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Neocleous V, Fanis P, Toumba M, Skordis N, Phylactou LA. Genetic diagnosis of endocrine disorders in Cyprus through the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics: an ENDO-ERN Reference Center. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:167. [PMID: 38637882 PMCID: PMC11027394 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03171-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The report covers the current and past activities of the department Molecular Genetics-Function and Therapy (MGFT) at the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics (CING), an affiliated Reference Center for the European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions (Endo-ERN).The presented data is the outcome of > 15 years long standing collaboration between MGFT and endocrine specialists from the local government hospitals and the private sector. Up-to-date > 2000 genetic tests have been performed for the diagnosis of inherited rare endocrine disorders. The major clinical entities included Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) due to pathogenic variants in CYP21A2 gene and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) type 2 due to pathogenic variants in the RET proto-oncogene. Other rare and novel pathogenic variants in ANOS1, WDR11, FGFR1, RNF216, and CHD7 genes were also found in patients with Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism. Interestingly, a few patients with Disorders of Sexual Differentiation (DSD) shared rare pathogenic variants in the SRD5A2, HSD17B3 and HSD3B2 while patients with Glucose and Insulin Homeostasis carried theirs in GCK and HNF1A genes. Lastly, MGFT over the last few years has established an esteemed diagnostic and research program on premature puberty with emphasis on the implication of MKRN3 gene on the onset of the disease and the identification of other prognosis biomarkers.As an Endo-ERN member MGFT department belongs to this large European network and holds the same humanistic ideals which aim toward the improvements of health care for patients with rare endocrine conditions in respect to improved and faster diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Pavlos Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Meropi Toumba
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic, Aretaeio Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nicos Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for Specialized Paediatrics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- School of Medicine, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Fanis P, Neocleous V, Papapetrou I, Phylactou LA, Skordis N. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor (GnRHR) and Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15965. [PMID: 37958948 PMCID: PMC10650312 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Human sexual and reproductive development is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which is primarily controlled by the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) acting on its receptor (GnRHR). Dysregulation of the axis leads to conditions such as congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) and delayed puberty. The pathophysiology of GnRHR makes it a potential target for treatments in several reproductive diseases and in congenital adrenal hyperplasia. GnRHR belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor family and its GnRH ligand, when bound, activates several complex and tissue-specific signaling pathways. In the pituitary gonadotrope cells, it triggers the G protein subunit dissociation and initiates a cascade of events that lead to the production and secretion of the luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) accompanied with the phospholipase C, inositol phosphate production, and protein kinase C activation. Pharmacologically, GnRHR can be modulated by synthetic analogues. Such analogues include the agonists, antagonists, and the pharmacoperones. The agonists stimulate the gonadotropin release and lead to receptor desensitization with prolonged use while the antagonists directly block the GnRHR and rapidly reduce the sex hormone production. Pharmacoperones include the most recent GnRHR therapeutic approaches that directly correct the misfolded GnRHRs, which are caused by genetic mutations and hold serious promise for CHH treatment. Understanding of the GnRHR's genomic and protein structure is crucial for the most appropriate assessing of the mutation impact. Such mutations in the GNRHR are linked to normosmic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and lead to various clinical symptoms, including delayed puberty, infertility, and impaired sexual development. These mutations vary regarding their mode of inheritance and can be found in the homozygous, compound heterozygous, or in the digenic state. GnRHR expression extends beyond the pituitary gland, and is found in reproductive tissues such as ovaries, uterus, and prostate and non-reproductive tissues such as heart, muscles, liver and melanoma cells. This comprehensive review explores GnRHR's multifaceted role in human reproduction and its clinical implications for reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlos Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (P.F.); (V.N.)
| | - Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (P.F.); (V.N.)
| | - Irene Papapetrou
- School of Medicine, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus;
| | - Leonidas A. Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (P.F.); (V.N.)
