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Lopez-de la Rosa A, Telleria JJ, Posada de la Paz M, Hermosilla-Gimeno IM, Rivas MA, Gilabert R, Coco-Martín RM. Clinical and genetic characterization of patients with eye diseases included in the Spanish Rare Diseases Patient Registry. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:234. [PMID: 38872169 PMCID: PMC11170770 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03242-6] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The low prevalence of rare diseases poses a significant challenge in advancing their understanding. This study aims to delineate the clinical and genetic characteristics of patients with rare eye diseases (RED) enrolled in the Spanish Rare Diseases Patient Registry. METHODS A total of 864 patients from the registry database were included. Diseases were categorized into inherited retinal dystrophies (n=688); anterior segment diseases (n=48); congenital malformations (n=27); and syndromic diseases with ocular involvement including muscular (n=46), neurological (n=34), or metabolic (n=13); inflammatory diseases (n=4); and tumors (n=4). Data on visual acuity (VA) and/or visual field (VF), symptoms and signs, concurrent diseases in syndromic cases, age of onset and at diagnosis, affected genes, disability rating, inability to work and dependency grade recognition were collected. RESULTS A mean diagnostic delay of 7 years from symptom onset was observed. Commonly reported symptoms included photophobia, night blindness, and progressive vision loss (≥57% of patients). Cataract was the most prevalent secondary disease (46%), with pseudophakia being the most common ocular surgery (26%). Hearing loss and cardiovascular diseases were the most prevalent concurrent systemic diseases (≥13%). Certificates of disability, incapacity for work, and dependency were held by 87%, 42%, and 19% of patients, respectively. Among the 719 patients with available VA data, 193 (27%) were blind, and 188 (26%) had moderate to severe visual impairment. Over half of the patients (54%) exhibited VF defects, and 216 (25%) had concentric contraction ≤5° or abolished VF. Most had genetic diseases with autosomal recessive (55%), autosomal dominant (30%), X-linked (9%), and mitochondrial (6%) patterns. One patient had mutations in both recessive USH2A and dominant RHO genes simultaneously. Of the 656 patients (75.7%) who underwent genetic testing, only 461 (70.3%) received a positive result (pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations explaining the phenotype). We found 62 new gene variants related to RED not previously reported in databases of genetic variants related to specific phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS This study delineates the clinical and genotypic profiles of RED in Spain. Genetic diseases, particularly retinal disorders, predominate, but a significant proportion of affected patients remain genetically undiagnosed, hindering potential gene therapy endeavors. Despite notable improvements in reducing diagnosis delays, it is still remarkable. RED frequently lead to disability and blindness among young populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Lopez-de la Rosa
- Instituto de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Campus Miguel Delibes, Paseo de Belén 17, E-47011, Valladolid, Spain
- Observatorio Nacional de Enfermedades Raras Oculares (ONERO), 47011, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Juan J Telleria
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid, 47001, Valladolid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valladolid, 47001, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Manuel Posada de la Paz
- Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras (IIER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel M Hermosilla-Gimeno
- Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras (IIER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miren Agurtzane Rivas
- Observatorio Nacional de Enfermedades Raras Oculares (ONERO), 47011, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Raúl Gilabert
- Observatorio Nacional de Enfermedades Raras Oculares (ONERO), 47011, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Rosa M Coco-Martín
- Instituto de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Campus Miguel Delibes, Paseo de Belén 17, E-47011, Valladolid, Spain.
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valladolid, 47001, Valladolid, Spain.
- RICORS de Enfermedades Inflamatorias, Carlos III Health Institute, 28220, Madrid, Spain.
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2
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Ouarhache M, Kettani O, Fizazi KE, Bouguenouch L, Ouldim K. A novel homozygous missense variant identified in the myosin VIIA motor domain of a Moroccan patient with usher syndrome. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:683. [PMID: 38796585 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09603-5] [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: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Usher syndrome 1 (USH1) is the most severe subtype of Usher syndrome characterized by severe sensorineural hearing impairment, retinitis pigmentosa, and vestibular areflexia. USH1 is usually induced by variants in MYO7A, a gene that encodes the myosin-VIIa protein. Myosin-VIIA is effectively involved in intracellular molecular traffic essential for the proper function of the cochlea, the retinal photoreceptors, and the retinal pigmented epithelial cells. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, we report a new homozygous missense variant (NM_000260.4: c.1657 C > T p.(His553Tyr)) in MYO7A of a 28-year-old female with symptoms consistent with USH1. This variant, c.1657 C > T p.(His553Tyr) is positioned in the highly conserved myosin-VIIA motor domain. Previous studies showed that variants in this domain might disrupt the ability of the protein to bind to actin and thus cause the disorder. CONCLUSIONS Our findings contribute to our understanding of the phenotypic and mutational spectrum of USH1 associated with autosomal recessive MYO7A variants and emphasize the important role of molecular testing in accurately diagnosing this syndrome. More advanced research is required to understand the functional effect of the identified variant and the genotype-phonotype correlations of MYO7A-related Usher syndrome 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryem Ouarhache
- Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, Biomedical and Translational Research Laboratory, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco.
- Medical Genetics and Oncogenetics Unit, University Hospital Center Hassan II, Fez, Morocco.
| | - Oussama Kettani
- Medical Genetics and Oncogenetics Department, University Hospital Center Mohammed VI, Tangier, Morocco
| | - Khawla El Fizazi
- Medical Genetics and Oncogenetics Unit, University Hospital Center Hassan II, Fez, Morocco
| | - Laila Bouguenouch
- Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, Biomedical and Translational Research Laboratory, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco
- Medical Genetics and Oncogenetics Unit, University Hospital Center Hassan II, Fez, Morocco
| | - Karim Ouldim
- Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, Biomedical and Translational Research Laboratory, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco
- Medical Genetics and Oncogenetics Unit, University Hospital Center Hassan II, Fez, Morocco
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3
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Hector M, Langmann T, Wolf A. Translocator protein (18 kDa) (Tspo) in the retina and implications for ocular diseases. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 100:101249. [PMID: 38430990 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101249] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Translocator protein (18 kDa) (Tspo), formerly known as peripheral benzodiazepine receptor is a highly conserved transmembrane protein primarily located in the outer mitochondrial membrane. In the central nervous system (CNS), especially in glia cells, Tspo is upregulated upon inflammation. Consequently, Tspo was used as a tool for diagnostic in vivo imaging of neuroinflammation in the brain and as a potential therapeutic target. Several synthetic Tspo ligands have been explored as immunomodulatory and neuroprotective therapy approaches. Although the function of Tspo and how its ligands exert these beneficial effects is not fully clear, it became a research topic of interest, especially in ocular diseases in the past few years. This review summarizes state-of-the-art knowledge of Tspo expression and its proposed functions in different cells of the retina including microglia, retinal pigment epithelium and Müller cells. Tspo is involved in cytokine signaling, oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species production, calcium signaling, neurosteroid synthesis, energy metabolism, and cholesterol efflux. We also highlight recent developments in preclinical models targeting Tspo and summarize the relevance of Tspo biology for ocular and retinal diseases. We conclude that glial upregulation of Tspo in different ocular pathologies and the use of Tspo ligands as promising therapeutic approaches in preclinical studies underline the importance of Tspo as a potential disease-modifying protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Hector
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Thomas Langmann
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Centre for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Anne Wolf
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Centre for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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4
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Jiang A, Han K, Wei J, Su X, Wang R, Zhang W, Liu X, Qiao J, Liu P, Liu Q, Zhang J, Zhang N, Ge Y, Zhuang Y, Yu H, Wang S, Chen K, Lu W, Xu X, Yang H, Fan G, Dong B. Spatially resolved single-cell atlas of ascidian endostyle provides insight into the origin of vertebrate pharyngeal organs. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadi9035. [PMID: 38552007 PMCID: PMC10980280 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi9035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
The pharyngeal endoderm, an innovation of deuterostome ancestors, contributes to pharyngeal development by influencing the patterning and differentiation of pharyngeal structures in vertebrates; however, the evolutionary origin of the pharyngeal organs in vertebrates is largely unknown. The endostyle, a distinct pharyngeal organ exclusively present in basal chordates, represents a good model for understanding pharyngeal organ origins. Using Stereo-seq and single-cell RNA sequencing, we constructed aspatially resolved single-cell atlas for the endostyle of the ascidian Styela clava. We determined the cell composition of the hemolymphoid region, which illuminates a mixed ancestral structure for the blood and lymphoid system. In addition, we discovered a cluster of hair cell-like cells in zone 3, which has transcriptomic similarity with the hair cells of the vertebrate acoustico-lateralis system. These findings reshape our understanding of the pharynx of the basal chordate and provide insights into the evolutionary origin of multiplexed pharyngeal organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Jiang
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine EvoDevo, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Kai Han
