. Here we characterized the effects of deficient DYRK1A in craniofacial development using a developmental model, Xenopus laevis . Dyrk1a mRNA and protein was expressed throughout the developing head and was enriched in the branchial arches which contribute to the face and jaw. Consistently, reduced Dyrk1a function, using dyrk1a morpholinos and pharmacological inhibitors, resulted in orofacial malformations including hypotelorism, altered mouth shape, slanted eyes, and narrower face accompanied by smaller jaw cartilage and muscle. Inhibition of Dyrk1a function resulted in misexpression of key craniofacial regulators including transcription factors and members of the retinoic acid signaling pathway. Two such regulators, sox9 and pax3 are required for neural crest development and their decreased expression corresponds with smaller neural crest domains within the branchial arches. Finally, we determined that the smaller size of the faces, jaw elements and neural crest domains in embryos deficient in Dyrk1a could be explained by increased cell death and decreased proliferation. This study is the first to provide insight into why craniofacial birth defects might arise in humans with DYRK1A mutations.
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5
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Ishii R, Yoshida M, Suzuki N, Ogino H, Suzuki M. X-ray micro-computed tomography of Xenopus tadpole reveals changes in brain ventricular morphology during telencephalon regeneration. Dev Growth Differ 2023; 65:300-310. [PMID: 37477433 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12881] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Xenopus tadpoles serve as an exceptional model organism for studying post-embryonic development in vertebrates. During post-embryonic development, large-scale changes in tissue morphology, including organ regeneration and metamorphosis, occur at the organ level. However, understanding these processes in a three-dimensional manner remains challenging. In this study, the use of X-ray micro-computed tomography (microCT) for the three-dimensional observation of the soft tissues of Xenopus tadpoles was explored. The findings revealed that major organs, such as the brain, heart, and kidneys, could be visualized with high contrast by phosphotungstic acid staining following fixation with Bouin's solution. Then, the changes in brain shape during telencephalon regeneration were analyzed as the first example of utilizing microCT to study organ regeneration in Xenopus tadpoles, and it was found that the size of the amputated telencephalon recovered to >80% of its original length within approximately 1 week. It was also observed that the ventricles tended to shrink after amputation and maintained this state for at least 3 days. This shrinkage was transient, as the ventricles expanded to exceed their original size within the following week. Temporary shrinkage and expansion of the ventricles, which were also observed in transgenic or fluorescent dye-injected tadpoles with telencephalon amputation, may be significant in tissue homeostasis in response to massive brain injury and subsequent repair and regeneration. This established method will improve experimental analyses in developmental biology and medical science using Xenopus tadpoles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riona Ishii
- Amphibian Research Center, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Mana Yoshida
- Amphibian Research Center, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Nanoka Suzuki
- Amphibian Research Center, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hajime Ogino
- Amphibian Research Center, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Makoto Suzuki
- Amphibian Research Center, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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6
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Carotenuto R, Pallotta MM, Tussellino M, Fogliano C. Xenopus laevis (Daudin, 1802) as a Model Organism for Bioscience: A Historic Review and Perspective. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:890. [PMID: 37372174 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
In vitro systems have been mainly promoted by authorities to sustain research by following the 3Rs principle, but continuously increasing amounts of evidence point out that in vivo experimentation is also of extreme relevance. Xenopus laevis, an anuran amphibian, is a significant model organism in the study of evolutionary developmental biology, toxicology, ethology, neurobiology, endocrinology, immunology and tumor biology; thanks to the recent development of genome editing, it has also acquired a relevant position in the field of genetics. For these reasons, X. laevis appears to be a powerful and alternative model to the zebrafish for environmental and biomedical studies. Its life cycle, as well as the possibility to obtain gametes from adults during the whole year and embryos by in vitro fertilization, allows experimental studies of several biological endpoints, such as gametogenesis, embryogenesis, larval growth, metamorphosis and, of course, the young and adult stages. Moreover, with respect to alternative invertebrate and even vertebrate animal models, the X. laevis genome displays a higher degree of similarity with that of mammals. Here, we have reviewed the main available literature on the use of X. laevis in the biosciences and, inspired by Feymann's revised view, "Plenty of room for biology at the bottom", suggest that X. laevis is a very useful model for all possible studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Carotenuto