| | - Nicos Skordis
- School of Medicine, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus;
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for Specialized Paediatrics, Nicosia 2024, Cyprus
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Philippou S, Mastroyiannopoulos NP, Tomazou M, Oulas A, Ackers-Johnson M, Foo RS, Spyrou GM, Phylactou LA. Selective Delivery to Cardiac Muscle Cells Using Cell-Specific Aptamers. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1264. [PMID: 37765072 PMCID: PMC10534653 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In vivo SELEX is an advanced adaptation of Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) that allows the development of aptamers capable of recognizing targets directly within their natural microenvironment. While this methodology ensures a higher translation potential for the selected aptamer, it does not select for aptamers that recognize specific cell types within a tissue. Such aptamers could potentially improve the development of drugs for several diseases, including neuromuscular disorders, by targeting solely the proteins involved in their pathogenesis. Here, we describe our attempt to utilize in vivo SELEX with a modification in the methodology that drives the selection of intravenously injected aptamers towards a specific cell type of interest. Our data suggest that the incorporation of a cell enrichment step can direct the in vivo localization of RNA aptamers into cardiomyocytes, the cardiac muscle cells, more readily over other cardiac cells. Given the crucial role of cardiomyocytes in the disease pathology in DMD cardiomyopathy and therapy, these aptamers hold great potential as drug delivery vehicles with cardiomyocyte selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Styliana Philippou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Nikolaos P. Mastroyiannopoulos
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Marios Tomazou
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Anastasios Oulas
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Matthew Ackers-Johnson
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Centre for Translational Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Roger S. Foo
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Centre for Translational Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - George M. Spyrou
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A. Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
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Neocleous V, Fanis P, Frangos S, Skordis N, Phylactou LA. RET Proto-Oncogene Variants in Patients with Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma from the Mediterranean Basin: A Brief Report. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1332. [PMID: 37374115 DOI: 10.3390/life13061332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) is an autosomal dominant (AD) condition with very high penetrance and expressivity. It is characterized into three clinical entities recognized as MEN2A, MEN2B, and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC). In both MEN2A and MEN2B, there is a manifestation of multicentric tumor formation in the major organs such as the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands where the RET proto-oncogene is expressed. The FMTC form differs from MEN2A and MEN2B, since medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is the only feature observed. In this present brief report, we demonstrate a collection of RET proto-oncogene genotype data from countries around the Mediterranean Basin with variable characteristics. As expected, a great extent of the Mediterranean RET proto-oncogene genotype data resemble the data reported globally. Most interestingly, higher frequencies are observed in the Mediterranean region for specific pathogenic RET variants as a result of local prevalence. The latter can be explained by founder effect phenomena. The Mediterranean epidemiological data that are presented herein are very important for domestic patients, their family members' evaluation, and ultimately their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Pavlos Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Savvas Frangos
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Bank of Cyprus Oncology Center, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
| | - Nicos Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for Specialized Paediatrics, Nicosia 2024, Cyprus
- School of Medicine, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 2417, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
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Fanis P, Skordis N, Toumba M, Picolos M, Tanteles GA, Neocleous V, Phylactou LA. The pathogenic p.Gln319Ter variant is not causing congenital adrenal hyperplasia when inherited in one of the duplicated CYP21A2 genes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1156616. [PMID: 37324257 PMCID: PMC10266209 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1156616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The study aimed to identify the pathogenic status of p.Gln319Ter (NM_000500.7: c.955C>T) variant when inherited in a single CYP21A2 gene (bimodular RCCX haplotype) and to discriminate between a non-causing congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) allele when inherited in a duplicated and functional CYP21A2 gene context (trimodular RCCX haplotype). Methods 38 females and 8 males with hyperandrogenemia, previously screened by sequencing and identified as carriers for the pathogenic p.Gln319Ter, were herein tested by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and a real-time PCR Copy number Variation (CNV) assay. Results Both MLPA and real-time PCR CNV analyses confirmed a bimodular and pathogenic RCCX haplotype with a single CYP21A2 in 19/46 (41.30%) p.Gln319Ter carriers and who in parallel all shared elevated 17-OHP levels. The remaining 27 individuals that also carried the p.Gln319Ter exhibited low 17-OHP levels as a result of their carriership of a duplicated CYP21A2 with a trimodular RCCX haplotype. Interestingly, all of these individuals also carried in linkage disequilibrium with p.Gln319Ter two single nucleotide polymorphisms, the c.293-79G>A (rs114414746) in intron 2 and the c.*12C>T (rs150697472) in the 3'-UTR. Therefore, these variants can be used to distinguish between pathogenic and non-pathogenic genomic contexts of the c.955T (p.Gln319) in the genetic diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Conclusion The employed methodologies identified a considerable number of individuals with non-pathogenic p.Gln319Ter from the individuals that typically carry the pathogenic p.Gln319Ter in a single CYP21A2. Therefore, it is extremely important the detection of such haplotypes for the prenatal diagnosis, treatment and genetic counseling in patients with CAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlos Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nicos Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for specialized Paediatrics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- School of Medicine, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Meropi Toumba
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Paediatrics, Paediatric Endocrinology Clinic, Aretaeio Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Michalis Picolos
- Department of Endocrinology, Alithias Endocrinology Center, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - George A. Tanteles