- BGI Research, Qingdao 266555, China
| | - Jiankai Wei
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine EvoDevo, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
| | | | - Rui Wang
- BGI Research, Qingdao 266555, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine EvoDevo, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | | | - Jinghan Qiao
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine EvoDevo, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Penghui Liu
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine EvoDevo, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Qun Liu
- BGI Research, Qingdao 266555, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine EvoDevo, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | | | - Yonghang Ge
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine EvoDevo, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yuan Zhuang
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine EvoDevo, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Haiyan Yu
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine EvoDevo, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shi Wang
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine EvoDevo, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Kai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research and Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Wange Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xun Xu
- BGI Research, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | | | - Guangyi Fan
- BGI Research, Qingdao 266555, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen 518083, China
- Qingdao Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics BGI Research, Qingdao 266555, China
| | - Bo Dong
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine EvoDevo, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
- MoE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
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Zeng B, Domarecka E, Kong L, Olze H, Scheffel J, Moñino-Romero S, Siebenhaar F, Szczepek AJ. A systematic review of the clinical evidence for an association between type I hypersensitivity and inner ear disorders. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1378276. [PMID: 38595846 PMCID: PMC11003305 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1378276] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Inner ear disorders have a variety of causes, and many factors can contribute to the exacerbation of cochlear and vestibular pathology. This systematic review aimed to analyze clinical data on the coexistence and potential causal interaction between allergic diseases and inner ear conditions. A search of PubMed and Web of Science identified 724 articles, of which 21 were selected for full-text analysis based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The epidemiologic evidence found overwhelmingly supports an association between allergic disease and particular inner ear disorders represented by a high prevalence of allergic reactions in some patients with Ménière's disease (MD), idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL), and acute low-tone hearing loss (ALHL). In addition, patients with MD, ISSHL, and ALHL had higher levels of total serum IgE than healthy subjects. Finally, in some cases, changes in cochlear potential may have been induced by antigen exposure, while desensitization alleviated allergy and inner ear-related symptoms. The exact mechanism of interaction between the auditory/vestibular and immune systems is not fully understood, and further clinical and basic research is needed to understand the relationship between the two systems fully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zeng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Allergology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ewa Domarecka
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lingyi Kong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heidi Olze
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Scheffel
- Institute of Allergology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sherezade Moñino-Romero
- Institute of Allergology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Siebenhaar
- Institute of Allergology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Agnieszka J. Szczepek
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland
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6
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Arias-Peso B, Calero-Ramos ML, López-Ladrón García de la Borbolla C, López-Domínguez M, Morillo-Sánchez MJ, Méndez-Martínez S, Sánchez-Gómez S, Rodríguez-de-la-Rúa E. Multidisciplinary approach to inherited causes of dual sensory impairment. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024; 262:701-715. [PMID: 37341837 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-023-06153-7] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This article presents a review of the main causes of inherited dual sensory impairment (DSI) with an emphasis on the multidisciplinary approach. METHODS A narrative review of English literature published before January 2023 was conducted using PubMed, Medline, and Scopus databases. The different causes of inherited DSI are discussed from a multidisciplinary perspective. RESULTS There are a wide range of dual sensory impairment (DSI), commonly referred to as blindness and deafness. While Usher syndrome is the most frequent genetic cause, other genetic syndromes such as Alport syndrome or Stickler syndrome can also lead to DSI. Various retinal phenotypes, including pigmentary retinopathy as seen in Usher syndrome, vitreoretinopathy as in Stickler syndrome, and macular dystrophy as in Alport syndrome, along with type of hearing loss (sensorineural or conductive) and additional systemic symptoms can aid in diagnostic suspicion. A thorough ophthalmologic and otorhinolaryngologic examination can help guide diagnosis, which can then be confirmed with genetic studies, crucial for determining prognosis. Effective hearing rehabilitation measures, such as hearing implants, and visual rehabilitation measures, such as low vision optical devices, are crucial for maintaining social interaction and proper development in these patients. CONCLUSIONS While Usher syndrome is the primary cause of inherited dual sensory impairment (DSI), other genetic syndromes can also lead to this condition. A proper diagnostic approach based on retinal phenotypes and types of hearing loss can aid in ruling out alternative causes. Multidisciplinary approaches can assist in reaching a definitive diagnosis, which has significant prognostic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borja Arias-Peso
- Department of Ophthalmology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 1-3 Isabel la Católica Street, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.
- Miguel Servet Ophthalmology Research Group (GIMSO), Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | - Silvia Méndez-Martínez
- Department of Ophthalmology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 1-3 Isabel la Católica Street, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
- Miguel Servet Ophthalmology Research Group (GIMSO), Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Serafin Sánchez-Gómez
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, Seville, Spain
| | - Enrique Rodríguez-de-la-Rúa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, Seville, Spain
- Department of Surgery, Ophthalmology Area, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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7
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Töpf A, Cox D, Zaharieva IT, Di Leo V, Sarparanta J, Jonson PH, Sealy IM, Smolnikov A, White RJ, Vihola A, Savarese M, Merteroglu M, Wali N, Laricchia KM, Venturini C, Vroling B, Stenton SL, Cummings BB, Harris E, Marini-Bettolo C, Diaz-Manera J, Henderson M, Barresi R, Duff J, England EM, Patrick J, Al-Husayni S, Biancalana V, Beggs AH, Bodi I, Bommireddipalli S, Bönnemann CG, Cairns A, Chiew MT, Claeys KG, Cooper ST, Davis MR, Donkervoort S, Erasmus CE, Fassad MR, Genetti CA, Grosmann C, Jungbluth H, Kamsteeg EJ, Lornage X, Löscher WN, Malfatti E, Manzur A, Martí P, Mongini TE, Muelas N, Nishikawa A, O'Donnell-Luria A, Ogonuki N, O'Grady GL, O'Heir E, Paquay S, Phadke R, Pletcher BA, Romero NB, Schouten M, Shah S, Smuts I, Sznajer Y, Tasca G, Taylor RW, Tuite A, Van den Bergh P, VanNoy G, Voermans NC, Wanschitz JV, Wraige E, Yoshimura K, Oates EC, Nakagawa O, Nishino I, Laporte J, Vilchez JJ, MacArthur DG, Sarkozy A, Cordell HJ, Udd B, Busch-Nentwich EM, Muntoni F, Straub V. Digenic inheritance involving a muscle-specific protein kinase and the giant titin protein causes a skeletal muscle myopathy. Nat Genet 2024; 56:395-407. [PMID: 38429495 PMCID: PMC10937387 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-023-01651-0] [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: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
In digenic inheritance, pathogenic variants in two genes must be inherited together to cause disease. Only very few examples of digenic inheritance have been described in the neuromuscular disease field. Here we show that predicted deleterious variants in SRPK3, encoding the X-linked serine/argenine protein kinase 3, lead to a progressive early onset skeletal muscle myopathy only when in combination with heterozygous variants in the TTN gene. The co-occurrence of predicted deleterious SRPK3/TTN variants was not seen among 76,702 healthy male individuals, and statistical modeling strongly supported digenic inheritance as the best-fitting model. Furthermore, double-mutant zebrafish (srpk3-/-; ttn.1+/-) replicated the myopathic phenotype and showed myofibrillar disorganization. Transcriptome data suggest that the interaction of srpk3 and ttn.1 in zebrafish occurs at a post-transcriptional level. We propose that digenic inheritance of deleterious changes impacting both the protein kinase SRPK3 and the giant muscle protein titin causes a skeletal myopathy and might serve as a model for other genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Töpf
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Dan Cox
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Irina T Zaharieva
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Valeria Di Leo
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Jaakko Sarparanta
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Per Harald Jonson
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ian M Sealy
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Department of Medicine, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrei Smolnikov
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Richard J White
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Department of Medicine, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anna Vihola
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Neuromuscular Research Centre, Tampere University and University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Marco Savarese
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Munise Merteroglu
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Cancer Metabolism, Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Neha Wali
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Kristen M Laricchia
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cristina Venturini
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Sarah L Stenton
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Division of Genetics & Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Beryl B Cummings