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Chiara Fogliano
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
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7
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Abu-Daya A, Godwin A. CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Disruption Studies in F 0 Xenopus Tadpoles: Understanding Development and Disease in the Frog. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2633:111-130. [PMID: 36853461 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3004-4_10] [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] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 has become the favorite method for gene knockouts in a range of vertebrate model organisms due to its ease of use and versatility. Gene-specific guide RNAs can be designed to a unique genomic sequence and used to target the Cas9 endonuclease, which causes a double-stranded break at the desired locus. Repair of the breaks through non-homologous end joining often results in the deletion or insertion of several nucleotides, which frequently result in nonsense mutations. Xenopus frogs have long been an excellent model organism in which to study gene function, and they have proven to be useful in gene-editing experiments, especially the diploid species, X. tropicalis. In this chapter, we present our protocols for gene disruption in Xenopus, which we regularly use to investigate developmental processes and model human genetic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Abu-Daya
- European Xenopus Resource Centre, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK.
| | - Annie Godwin
- European Xenopus Resource Centre, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK.
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8
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Ismail V, Zachariassen LG, Godwin A, Sahakian M, Ellard S, Stals KL, Baple E, Brown KT, Foulds N, Wheway G, Parker MO, Lyngby SM, Pedersen MG, Desir J, Bayat A, Musgaard M, Guille M, Kristensen AS, Baralle D. Identification and functional evaluation of GRIA1 missense and truncation variants in individuals with ID: An emerging neurodevelopmental syndrome. Am J Hum Genet 2022; 109:1217-1241. [PMID: 35675825 PMCID: PMC9300760 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2022.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
GRIA1 encodes the GluA1 subunit of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA) receptors, which are ligand-gated ion channels that act as excitatory receptors for the neurotransmitter L-glutamate (Glu). AMPA receptors (AMPARs) are homo- or heteromeric protein complexes with four subunits, each encoded by different genes, GRIA1 to GRIA4. Although GluA1-containing AMPARs have a crucial role in brain function, the human phenotype associated with deleterious GRIA1 sequence variants has not been established. Subjects with de novo missense and nonsense GRIA1 variants were identified through international collaboration. Detailed phenotypic and genetic assessments of the subjects were carried out and the pathogenicity of the variants was evaluated in vitro to characterize changes in AMPAR function and expression. In addition, two Xenopus gria1 CRISPR-Cas9 F0 models were established to characterize the in vivo consequences. Seven unrelated individuals with rare GRIA1 variants were identified. One individual carried a homozygous nonsense variant (p.Arg377Ter), and six had heterozygous missense variations (p.Arg345Gln, p.Ala636Thr, p.Ile627Thr, and p.Gly745Asp), of which the p.Ala636Thr variant was recurrent in three individuals. The cohort revealed subjects to have a recurrent neurodevelopmental disorder mostly affecting cognition and speech. Functional evaluation of major GluA1-containing AMPAR subtypes carrying the GRIA1 variant mutations showed that three of the four missense variants profoundly perturb receptor function. The homozygous stop-gain variant completely destroys the expression of GluA1-containing AMPARs. The Xenopus gria1 models show transient motor deficits, an intermittent seizure phenotype, and a significant impairment to working memory in mutants. These data support a developmental disorder caused by both heterozygous and homozygous variants in GRIA1 affecting AMPAR function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vardha Ismail
- Wessex Clinical Genetics Service, Princess Anne Hospital, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Coxford Rd, Southampton SO165YA, UK
| | - Linda G Zachariassen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Annie Godwin
- European Xenopus Resource Centre, School of Biological Sciences, King Henry Building, King Henry I Street, Portsmouth PO1 2DY, UK
| | - Mane Sahakian
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sian Ellard