- Department of Clinical Genetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A. Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Fanis P, Skordis N, Phylactou LA, Neocleous V. Salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia phenotype as a result of the TNXA/TNXB chimera 1 (CAH-X CH-1) and the pathogenic IVS2-13A/C > G in CYP21A2 gene. Hormones (Athens) 2023; 22:71-77. [PMID: 36264454 PMCID: PMC10011304 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-022-00410-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic diversity of mutations in the CYP21A2 gene is the main cause of the monogenic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) disorder. On chromosome 6p21.3, the CYP21A2 gene is partially overlapped by the TNXB gene, the two residing in tandem with their highly homologous corresponding pseudogenes (CYP21A1P and TNXA), which leads to recurrent homologous recombination. METHODS AND RESULTS In the present study, the genetic status of an ethnic Greek-Cypriot family, with a female neonate that was originally classified as male and manifested the salt-wasting (SW) form, is presented. Genetic defects in the CYP21A2 and TNXB genes were investigated by Sanger sequencing multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and a real-time PCR assay. The neonate carried in compound heterozygosity the TNXA/TNXB chimeric gene complex (termed CAH-X CH-1) that results in a contiguous CYP21A2 and TNXB deletion and in her second allele the pathogenic IVS2-13A/C > G (c.655A/C > G) in CYP21A2. CONCLUSIONS The classic SW-CAH due to 21-hydroxylase (21-OH) deficiency may result from various complex etiological mechanisms and, as such, can involve the formation of monoallelic TNXA/TNXB chimeras found in trans with other CYP21A2 pathogenic variants. This is a rare case of CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, which elucidates the role of the complex RCCX CNV structure in the development of the disease. Identification of the correct CAH genotypes for a given phenotype is of considerable value in assisting clinicians in prenatal diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlos Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nicos Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for Specialized Pediatrics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Medical School, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Persani L, Cools M, Ioakim S, Faisal Ahmed S, Andonova S, Avbelj-Stefanija M, Baronio F, Bouligand J, Bruggenwirth HT, Davies JH, De Baere E, Dzivite-Krisane I, Fernandez-Alvarez P, Gheldof A, Giavoli C, Gravholt CH, Hiort O, Holterhus PM, Juul A, Krausz C, Lagerstedt-Robinson K, McGowan R, Neumann U, Novelli A, Peyrassol X, Phylactou LA, Rohayem J, Touraine P, Westra D, Vezzoli V, Rossetti R. The genetic diagnosis of rare endocrine disorders of sex development and maturation: a survey among Endo-ERN centres. Endocr Connect 2022; 11:e220367. [PMID: 36228316 PMCID: PMC9716404 DOI: 10.1530/ec-22-0367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Differences of sex development and maturation (SDM) represent a heterogeneous puzzle of rare conditions with a large genetic component whose management and treatment could be improved by an accurate classification of underlying molecular conditions, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) should represent the most appropriate approach. Therefore, we conducted a survey dedicated to the use and potential outcomes of NGS for SDM disorders diagnosis among the 53 health care providers (HCP) of the European Reference Network for rare endocrine conditions. The response rate was 49% with a total of 26 HCPs from 13 countries. All HCPs, except 1, performed NGS investigations for SDM disorders on 6720 patients, 3764 (56%) with differences of sex development (DSD), including 811 unexplained primary ovarian insufficiency, and 2956 (44%) with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH). The approaches varied from targeted analysis of custom gene panels (range: 11-490 genes) in 81.5% of cases or whole exome sequencing with the extraction of a virtual panel in the remaining cases. These analyses were performed for diagnostic purposes in 21 HCPs, supported by the National Health Systems in 16 cases. The likelihood of finding a variant ranged between 7 and 60%, mainly depending upon the number of analysed genes or criteria used for reporting, most HCPs also reporting variants of uncertain significance. These data illustrate the status of genetic diagnosis of DSD and CHH across Europe. In most countries, these analyses are performed for diagnostic purposes, yielding highly variable results, thus suggesting the need for harmonization and general improvements of NGS approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Persani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Martine Cools
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics and of Paediatric Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stamatina Ioakim
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - S Faisal Ahmed
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Andonova
- National Genetic Laboratory, UHOG “Maichin dom", Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Magdalena Avbelj-Stefanija
- Department for Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Federico Baronio
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Jerome Bouligand
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm UMRS1185 & Service de Génétique Moléculaire, Pharmacogénétique et Hormonologie, Hôpital Bicêtre, France
| | - Hennie T Bruggenwirth
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Justin H Davies
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Elfride De Baere
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics and of Paediatric Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Paula Fernandez-Alvarez
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexander Gheldof
- Center for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Claudia Giavoli
- Unit of Endocrinology, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Claus H Gravholt
- Departments of Endocrinology, of Clinical Medicine and of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Olaf Hiort
- University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, and University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Anders Juul
- Departments of Growth and Reproduction and of Clinical Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Csilla Krausz
- Endocrinology and Andrology Units, University Hospital of Careggi and Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Kristina Lagerstedt-Robinson
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Laboratory, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ruth McGowan
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- West of Scotland Centre for Genomic Medicine, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Uta Neumann
- Charité Medicine University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antonio Novelli
- Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Philippe Touraine
- Center for Rare Endocrine and Gynecological Disorders, Department of endocrinology and reproductive Medicine, Hospital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Dineke Westra
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Valeria Vezzoli
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Rossetti
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
