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Rodríguez-López R, Gimeno-Ferrer F, do Santos DA, Ferrer-Bolufer I, Luján CG, Alcalá OZ, García-Banacloy A, Cogollos VB, Juan CS. Reviewed and updated Algorithm for Genetic Characterization of Syndromic Obesity Phenotypes. Curr Genomics 2022; 23:147-162. [PMID: 36777005 PMCID: PMC9878830 DOI: 10.2174/1389202923666220426093436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Individuals with a phenotype of early-onset severe obesity associated with intellectual disability can have molecular diagnoses ranging from monogenic to complex genetic traits. Severe overweight is the major sign of a syndromic physical appearance and predicting the influence of a single gene and/or polygenic risk profile is extremely complicated among the majority of the cases. At present, considering rare monogenic bases as the principal etiology for the majority of obesity cases associated with intellectual disability is scientifically poor. The diversity of the molecular bases responsible for the two entities makes the appliance of the current routinely powerful genomics diagnostic tools essential. Objective: Clinical investigation of these difficult-to-diagnose patients requires pediatricians and neurologists to use optimized descriptions of signs and symptoms to improve genotype correlations. Methods: The use of modern integrated bioinformatics strategies which are conducted by experienced multidisciplinary clinical teams. Evaluation of the phenotype of the patient's family is also of importance. Results: The next step involves discarding the monogenic canonical obesity syndromes and considering infrequent unique molecular cases, and/or then polygenic bases. Adequate management of the application of the new technique and its diagnostic phases is essential for achieving good cost/efficiency balances. Conclusion: With the current clinical management, it is necessary to consider the potential coincidence of risk mutations for obesity in patients with genetic alterations that induce intellectual disability. In this review, we describe an updated algorithm for the molecular characterization and diagnosis of patients with a syndromic obesity phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Rodríguez-López
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Clinical Analysis Service, General Hospital Consortium of Valencia, Valencia, Spain;,Address correspondence to this author at the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Clinical Analysis Service, General Hospital Consortium of Valencia, Avenida de las Tres Cruces no. 2 46014, Valencia, Spain; Tel: 0034 963 131 800 – 437317; Fax: 0034 963 131 979; E-mail:
| | - Fátima Gimeno-Ferrer
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Clinical Analysis Service, General Hospital Consortium of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - David Albuquerque do Santos
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Clinical Analysis Service, General Hospital Consortium of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Irene Ferrer-Bolufer
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Clinical Analysis Service, General Hospital Consortium of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carola Guzmán Luján
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Clinical Analysis Service, General Hospital Consortium of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Otilia Zomeño Alcalá
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Clinical Analysis Service, General Hospital Consortium of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Amor García-Banacloy
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Clinical Analysis Service, General Hospital Consortium of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Carlos Sánchez Juan
- Endocrinology Service, General Hospital Consortium of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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2
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Zebrafish Syndromic Albinism Models as Tools for Understanding and Treating Pigment Cell Disease in Humans. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071752. [PMID: 35406524 PMCID: PMC8997128 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an emerging model for studying many diseases, including disorders originating in black pigment cells, melanocytes. In this review of the melanocyte literature, we discuss the current knowledge of melanocyte biology relevant to understanding different forms of albinism and the potential of the zebrafish model system for finding novel mechanisms and treatments. Abstract Melanin is the pigment that protects DNA from ultraviolet (UV) damage by absorbing excess energy. Melanin is produced in a process called melanogenesis. When melanogenesis is altered, diseases such as albinism result. Albinism can result in an increased skin cancer risk. Conversely, black pigment cell (melanocyte) development pathways can be misregulated, causing excessive melanocyte growth that leads to melanoma (cancer of melanocytes). Zebrafish is an emerging model organism used to study pigment disorders due to their high fecundity, visible melanin development in melanophores (melanocytes in mammals) from 24 h post-fertilization, and conserved melanogenesis pathways. Here, we reviewed the conserved developmental pathways in zebrafish melanophores and mammalian melanocytes. Additionally, we summarized the progress made in understanding pigment cell disease and evidence supporting the strong potential for using zebrafish to find novel treatment options for albinism.
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Cancer Cell Invasion and Metastasis in Zebrafish Models (Danio rerio). Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2294:3-16. [PMID: 33742390 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1350-4_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cell vascular invasion and extravasation at metastatic sites are hallmarks of malignant progression of cancer and associated with poor disease outcome. Here we describe an in vivo approach to study the invasive ability of cancer cells into the vasculature and their hematogenous metastatic seeding in zebrafish (Danio rerio). In one approach, extravasation of fluorescently labeled cancer cells is monitored in zebrafish embryos whose vasculature is marked by a contrasting fluorescent reporter. After injection into the precardiac sinus of 2-day-old embryos, cancer cells can extravasate from the vasculature into tissues over the next few days. Extravasated cancer cells are identified and counted in live embryos via fluorescence microscopy. In a second approach, intravasation of cancer cells can be evaluated by changing their injection site to the yolk sac of zebrafish embryos. In addition to monitoring the impact of drivers of malignant progression, candidate inhibitors can be studied in this in vivo model system for their efficacy as well as their toxicity for the host.