- Exeter Genomics Laboratory, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Barrack Road, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK; University of Exeter Medical School, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Barrack Road, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Karen L Stals
- Exeter Genomics Laboratory, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Barrack Road, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Emma Baple
- Exeter Genomics Laboratory, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Barrack Road, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK; University of Exeter Medical School, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Barrack Road, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Kate Tatton Brown
- South-West Thames Clinical Genetics Service, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Nicola Foulds
- Wessex Clinical Genetics Service, Princess Anne Hospital, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Coxford Rd, Southampton SO165YA, UK
| | - Gabrielle Wheway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Duthie Building, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Matthew O Parker
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Old St Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK
| | - Signe M Lyngby
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Miriam G Pedersen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Julie Desir
- Département de Génétique Clinique - Institut de Pathologie et de Génétique, Institut de Pathologie et de Génétique, Avenue Georges Lemaître, 25 6041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Allan Bayat
- Danish Epilepsy Centre, Department of Epilepsy Genetics and Personalized Medicine, 4293 Dianalund, Denmark; Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Maria Musgaard
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Matthew Guille
- European Xenopus Resource Centre, School of Biological Sciences, King Henry Building, King Henry I Street, Portsmouth PO1 2DY, UK
| | - Anders S Kristensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Diana Baralle
- Wessex Clinical Genetics Service, Princess Anne Hospital, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Coxford Rd, Southampton SO165YA, UK; Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Duthie Building, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
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9
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Rosenthal SB, Willsey HR, Xu Y, Mei Y, Dea J, Wang S, Curtis C, Sempou E, Khokha MK, Chi NC, Willsey AJ, Fisch KM, Ideker T. A convergent molecular network underlying autism and congenital heart disease. Cell Syst 2021; 12:1094-1107.e6. [PMID: 34411509 PMCID: PMC8602730 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2021.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, have an elevated incidence of congenital heart disease, but the extent to which these conditions share molecular mechanisms remains unknown. Here, we use network genetics to identify a convergent molecular network underlying autism and congenital heart disease. This network is impacted by damaging genetic variants from both disorders in multiple independent cohorts of patients, pinpointing 101 genes with shared genetic risk. Network analysis also implicates risk genes for each disorder separately, including 27 previously unidentified genes for autism and 46 for congenital heart disease. For 7 genes with shared risk, we create engineered disruptions in Xenopus tropicalis, confirming both heart and brain developmental abnormalities. The network includes a family of ion channels, such as the sodium transporter SCN2A, linking these functions to early heart and brain development. This study provides a road map for identifying risk genes and pathways involved in co-morbid conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Brin Rosenthal
- Center for Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Helen Rankin Willsey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Yuxiao Xu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Yuan Mei
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jeanselle Dea
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Sheng Wang
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Charlotte Curtis
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Emily Sempou
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Mustafa K Khokha
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Neil C Chi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Arthur Jeremy Willsey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| | - Kathleen M Fisch
- Center for Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Trey Ideker
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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10