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Kakouri AC, Koutalianos D, Koutsoulidou A, Oulas A, Tomazou M, Nikolenko N, Turner C, Roos A, Lusakowska A, Janiszewska K, Papadimas GK, Papadopoulos C, Kararizou E, Papanicolaou EZ, Gorman G, Lochmüller H, Spyrou GM, Phylactou LA. Circulating small RNA signatures differentiate accurately the subtypes of muscular dystrophies: small-RNA next-generation sequencing analytics and functional insights. RNA Biol 2022; 19:507-518. [PMID: 35388741 PMCID: PMC8993092 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2022.2058817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are a group of rare and severe inherited disorders mainly affecting the muscle tissue. Duchene Muscular Dystrophy, Myotonic Dystrophy types 1 and 2, Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy and Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy are some of the members of this family of disorders. In addition to the current diagnostic tools, there is an increasing interest for the development of novel non-invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of these diseases. miRNAs are small RNA molecules characterized by high stability in blood thus making them ideal biomarker candidates for various diseases. In this study, we present the first genome-wide next-generation small RNA sequencing in serum samples of five different types of muscular dystrophy patients and healthy individuals. We identified many small RNAs including miRNAs, lncRNAs, tRNAs, snoRNAs and snRNAs, that differentially discriminate the muscular dystrophy patients from the healthy individuals. Further analysis of the identified miRNAs showed that some miRNAs can distinguish the muscular dystrophy patients from controls and other miRNAs are specific to the type of muscular dystrophy. Bioinformatics analysis of the target genes for the most significant miRNAs and the biological role of these genes revealed different pathways that the dysregulated miRNAs are involved in each type of muscular dystrophy investigated. In conclusion, this study shows unique signatures of small RNAs circulating in five types of muscular dystrophy patients and provides a useful resource for future studies for the development of miRNA biomarkers in muscular dystrophies and for their involvement in the pathogenesis of the disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Kakouri
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Demetris Koutalianos
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Andrie Koutsoulidou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Anastasis Oulas
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Marios Tomazou
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Department of Neurogenetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nikoletta Nikolenko
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Chris Turner
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Andreas Roos
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital Essen, Duisburg-Essen University, Germany.,Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Anna Lusakowska
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - George K Papadimas
- Department of Neurology, Eginitio hospital, Medical School of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Evangelia Kararizou
- Department of Neurology, Eginitio hospital, Medical School of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Grainne Gorman
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, UK
| | - Hanns Lochmüller
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Centro Nacional de AnálisisGenómico, Center for Genomic Regulation (CNAG-CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (Bist), Barcelona, Spain
| | - George M Spyrou
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
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9
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Nowotny H, Neumann U, Tardy-Guidollet V, Ahmed SF, Baronio F, Battelino T, Bertherat J, Blankenstein O, Bonomi M, Bouvattier C, Brac de la Perrière A, Brucker S, Cappa M, Chanson P, Claahsen-van der Grinten HL, Colao A, Cools M, Davies JH, Dörr HG, Fenske WK, Ghigo E, Giordano R, Gravholt CH, Huebner A, Husebye ES, Igbokwe R, Juul A, Kiefer FW, Léger J, Menassa R, Meyer G, Neocleous V, Phylactou LA, Rohayem J, Russo G, Scaroni C, Touraine P, Unger N, Vojtková J, Yeste D, Lajic S, Reisch N. Prenatal dexamethasone treatment for classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency in Europe. Eur J Endocrinol 2022; 186:K17-K24. [PMID: 35235536 PMCID: PMC9010809 DOI: 10.1530/eje-21-0554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the current medical practice in Europe regarding prenatal dexamethasone (Pdex) treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. DESIGN AND METHODS A questionnaire was designed and distributed, including 17 questions collecting quantitative and qualitative data. Thirty-six medical centres from 14 European countries responded and 30 out of 36 centres were reference centres of the European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions, EndoERN. RESULTS Pdex treatment is currently provided by 36% of the surveyed centres. The treatment is initiated by different specialties, that is paediatricians, endocrinologists, gynaecologists or geneticists. Regarding the starting point of Pdex, 23% stated to initiate therapy at 4-5 weeks postconception (wpc), 31% at 6 wpc and 46 % as early as pregnancy is confirmed and before 7 wpc at the latest. A dose of 20 µg/kg/day is used. Dose distribution among the centres varies from once to thrice daily. Prenatal diagnostics for treated cases are conducted in 72% of the responding centres. Cases treated per country and year vary between 0.5 and 8.25. Registries for long-term follow-up are only available at 46% of the centres that are using Pdex treatment. National registries are only available in Sweden and France. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals a high international variability and discrepancy in the use of Pdex treatment across Europe. It highlights the importance of a European cooperation initiative for a joint international prospective trial to establish evidence-based guidelines on prenatal diagnostics, treatment and follow-up of pregnancies at risk for CAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Nowotny
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Uta Neumann
- Centre for Chronic Sick Children, Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Véronique Tardy-Guidollet
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Centre National de Référence ‘Développement Génital: du fœtus à l’adulte DEV-GEN’ Université Lyon I, Lyon, France
| | - S Faisal Ahmed
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Federico Baronio
- Paediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Tadej Battelino
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, University Children’s Hospital, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jérôme Bertherat
- Service d’Endocinologie et Maladies Métaboliques, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Centre, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Oliver Blankenstein
- Centre for Chronic Sick Children, Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marco Bonomi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Lab of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCSS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Claire Bouvattier
- Service d’Endocrinologie de l’Enfant, GHU Paris-Sud, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Paris, France
- Centre National de Référence ‘Développement Génital: du fœtus à l’adulte DEV-GEN’, Paris, France
| | - Aude Brac de la Perrière
- Fédération d’Endocrinologie, de Diabétologie et des Maladies Métaboliques, Hospices Civils des Lyon, Centre National de Référence ‘Développement Génital: du fœtus à l’adulte DEV-GEN’, Lyon, France
| | - Sara Brucker
- Department of Women’s Health, University Women’s Hospital, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marco Cappa