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Cancer Metabolism, Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Elizabeth Harris
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Northern Genetics Service, Institute of Genetics Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Chiara Marini-Bettolo
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jordi Diaz-Manera
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Matt Henderson
- Muscle Immunoanalysis Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Jennifer Duff
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Eleina M England
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jane Patrick
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK
| | - Sundos Al-Husayni
- The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Valerie Biancalana
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Inserm U1258, Cnrs UMR7104, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Alan H Beggs
- The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Istvan Bodi
- Department of Clinical Neuropathology, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Shobhana Bommireddipalli
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, the Children's Hospital at Westmead, the University of Sydney and the Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carsten G Bönnemann
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Anita Cairns
- Neurosciences Department, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mei-Ting Chiew
- Department of Diagnostic Genomics, PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kristl G Claeys
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Muscle Diseases and Neuropathies, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sandra T Cooper
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, the Children's Hospital at Westmead, the University of Sydney and the Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark R Davis
- Department of Diagnostic Genomics, PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sandra Donkervoort
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Corrie E Erasmus
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mahmoud R Fassad
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- NHS Highly Specialised Service for Rare Mitochondrial Disorders, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Casie A Genetti
- The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carla Grosmann
- Department of Neurology, Rady Children's Hospital University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Heinz Jungbluth
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Neuromuscular Service, Evelina's Children Hospital, Guy's & St. Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Muscle Signalling Section, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine (FoLSM), King's College London, London, UK
| | - Erik-Jan Kamsteeg
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Xavière Lornage
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Inserm U1258, Cnrs UMR7104, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Wolfgang N Löscher
- Department of Neurology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Edoardo Malfatti
- APHP, Neuromuscular Reference Center Nord-Est-Ile-de-France, Henri Mondor Hospital, Université Paris Est, U955, INSERM, Creteil, France
| | - Adnan Manzur
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Pilar Martí
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Neuromuscular Research Group, IIS La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Tiziana E Mongini
- Department of Neurosciences Rita Levi Montalcini, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Nuria Muelas
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Neuromuscular Research Group, IIS La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Universitari I Politècnic La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Atsuko Nishikawa
- Department of Neuromuscular Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Anne O'Donnell-Luria
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Division of Genetics & Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Gina L O'Grady
- Starship Children's Health, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Emily O'Heir
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stéphanie Paquay
- Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Centre de Référence Neuromusculaire, Université de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rahul Phadke
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Beth A Pletcher
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Norma B Romero
- Neuromuscular Morphology Unit, Myology Institute, Sorbonne Université, Centre de Référence de Pathologie Neuromusculaire Nord/Est/Ile-de-France (APHP), GH Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Meyke Schouten
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Snehal Shah
- Department of Neurology, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Izelle Smuts
- Department of Paediatrics, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Yves Sznajer
- Center for Human Genetic, Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Giorgio Tasca
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Robert W Taylor
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- NHS Highly Specialised Service for Rare Mitochondrial Disorders, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Allysa Tuite
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Peter Van den Bergh
- Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Centre de Référence Neuromusculaire, Université de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Grace VanNoy
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nicol C Voermans
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Julia V Wanschitz
- Department of Neurology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Elizabeth Wraige
- Evelina's Children Hospital, Guy's & St. Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Emily C Oates
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Osamu Nakagawa
- Department of Molecular Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ichizo Nishino
- Department of Neuromuscular Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jocelyn Laporte
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Inserm U1258, Cnrs UMR7104, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Juan J Vilchez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Neuromuscular Research Group, IIS La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Daniel G MacArthur
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Centre for Population Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Population Genomics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anna Sarkozy
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Heather J Cordell
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Bjarne Udd
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Neuromuscular Research Centre, Tampere University and University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Elisabeth M Busch-Nentwich
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Department of Medicine, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, UCL & Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK
| | - Volker Straub
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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McDonald A, Wijnholds J. Retinal Ciliopathies and Potential Gene Therapies: A Focus on Human iPSC-Derived Organoid Models. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2887. [PMID: 38474133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052887] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The human photoreceptor function is dependent on a highly specialised cilium. Perturbation of cilial function can often lead to death of the photoreceptor and loss of vision. Retinal ciliopathies are a genetically diverse range of inherited retinal disorders affecting aspects of the photoreceptor cilium. Despite advances in the understanding of retinal ciliopathies utilising animal disease models, they can often lack the ability to accurately mimic the observed patient phenotype, possibly due to structural and functional deviations from the human retina. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be utilised to generate an alternative disease model, the 3D retinal organoid, which contains all major retinal cell types including photoreceptors complete with cilial structures. These retinal organoids facilitate the study of disease mechanisms and potential therapies in a human-derived system. Three-dimensional retinal organoids are still a developing technology, and despite impressive progress, several limitations remain. This review will discuss the state of hiPSC-derived retinal organoid technology for accurately modelling prominent retinal ciliopathies related to genes, including RPGR, CEP290, MYO7A, and USH2A. Additionally, we will discuss the development of novel gene therapy approaches targeting retinal ciliopathies, including the delivery of large genes and gene-editing techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew McDonald
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Busi M, Castiglione A. Navigating the Usher Syndrome Genetic Landscape: An Evaluation of the Associations between Specific Genes and Quality Categories of Cochlear Implant Outcomes. Audiol Res 2024; 14:254-263. [PMID: 38525684 PMCID: PMC10961690 DOI: 10.3390/audiolres14020023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome (US) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder that involves three main features: sensorineural hearing loss, retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and vestibular impairment. With a prevalence of 4-17/100,000, it is the most common cause of deaf-blindness worldwide. Genetic research has provided crucial insights into the complexity of US. Among nine confirmed causative genes, MYO7A and USH2A are major players in US types 1 and 2, respectively, whereas CRLN1 is the sole confirmed gene associated with type 3. Variants in these genes also contribute to isolated forms of hearing loss and RP, indicating intersecting molecular pathways. While hearing loss can be adequately managed with hearing aids or cochlear implants (CIs), approved RP treatment modalities are lacking. Gene replacement and editing, antisense oligonucleotides, and small-molecule drugs hold promise for halting RP progression and restoring vision, enhancing patients' quality of life. Massively parallel sequencing has identified gene variants (e.g., in PCDH15) that influence CI results. Accordingly, preoperative genetic examination appears valuable for predicting CI success. To explore genetic mutations in CI recipients and establish correlations between implant outcomes and involved genes, we comprehensively reviewed the literature to gather data covering a broad spectrum of CI outcomes across all known US-causative genes. Implant outcomes were categorized as excellent or very good, good, poor or fair, and very poor. Our review of 95 cochlear-implant patients with US, along with their CI outcomes, revealed the importance of presurgical genetic testing to elucidate potential challenges and provide tailored counseling to improve auditory outcomes. The multifaceted nature of US demands a comprehensive understanding and innovative interventions. Genetic insights drive therapeutic advancements, offering potential remedies for the retinal component of US. The synergy between genetics and therapeutics holds promise for individuals with US and may enhance their sensory experiences through customized interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micol Busi
