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Szigeti K, Ihnatovych I, Notari E, Dorn RP, Maly I, He M, Birkaya B, Prasad S, Byrne RS, Indurthi DC, Nimmer E, Heo Y, Retfalvi K, Chaves L, Sule N, Hofmann WA, Auerbach A, Wilding G, Bae Y, Reynolds J. CHRFAM7A diversifies human immune adaption through Ca 2+ signalling and actin cytoskeleton reorganization. EBioMedicine 2024; 103:105093. [PMID: 38569318 PMCID: PMC10999709 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105093] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human restricted genes contribute to human specific traits in the immune system. CHRFAM7A, a uniquely human fusion gene, is a negative regulator of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR), the highest Ca2+ conductor of the ACh receptors implicated in innate immunity. Understanding the mechanism of how CHRFAM7A affects the immune system remains unexplored. METHODS Two model systems are used, human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and human primary monocytes, to characterize α7 nAChR function, Ca2+ dynamics and decoders to elucidate the pathway from receptor to phenotype. FINDINGS CHRFAM7A/α7 nAChR is identified as a hypomorphic receptor with mitigated Ca2+ influx and prolonged channel closed state. This shifts the Ca2+ reservoir from the extracellular space to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) leading to Ca2+ dynamic changes. Ca2+ decoder small GTPase Rac1 is then activated, reorganizing the actin cytoskeleton. Observed actin mediated phenotypes include cellular adhesion, motility, phagocytosis and tissue mechanosensation. INTERPRETATION CHRFAM7A introduces an additional, human specific, layer to Ca2+ regulation leading to an innate immune gain of function. Through the actin cytoskeleton it drives adaptation to the mechanical properties of the tissue environment leading to an ability to invade previously immune restricted niches. Human genetic diversity predicts profound translational significance as its understanding builds the foundation for successful treatments for infectious diseases, sepsis, and cancer metastasis. FUNDING This work is supported in part by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo (Kinga Szigeti) and in part by NIH grant R01HL163168 (Yongho Bae).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Szigeti
- State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
| | - Ivanna Ihnatovych
- State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Emily Notari
- State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Ryu P Dorn
- State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Ivan Maly
- State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Muye He
- State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Barbara Birkaya
- State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Shreyas Prasad
- State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Robin Schwartz Byrne
- State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Dinesh C Indurthi
- State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Erik Nimmer
- State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Yuna Heo
- State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Kolos Retfalvi
- State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Lee Chaves
- State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Norbert Sule
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, 665 Elm St, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Wilma A Hofmann
- State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Anthony Auerbach
- State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Gregory Wilding
- State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Yongho Bae
- State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Jessica Reynolds
- State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
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Ihnatovych I, Saddler RA, Sule N, Szigeti K. Translational implications of CHRFAM7A, an elusive human-restricted fusion gene. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:1020-1032. [PMID: 38200291 PMCID: PMC11176066 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02389-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Genes restricted to humans may contribute to human-specific traits and provide a different context for diseases. CHRFAM7A is a uniquely human fusion gene and a negative regulator of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR). The α7 nAChR has been a promising target for diseases affecting cognition and higher cortical functions, however, the treatment effect observed in animal models failed to translate into human clinical trials. As CHRFAM7A was not accounted for in preclinical drug screens it may have contributed to the translational gap. Understanding the complex genetic architecture of the locus, deciphering the functional impact of CHRFAM7A on α7 nAChR neurobiology and utilizing human-relevant models may offer novel approaches to explore α7 nAChR as a drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivanna Ihnatovych
- Department of Neurology, State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Ruth-Ann Saddler
- Department of Neurology, State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Norbert Sule
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, 665 Elm St, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Kinga Szigeti
- Department of Neurology, State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
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Mello AC, Leao D, Dias L, Colombelli F, Recamonde-Mendoza M, Turchetto-Zolet AC, Matte U. Broken silence: 22,841 predicted deleterious synonymous variants identified in the human exome through computational analysis. Genet Mol Biol 2024; 46:e20230125. [PMID: 38259032 PMCID: PMC10804382 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2023-0125] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Synonymous single nucleotide variants (sSNVs) do not alter the primary structure of a protein, thus it was previously accepted that they were neutral. Recently, several studies demonstrated their significance to a range of diseases. Still, variant prioritization strategies lack focus on sSNVs. Here, we identified 22,841 deleterious synonymous variants in 125,748 human exomes using two in silico predictors (SilVA and CADD). While 98.2% of synonymous variants are classified as neutral, 1.8% are predicted to be deleterious, yielding an average of 9.82 neutral and 0.18 deleterious sSNVs per exome. Further investigation of prediction features via Heterogeneous Ensemble Feature Selection revealed that impact on amino acid sequence and conservation carry the most weight for a deleterious prediction. Thirty nine detrimental sSNVs are not rare and are located on disease associated genes. Ten distinct putatively non-deleterious sSNVs are likely to be under positive selection in the North-Western European and East Asian populations. Taken together our analysis gives voice to the so-called silent mutations as we propose a robust framework for evaluating the deleteriousness of sSNVs in variant prioritization studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Mello