- Endocrinology Unit, Paediatric University Department, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Philippe Chanson
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Service d’Endocrinologie et des Maladies de la Reproduction, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares de Hypophyse, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Hedi L Claahsen-van der Grinten
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Amalia Children’s Hospital, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Clinica E Chirurgia, Sezione Di Endocrinologia, Universita’ Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Martine Cools
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Justin H Davies
- Paediatric Endocrinology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Helmut-Günther Dörr
- Paediatric Endocrinology, Department of Paediatrics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wiebke K Fenske
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ezio Ghigo
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Roberta Giordano
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Claus H Gravholt
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Angela Huebner
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Eystein Sverre Husebye
- Department of Clinical Science and KG Jebsen Centre for Autoimmune Disorders, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rebecca Igbokwe
- West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory, Birmingham Women’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Florian W Kiefer
- Clinical Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Juliane Léger
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology and Reference Centre for Rare Diseases of Growth and Development, AP-HP Paris Nord Université de Paris, CHU Robert-Debre, Paris, France
| | - Rita Menassa
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Centre National de Référence ‘Développement Génital: du fœtus à l’adulte DEV-GEN’ Université Lyon I, Lyon, France
| | - Gesine Meyer
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine 1, Goethe University Frankfurt Faculty 16 Medicine, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Julia Rohayem
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Clinical and Operative Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Gianni Russo
- Department of Paediatrics, Endocrine Unit, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Carla Scaroni
- Dipartimento di Medicina, U.O.C. Endocrinologia, Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Philippe Touraine
- Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Centre for Rare Endocrine and Gynaecological Disorders, Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Nicole Unger
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jarmila Vojtková
- Department of Paediatrics, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, University Hospital in Martin, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Diego Yeste
- Paediatric Endocrinology Service, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- CIBERER, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Svetlana Lajic
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet/Karolinska University Hospital, Paediatric Endocrinology Unit (QB83), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicole Reisch
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munich, Germany
- Correspondence should be addressed to N Reisch;
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10
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Fanis P, Morrou M, Tomazou M, Michailidou K, Spyrou GM, Toumba M, Skordis N, Neocleous V, Phylactou LA. Methylation status of hypothalamic Mkrn3 promoter across puberty. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1075341. [PMID: 36714607 PMCID: PMC9880154 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1075341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Makorin RING finger protein 3 (MKRN3) is an important factor located on chromosome 15 in the imprinting region associated with Prader-Willi syndrome. Imprinted MKRN3 is expressed in hypothalamic regions essential for the onset of puberty and mutations in the gene have been found in patients with central precocious puberty. The pubertal process is largely controlled by epigenetic mechanisms that include, among other things, DNA methylation at CpG dinucleotides of puberty-related genes. In the present study, we investigated the methylation status of the Mkrn3 promoter in the hypothalamus of the female mouse before, during and after puberty. Initially, we mapped the 32 CpG dinucleotides in the promoter, the 5'UTR and the first 50 nucleotides of the coding region of the Mkrn3 gene. Moreover, we identified a short CpG island region (CpG islet) located within the promoter. Methylation analysis using bisulfite sequencing revealed that CpG dinucleotides were methylated regardless of developmental stage, with the lowest levels of methylation being found within the CpG islet region. In addition, the CpG islet region showed significantly lower methylation levels at the pre-pubertal stage when compared with the pubertal or post-pubertal stage. Finally, in silico analysis of transcription factor binding sites on the Mkrn3 CpG islet identified the recruitment of 29 transcriptional regulators of which 14 were transcriptional repressors. Our findings demonstrate the characterization and differential methylation of the CpG dinucleotides located in the Mkrn3 promoter that could influence the transcriptional activity in pre-pubertal compared to pubertal or post-pubertal period. Further studies are needed to clarify the possible mechanisms and effects of differential methylation of the Mkrn3 promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlos Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Maria Morrou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Marios Tomazou
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Kyriaki Michailidou
- Biostatistics Unit, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - George M. Spyrou
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Meropi Toumba
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Child Endocrine Care, Department of Pediatrics, Aretaeio Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nicos Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for Specialized Pediatrics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Medical School, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A. Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- *Correspondence: Leonidas A. Phylactou,
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11
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Koutalianos D, Koutsoulidou A, Mytidou C, Kakouri AC, Oulas A, Tomazou M, Kyriakides TC, Prokopi M, Kapnisis K, Nikolenko N, Turner C, Lusakowska A, Janiszewska K, Papadimas GK, Papadopoulos C, Kararizou E, Spyrou GM, Gourdon G, Zamba Papanicolaou E, Gorman G, Anayiotos A, Lochmüller H, Phylactou LA. miR-223-3p and miR-24-3p as novel serum-based biomarkers for myotonic dystrophy type 1. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 23:169-183. [PMID: 34703840 PMCID: PMC8517008 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common adult-onset muscular dystrophy, primarily characterized by muscle wasting and weakness. Many biomarkers already exist in the rapidly developing biomarker research field that aim to improve patients' care. Limited work, however, has been performed on rare diseases, including DM1. We have previously shown that specific microRNAs (miRNAs) can be used as potential biomarkers for DM1 progression. In this report, we aimed to identify novel serum-based biomarkers for DM1 through high-throughput next-generation sequencing. A number of miRNAs were identified that are able to distinguish DM1 patients from healthy individuals. Two miRNAs were selected, and their association with the disease was validated in a larger panel of patients. Further investigation of miR-223-3p, miR-24-3p, and the four previously identified miRNAs, miR-1-3p, miR-133a-3p, miR-133b-3p, and miR-206-3p, showed elevated levels in a DM1 mouse model for all six miRNAs circulating in the serum compared to healthy controls. Importantly, the levels of miR-223-3p, but not the other five miRNAs, were found to be significantly downregulated in five skeletal muscles and heart tissues of DM1 mice compared to controls. This result provides significant evidence for its involvement in disease manifestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demetris Koutalianos
