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Expression profiles of the internal jugular and saphenous veins: Focus on hemostasis genes. Thromb Res 2020; 191:113-124. [PMID: 32438216 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2020.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Venous bed specificity could contribute to differential vulnerability to thrombus formation, and is potentially reflected in mRNA profiles. MATERIALS AND METHODS Microarray-based transcriptome analysis in wall and valve specimens from internal jugular (IJV) and saphenous (SV) veins collected during IJV surgical reconstruction in patients with impaired brain outflow. Multiplex antigenic assay in paired jugular and peripheral plasma samples. RESULTS Most of the top differentially expressed transcripts have been previously associated with both vascular and neurological disorders. Large expression differences of HOX genes, organ patterning regulators, pinpointed the vein positional identity. The "complement and coagulation cascade" emerged among enriched pathways. In IJV, upregulation of genes for coagulation inhibitors (TFPI, PROS1), activated protein C pathway receptors (THBD, PROCR), fibrinolysis activators (PLAT, PLAUR), and downregulation of the fibrinolysis inhibitor (SERPINE1) and of contact/amplification pathway genes (F11, F12), would be compatible with a thromboprotective profile in respect to SV. Further, in SV valve the prothrombinase complex genes (F5, F2) were up-regulated and the VWF showed the highest expression. Differential expression of several VWF regulators (ABO, ST3GAL4, SCARA5, CLEC4M) was also observed. Among other differentially expressed hemostasis-related genes, heparanase (HPSE)/heparanase inhibitor (HPSE2) were up-/down-regulated in IJV, which might support procoagulant features and disease conditions. The jugular plasma levels of several proteins, encoded by differentially expressed genes, were lower and highly correlated with peripheral levels. CONCLUSIONS The IJV and SV rely on differential expression of many hemostasis and hemostasis-related genes to balance local hemostasis, potentially related to differences in vulnerability to thrombosis.
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2
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Application of next-generation sequencing for the diagnosis of fetuses with congenital heart defects. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2020; 31:132-138. [PMID: 30608255 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common type of birth defects, and are thought to result from genetic-environmental interactions. Currently, karyotype and chromosomal microarray analyses are the primary methods used to detect chromosomal abnormalities and copy number variations in fetuses with CHD. Recently, with the introduction of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in prenatal diagnosis, gene mutations have been identified in cases of CHD. The purpose of this review is to summarize current studies about the genetic cause of fetal CHD, paying particular attention to the application of NGS for fetuses with CHD. RECENT FINDINGS In addition to chromosomal abnormalities, gene mutations are an important genetic cause of fetal CHD. Furthermore, incidences of pathogenic mutations in fetuses with CHD are associated with the presence of other structural anomalies, but are irrelevant to the categories of CHD. SUMMARY Gene mutations are important causes of fetal CHD and NGS should be applied to all fetuses with normal karyotype and copy number variations, regardless of whether the CHD is isolated or syndromic.
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Zeng L, Gu N, Chen J, Jin G, Zheng Y. IRX1 hypermethylation promotes heart failure by inhibiting CXCL14 expression. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:3251-3262. [PMID: 31640472 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1673099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
To identify the mechanism and functions of IRX1 in heart failure (HF) and provide evidence for new therapies. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to select target genes in HF cells compared to normal groups. Experimental rats were treated in a controllable manner to explore how IRX1 methylation accounted for this disease in vivo. Cardiac ultrasonic and morphologic examinations were conducted to test the mouse heart and evaluate the degree of cardiac impairment at in the level of organization. GSEA analysis revealed the relative enrichment of functions. Immunofluorescent assays, western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to determine the DNA methylation and expression levels. IRX1 was hypermethylated in heart failure and identified as a target gene by bioinformatic analysis. Transverse aortic constriction (TAC) induced heart failure in rats, while 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza) alleviated heart failure in rats according to medical cardiac indexes. Western blotting and qRT-PCR revealed that a conspicuous difference in the expression of IRX1 and CXCL14 between HF and normal cardiac cells. As a result of gene methylation, left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis is usually accompanied by heart failure. Moreover, is the results implied that the demethylation of IRX1 improves heart failure in vivo and in vitro. IRX1 methylation induced damaged cardiac function and even heart failure, which has important implications for HF treatment and diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longhuan Zeng
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 261 Huansha Road, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Nanyuan Gu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 261 Huansha Road, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Jiayi Chen
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 261 Huansha Road, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Guangyong Jin
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 261 Huansha Road, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Yongke Zheng