- Department of Audiology, Orebro University Hospital, Interdisciplinary Research in Clinical Audiology—IRCA, Orebro University, 70116 Orebro, Sweden;
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Clay S, Evans A, Zambrano R, Otohinoyi D, Hicks C, Tsien F. Bioinformatics characterization of variants of uncertain significance in pediatric sensorineural hearing loss. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1299341. [PMID: 38450295 PMCID: PMC10915201 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1299341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Rapid advancements in Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics tools have allowed physicians to obtain genetic testing results in a more rapid, cost-effective, and comprehensive manner than ever before. Around 50% of pediatric sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) cases are due to a genetic etiology, thus physicians regularly utilize targeted sequencing panels that identify variants in genes related to SNHL. These panels allow for early detection of pathogenic variants which allows physicians to provide anticipatory guidance to families. Molecular testing does not always reveal a clear etiology due to the presence of multigenic variants with varying classifications, including the presence of Variants of Uncertain Significance (VUS). This study aims to perform a preliminary bioinformatics characterization of patients with variants associated with Type II Usher Syndrome in the presence of other multigenic variants. We also provide an interpretation algorithm for physicians reviewing molecular results with medical geneticists. Methods Review of records for multigenic and/or VUS results identified several potential subjects of interest. For the purposes of this study, two ADGRV1 compound heterozygotes met inclusion criteria. Sequencing, data processing, and variant calling (the process by which variants are identified from sequence data) was performed at Invitae (San Francisco CA). The preliminary analysis followed the recommendations outlined by the American College of Medical Genetics and Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG-AMP) in 2015 and 2019. The present study utilizes computational analysis, predictive data, and population data as well as clinical information from chart review and publicly available information in the ClinVar database. Results Two subjects were identified as compound heterozygotes for variants in the gene ADGRV1. Subject 1's variants were predicted as deleterious, while Subject 2's variants were predicted as non-deleterious. These results were based on known information of the variants from ClinVar, multiple lines of computational data, population databases, as well as the clinical presentation. Discussion Early molecular diagnosis through NGS is ideal, as families are then able to access a wide range of resources that will ultimately support the child as their condition progresses. We recommend that physicians build strong relationships with medical geneticists and carefully review their interpretation before making recommendations to families, particularly when addressing the VUS. Reclassification efforts of VUS are supported by studies like ours that provide evidence of pathogenic or benign effects of variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sloane Clay
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Adele Evans
- Department of Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Regina Zambrano
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Clinical Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - David Otohinoyi
- Department of Genetics, Bioinformatics and Genomics Program, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Chindo Hicks
- Department of Genetics, Bioinformatics and Genomics Program, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Fern Tsien
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
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Amorim AM, Ramada AB, Lopes AC, Duarte Silva E, Lemos J, Ribeiro JC. Vestibulo-ocular reflex dynamics with head-impulses discriminates Usher patients type 1 and 2. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3701. [PMID: 38355682 PMCID: PMC10867007 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54270-y] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Usher Syndrome classification takes into account the absence of vestibular function but its correlation with genotype is not well characterized. We intend to investigate whether video Head Impulse Test (vHIT) is useful in screening and to differentiate Usher Syndrome types. 29 Usher patients (USH) with a genetically confirmed diagnosis and 30 healthy controls were studied with vHIT and dizziness handicap inventory questionnaire (DHI). Statistical significant differences between USH1, USH2 and controls were found in the vestibulo-ocular-reflex (VOR) gain of all SCCs, with USH1 patients consistently presenting smaller gains. VOR gain of the right lateral SCC could discriminate controls from USH1, and USH2 from USH1 with an overall diagnostic accuracy of 90%. USH1 DHI correlated with VOR (ρ = - 0,971, p = 0.001). Occurrence rate of covert and overt lateral semicircular canals refixation saccades (RS) was significantly different between groups, being higher in USH1 patients (p < 0.001). USH1 peak velocity of covert and overt saccades was higher for lateral semicircular canals (p < 0.05 and p = 0.001) compared with USH2 and controls. Covert saccades occurrence rate for horizontal SCCs could discriminate USH1 from USH2 patients and controls with a diagnostic accuracy of 85%. vHIT is a fast and non-invasive instrument which allowed us to screen and distinguish Usher patients from controls with a high precision. Importantly, its use allowed further discrimination between USH1 from USH2 groups. Moreover, VOR gain seems to correlate with vertigo-related quality of life in more severe phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Amorim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Coimbra University Hospital Centre, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-135, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Ana Beatriz Ramada
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Coimbra University Hospital Centre, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-135, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Cristina Lopes
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Coimbra University Hospital Centre, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-135, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - João Lemos
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Neurology, Coimbra University Hospital Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Carlos Ribeiro
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Coimbra University Hospital Centre, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3000-135, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Villafuerte-de la Cruz RA, Garza-Garza LA, Garza-Leon M, Rodriguez-De la Torre C, Parra-Bernal C, Vazquez-Camas I, Ramos-Gonzalez D, Rangel-Padilla A, Espino Barros-Palau A, Nava-García J, Castillo-Velazquez J, Castillo-De Leon E, Del Valle-Penella A, Valdez-Garcia JE, Rojas-Martinez A. Spectrum of variants associated with inherited retinal dystrophies in Northeast Mexico. BMC Ophthalmol 2024; 24:60. [PMID: 38347443 PMCID: PMC10860328 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-023-03276-7] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inherited retinal dystrophies are hereditary diseases which have in common the progressive degeneration of photoreceptors. They are a group of diseases with clinical, genetic, and allelic heterogeneity. There is limited information regarding the genetic landscape of inherited retinal diseases in Mexico, therefore, the present study was conducted in the northeast region of the country. METHODS Patients with inherited retinal dystrophies were included. A complete history, full ophthalmological and medical genetics evaluations, and genetic analysis through a targeted NGS panel for inherited retinal dystrophies comprising at least 293 genes were undertaken. RESULTS A total of 126 patients were included. Cases were solved in 74.6% of the study's population. Retinitis pigmentosa accounted for the most found inherited retinal disease. Ninety-nine causal variants were found, being USH2A and ABCA4 the most affected genes (26 and 15 cases, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The present study documents the most prevalent causative genes in IRDs, as USH2A, in northeastern Mexico. This contrasts with previous reports of IRDs in other zones of the country. Further studies, targeting previously unstudied populations in Mexico are important to document the genetic background of inherited retinal dystrophies in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio A Villafuerte-de la Cruz
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de La Salud, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Col. Los Doctores, Monterrey, CP 64710, Mexico
- Destellos de Luz, San Pedro Garza García, México
| | | | - Manuel Garza-Leon
- Destellos de Luz, San Pedro Garza García, México
- Clinical Science Department, Health Sciences Division, University of Monterrey, Monterrey, México
| | - Cesar Rodriguez-De la Torre
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de La Salud, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Col. Los Doctores, Monterrey, CP 64710, Mexico
| | - Cinthya Parra-Bernal
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de La Salud, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Col. Los Doctores, Monterrey, CP 64710, Mexico
| | - Ilse Vazquez-Camas
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, The Institute for Obesity Research, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Col. Los Doctores, Monterrey, CP 64710, Mexico
- Tecnologico Nacional de Mexico Campus Tuxtla Gutierrez, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico
| | - David Ramos-Gonzalez
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de La Salud, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Col. Los Doctores, Monterrey, CP 64710, Mexico
| | - Andrea Rangel-Padilla
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de La Salud, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Col. Los Doctores, Monterrey, CP 64710, Mexico
| | - Angelina Espino Barros-Palau
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de La Salud, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Col. Los Doctores, Monterrey, CP 64710, Mexico
| | - Jose Nava-García
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de La Salud, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Col. Los Doctores, Monterrey, CP 64710, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - Jorge E Valdez-Garcia
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de La Salud, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Col. Los Doctores, Monterrey, CP 64710, Mexico
| | - Augusto Rojas-Martinez
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de La Salud, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Col. Los Doctores, Monterrey, CP 64710, Mexico.
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, The Institute for Obesity Research, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Col. Los Doctores, Monterrey, CP 64710, Mexico.