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Núcleo de Bioinformática,
Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Centro de Pesquisa
Experimental, Laboratório de Células, Tecidos e Genes, Porto Alegre, RS,
Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Programa de
Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Delva Leao
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Programa de
Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Luis Dias
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Núcleo de Bioinformática,
Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Centro de Pesquisa
Experimental, Laboratório de Células, Tecidos e Genes, Porto Alegre, RS,
Brazil
| | - Felipe Colombelli
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Núcleo de Bioinformática,
Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Instituto de
Informática, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariana Recamonde-Mendoza
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Núcleo de Bioinformática,
Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Instituto de
Informática, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Andreia Carina Turchetto-Zolet
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Programa de
Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Departamento de
Genética, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ursula Matte
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Núcleo de Bioinformática,
Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Centro de Pesquisa
Experimental, Laboratório de Células, Tecidos e Genes, Porto Alegre, RS,
Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Departamento de
Genética, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Keever KR, Cui K, Casteel JL, Singh S, Hoover DB, Williams DL, Pavlov VA, Yakubenko VP. Cholinergic signaling via the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor regulates the migration of monocyte-derived macrophages during acute inflammation. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:3. [PMID: 38178134 PMCID: PMC10765732 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-03001-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The involvement of the autonomic nervous system in the regulation of inflammation is an emerging concept with significant potential for clinical applications. Recent studies demonstrate that stimulating the vagus nerve activates the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway that inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines and controls inflammation. The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) on macrophages plays a key role in mediating cholinergic anti-inflammatory effects through a downstream intracellular mechanism involving inhibition of NF-κB signaling, which results in suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine production. However, the role of the α7nAChR in the regulation of other aspects of the immune response, including the recruitment of monocytes/macrophages to the site of inflammation remained poorly understood. RESULTS We observed an increased mortality in α7nAChR-deficient mice (compared with wild-type controls) in mice with endotoxemia, which was paralleled with a significant reduction in the number of monocyte-derived macrophages in the lungs. Corroborating these results, fluorescently labeled α7nAChR-deficient monocytes adoptively transferred to WT mice showed significantly diminished recruitment to the inflamed tissue. α7nAChR deficiency did not affect monocyte 2D transmigration across an endothelial monolayer, but it significantly decreased the migration of macrophages in a 3D fibrin matrix. In vitro analysis of major adhesive receptors (L-selectin, β1 and β2 integrins) and chemokine receptors (CCR2 and CCR5) revealed reduced expression of integrin αM and αX on α7nAChR-deficient macrophages. Decreased expression of αMβ2 was confirmed on fluorescently labeled, adoptively transferred α7nAChR-deficient macrophages in the lungs of endotoxemic mice, indicating a potential mechanism for α7nAChR-mediated migration. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate a novel role for the α7nAChR in mediating macrophage recruitment to inflamed tissue, which indicates an important new aspect of the cholinergic regulation of immune responses and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasey R Keever
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, PO Box 70582, Johnson, TN, USA
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, East Tennessee State University, Johnson, TN, USA
| | - Kui Cui
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, PO Box 70582, Johnson, TN, USA
| | - Jared L Casteel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, PO Box 70582, Johnson, TN, USA
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, East Tennessee State University, Johnson, TN, USA
| | - Sanjay Singh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, PO Box 70582, Johnson, TN, USA
| | - Donald B Hoover
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, PO Box 70582, Johnson, TN, USA
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, East Tennessee State University, Johnson, TN, USA
| | - David L Williams
- Department of Surgery, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson, TN, USA
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, East Tennessee State University, Johnson, TN, USA
| | - Valentin A Pavlov
- Center for Biomedical Science and Center for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, 11550, USA
| | - Valentin P Yakubenko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, PO Box 70582, Johnson, TN, USA.