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Ayios Dometios, Nicosia, Cyprus, PO Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Andrie Koutsoulidou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Ayios Dometios, Nicosia, Cyprus, PO Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
- The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Ayios Dometios, Nicosia, Cyprus, PO Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Chrystalla Mytidou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Ayios Dometios, Nicosia, Cyprus, PO Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
- The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Ayios Dometios, Nicosia, Cyprus, PO Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Andrea C. Kakouri
- The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Ayios Dometios, Nicosia, Cyprus, PO Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Ayios Dometios, Nicosia, Cyprus, PO Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Neurogenetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Ayios Dometios, Nicosia, Cyprus, PO Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Anastasis Oulas
- The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Ayios Dometios, Nicosia, Cyprus, PO Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Ayios Dometios, Nicosia, Cyprus, PO Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Marios Tomazou
- The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Ayios Dometios, Nicosia, Cyprus, PO Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Ayios Dometios, Nicosia, Cyprus, PO Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Neurogenetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Ayios Dometios, Nicosia, Cyprus, PO Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Tassos C. Kyriakides
- Yale Center for Analytical Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 300 George Street, Suite 555, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Marianna Prokopi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, 45 Kitiou Kyprianou Str., 3041 Limassol, Cyprus
- Theramir Ltd, 13 Georgiou Karaiskaki Str., 3032 Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Konstantinos Kapnisis
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, 45 Kitiou Kyprianou Str., 3041 Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Nikoletta Nikolenko
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Chris Turner
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Anna Lusakowska
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Janiszewska
- Department of Neurology, Central Hospital of Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - George K. Papadimas
- Department of Neurology, Eginitio Hospital, Medical School of Athens, 74 Vasilissis Sofias, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Constantinos Papadopoulos
- Department of Neurology, Eginitio Hospital, Medical School of Athens, 74 Vasilissis Sofias, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Kararizou
- Department of Neurology, Eginitio Hospital, Medical School of Athens, 74 Vasilissis Sofias, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - George M. Spyrou
- The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Ayios Dometios, Nicosia, Cyprus, PO Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Ayios Dometios, Nicosia, Cyprus, PO Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Geneviève Gourdon
- Inserm, Sorbonne University, Institute of Myology, Center of Research in Myology, Paris, France
| | - Eleni Zamba Papanicolaou
- The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Ayios Dometios, Nicosia, Cyprus, PO Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Neurology Clinic D, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Ayios Dometios, Nicosia, Cyprus, PO Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Grainne Gorman
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, UK
| | - Andreas Anayiotos
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, 45 Kitiou Kyprianou Str., 3041 Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Hanns Lochmüller
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Centre–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, and Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Leonidas A. Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Ayios Dometios, Nicosia, Cyprus, PO Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
- The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, 2371 Ayios Dometios, Nicosia, Cyprus, PO Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
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12
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Mytidou C, Koutsoulidou A, Zachariou M, Prokopi M, Kapnisis K, Spyrou GM, Anayiotos A, Phylactou LA. Age-Related Exosomal and Endogenous Expression Patterns of miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b, and miR-206 in Skeletal Muscles. Front Physiol 2021; 12:708278. [PMID: 34867435 PMCID: PMC8637414 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.708278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle growth and maintenance depend on two tightly regulated processes, myogenesis and muscle regeneration. Both processes involve a series of crucial regulatory molecules including muscle-specific microRNAs, known as myomiRs. We recently showed that four myomiRs, miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b, and miR-206, are encapsulated within muscle-derived exosomes and participate in local skeletal muscle communication. Although these four myomiRs have been extensively studied for their function in muscles, no information exists regarding their endogenous and exosomal levels across age. Here we aimed to identify any age-related changes in the endogenous and muscle-derived exosomal myomiR levels during acute skeletal muscle growth. The four endogenous and muscle-derived myomiRs were investigated in five skeletal muscles (extensor digitorum longus, soleus, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and quadriceps) of 2-week–1-year-old wild-type male mice. The expression of miR-1, miR-133a, and miR-133b was found to increase rapidly until adolescence in all skeletal muscles, whereas during adulthood it remained relatively stable. By contrast, endogenous miR-206 levels were observed to decrease with age in all muscles, except for soleus. Differential expression of the four myomiRs is also inversely reflected on the production of two protein targets; serum response factor and connexin 43. Muscle-derived exosomal miR-1, miR-133a, and miR-133b levels were found to increase until the early adolescence, before reaching a plateau phase. Soleus was found to be the only skeletal muscle to release exosomes enriched in miR-206. In this study, we showed for the first time an in-depth longitudinal analysis of the endogenous and exosomal levels of the four myomiRs during skeletal muscle development. We showed that the endogenous expression and extracellular secretion of the four myomiRs are associated to the function and size of skeletal muscles as the mice age. Overall, our findings provide new insights for the myomiRs’ significant role in the first year of life in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrystalla Mytidou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Andrie Koutsoulidou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Margarita Zachariou