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 261 Huansha Road, Hangzhou, 310006, China
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4
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Wang Z, Song HM, Wang F, Zhao CM, Huang RT, Xue S, Li RG, Qiu XB, Xu YJ, Liu XY, Yang YQ. A New ISL1 Loss-of-Function Mutation Predisposes to Congenital Double Outlet Right Ventricle. Int Heart J 2019; 60:1113-1122. [DOI: 10.1536/ihj.18-685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine
| | - Hao-Ming Song
- Department of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine
| | - Cui-Mei Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine
| | - Ri-Tai Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
| | - Song Xue
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
| | - Ruo-Gu Li
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
| | - Xing-Biao Qiu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
| | - Ying-Jia Xu
- Department of Cardiology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University
| | - Xing-Yuan Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine
| | - Yi-Qing Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University
- Department of Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University
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5
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Miksiunas R, Mobasheri A, Bironaite D. Homeobox Genes and Homeodomain Proteins: New Insights into Cardiac Development, Degeneration and Regeneration. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1212:155-178. [PMID: 30945165 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2019_349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of human death in the developing world. Extensive evidence indicates that various toxic environmental factors and unhealthy lifestyle choices contribute to the risk, incidence and severity of cardiovascular diseases. Alterations in the genetic level of myocardium affects normal heart development and initiates pathological processes leading to various types of cardiac diseases. Homeobox genes are a large and highly specialized family of closely related genes that direct the formation of body structure, including cardiac development. Homeobox genes encode homeodomain proteins that function as transcription factors with characteristic structures that allow them to bind to DNA, regulate gene expression and subsequently control the proper physiological function of cells, tissues and organs. Mutations in homeobox genes are rare and usually lethal with evident alterations in cardiac function at or soon after the birth. Our understanding of homeobox gene family expression and function has expanded significantly during the recent years. However, the involvement of homeobox genes in the development of human and animal cardiac tissue requires further investigation. The phenotype of human congenital heart defects unveils only some aspects of human heart development. Therefore, mouse models are often used to gain a better understanding of human heart function, pathology and regeneration. In this review, we have focused on the role of homeobox genes in the development and pathology of human heart as potential tools for the future development of targeted regenerative strategies for various heart malfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rokas Miksiunas
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ali Mobasheri
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Daiva Bironaite
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania.
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6
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Ma L, Wang J, Li L, Qiao Q, Di RM, Li XM, Xu YJ, Zhang M, Li RG, Qiu XB, Li X, Yang YQ. ISL1 loss-of-function mutation contributes to congenital heart defects. Heart Vessels 2018; 34:658-668. [PMID: 30390123 DOI: 10.1007/s00380-018-1289-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Congenital heart defect (CHD) is the most common form of birth deformity and is responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality in humans. Increasing evidence has convincingly demonstrated that genetic defects play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of CHD. However, CHD is a genetically heterogeneous disorder and the genetic basis underpinning CHD in the vast majority of cases remains elusive. This study was sought to identify the pathogenic mutation in the ISL1 gene contributing to CHD. A cohort of 210 unrelated patients with CHD and a total of 256 unrelated healthy individuals used as controls were registered. The coding exons and splicing boundaries of ISL1 were sequenced in all study subjects. The functional effect of an identified ISL1 mutation was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter assay system. A novel heterozygous ISL1 mutation, c.409G > T or p.E137X, was identified in an index patient with congenital patent ductus arteriosus and ventricular septal defect. Analysis of the proband's pedigree revealed that the mutation co-segregated with CHD, which was transmitted in the family in an autosomal dominant pattern with complete penetrance. The nonsense mutation was absent in 512 control chromosomes. Functional analysis unveiled that the mutant ISL1 protein failed to transactivate the promoter of MEF2C, alone or in synergy with TBX20. This study firstly implicates ISL1 loss-of-function mutation with CHD in humans, which provides novel insight into the molecular mechanism of CHD, implying potential implications for genetic counseling and individually tailored treatment of CHD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Ma
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Li Li
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias of the Ministry of Education of China, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Qi Qiao
- Department of Cardiology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Ruo-Min Di
- Department of Cardiology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xiu-Mei Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Ying-Jia Xu