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, East Tennessee State University, Johnson, TN, USA.
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Zhou R, Niu K, Wang C, He J, Huang W, Li T, Lan H, Zhang Y, Dang X, Mao L. Human-specific CHRFAM7A primes macrophages for a heightened pro-inflammatory response at the earlier stage of inflammation. Cell Biol Int 2023; 47:1926-1941. [PMID: 37655479 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
α7-Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) is the key effector molecule of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Evolution has evolved a uniquely human α7-nAChR encoded by CHRFAM7A. It has been demonstrated that CHRFAM7A dominant negatively regulates the functions of α7-nAChR. However, its role in inflammation remains to be fully characterized. CHRFAM7A transgenic (Tg) mice were phenotypically normal and their peritoneal macrophages exhibited decreased ligand-binding capability and, importantly, an activated gene expression profile of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Surprisingly, when challenged with sepsis, the Tg mice showed no survival disadvantage relative to their wild-type (Wt) counterparts. Further analysis showed that the complete blood count and serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were comparable at resting state, but the degrees of leukocyte mobilization and the increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly higher in Tg than Wt mice at the early stage of sepsis. In vitro, peritoneal macrophages of the Tg mice exhibited an exaggerated response to lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), especially at the earlier time points and at lower dosages of LPS. Remarkably, monocytes from CHRFAM7A-carrier showed similar dynamic changes of the pro-inflammatory cytokines to that observed in the Tg mice upon LPS challenge. Our results suggest that CHRFAM7A increases the mobilization of leukocytes and primes macrophages that confer an enhanced immune response at the early stage of inflammation, which may lead to prompt pathogen clearance, an evolutionary advantage in less severe inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhou
- National Regional Children's Medical Center (Northwest), Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine to Pediatric Diseases of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Children's Health and Diseases, Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Keran Niu
- The Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Luzhou, China
| | - Chaoying Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Luzhou, China
| | - Jianghui He
- The Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Luzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Huang
- National Regional Children's Medical Center (Northwest), Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine to Pediatric Diseases of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Children's Health and Diseases, Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- The Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Luzhou, China
| | - Tao Li
- The Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Luzhou, China
| | - Huan Lan
- The Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Luzhou, China
| | - Yanmin Zhang
- National Regional Children's Medical Center (Northwest), Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine to Pediatric Diseases of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Children's Health and Diseases, Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Cardiology, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xitong Dang
- The Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Luzhou, China
| | - Liang Mao
- The Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Luzhou, China
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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Vallés AS, Barrantes FJ. Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Dysfunction in Addiction and in Some Neurodegenerative and Neuropsychiatric Diseases. Cells 2023; 12:2051. [PMID: 37626860 PMCID: PMC10453526 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The cholinergic system plays an essential role in brain development, physiology, and pathophysiology. Herein, we review how specific alterations in this system, through genetic mutations or abnormal receptor function, can lead to aberrant neural circuitry that triggers disease. The review focuses on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) and its role in addiction and in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases and epilepsy. Cholinergic dysfunction is associated with inflammatory processes mainly through the involvement of α7 nAChRs expressed in brain and in peripheral immune cells. Evidence suggests that these neuroinflammatory processes trigger and aggravate pathological states. We discuss the preclinical evidence demonstrating the therapeutic potential of nAChR ligands in Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and in autosomal dominant sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy. PubMed and Google Scholar bibliographic databases were searched with the keywords indicated below.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofía Vallés
- Bahía Blanca Institute of Biochemical Research (UNS-CONICET), Bahía Blanca 8000, Argentina;
| | - Francisco J. Barrantes