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Kummerfeld DM, Raabe CA, Brosius J, Mo D, Skryabin BV, Rozhdestvensky TS. A Comprehensive Review of Genetically Engineered Mouse Models for Prader-Willi Syndrome Research. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3613. [PMID: 33807162 PMCID: PMC8037846 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a neurogenetic multifactorial disorder caused by the deletion or inactivation of paternally imprinted genes on human chromosome 15q11-q13. The affected homologous locus is on mouse chromosome 7C. The positional conservation and organization of genes including the imprinting pattern between mice and men implies similar physiological functions of this locus. Therefore, considerable efforts to recreate the pathogenesis of PWS have been accomplished in mouse models. We provide a summary of different mouse models that were generated for the analysis of PWS and discuss their impact on our current understanding of corresponding genes, their putative functions and the pathogenesis of PWS. Murine models of PWS unveiled the contribution of each affected gene to this multi-facetted disease, and also enabled the establishment of the minimal critical genomic region (PWScr) responsible for core symptoms, highlighting the importance of non-protein coding genes in the PWS locus. Although the underlying disease-causing mechanisms of PWS remain widely unresolved and existing mouse models do not fully capture the entire spectrum of the human PWS disorder, continuous improvements of genetically engineered mouse models have proven to be very powerful and valuable tools in PWS research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delf-Magnus Kummerfeld
- Medical Faculty, Core Facility Transgenic Animal and Genetic Engineering Models (TRAM), University of Muenster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Muenster, Germany;
| | - Carsten A. Raabe
- Research Group Regulatory Mechanisms of Inflammation, Institute of Medical Biochemistry (ZMBE), University of Muenster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Muenster, Germany;
- Institute of Experimental Pathology (ZMBE), University of Muenster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Muenster, Germany;
| | - Juergen Brosius
- Institute of Experimental Pathology (ZMBE), University of Muenster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Muenster, Germany;
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Dingding Mo
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China;
| | - Boris V. Skryabin
- Medical Faculty, Core Facility Transgenic Animal and Genetic Engineering Models (TRAM), University of Muenster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Muenster, Germany;
| | - Timofey S. Rozhdestvensky
- Medical Faculty, Core Facility Transgenic Animal and Genetic Engineering Models (TRAM), University of Muenster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Muenster, Germany;
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5
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Chowanadisai W, Hart MD, Strong MD, Graham DM, Rucker RB, Smith BJ, Keen CL, Messerli MA. Genetic and Genomic Advances in Developmental Models: Applications for Nutrition Research. Adv Nutr 2020; 11:971-978. [PMID: 32135011 PMCID: PMC7360451 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmaa022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing appreciation that dietary components influence and interact with genes important to metabolism. How such influences impact developmental regulation and programming or risks of chronic diseases remains unclear. Nutrition is recognized to affect development and chronic diseases, but our understanding about how genes essential to nutrient metabolism regulate development and impact risks of these diseases remains unclear. Historically, mammalian models, especially rodents such as rats and mice, have been the primary models used for nutrition and developmental nutrition science, although their complexity and relatively slow rate of development often compromise rapid progress in resolving fundamental, genetic-related questions. Accordingly, the objective of this review is to highlight the opportunities for developmental models in the context of uncovering the function of gene products that are relevant to human nutrition and provide the scientific bases for these opportunities. We present recent studies in zebrafish related to obesity as applications of developmental models in nutritional science. Although the control of external factors and dependent variables, such as nutrition, can be a challenge, suggestions for standardizations related to diet are made to improve consistency in findings between laboratories. The review also highlights the need for standardized diets across different developmental models, which could improve consistency in findings across laboratories. Alternative and developmental animal models have advantages and largely untapped potential for the advancement of nutrigenomics and nutritionally relevant research areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winyoo Chowanadisai
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Matthew D Hart
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Morgan D Strong
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - David M Graham
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Robert B Rucker
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Brenda J Smith
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Carl L Keen
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Mark A Messerli
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
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Xiao J, Glasgow E, Agarwal S. Zebrafish Xenografts for Drug Discovery and Personalized Medicine. Trends Cancer 2020; 6:569-579. [PMID: 32312681 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world. Given that cancer is a highly individualized disease, predicting the best chemotherapeutic treatment for individual patients can be difficult. Ex vivo models such as mouse patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and organoids are being developed to predict patient-specific chemosensitivity profiles before treatment in the clinic. Although promising, these models have significant disadvantages including long growth times that introduce genetic and epigenetic changes to the tumor. The zebrafish xenograft assay is ideal for personalized medicine. Imaging of the small, transparent fry is unparalleled among vertebrate organisms. In addition, the speed (5-7 days) and small patient tissue requirements (100-200 cells per animal) are unique features of the zebrafish xenograft model that enable patient-specific chemosensitivity analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry Xiao
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Eric Glasgow
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA.