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Cuzzuol BR, Apolonio JS, da Silva Júnior RT, de Carvalho LS, Santos LKDS, Malheiro LH, Silva Luz M, Calmon MS, Crivellaro HDL, Lemos FFB, Freire de Melo F. Usher syndrome: Genetic diagnosis and current therapeutic approaches. World J Otorhinolaryngol 2024; 11:1-17. [DOI: 10.5319/wjo.v11.i1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Usher Syndrome (USH) is the most common deaf-blind syndrome, affecting approximately 1 in 6000 people in the deaf population. This genetic condition is characterized by a combination of hearing loss (HL), retinitis pigmentosa, and, in some cases, vestibular areflexia. Among the subtypes of USH, USH type 1 is considered the most severe form, presenting profound bilateral congenital deafness, vestibular areflexia, and early onset RP. USH type 2 is the most common form, exhibiting congenital moderate to severe HL for low frequencies and severe to profound HL for high frequencies. Conversely, type 3 is the rarest, initially manifesting mild symptoms during childhood that become more prominent in the first decades of life. The dual impact of USH on both visual and auditory senses significantly impairs patients’ quality of life, restricting their daily activities and interactions with society. To date, 9 genes have been confirmed so far for USH: MYO7A, USH1C, CDH23, PCDH15, USH1G, USH2A, ADGRV1, WHRN and CLRN1. These genes are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and encode proteins expressed in the inner ear and retina, leading to functional loss. Although non-genetic methods can assist in patient triage and disease extension evaluation, genetic and molecular tests play a pivotal role in providing genetic counseling, enabling appropriate gene therapy, and facilitating timely cochlear implantation (CI). The CRISPR/Cas9 system and viral-based gene replacement therapy have recently emerged as highly promising techniques for treating USH. Regarding drug therapy, PTC-124 and Nb54 have been identified as promising drug interventions for genetic HL in USH. Simultaneously, CI has proven to be critical in the restoration of hearing. This review aims to summarize the genetic and molecular diagnosis of USH and highlight the importance of early diagnosis in guiding appropriate treatment strategies and improving patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Rocha Cuzzuol
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Jonathan Santos Apolonio
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Lorena Sousa de Carvalho
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Luana Kauany de Sá Santos
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Luciano Hasimoto Malheiro
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Marcel Silva Luz
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Mariana Santos Calmon
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Henrique de Lima Crivellaro
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Fabian Fellipe Bueno Lemos
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Freire de Melo
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
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Gilmore WB, Hultgren NW, Chadha A, Barocio SB, Zhang J, Kutsyr O, Flores-Bellver M, Canto-Soler MV, Williams DS. Expression of two major isoforms of MYO7A in the retina: Considerations for gene therapy of Usher syndrome type 1B. Vision Res 2023; 212:108311. [PMID: 37586294 PMCID: PMC10984346 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2023.108311] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Usher syndrome type 1B (USH1B) is a deaf-blindness disorder, caused by mutations in the MYO7A gene, which encodes the heavy chain of an unconventional actin-based motor protein. Here, we examined the two retinal isoforms of MYO7A, IF1 and IF2. We compared 3D models of the two isoforms and noted that the 38-amino acid region that is present in IF1 but absent from IF2 affects the C lobe of the FERM1 domain and the opening of a cleft in this potentially important protein binding domain. Expression of each of the two isoforms of human MYO7A and pig and mouse Myo7a was detected in the RPE and neural retina. Quantification by qPCR showed that the expression of IF2 was typically ∼ 7-fold greater than that of IF1. We discuss the implications of these findings for any USH1B gene therapy strategy. Given the current incomplete knowledge of the functions of each isoform, both isoforms should be considered for targeting both the RPE and the neural retina in gene augmentation therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Blake Gilmore
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nan W Hultgren
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Abhishek Chadha
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sonia B Barocio
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joyce Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Oksana Kutsyr
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Research Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Miguel Flores-Bellver
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Research Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - M Valeria Canto-Soler
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Research Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - David S Williams
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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15
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Borgese N, Guillén-Samander A, Colombo SF, Mancassola G, Di Berardino F, Zanetti D, Carrera P. Combined Presence in Heterozygosis of Two Variant Usher Syndrome Genes in Two Siblings Affected by Isolated Profound Age-Related Hearing Loss. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2657. [PMID: 37893031 PMCID: PMC10604119 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensorineural age-related hearing loss affects a large proportion of the elderly population, and has both environmental and genetic causes. Notwithstanding increasing interest in this debilitating condition, the genetic risk factors remain largely unknown. Here, we report the case of two sisters affected by isolated profound sensorineural hearing loss after the age of seventy. Genomic DNA sequencing revealed that the siblings shared two monoallelic variants in two genes linked to Usher Syndrome (USH genes), a recessive disorder of the ear and the retina: a rare pathogenic truncating variant in USH1G and a previously unreported missense variant in ADGRV1. Structure predictions suggest a negative effect on protein stability of the latter variant, allowing its classification as likely pathogenic according to American College of Medical Genetics criteria. Thus, the presence in heterozygosis of two recessive alleles, which each cause syndromic deafness, may underlie digenic inheritance of the age-related non-syndromic hearing loss of the siblings, a hypothesis that is strengthened by the knowledge that the two genes are integrated in the same functional network, which underlies stereocilium development and organization. These results enlarge the spectrum and complexity of the phenotypic consequences of USH gene mutations beyond the simple Mendelian inheritance of classical Usher syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nica Borgese
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Neuroscience Institute, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy;
| | | | - Sara Francesca Colombo
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Neuroscience Institute, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy;
- NeuroMi Milan Center for Neuroscience, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Mancassola
- Unit of Genomics for Human Disease Diagnosis, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy;
- Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Genetics, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Di Berardino
- Audiology Unit, Department of Specialistic Surgical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (F.D.B.); (D.Z.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Zanetti
- Audiology Unit, Department of Specialistic Surgical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (F.D.B.); (D.Z.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Carrera
- Unit of Genomics for Human Disease Diagnosis, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy;
- Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Genetics, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
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16
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Lau SC, Grati M, Isgrig K, Sinan M, Calabro KR, Zhu J, Ishibashi Y, Ozgur Z, Wafa T, Belyantseva IA, Fitzgerald T, Friedman TB, Boye SL, Boye SE, Chien WW. Dual-AAV vector-mediated expression of MYO7A improves vestibular function in a mouse model of Usher syndrome 1B. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 30:534-545. [PMID: 37693946 PMCID: PMC10491803 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Usher syndrome is the most common cause of deafness-blindness in the world. Usher syndrome type 1B (USH1B) is associated with mutations in MYO7A. Patients with USH1B experience deafness, blindness, and vestibular dysfunction. In this study, we applied adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy to the shaker-1 (Myo7a4626SB/4626SB) mouse, a model of USH1B. The shaker-1 mouse has a nonsense mutation in Myo7a, is profoundly deaf throughout life, and has significant vestibular dysfunction. Because of the ∼6.7-kb size of the MYO7A cDNA, a dual-AAV approach was used for gene delivery, which involves splitting human MYO7A cDNA into 5' and 3' halves and cloning them into two separate AAV8(Y733F) vectors. When MYO7A cDNA was delivered to shaker-1 inner ears using the dual-AAV approach, cochlear hair cell survival was improved. However, stereocilium organization and auditory function were not improved. In contrast, in the vestibular system, dual-AAV-mediated MYO7A delivery significantly rescued hair cell stereocilium morphology and improved vestibular function, as reflected in a reduction of circling behavior and improved vestibular sensory-evoked potential (VsEP) thresholds. Our data indicate that dual-AAV-mediated MYO7A expression improves vestibular function in shaker-1 mice and supports further development of this approach for the treatment of disabling dizziness from vestibular dysfunction in USH1B patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha C. Lau
- Inner Ear Gene Therapy Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mhamed Grati
- Inner Ear Gene Therapy Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kevin Isgrig