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Faculty of Medical Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina—National Scientific and Technical Research Council, Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 1600, Buenos Aires C1107AFF, Argentina
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Peng G, Zhou Q, Chai H, Wen J, Zhao H, Taylor HS, Jiang Y, Li P. Estimation on risk of spontaneous abortions by genomic disorders from a meta-analysis of microarray results on large case series of pregnancy losses. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2023; 11:e2181. [PMID: 37013615 PMCID: PMC10422064 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A meta-analysis on seven large case series (>1000 cases) of chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) on products of conceptions (POC) evaluated the diagnostic yields of genomic disorders and syndromic pathogenic copy number variants (pCNVs) from a collection of 35,130 POC cases. CMA detected chromosomal abnormalities and pCNVs in approximately 50% and 2.5% of cases, respectively. The genomic disorders and syndromic pCNVs accounted for 31% of the detected pCNVs, and their incidences in POC ranged from 1/750 to 1/12,000. The newborn incidences of these genomic disorders and syndromic pCNVs were estimated in a range of 1/4000 to 1/50,000 live births from population genetic studies and diagnostic yields of a large case series of 32,587 pediatric patients. The risk of spontaneous abortion (SAB) for DiGeorge syndrome (DGS), Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS), and William-Beuren syndrome (WBS) was 42%, 33%, and 21%, respectively. The estimated overall risk of SAB for major genomic disorders and syndromic pCNVs was approximately 38%, which was significantly lower than the 94% overall risk of SAB for chromosomal abnormalities. Further classification on levels of risk of SAB to high (>75%), intermediate (51%-75%), and low (26%-50%) for known chromosomal abnormalities, genomic disorders, and syndromic pCNVs could provide evidence-based interpretation in prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Peng
- Department of GeneticsYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticut06520USA
- Department of Medical & Molecular GeneticsIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndiana46202USA
- Department of BiostatisticsSchool of Public Health, Yale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Hongyan Chai
- Department of GeneticsYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticut06520USA
| | - Jiadi Wen
- Department of GeneticsYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticut06520USA
| | - Hongyu Zhao
- Department of GeneticsYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticut06520USA
- Department of BiostatisticsSchool of Public Health, Yale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Hugh S. Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive SciencesYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticut06520USA
| | - Yong‐Hui Jiang
- Department of GeneticsYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticut06520USA
| | - Peining Li
- Department of GeneticsYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticut06520USA
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8
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Leonard S, Benfante R. Unanswered questions in the regulation and function of the duplicated α7 nicotinic receptor gene CHRFAM7A. Pharmacol Res 2023; 192:106783. [PMID: 37164281 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The α7 nicotinic receptor (α7 nAChR) is an important entry point for Ca2+ into the cell, which has broad and important effects on gene expression and function. The gene (CHRNA7), mapping to chromosome (15q14), has been genetically linked to a large number of diseases, many of which involve defects in cognition. While numerous mutations in CHRNA7 are associated with mental illness and inflammation, an important control point may be the function of a recently discovered partial duplication CHRNA7, CHRFAM7A, that negatively regulates the function of the α7 receptor, through the formation of heteropentamers; other functions cannot be excluded. The deregulation of this human specific gene (CHRFAM7A) has been linked to neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and inflammatory disorders and has important copy number variations. Much effort is being made to understand its function and regulation both in healthy and pathological conditions. However, many questions remain to be answered regarding its functional role, its regulation, and its role in the etiogenesis of neurological and inflammatory disorders. Missing knowledge on the pharmacology of the heteroreceptor has limited the discovery of new molecules capable of modulating its activity. Here we review the state of the art on the role of CHRFAM7A, highlighting unanswered questions to be addressed. A possible therapeutic approach based on genome editing protocols is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry Leonard
- Department of Psychiatry - University of Colorado Anschutz, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Roberta Benfante
- CNR - Institute of Neuroscience, Vedano al Lambro (MB), Italy; Dept. Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; NeuroMI - Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
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9