| | - Seema Agarwal
- Department of Pathology, Center for Cell Reprogramming, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
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Tan Q, Potter KJ, Burnett LC, Orsso CE, Inman M, Ryman DC, Haqq AM. Prader-Willi-Like Phenotype Caused by an Atypical 15q11.2 Microdeletion. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11020128. [PMID: 31991769 PMCID: PMC7073628 DOI: 10.3390/genes11020128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a 17-year-old boy who met most of the major Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) diagnostic criteria, including infantile hypotonia and poor feeding followed by hyperphagia, early-onset morbid obesity, delayed development, and characteristic facial features. However, unlike many children with PWS, he had spontaneous onset of puberty and reached a tall adult stature without growth hormone replacement therapy. A phenotype-driven genetic analysis using exome sequencing identified a heterozygous microdeletion of 71 kb in size at chr15:25,296,613-25,367,633, genome build hg 19. This deletion does not affect the SNURF-SNRPN locus, but results in the loss of several of the PWS-associated non-coding RNA species, including the SNORD116 cluster. We compared with six previous reports of patients with PWS who carried small atypical deletions encompassing the snoRNA SNORD116 cluster. These patients share similar core symptoms of PWS while displaying some atypical features, suggesting that other genes in the region may make lesser phenotypic contributions. Altogether, these rare cases provide convincing evidence that loss of the paternal copy of the SNORD116 snoRNA is sufficient to cause most of the major clinical features of PWS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiming Tan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada;
| | - Kathryn J. Potter
- University of Alberta Hospital, Stollery Children’s Hospital, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada;
| | | | - Camila E. Orsso
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada;
| | - Mark Inman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada;
| | - Davis C. Ryman
- Levo Therapeutics, Inc., Skokie, IL 60077, USA; (L.C.B.); (D.C.R.)
| | - Andrea M. Haqq
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada;
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(780)-492-0015
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8
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Geets E, Meuwissen MEC, Van Hul W. Clinical, molecular genetics and therapeutic aspects of syndromic obesity. Clin Genet 2018; 95:23-40. [PMID: 29700824 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Obesity has become a major health problem worldwide. To date, more than 25 different syndromic forms of obesity are known in which one (monogenic) or multiple (polygenic) genes are involved. This review gives an overview of these forms and focuses more in detail on 6 syndromes: Prader Willi Syndrome and Prader Willi like phenotype, Bardet Biedl Syndrome, Alström Syndrome, Wilms tumor, Aniridia, Genitourinary malformations and mental Retardation syndrome and 16p11.2 (micro)deletions. Years of research provided plenty of information on the molecular genetics of these disorders and the obesity phenotype leading to a more individualized treatment of the symptoms, however, many questions still remain unanswered. As these obesity syndromes have different signs and symptoms in common, it makes it difficult to accurately diagnose patients which may result in inappropriate treatment of the disease. Therefore, the big challenge for clinicians and scientists is to more clearly differentiate all syndromic forms of obesity to provide conclusive genetic explanations and eventually deliver accurate genetic counseling and treatment. In addition, further delineation of the (functions of the) underlying genes with the use of array- or next-generation sequencing-based technology will be helpful to unravel the mechanisms of energy metabolism in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Geets
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - M E C Meuwissen
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - W Van Hul
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
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Abstract
Transcriptional control of oxytocinergic cell development influences social, sexual, and appetite related behaviors and is implicated in disorders such as autism and Prader-Willi syndrome. Mediator 12 (Med12) is a transcriptional coactivator required for multiple facets of brain development including subsets of serotonergic and dopaminergic neurons. We surveyed hormone gene expression within the hypothalamo-pituitary axis of med12 mutant zebrafish embryos with a focus on oxytocin (oxt) expression. Some transcripts, such as oxt, vasopressin (avp) and corticotrophin releasing hormone (crh) are undetectable in the med12 mutant, while others are upregulated or downregulated to varying degrees. In med12 mutants, the expression patterns of upstream transcriptional regulators of oxytocinergic cell development remain largely intact in the pre-optic area, suggesting a more direct influence of Med12 on oxt expression. We show that Med12 is required for Wnt signaling in zebrafish. However, oxt expression is unaffected in Wnt-inhibited embryos indicating independence of Wnt signaling. In fact, overactive Wnt signaling inhibits oxt expression, and we identify a Wnt-sensitive period starting at 24 h post fertilization (hpf). Thus, Med12 and repression of Wnt signaling display critical but unrelated roles in regulating oxt expression. Summary: Mediator 12, a transcriptional coactivator, greatly enhances Wnt signaling in the developing embryo. Separate from its role in Wnt signaling, Mediator 12 is required for oxytocin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma D Spikol
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, 4000 Reservoir Rd., Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Eric Glasgow
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, 4000 Reservoir Rd., Washington, DC 20057, USA
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