- Inner Ear Gene Therapy Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Moaz Sinan
- Inner Ear Gene Therapy Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kaitlyn R. Calabro
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jianliang Zhu
- Inner Ear Gene Therapy Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yasuko Ishibashi
- Inner Ear Gene Therapy Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Zeynep Ozgur
- Inner Ear Gene Therapy Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Talah Wafa
- Mouse Auditory Testing Core Facility, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Inna A. Belyantseva
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Tracy Fitzgerald
- Mouse Auditory Testing Core Facility, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Thomas B. Friedman
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sanford L. Boye
- Powell Gene Therapy Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Shannon E. Boye
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Wade W. Chien
- Inner Ear Gene Therapy Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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17
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Filson MJ, Davis DC, Yother C. Clinical Presentation of Usher Syndrome Type 1B (USH1B) in a 10-Month-Old: A Case Report. Cureus 2023; 15:e43934. [PMID: 37746462 PMCID: PMC10513348 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Usher Syndrome (USH) is a genetically inherited condition characterized by congenital sensorineural hearing loss and progressive vision loss secondary to retinitis pigmentosa. Patients may also display vestibular areflexia and balance issues secondary to inner ear damage. Usher Syndrome is the most commonly diagnosed syndrome within the blind-deaf community, and it accounts for a significant portion of the hearing and visual deficit cases among patients younger than 65 years of age. Due to the reported prevalence of Usher Syndrome in the United States, it appears there is chronic underdiagnosis in clinical settings throughout the country. A possible explanation for this is the visual deficits of Usher syndrome do not appear until later in life and thus inappropriately lower the index of suspicion for this diagnosis in young children with hearing deficits. This case study highlights a healthy newborn who failed the universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) bilaterally and a follow-up hearing screening in a pediatrician's office. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) later confirmed bilateral severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. Upon genetic testing, an abnormality in the Unconventional Myosin VII-A (MYO7) gene was discovered and consistent with Usher syndrome Type 1B (USH1B). Usher Syndrome should be considered on the differential for patients with congenital hearing loss. Genetic counseling should be used if no other cause of sensorineural hearing loss is identified. Due to the progressive nature of this condition and the physical and developmental deficits that will transpire without treatment, a genetic panel for hearing loss should be prioritized to determine the presence of genetic mutations suggesting Usher syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan J Filson
- Medicine, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Auburn, USA
| | - Dakota C Davis
- Medicine, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, USA
| | - Claire Yother
- Pediatrics, Gadsden Pediatric Clinic, P.A., Gadsden, USA
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18
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Chung DD, Mahnke AH, Pinson MR, Salem NA, Lai MS, Collins NP, Hillhouse AE, Miranda RC. Sex differences in the transcriptome of extracellular vesicles secreted by fetal neural stem cells and effects of chronic alcohol exposure. Biol Sex Differ 2023; 14:19. [PMID: 37060018 PMCID: PMC10105449 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00503-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal alcohol (ethanol) exposure (PAE) results in brain growth restriction, in part, by reprogramming self-renewal and maturation of fetal neural stem cells (NSCs) during neurogenesis. We recently showed that ethanol resulted in enrichment of both proteins and pro-maturation microRNAs in sub-200-nm-sized extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by fetal NSCs. Moreover, EVs secreted by ethanol-exposed NSCs exhibited diminished efficacy in controlling NSC metabolism and maturation. Here we tested the hypothesis that ethanol may also influence the packaging of RNAs into EVs from cell-of-origin NSCs. METHODS Sex-specified fetal murine iso-cortical neuroepithelia from three separate pregnancies were maintained ex vivo, as neurosphere cultures to model the early neurogenic niche. EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation from NSCs exposed to a dose range of ethanol. RNA from paired EV and cell-of-origin NSC samples was processed for ribosomal RNA-depleted RNA sequencing. Differential expression analysis and exploratory weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified candidate genes and gene networks that were drivers of alterations to the transcriptome of EVs relative to cells. RESULTS The RNA content of EVs differed significantly from cell-of-origin NSCs. Biological sex contributed to unique transcriptome variance in EV samples, where > 75% of the most variant transcripts were also sex-variant in EVs but not in cell-of-origin NSCs. WGCNA analysis also identified sex-dependent enrichment of pathways, including dopamine receptor binding and ectoderm formation in female EVs and cell-substrate adhesion in male EVs, with the top significant DEGs from differential analysis of overall individual gene expressions, i.e., Arhgap15, enriched in female EVs, and Cenpa, enriched in male EVs, also serving as WCGNA hub genes of sex-biased EV WGCNA clusters. In addition to the baseline RNA content differences, ethanol exposure resulted in a significant dose-dependent change in transcript expression in both EVs and cell-of-origin NSCs that predominantly altered sex-invariant RNAs. Moreover, at the highest dose, ~ 73% of significantly altered RNAs were enriched in EVs, but depleted in NSCs. CONCLUSIONS The EV transcriptome is distinctly different from, and more sex-variant than, the transcriptome of cell-of-origin NSCs. Ethanol, a common teratogen, results in dose-dependent sorting of RNA transcripts from NSCs to EVs which may reprogram the EV-mediated endocrine environment during neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae D Chung
- School of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical Research and Education, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Building 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX, 77807-3260, USA
| | - Amanda H Mahnke
- School of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical Research and Education, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Building 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX, 77807-3260, USA
- Women's Health in Neuroscience, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Marisa R Pinson
- School of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical Research and Education, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Building 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX, 77807-3260, USA
| | - Nihal A Salem
- School of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical Research and Education, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Building 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX, 77807-3260, USA
| | - Michael S Lai
- School of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical Research and Education, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Building 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX, 77807-3260, USA
| | - Natalie P Collins
- School of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical Research and Education, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Building 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX, 77807-3260, USA
| | - Andrew E Hillhouse
- Texas A&M Institute for Genome Sciences and Society, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Rajesh C Miranda
- School of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical Research and Education, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Building 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX, 77807-3260, USA.
- Women's Health in Neuroscience, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA.
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19
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Tebbe L, Mwoyosvi ML, Crane R, Makia MS, Kakakhel M, Cosgrove D, Al-Ubaidi MR, Naash MI. The usherin mutation c.2299delG leads to its mislocalization and disrupts interactions with whirlin and VLGR1. Nat Commun 2023; 14:972. [PMID: 36810733 PMCID: PMC9944904 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36431-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH) is the leading cause of combined deafness-blindness with type 2 A (USH2A) being the most common form. Knockout models of USH proteins, like the Ush2a-/- model that develops a late-onset retinal phenotype, failed to mimic the retinal phenotype observed in patients. Since patient's mutations result in the expression of a mutant protein and to determine the mechanism of USH2A, we generated and evaluated an usherin (USH2A) knock-in mouse expressing the common human disease-mutation, c.2299delG. This mouse exhibits retinal degeneration and expresses a truncated, glycosylated protein which is mislocalized to the photoreceptor inner segment. The degeneration is associated with a decline in retinal function, structural abnormalities in connecting cilium and outer segment and mislocaliztion of the usherin interactors very long G-protein receptor 1 and whirlin. The onset of symptoms is significantly earlier compared to Ush2a-/-, proving expression of mutated protein is required to recapitulate the patients' retinal phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Tebbe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Maggie L Mwoyosvi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Ryan Crane
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Mustafa S Makia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Mashal Kakakhel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | | | - Muayyad R Al-Ubaidi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.
| | - Muna I Naash
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.