- Department of Cardiology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Ruo-Gu Li
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Xing-Biao Qiu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Xun Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yi-Qing Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China. .,Department of Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China. .,Department of Central Laboratory, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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7
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Guo W, Zhu X, Yan L, Qiao J. The present and future of whole-exome sequencing in studying and treating human reproductive disorders. J Genet Genomics 2018; 45:517-525. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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8
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Thomford NE, Dzobo K, Yao NA, Chimusa E, Evans J, Okai E, Kruszka P, Muenke M, Awandare G, Wonkam A, Dandara C. Genomics and Epigenomics of Congenital Heart Defects: Expert Review and Lessons Learned in Africa. OMICS : A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2018; 22:301-321. [PMID: 29762087 PMCID: PMC6016577 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2018.0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Congenital heart defects (CHD) are structural malformations found at birth with a prevalence of 1%. The clinical trajectory of CHD is highly variable and thus in need of robust diagnostics and therapeutics. Major surgical interventions are often required for most CHDs. In Africa, despite advances in life sciences infrastructure and improving education of medical scholars, the limited clinical data suggest that CHD detection and correction are still not at par with the rest of the world. But the toll and genetics of CHDs in Africa has seldom been systematically investigated. We present an expert review on CHD with lessons learned on Africa. We found variable CHD phenotype prevalence in Africa across countries and populations. There are important gaps and paucity in genomic studies of CHD in African populations. Among the available genomic studies, the key findings in Africa were variants in GATA4 (P193H), MTHFR 677TT, and MTHFR 1298CC that were associated with atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect (VSD), Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), and patent ductus arteriosus phenotypes and 22q.11 deletion, which is associated with TOF. There were no data on epigenomic association of CHD in Africa, however, other studies have shown an altered expression of miR-421 and miR-1233-3p to be associated with TOF and hypermethylation of CpG islands in the promoter of SCO2 gene also been associated with TOF and VSD in children with non-syndromic CHD. These findings signal the urgent need to develop and implement genetic and genomic research on CHD to identify the hereditary and genome-environment interactions contributing to CHD. These projected studies would also offer comparisons on CHD pathophysiology between African and other populations worldwide. Genomic research on CHD in Africa should be developed in parallel with next generation technology policy research and responsible innovation frameworks that examine the social and political factors that shape the emergence and societal embedding of new technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Ekow Thomford
- 1 Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town , Cape Town, South Africa
- 2 School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast , Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Kevin Dzobo
- 3 ICGEB, Cape Town Component, University of Cape Town , Cape Town, South Africa
- 4 Division of Medical Biochemistry, IIDMM, Department of IBM, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town , Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nana Akyaa Yao
- 5 National Cardiothoracic Centre, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital , Accra, Ghana
- 6 University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana , Accra, Ghana
| | - Emile Chimusa
- 1 Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town , Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jonathan Evans
- 1 Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town , Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Emmanuel Okai
- 2 School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast , Cape Coast, Ghana
- 7 Cape Coast Teaching Hospital , Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Paul Kruszka
- 8 National Human Genome Research Institute, Medical Genetics Branch, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Maximilian Muenke
- 8 National Human Genome Research Institute, Medical Genetics Branch, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Gordon Awandare
- 9 Department of Biochemistry, WACCBIP, University of Ghana , Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- 1 Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town , Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Collet Dandara
- 1 Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town , Cape Town, South Africa
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9