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Marquez J, Mann N, Arana K, Deniz E, Ji W, Konstantino M, Mis EK, Deshpande C, Jeffries L, McGlynn J, Hugo H, Widmeier E, Konrad M, Tasic V, Morotti R, Baptista J, Ellard S, Lakhani SA, Hildebrandt F, Khokha MK. DLG5 variants are associated with multiple congenital anomalies including ciliopathy phenotypes. J Med Genet 2021; 58:453-464. [PMID: 32631816 PMCID: PMC7785698 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2019-106805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cilia are dynamic cellular extensions that generate and sense signals to orchestrate proper development and tissue homeostasis. They rely on the underlying polarisation of cells to participate in signalling. Cilia dysfunction is a well-known cause of several diseases that affect multiple organ systems including the kidneys, brain, heart, respiratory tract, skeleton and retina. METHODS Among individuals from four unrelated families, we identified variants in discs large 5 (DLG5) that manifested in a variety of pathologies. In our proband, we also examined patient tissues. We depleted dlg5 in Xenopus tropicalis frog embryos to generate a loss-of-function model. Finally, we tested the pathogenicity of DLG5 patient variants through rescue experiments in the frog model. RESULTS Patients with variants of DLG5 were found to have a variety of phenotypes including cystic kidneys, nephrotic syndrome, hydrocephalus, limb abnormalities, congenital heart disease and craniofacial malformations. We also observed a loss of cilia in cystic kidney tissue of our proband. Knockdown of dlg5 in Xenopus embryos recapitulated many of these phenotypes and resulted in a loss of cilia in multiple tissues. Unlike introduction of wildtype DLG5 in frog embryos depleted of dlg5, introduction of DLG5 patient variants was largely ineffective in restoring proper ciliation and tissue morphology in the kidney and brain suggesting that the variants were indeed detrimental to function. CONCLUSION These findings in both patient tissues and Xenopus shed light on how mutations in DLG5 may lead to tissue-specific manifestations of disease. DLG5 is essential for cilia and many of the patient phenotypes are in the ciliopathy spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Marquez
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nina Mann
- Division of Nephrology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kathya Arana
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Engin Deniz
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Weizhen Ji
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Monica Konstantino
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Emily K Mis
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Lauren Jeffries
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Julie McGlynn
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Hannah Hugo
- Division of Nephrology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eugen Widmeier
- Division of Nephrology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Martin Konrad
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Velibor Tasic
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, University Children's Hospital, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Raffaella Morotti
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Julia Baptista
- Exeter Genomics Laboratory, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
- Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Science, College of Medicine and Health, Exeter, UK
| | - Sian Ellard
- Exeter Genomics Laboratory, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
- Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Science, College of Medicine and Health, Exeter, UK
| | - Saquib Ali Lakhani
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Friedhelm Hildebrandt
- Division of Nephrology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mustafa K Khokha
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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11
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Baxi AB, Pade LR, Nemes P. Mass spectrometry based proteomics for developmental neurobiology in the amphibian Xenopus laevis. Curr Top Dev Biol 2021; 145:205-231. [PMID: 34074530 PMCID: PMC8314003 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2021.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The South African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis), a prominent vertebrate model in cell and developmental biology, has been instrumental in studying molecular mechanisms of neural development and disease. Recently, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), a bioanalytical technology, has expanded the molecular toolbox of protein detection and characterization (proteomics). This chapter overviews the characteristics, advantages, and challenges of this biological model and technology. Discussions are offered on their combined use to aid studies on cell differentiation and development of neural tissues. Finally, the emerging integration of proteomics and other 'omic technologies is reflected on to generate new knowledge, drive and test new hypotheses, and ultimately, advance the understanding of neural development during states of health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna B Baxi
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Leena R Pade
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Peter Nemes
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States.