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Keever KR, Yakubenko VP, Hoover DB. Neuroimmune nexus in the pathophysiology and therapy of inflammatory disorders: role of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Pharmacol Res 2023; 191:106758. [PMID: 37028776 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
The α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) is a key protein in the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) that links the nervous and immune systems. Initially, the pathway was discovered based on the observation that vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) reduced the systemic inflammatory response in septic animals. Subsequent studies form a foundation for the leading hypothesis about the central role of the spleen in CAP activation. VNS evokes noradrenergic stimulation of ACh release from T cells in the spleen, which in turn activates α7nAChRs on the surface of macrophages. α7nAChR-mediated signaling in macrophages reduces inflammatory cytokine secretion and modifies apoptosis, proliferation, and macrophage polarization, eventually reducing the systemic inflammatory response. A protective role of the CAP has been demonstrated in preclinical studies for multiple diseases including sepsis, metabolic disease, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, endometriosis, and potentially COVID-19, sparking interest in using bioelectronic and pharmacological approaches to target α7nAChRs for treating inflammatory conditions in patients. Despite a keen interest, many aspects of the cholinergic pathway are still unknown. α7nAChRs are expressed on many other subsets of immune cells that can affect the development of inflammation differently. There are also other sources of ACh that modify immune cell functions. How the interplay of ACh and α7nAChR on different cells and in various tissues contributes to the anti-inflammatory responses requires additional study. This review provides an update on basic and translational studies of the CAP in inflammatory diseases, the relevant pharmacology of α7nAChR-activated drugs and raises some questions that require further investigation.
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Shelukhina I, Siniavin A, Kasheverov I, Ojomoko L, Tsetlin V, Utkin Y. α7- and α9-Containing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the Functioning of Immune System and in Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076524. [PMID: 37047495 PMCID: PMC10095066 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) present as many different subtypes in the nervous and immune systems, muscles and on the cells of other organs. In the immune system, inflammation is regulated via the vagus nerve through the activation of the non-neuronal α7 nAChR subtype, affecting the production of cytokines. The analgesic properties of α7 nAChR-selective compounds are mostly based on the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. The molecular mechanism of neuropathic pain relief mediated by the inhibition of α9-containing nAChRs is not fully understood yet, but the role of immune factors in this process is becoming evident. To obtain appropriate drugs, a search of selective agonists, antagonists and modulators of α7- and α9-containing nAChRs is underway. The naturally occurring three-finger snake α-neurotoxins and mammalian Ly6/uPAR proteins, as well as neurotoxic peptides α-conotoxins, are not only sophisticated tools in research on nAChRs but are also considered as potential medicines. In particular, the inhibition of the α9-containing nAChRs by α-conotoxins may be a pathway to alleviate neuropathic pain. nAChRs are involved in the inflammation processes during AIDS and other viral infections; thus they can also be means used in drug design. In this review, we discuss the role of α7- and α9-containing nAChRs in the immune processes and in pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yuri Utkin
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +7-495-3366522
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Richter K, Grau V. Signaling of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in mononuclear phagocytes. Pharmacol Res 2023; 191:106727. [PMID: 36966897 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are not only expressed by the nervous system and at the neuro-muscular junction but also by mononuclear phagocytes, which belong to the innate immune system. Mononuclear phagocyte is an umbrella term for monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. These cells play pivotal roles in host defense against infection but also in numerous often debilitating diseases that are characterized by exuberant inflammation. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of the neuronal type dominate in these cells, and their stimulation is mainly associated with anti-inflammatory effects. Although the cholinergic modulation of mononuclear phagocytes is of eminent clinical relevance for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases and neuropathic pain, we are only beginning to understand the underlying mechanisms on the molecular level. The purpose of this review is to report and critically discuss the current knowledge on signal transduction mechanisms elicited by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in mononuclear phagocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Richter
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
| | - Veronika Grau
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany; German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany; Cardiopulmonary Institute (CPI), Giessen, Germany.