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20
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Kim KS, Koo HY, Bok J. Alternative splicing in shaping the molecular landscape of the cochlea. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1143428. [PMID: 36936679 PMCID: PMC10018040 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1143428] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The cochlea is a complex organ comprising diverse cell types with highly specialized morphology and function. Until now, the molecular underpinnings of its specializations have mostly been studied from a transcriptional perspective, but accumulating evidence points to post-transcriptional regulation as a major source of molecular diversity. Alternative splicing is one of the most prevalent and well-characterized post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Many molecules important for hearing, such as cadherin 23 or harmonin, undergo alternative splicing to produce functionally distinct isoforms. Some isoforms are expressed specifically in the cochlea, while some show differential expression across the various cochlear cell types and anatomical regions. Clinical phenotypes that arise from mutations affecting specific splice variants testify to the functional relevance of these isoforms. All these clues point to an essential role for alternative splicing in shaping the unique molecular landscape of the cochlea. Although the regulatory mechanisms controlling alternative splicing in the cochlea are poorly characterized, there are animal models with defective splicing regulators that demonstrate the importance of RNA-binding proteins in maintaining cochlear function and cell survival. Recent technological breakthroughs offer exciting prospects for overcoming some of the long-standing hurdles that have complicated the analysis of alternative splicing in the cochlea. Efforts toward this end will help clarify how the remarkable diversity of the cochlear transcriptome is both established and maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwan Soo Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hei Yeun Koo
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinwoong Bok
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Jinwoong Bok,
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21
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Huang Y, Yuan L, He G, Cao Y, Deng X, Deng H. Novel compound heterozygous variants in the USH2A gene associated with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa without hearing loss. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1129862. [PMID: 36875754 PMCID: PMC9974670 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1129862] [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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of progressive inherited retinal dystrophies characterized by the primary degeneration of rod photoreceptors and the subsequent loss of cone photoreceptors because of cell death. It is caused by different mechanisms, including inflammation, apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy. Variants in the usherin gene (USH2A) have been reported in autosomal recessive RP with or without hearing loss. In the present study, we aimed to identify causative variants in a Han-Chinese pedigree with autosomal recessive RP. Methods: A six-member, three-generation Han-Chinese family with autosomal recessive RP was recruited. A full clinical examination, whole exome sequencing, and Sanger sequencing, as well as co-segregation analysis were performed. Results: Three heterozygous variants in the USH2A gene, c.3304C>T (p.Q1102*), c.4745T>C (p.L1582P), and c.14740G>A (p.E4914K), were identified in the proband, which were inherited from parents and transmitted to the daughters. Bioinformatics analysis supported the pathogenicity of the c.3304C>T (p.Q1102*) and c.4745T>C (p.L1582P) variants. Conclusions: Novel compound heterozygous variants in the USH2A gene, c.3304C>T (p.Q1102*) and c.4745T>C (p.L1582P), were identified as the genetic causes of autosomal recessive RP. The findings may enhance the current knowledge of the pathogenesis of USH2A-associated phenotypes, expand the spectrum of the USH2A gene variants, and contribute to improved genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis, and disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxia Huang
- Health Management Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Disease Genome Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lamei Yuan
- Health Management Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Disease Genome Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guiyun He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanna Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiong Deng
- Health Management Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Disease Genome Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hao Deng
- Health Management Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Disease Genome Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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22
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Silva VAR, Pauna HF, Lavinsky J, Hyppolito MA, Vianna MF, Leal M, Massuda ET, Hamerschmidt R, Bahmad F, Cal RV, Sampaio ALL, Felix F, Chone CT, Castilho AM. Task force Guideline of Brazilian Society of Otology ‒ hearing loss in children - Part I ‒ Evaluation. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2022; 89:159-189. [PMID: 36529647 PMCID: PMC9874360 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide an overview of the main evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis of hearing loss in children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 years. METHODS Task force members were educated on knowledge synthesis methods, including electronic database search, review and selection of relevant citations, and critical appraisal of selected studies. Articles written in English or Portuguese on childhood hearing loss were eligible for inclusion. The American College of Physicians' guideline grading system and the American Thyroid Association's guideline criteria were used for critical appraisal of evidence and recommendations for therapeutic interventions. RESULTS The evaluation and diagnosis of hearing loss: universal newborn hearing screening, laboratory testing, congenital infections (especially cytomegalovirus), genetic testing and main syndromes, radiologic imaging studies, vestibular assessment of children with hearing loss, auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and noise-induced hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS Every child with suspected hearing loss has the right to diagnosis and appropriate treatment if necessary. This task force considers 5 essential rights: (1) Otolaryngologist consultation; (2) Speech assessment and therapy; (3) Diagnostic tests; (4) Treatment; (5) Ophthalmologist consultation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vagner Antonio Rodrigues Silva
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Departamento de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| | - Henrique Furlan Pauna
- Hospital Universitário Cajuru, Departamento de Otorrinolaringologia, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Joel Lavinsky
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Departamento de Cirurgia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Miguel Angelo Hyppolito
- Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Oftalmologia, Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Melissa Ferreira Vianna
- Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, Departamento de Otorrinolaringologia, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana Leal
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Departamento de Cirurgia, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Tanaka Massuda
- Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Oftalmologia, Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Rogério Hamerschmidt
- Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Hospital de Clínicas, Departamento de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Fayez Bahmad
- Universidade de Brasília (UnB), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Instituto Brasiliense de Otorrinolaringologia (IBO), Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Renato Valério Cal
- Centro Universitário do Estado do Pará (CESUPA), Departamento de Otorrinolaringologia, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - André Luiz Lopes Sampaio
- Universidade de Brasília (UnB), Faculdade de Medicina, Laboratório de Ensino e Pesquisa em Otorrinolaringologia, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Felippe Felix
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho (HUCFF), Departamento de Otorrinolaringologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlos Takahiro Chone
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Departamento de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Arthur Menino Castilho
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Departamento de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço, Campinas, SP, Brazil
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Chen N, Lee H, Kim AH, Liu PK, Kang EYC, Tseng YJ, Seo GH, Khang R, Liu L, Chen KJ, Wu WC, Hsiao MC, Wang NK. Case report: novel PCDH15 variant causes usher syndrome type 1F with congenital hearing loss and syndromic retinitis pigmentosa. BMC Ophthalmol 2022; 22:441. [PMID: 36384460 PMCID: PMC9670441 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-022-02659-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Usher syndrome (USH) is an autosomal recessive disorder primarily responsible for deaf-blindness. Patients with subtype Usher syndrome type 1 (USH1) typically experience congenital sensorineural hearing loss, abnormal vestibular function, and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Here we present a case of Usher syndrome type 1F (USH1F) with a novel homozygous variant in the calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion protocadherin-15 (PCDH15) gene.
Case presentation
Ophthalmic examinations were evaluated over a course of 10 years and the disease-causing variant was identified by whole exome sequencing (WES). Initial and follow-up examination of color fundus photos after 10 years revealed an increase in bone spicule pigment deposits in both eyes. A parafoveal hyper-AF ring in both eyes was shown in fundus autofluorescence (FAF) with a progressive diameter-wise constriction observed over 8 years. Outer nuclear layer (ONL) loss was observed in parafoveal and perifoveal regions of both eyes on spectral domain–optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Full-field electroretinography (ffERG) showed extinguished global retinal function. WES identified a novel two-base-pair deletion, c.60_61del (p.Phe21Ter), in the PCDH15 gene, confirming the diagnosis of USH1F.
Conclusions
We report a novel homozygous PCDH15 pathogenic variant expected to lead to nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) of PCDH15 mRNA. The patient exhibits a loss of function with USH1F, experiencing congenital hearing loss and syndromic RP.
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Berninger E, Drott M, Romanitan M, Tranebjærg L, Hellström S. Congenital Nonprofound Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Children: Comprehensive Characterization of Auditory Function and Hearing Aid Benefit. Audiol Res 2022; 12:539-563. [PMID: 36285911 PMCID: PMC9598400 DOI: 10.3390/audiolres12050054] [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: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A prospective cross-sectional design was used to characterize congenital bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). The underlying material of >30,000 consecutively screened newborns comprised 11 subjects with nonprofound, alleged nonsyndromic, SNHL. Comprehensive audiological testing was performed at ≈11 years of age. Results showed symmetrical sigmoid-like median pure-tone thresholds (PTTs) reaching 50−60 dB HL. The congenital SNHL revealed recruitment, increased upward spread of masking, distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) dependent on PTT (≤60 dB HL), reduced auditory brainstem response (ABR) amplitude, and normal magnetic resonance imaging. Unaided recognition of speech in spatially separate competing speech (SCS) deteriorated with increasing uncomfortable loudness level (UCL), plausibly linked to reduced afferent signals. Most subjects demonstrated hearing aid (HA) benefit in a demanding laboratory listening situation. Questionnaires revealed HA benefit in real-world listening situations. This functional characterization should be important for the outline of clinical guidelines. The distinct relationship between DPOAE and PTT, up to the theoretical limit of cochlear amplification, and the low ABR amplitude remain to be elucidated. The significant relation between UCL and SCS has implications for HA-fitting. The fitting of HAs based on causes, mechanisms, and functional characterization of the SNHL may be an individualized intervention approach and deserves future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Berninger