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Bioinformatics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Marianna Prokopi
- Theramir Ltd., Limassol, Cyprus.,Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Konstantinos Kapnisis
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - George M Spyrou
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Bioinformatics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Andreas Anayiotos
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
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13
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Toumba M, Fanis P, Vlachakis D, Neocleous V, Phylactou LA, Skordis N, Mantzoros CS, Pantelidou M. Molecular modelling of novel ADCY3 variant predicts a molecular target for tackling obesity. Int J Mol Med 2021; 49:10. [PMID: 34821371 PMCID: PMC8651229 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.5065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe early-onset obesity is mainly attributed to single gene variations of the hypothalamic leptin-melanocortin system, which is critical for controlling the balance between appetite and energy expenditure. Adenylate cyclase 3 (ADCY3), a transmembrane enzyme localized in primary neuronal cilia, is a key genetic candidate, which appears to have an essential role in regulating body weight. The present study aimed to identify ADCY3 genetic variants in severely obese young patients of Greek-Cypriot origin by genomic sequencing. Apart from previously reported variants, the novel and probably pathogenic variant c.349T>A, causing a p.Leu117Met substitution within one of the two pseudo-symmetric halves of the transmembrane part of the protein, was reported. Molecular modelling analysis used to delineate bonding interactions within the mutated protein structure strongly suggested a change in interactive forces and energy levels affecting the pseudo-twofold symmetry of the transmembrane domain of the protein and probably its catalytic function. These results support the involvement of ADCY3 in the pathology of the disease and point towards the requirement of defining protein function and evaluating the clinical significance of the detected variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meropi Toumba
- Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic, Department of Paediatrics, Aretaeio Hospital, 2024 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Pavlos Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Dimitrios Vlachakis
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nicos Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Maria Pantelidou
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Frederick University Cyprus, 1036 Nicosia, Cyprus
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14
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Yiallouros PK, Matthaiou AΜ, Anagnostopoulou P, Kouis P, Libik M, Adamidi T, Eleftheriou A, Demetriou A, Ioannou P, Tanteles GA, Costi C, Fanis P, Macek M, Neocleous V, Phylactou LA. Demographic characteristics, clinical and laboratory features, and the distribution of pathogenic variants in the CFTR gene in the Cypriot cystic fibrosis (CF) population demonstrate the utility of a national CF patient registry. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:409. [PMID: 34600583 PMCID: PMC8487500 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-02049-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specialized clinical care for cystic fibrosis (CF) in Cyprus, a small island country, has been implemented since the 1990s. However, only recently, a national CF patient registry has been established for the systematic recording of patients' data. In this study, we aim to present data on the epidemiological, genotypic and phenotypic features of CF patients in the country from the most recent data collection in 2019, with particular emphasis on notable rare or unique cases. RESULTS Overall, data from 52 patients are presented, 5 of whom have deceased and 13 have been lost to follow-up in previous years. The mean age at diagnosis was 7.2 ± 12.3 years, and the mean age of 34 alive patients by the end of 2019 was 22.6 ± 13.2 years. Patients most commonly presented at diagnosis with acute or persistent respiratory symptoms (46.2%), failure to thrive or malnutrition (40.4%), and dehydration or electrolyte imbalance (32.7%). Sweat chloride levels were diagnostic (above 60 mmol/L) in 81.8% of examined patients. The most common identified mutation was p.Phe508del (F508del) (45.2%), followed by p.Leu346Pro (L346P) (6.7%), a mutation detected solely in individuals of Cypriot descent. The mean BMI and FEV1 z-scores were 0.2 ± 1.3 and - 2.1 ± 1.7 across all age groups, respectively, whereas chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization was noted in 26.9% of patients. The majority of patients (74.5%) were eligible to receive at least one of the available CFTR modulator therapies. In 25% of patients we recovered rare or unique genotypic profiles, including the endemic p.Leu346Pro (L346P), the rare CFTR-dup2, the co-segregated c.4200_4201delTG/c.489 + 3A > G, and the polymorphism p.Ser877Ala. CONCLUSIONS CF patient registries are particularly important in small or isolated populations, such as in Cyprus, with rare or unique disease cases. Their operation is necessary for the optimization of clinical care provided to CF patients, enabling their majority to benefit from evolving advances in precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panayiotis K. Yiallouros
- Respiratory Physiology Laboratory, Medical School, Shacolas Educational Centre for Clinical Medicine, University of Cyprus, 215/6 Palaios Dromos Lefkosias Lemesou, 2029 Aglantzia, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Paediatric Pulmonology Unit, Hospital ‘Archbishop Makarios III’, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Andreas Μ. Matthaiou
- Respiratory Physiology Laboratory, Medical School, Shacolas Educational Centre for Clinical Medicine, University of Cyprus, 215/6 Palaios Dromos Lefkosias Lemesou, 2029 Aglantzia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Pinelopi Anagnostopoulou
- Respiratory Physiology Laboratory, Medical School, Shacolas Educational Centre for Clinical Medicine, University of Cyprus, 215/6 Palaios Dromos Lefkosias Lemesou, 2029 Aglantzia, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Paediatric Pulmonology Unit, Hospital ‘Archbishop Makarios III’, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Panayiotis Kouis
- Respiratory Physiology Laboratory, Medical School, Shacolas Educational Centre for Clinical Medicine, University of Cyprus, 215/6 Palaios Dromos Lefkosias Lemesou, 2029 Aglantzia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Malgorzata Libik
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Tonia Adamidi
- Pulmonology Clinic, Nicosia General Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | | | - Phivos Ioannou
- Paediatric Pulmonology Unit, Hospital ‘Archbishop Makarios III’, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - George A. Tanteles