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Altara R, Zouein FA, Brandão RD, Bajestani SN, Cataliotti A, Booz GW. In Silico Analysis of Differential Gene Expression in Three Common Rat Models of Diastolic Dysfunction. Front Cardiovasc Med 2018; 5:11. [PMID: 29556499 PMCID: PMC5850854 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2018.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Standard therapies for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) have been unsuccessful, demonstrating that the contribution of the underlying diastolic dysfunction pathophysiology differs from that of systolic dysfunction in heart failure and currently is far from being understood. Complicating the investigation of HFpEF is the contribution of several comorbidities. Here, we selected three established rat models of diastolic dysfunction defined by three major risk factors associated with HFpEF and researched their commonalities and differences. The top differentially expressed genes in the left ventricle of Dahl salt sensitive (Dahl/SS), spontaneous hypertensive heart failure (SHHF), and diabetes 1 induced HFpEF models were derived from published data in Gene Expression Omnibus and used for a comprehensive interpretation of the underlying pathophysiological context of each model. The diversity of the underlying transcriptomic of the heart of each model is clearly observed by the different panel of top regulated genes: the diabetic model has 20 genes in common with the Dahl/SS and 15 with the SHHF models. Advanced analytics performed in Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA®) revealed that Dahl/SS heart tissue transcripts triggered by upstream regulators lead to dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophy of heart, arrhythmia, and failure of heart. In the heart of SHHF, a total of 26 genes were closely linked to cardiovascular disease including cardiotoxicity, pericarditis, ST-elevated myocardial infarction, and dilated cardiomyopathy. IPA Upstream Regulator analyses revealed that protection of cardiomyocytes is hampered by inhibition of the ERBB2 plasma membrane-bound receptor tyrosine kinases. Cardioprotective markers such as natriuretic peptide A (NPPA), heat shock 27 kDa protein 1 (HSPB1), and angiogenin (ANG) were upregulated in the diabetes 1 induced model; however, the model showed a different underlying mechanism with a majority of the regulated genes involved in metabolic disorders. In conclusion, our findings suggest that multiple mechanisms may contribute to diastolic dysfunction and HFpEF, and thus drug therapies may need to be guided more by phenotypic characteristics of the cardiac remodeling events than by the underlying molecular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Altara
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,KG Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Fouad A Zouein
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rita Dias Brandão
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Saeed N Bajestani
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Alessandro Cataliotti
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,KG Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research, Oslo, Norway
| | - George W Booz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
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10
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Qiao XH, Wang F, Zhang XL, Huang RT, Xue S, Wang J, Qiu XB, Liu XY, Yang YQ. MEF2C loss-of-function mutation contributes to congenital heart defects. Int J Med Sci 2017; 14:1143-1153. [PMID: 29104469 PMCID: PMC5666546 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.21353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of developmental abnormality in humans, and is a leading cause for substantially increased morbidity and mortality in affected individuals. Increasing studies demonstrates a pivotal role of genetic defects in the pathogenesis of CHD, and presently mutations in more than 60 genes have been associated with CHD. Nevertheless, CHD is of pronounced genetic heterogeneity, and the genetic basis underpinning CHD in a large proportion of patients remains unclear. In the present study, the whole coding exons and splicing donors/acceptors of the MEF2C gene, which codes for a transcription factor essential for normal cardiovascular development, were sequenced in 200 unrelated patients affected with CHD, and a novel heterozygous missense mutation, p.L38P, was identified in an index patient with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and ventricular septal defect (VSD). Genetic scan of the mutation carrier's family members available showed that the mutation was present in all affected family members but absent in unaffected family members. Analysis of the proband's pedigree revealed that the mutation co-segregated with PDA, which was transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait with complete penetrance. The mutation changed the amino acid that was completely conserved evolutionarily, and did not exist in 300 unrelated, ethnically-matched healthy individuals used as controls. Functional deciphers by using a dual-luciferase reporter assay system unveiled that the mutant MEF2C protein had a significantly reduced transcriptional activity. Furthermore, the mutation significantly diminished the synergistic activation between MEF2C and GATA4, another cardiac core transcription factor that has been causally linked to CHD. In conclusion, this is the first report on the association of a MEF2C loss-of-function mutation with an increased vulnerability to CHD in humans, which provides novel insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying CHD, implying potential implications for early diagnosis and timely prophylaxis of CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hui Qiao
- Department of Pediatric Internal Medicine, Ningbo Women & Children's Hospital, 339 Liuding Street, Ningbo 315012, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Xian-Ling Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Ri-Tai Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Song Xue
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1630 Dongfang Road, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Xing-Biao Qiu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 241 West Huaihai Road, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xing-Yuan Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Yi-Qing Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 241 West Huaihai Road, Shanghai 200030, China
- Department of Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 241 West Huaihai Road, Shanghai 200030, China
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 241 West Huaihai Road, Shanghai 200030, China
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