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12
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The Role of the Acetylcholine System in Common Respiratory Diseases and COVID-19. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031139. [PMID: 36770805 PMCID: PMC9920988 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031139] [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: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
As an indispensable component in human beings, the acetylcholine system regulates multiple physiological processes not only in neuronal tissues but also in nonneuronal tissues. However, since the concept of the "Nonneuronal cholinergic system (NNCS)" has been proposed, the role of the acetylcholine system in nonneuronal tissues has received increasing attention. A growing body of research shows that the acetylcholine system also participates in modulating inflammatory responses, regulating contraction and mucus secretion of respiratory tracts, and influencing the metastasis and invasion of lung cancer. In addition, the susceptibility and severity of respiratory tract infections caused by pathogens such as Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can also correlate with the regulation of the acetylcholine system. In this review, we summarized the major roles of the acetylcholine system in respiratory diseases. Despite existing achievements in the field of the acetylcholine system, we hope that more in-depth investigations on this topic will be conducted to unearth more possible pharmaceutical applications for the treatment of diverse respiratory diseases.
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Wen L, Miao X, Ding J, Tong X, Wu Y, He Y, Zheng F. Pesticides as a risk factor for cognitive impairment: Natural substances are expected to become alternative measures to prevent and improve cognitive impairment. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1113099. [PMID: 36937345 PMCID: PMC10016095 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1113099] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pesticides are the most effective way to control diseases, insects, weeds, and fungi. The central nervous system (CNS) is damaged by pesticide residues in various ways. By consulting relevant databases, the systemic relationships between the possible mechanisms of pesticides damage to the CNS causing cognitive impairment and related learning and memory pathways networks, as well as the structure-activity relationships between some natural substances (such as polyphenols and vitamins) and the improvement were summarized in this article. The mechanisms of cognitive impairment caused by pesticides are closely related. For example, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation can constitute three feedback loops that interact and restrict each other. The mechanisms of neurotransmitter abnormalities and intestinal dysfunction also play an important role. The connection between pathways is complex. NMDAR, PI3K/Akt, MAPK, Keap1/Nrf2/ARE, and NF-κB pathways can be connected into a pathway network by targets such as Ras, Akt, and IKK. The reasons for the improvement of natural substances are related to their specific structure, such as polyphenols with different hydroxyl groups. This review's purpose is to lay a foundation for exploring and developing more natural substances that can effectively improve the cognitive impairment caused by pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liankui Wen
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiwen Miao
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Jia Ding
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Xuewen Tong
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuzhu Wu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Wheat and Corn Deep Processing, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Yuzhu Wu, ✉
| | - Yang He
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Yang He, ✉
| | - Fei Zheng
- Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- Fei Zheng, ✉
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14
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Special Issue: Cholinergic Control of Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147758. [PMID: 35887105 PMCID: PMC9319851 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation caused by infection, tissue trauma, and disease states such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease is perceived by the Central nervous System (CNS) through different routes that, by means of neural reflex circuits, regulate the immune system response [...]
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