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Macken WL, Godwin A, Wheway G, Stals K, Nazlamova L, Ellard S, Alfares A, Aloraini T, AlSubaie L, Alfadhel M, Alajaji S, Wai HA, Self J, Douglas AGL, Kao AP, Guille M, Baralle D. Biallelic variants in COPB1 cause a novel, severe intellectual disability syndrome with cataracts and variable microcephaly. Genome Med 2021; 13:34. [PMID: 33632302 PMCID: PMC7908744 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-021-00850-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coat protein complex 1 (COPI) is integral in the sorting and retrograde trafficking of proteins and lipids from the Golgi apparatus to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In recent years, coat proteins have been implicated in human diseases known collectively as "coatopathies". METHODS Whole exome or genome sequencing of two families with a neuro-developmental syndrome, variable microcephaly and cataracts revealed biallelic variants in COPB1, which encodes the beta-subunit of COPI (β-COP). To investigate Family 1's splice donor site variant, we undertook patient blood RNA studies and CRISPR/Cas9 modelling of this variant in a homologous region of the Xenopus tropicalis genome. To investigate Family 2's missense variant, we studied cellular phenotypes of human retinal epithelium and embryonic kidney cell lines transfected with a COPB1 expression vector into which we had introduced Family 2's mutation. RESULTS We present a new recessive coatopathy typified by severe developmental delay and cataracts and variable microcephaly. A homozygous splice donor site variant in Family 1 results in two aberrant transcripts, one of which causes skipping of exon 8 in COPB1 pre-mRNA, and a 36 amino acid in-frame deletion, resulting in the loss of a motif at a small interaction interface between β-COP and β'-COP. Xenopus tropicalis animals with a homologous mutation, introduced by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, recapitulate features of the human syndrome including microcephaly and cataracts. In vitro modelling of the COPB1 c.1651T>G p.Phe551Val variant in Family 2 identifies defective Golgi to ER recycling of this mutant β-COP, with the mutant protein being retarded in the Golgi. CONCLUSIONS This adds to the growing body of evidence that COPI subunits are essential in brain development and human health and underlines the utility of exome and genome sequencing coupled with Xenopus tropicalis CRISPR/Cas modelling for the identification and characterisation of novel rare disease genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- William L Macken
- Wessex Clinical Genetics Service, Princess Anne Hospital, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Coxford Rd, Southampton, SO165YA, UK
| | - Annie Godwin
- European Xenopus Resource Centre, University of Portsmouth School of Biological Sciences, King Henry Building, King Henry I Street, Portsmouth, PO1 2DY, UK
| | - Gabrielle Wheway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Duthie Building, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Karen Stals
- Exeter Genomics Laboratory, Level 3 RILD building, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Barrack Road, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Liliya Nazlamova
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Duthie Building, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Sian Ellard
- Exeter Genomics Laboratory, Level 3 RILD building, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Barrack Road, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK
- University of Exeter Medical School, RILD building, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Barrack Road, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Ahmed Alfares
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Taghrid Aloraini
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lamia AlSubaie
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majid Alfadhel
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sulaiman Alajaji
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Htoo A Wai
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Duthie Building, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Jay Self
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Duthie Building, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Andrew G L Douglas
- Wessex Clinical Genetics Service, Princess Anne Hospital, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Coxford Rd, Southampton, SO165YA, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Duthie Building, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Alexander P Kao
- Zeiss Global Centre, School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO1 3DJ, UK
| | - Matthew Guille
- European Xenopus Resource Centre, University of Portsmouth School of Biological Sciences, King Henry Building, King Henry I Street, Portsmouth, PO1 2DY, UK.
| | - Diana Baralle
- Wessex Clinical Genetics Service, Princess Anne Hospital, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Coxford Rd, Southampton, SO165YA, UK.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Duthie Building, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.
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Rao VG, Kulkarni SS. Xenopus to the rescue: A model to validate and characterize candidate ciliopathy genes. Genesis 2021; 59:e23414. [PMID: 33576572 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23414] [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: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cilia are present on most vertebrate cells and play a central role in development, growth, and homeostasis. Thus, cilia dysfunction can manifest into an array of diseases, collectively termed ciliopathies, affecting millions of lives worldwide. Yet, our understanding of the gene regulatory networks that control cilia assembly and functions remain incomplete. With the advances in next-generation sequencing technologies, we can now rapidly predict pathogenic variants from hundreds of ciliopathy patients. While the pace of candidate gene discovery is exciting, most of these genes have never been previously implicated in cilia assembly or function. This makes assigning the disease causality difficult. This review discusses how Xenopus, a genetically tractable and high-throughput vertebrate model, has played a central role in identifying, validating, and characterizing candidate ciliopathy genes. The review is focused on multiciliated cells (MCCs) and diseases associated with MCC dysfunction. MCCs harbor multiple motile cilia on their apical surface to generate extracellular fluid flow inside the airway, the brain ventricles, and the oviduct. In Xenopus, these cells are external and present on the embryonic epidermal epithelia, facilitating candidate genes analysis in MCC development in vivo. The ability to introduce patient variants to study their effects on disease progression makes Xenopus a powerful model to improve our understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms and explain the patient phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatramanan G Rao