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Audiology and Neurotology, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: or
| | - Maria Drott
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Audiology and Neurotology, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mircea Romanitan
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Audiology and Neurotology, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lisbeth Tranebjærg
- Department of Clinical Genetics, The University Hospital Rigshospital/The Kennedy Centre, DK-2600 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, DK-1165 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sten Hellström
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Audiology and Neurotology, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
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Liao EN, Taketa E, Mohamad NI, Chan DK. Outcomes of Gene Panel Testing for Sensorineural Hearing Loss in a Diverse Patient Cohort. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2233441. [PMID: 36166228 PMCID: PMC9516276 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.33441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE A genetic diagnosis can help elucidate the prognosis of hearing loss, thus significantly affecting management. Previous studies on diagnostic yield of hearing loss genetic tests have been based on largely homogenous study populations. OBJECTIVES To examine the diagnostic yield of genetic testing in a diverse population of children, accounting for sociodemographic and patient characteristics, and assess whether these diagnoses are associated with subsequent changes in clinical management. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This retrospective cohort study included 2075 patients seen at the Children's Communications Clinic, of whom 517 completed hearing loss gene panel testing between January 1, 2015, and November 1, 2021, at the University of California, San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital system. From those 517 patients, 426 children with at least 2 audiograms were identified and analyzed. Data were gathered from November 2021 to January 2022 and analyzed from January to February 2022. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The measures of interest were sociodemographic characteristics (age at testing, gender, race and ethnicity, primary language, and insurance type), hearing loss characteristics, and medical variables. The outcome was genetic testing results. Variables were compared with univariate and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Of the 2075 patients seen at the Children's Communications Clinic, 517 (median [range] age, 8 [0-31] years; 264 [51.1%] male; 351 [67.9%] from an underrepresented minority [URM] group) underwent a hearing loss panel genetic test between January 1, 2015, and November 1, 2021. Among those 517 patients, 426 children (median [range] age, 8 [0-18] years; 221 [51.9%] male; 304 [71.4%] from an URM group) with 2 or more audiograms were included in a subsequent analysis. On multivariable logistic regression, age at testing (odds ratio [OR], 0.87; 95% CI, 0.78-0.97), URM group status (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.13-0.66), comorbidities (OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.14-0.53), late-identified hearing loss (passed newborn hearing screen; OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.08-0.86), and unilateral hearing loss (OR, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.005-0.33) were the only factors associated with genetic diagnosis. No association was found between genetic diagnosis yield and other sociodemographic variables or hearing loss characteristics. Patients in URM and non-URM groups had statistically similar clinical features. A total of 32 of 109 children (29.4%) who received a genetic diagnosis received diagnoses that significantly affected prognosis because of identification of syndromic or progressive sensorineural hearing loss or auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder relating to otoferlin. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This cohort study's findings suggest that genetic testing may be broadly useful in improving clinical management of children with hearing loss. More research is warranted to discover and characterize diagnostic genes for those who have been historically underrepresented in research and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth N. Liao
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Emily Taketa
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Noura I. Mohamad
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Dylan K. Chan
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco
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26
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El Shamieh S, Maltese PE. Editorial: The genetics of inherited retinal diseases in understudied ethnic groups: Novel associations, challenges, and perspectives. Front Genet 2022; 13:990782. [PMID: 36081992 PMCID: PMC9445133 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.990782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Said El Shamieh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
- *Correspondence: Said El Shamieh, ; Paolo Enrico Maltese,
| | - Paolo Enrico Maltese
- Magi’s Lab SRL, Rovereto, Italy
- *Correspondence: Said El Shamieh, ; Paolo Enrico Maltese,
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27
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Zaw K, Carvalho LS, Aung-Htut MT, Fletcher S, Wilton SD, Chen FK, McLenachan S. Pathogenesis and Treatment of Usher Syndrome Type IIA. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2022; 11:369-379. [PMID: 36041150 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH) is the most common form of deaf-blindness, with an estimated prevalence of 4.4 to 16.6 per 100,000 people worldwide. The most common form of USH is type IIA (USH2A), which is caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in the USH2A gene and accounts for around half of all USH cases. USH2A patients show moderate to severe hearing loss from birth, with diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa in the second decade of life and variable vestibular involvement. Although hearing aids or cochlear implants can provide some mitigation of hearing deficits, there are currently no treatments aimed at preventing or restoring vision loss in USH2A patients. In this review, we first provide an overview of the molecular biology of the USH2A gene and its protein isoforms, which include a transmembrane protein (TM usherin) and an extracellular protein (EC usherin). The role of these proteins in the inner ear and retina and their impact on the pathogenesis of USH2A is discussed. We review animal cell-derived and patient cell-derived models currently used in USH2A research and conclude with an overview of potential treatment strategies currently in preclinical development and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khine Zaw
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
- Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Livia S Carvalho
- Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - May T Aung-Htut
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sue Fletcher
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Steve D Wilton
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Fred K Chen
- Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samuel McLenachan
- Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
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Jaffal L, Akhdar H, Joumaa H, Ibrahim M, Chhouri Z, Assi A, Helou C, Lee H, Seo GH, Joumaa WH, El Shamieh S. Novel Missense and Splice Site Mutations in USH2A, CDH23, PCDH15, and ADGRV1 Are Associated With Usher Syndrome in Lebanon. Front Genet 2022; 13:864228. [PMID: 35651951 PMCID: PMC9149366 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.864228] [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: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to expand the mutation spectrum by searching the causative mutations in nine Lebanese families with Usher syndrome (USH) using whole-exome sequencing. The pathogenicity of candidate mutations was first evaluated according to their frequency, conservation, and in silico prediction tools. Then, it was confirmed via Sanger sequencing, followed by segregation analysis. Finally, a meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the prevalence of USH genes in the Lebanese population. Three missense mutations, two splice site mutations, and one insertion/deletion were detected in eight of the families. Four of these variants were novel: c.5535C > A; p.(Asn1845Lys) in exon 41 of CDH23, c.7130G > A; p.(Arg2377Gln) in exon 32 of ADGRV1, c.11390-1G > A in USH2A, and c.3999–6A > G in PCDH15. All the identified mutations were shown to be likely disease-causing through our bioinformatics analysis and co-segregated with the USH phenotype. The mutations were classified according to the ACMG standards. Finally, our meta-analysis showed that the mutations in ADGRV1, USH2A, and CLRN1 are the most prevalent and responsible for approximately 75% of USH cases in Lebanon. Of note, the frequency USH type 3 showed a relatively high incidence (23%) compared to the worldwide prevalence, which is around 2–4%. In conclusion, our study has broadened the mutational spectrum of USH and showed a high heterogeneity of this disease in the Lebanese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lama Jaffal
- Rammal Hassan Rammal Research Laboratory, PhyToxE Research Group, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Nabatieh, Lebanon.,Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hanane Akhdar
- Rammal Hassan Rammal Research Laboratory, PhyToxE Research Group, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Nabatieh, Lebanon.,Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hawraa Joumaa
- Rammal Hassan Rammal Research Laboratory, PhyToxE Research Group, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Nabatieh, Lebanon
| | - Mariam Ibrahim
- Rammal Hassan Rammal Research Laboratory, PhyToxE Research Group, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Nabatieh, Lebanon
| | - Zahraa Chhouri
- Rammal Hassan Rammal Research Laboratory, PhyToxE Research Group, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Nabatieh, Lebanon
| | - Alexandre Assi
- Retinal Service, Beirut Eye & ENT Specialist Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Charles Helou
- Retinal Service, Beirut Eye & ENT Specialist Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hane Lee
- Rare Genetic Disease Research Center, 3billion Inc, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Go Hun Seo
- Rare Genetic Disease Research Center, 3billion Inc, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Wissam H Joumaa
- Rammal Hassan Rammal Research Laboratory, PhyToxE Research Group, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Nabatieh, Lebanon
| | - Said El Shamieh
- Rammal Hassan Rammal Research Laboratory, PhyToxE Research Group, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Nabatieh, Lebanon.,Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
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29
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The genetic and phenotypic landscapes of Usher syndrome: from disease mechanisms to a new classification. Hum Genet 2022; 141:709-735. [PMID: 35353227 PMCID: PMC9034986 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-022-02448-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Usher syndrome (USH) is the most common cause of deaf–blindness in humans, with a prevalence of about 1/10,000 (~ 400,000 people worldwide). Cochlear implants are currently used to reduce the burden of hearing loss in severe-to-profoundly deaf patients, but many promising treatments including gene, cell, and drug therapies to restore the native function of the inner ear and retinal sensory cells are under investigation. The traditional clinical classification of Usher syndrome defines three major subtypes—USH1, 2 and 3—according to hearing loss severity and onset, the presence or absence of vestibular dysfunction, and age at onset of retinitis pigmentosa. Pathogenic variants of nine USH genes have been initially reported: MYO7A, USH1C, PCDH15, CDH23, and USH1G for USH1, USH2A, ADGRV1, and WHRN for USH2, and CLRN1 for USH3. Based on the co-occurrence of hearing and vision deficits, the list of USH genes has been extended to few other genes, but with limited supporting information. A consensus on combined criteria for Usher syndrome is crucial for the development of accurate diagnosis and to improve patient management. In recent years, a wealth of information has been obtained concerning the properties of the Usher proteins, related molecular networks, potential genotype–phenotype correlations, and the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the impairment or loss of hearing, balance and vision. The advent of precision medicine calls for a clear and more precise diagnosis of Usher syndrome, exploiting all the existing data to develop a combined clinical/genetic/network/functional classification for Usher syndrome.
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