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Saurabh S Kulkarni
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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14
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Exner CRT, Willsey HR. Xenopus leads the way: Frogs as a pioneering model to understand the human brain. Genesis 2021; 59:e23405. [PMID: 33369095 PMCID: PMC8130472 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
From its long history in the field of embryology to its recent advances in genetics, Xenopus has been an indispensable model for understanding the human brain. Foundational studies that gave us our first insights into major embryonic patterning events serve as a crucial backdrop for newer avenues of investigation into organogenesis and organ function. The vast array of tools available in Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis allows interrogation of developmental phenomena at all levels, from the molecular to the behavioral, and the application of CRISPR technology has enabled the investigation of human disorder risk genes in a higher-throughput manner. As the only major tetrapod model in which all developmental stages are easily manipulated and observed, frogs provide the unique opportunity to study organ development from the earliest stages. All of these features make Xenopus a premier model for studying the development of the brain, a notoriously complex process that demands an understanding of all stages from fertilization to organogenesis and beyond. Importantly, core processes of brain development are conserved between Xenopus and human, underlining the advantages of this model. This review begins by summarizing discoveries made in amphibians that form the cornerstones of vertebrate neurodevelopmental biology and goes on to discuss recent advances that have catapulted our understanding of brain development in Xenopus and in relation to human development and disease. As we engage in a new era of patient-driven gene discovery, Xenopus offers exceptional potential to uncover conserved biology underlying human brain disorders and move towards rational drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron R T Exner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
| | - Helen Rankin Willsey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, 94143, USA
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15
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Gao J, Shen W. Xenopus in revealing developmental toxicity and modeling human diseases. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115809. [PMID: 33096388 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Xenopus model offers many advantages for investigation of the molecular, cellular, and behavioral mechanisms underlying embryo development. Moreover, Xenopus oocytes and embryos have been extensively used to study developmental toxicity and human diseases in response to various environmental chemicals. This review first summarizes recent advances in using Xenopus as a vertebrate model to study distinct types of tissue/organ development following exposure to environmental toxicants, chemical reagents, and pharmaceutical drugs. Then, the successful use of Xenopus as a model for diseases, including fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, autism, epilepsy, and cardiovascular disease, is reviewed. The potential application of Xenopus in genetic and chemical screening to protect against embryo deficits induced by chemical toxicants and related diseases is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanmei Gao
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China; College of Life and Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Wanhua Shen
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China.
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Marquez J, Bhattacharya D, Lusk CP, Khokha MK. Nucleoporin NUP205 plays a critical role in cilia and congenital disease. Dev Biol 2020; 469:46-53. [PMID: 33065118 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ciliopathies affect a variety of tissues during development including the heart, kidneys, respiratory tract, and retina. Though an increasing number of monogenic causes of ciliopathies have been described, many remain unexplained. Recently, recessive variants in NUP93 and NUP205 encoding two proteins of the inner ring of the nuclear pore complex were implicated as causes of steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome. In addition, we previously found that the inner ring nucleoporins NUP93 and NUP188 function in proper left-right patterning in developing embryos via a role at the cilium. Here, we describe the role of an additional inner ring nucleoporin NUP205 in cilia biology and establishment of normal organ situs. Using knockdown in Xenopus, we show that Nup205 depletion results in loss of cilia and abnormal cardiac morphology. Furthermore, by transmission electron microscopy, we observe a loss of cilia and mispositioning of intracellular ciliary structures such as basal bodies and rootlets upon depleting inner ring nucleoporins. We describe a model wherein NUP93 interacting with either NUP188 or NUP205 is necessary for cilia. We thus provide evidence that dysregulation of inner ring nucleoporin genes that have been identified in patients may contribute to pathogenesis through cilia dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Marquez
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Dipankan Bhattacharya
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - C Patrick Lusk
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mustafa K Khokha
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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