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Clinical Genetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Constantina Costi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Pavlos Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Milan Macek
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A. Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
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15
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Neocleous V, Fanis P, Toumba M, Gorka B, Kousiappa I, Tanteles GA, Iasonides M, Nicolaides NC, Christou YP, Michailidou K, Nicolaou S, Papacostas SS, Christoforidis A, Kyriakou A, Vlachakis D, Skordis N, Phylactou LA. Pathogenic and Low-Frequency Variants in Children With Central Precocious Puberty. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:745048. [PMID: 34630334 PMCID: PMC8498594 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.745048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Central precocious puberty (CPP) due to premature activation of GnRH secretion results in early epiphyseal fusion and to a significant compromise in the achieved final adult height. Currently, few genetic determinants of children with CPP have been described. In this translational study, rare sequence variants in MKRN3, DLK1, KISS1, and KISS1R genes were investigated in patients with CPP. Methods Fifty-four index girls and two index boys with CPP were first tested by Sanger sequencing for the MKRN3 gene. All children found negative (n = 44) for the MKRN3 gene were further investigated by whole exome sequencing (WES). In the latter analysis, the status of variants in genes known to be related with pubertal timing was compared with an in-house Cypriot control cohort (n = 43). The identified rare variants were initially examined by in silico computational algorithms and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Additionally, a genetic network for the MKRN3 gene, mimicking a holistic regulatory depiction of the crosstalk between MKRN3 and other genes was designed. Results Three previously described pathogenic MKRN3 variants located in the coding region of the gene were identified in 12 index girls with CPP. The most prevalent pathogenic MKRN3 variant p.Gly312Asp was exclusively found among the Cypriot CPP cohort, indicating a founder effect phenomenon. Seven other CPP girls harbored rare likely pathogenic upstream variants in the MKRN3. Among the 44 CPP patients submitted to WES, nine rare DLK1 variants were identified in 11 girls, two rare KISS1 variants in six girls, and two rare MAGEL2 variants in five girls. Interestingly, the frequent variant rs10407968 (p.Gly8Ter) of the KISS1R gene appeared to be less frequent in the cohort of patients with CPP. Conclusion The results of the present study confirm the importance of the MKRN3-imprinted gene in genetics of CPP and its key role in pubertal timing. Overall, the results of the present study have emphasized the importance of an approach that aligns genetics and clinical aspects, which is necessary for the management and treatment of CPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Pavlos Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Meropi Toumba
- Child Endocrine Care, Department of Pediatrics, Aretaeio Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Barbara Gorka
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Ioanna Kousiappa
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Neurobiology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - George A Tanteles
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Clinical Genetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Michalis Iasonides
- Department of Pediatrics, Iliaktida Paediatric & Adolescent Medical Centre, Limassol, Cyprus
- University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nicolas C Nicolaides
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Yiolanda P Christou
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Neurobiology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Kyriaki Michailidou
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Biostatistics Unit, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Stella Nicolaou
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Archbishop Makarios III Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Savvas S Papacostas
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Neurobiology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Centre for Neuroscience and Integrative Brain Research (CENIBRE), University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Athanasios Christoforidis
- First Pediatric Department, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Andreas Kyriakou
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Archbishop Makarios III Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Dimitrios Vlachakis
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Lab of Molecular Endocrinology, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Informatics, Faculty of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicos Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- St George's, University of London Medical School, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for specialized Pediatrics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
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16
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Mytidou C, Koutsoulidou A, Katsioloudi A, Prokopi M, Kapnisis K, Michailidou K, Anayiotos A, Phylactou LA. Muscle-derived exosomes encapsulate myomiRs and are involved in local skeletal muscle tissue communication. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21279. [PMID: 33484211 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902468rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that are released from most cell types encapsulating specific molecular cargo. Exosomes serve as mediators of cell-to-cell and tissue-to-tissue communications under normal and pathological conditions. It has been shown that exosomes carrying muscle-specific miRNAs, myomiRs, are secreted from skeletal muscle cells in vitro and are elevated in the blood of muscle disease patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the secretion of exosomes encapsulating the four myomiRs from skeletal muscle tissues and to assess their role in inter-tissue communication between neighboring skeletal muscles in vivo. We demonstrate, for the first time, that isolated, intact skeletal muscle tissues secrete exosomes encapsulating the four myomiRs, miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b, and miR-206. Notably, we show that the sorting of the four myomiRs within exosomes varies between skeletal muscles of different muscle fiber-type composition. miR-133a and miR-133b downregulation in TA muscles caused a reduction of their levels in neighboring skeletal muscles and in serum exosomes. In conclusion, our results reveal that skeletal muscle-derived exosomes encapsulate the four myomiRs, some of which enter the blood, while a portion is used for the local communication between proximal muscle tissues. These findings provide important evidence regarding novel pathways implicated in skeletal muscle function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrystalla Mytidou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Andrie Koutsoulidou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Marianna Prokopi
- Theramir Ltd, Limassol, Cyprus.,Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, Lemesos, Cyprus.,Department of Research and Development, German Oncology Center, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Konstantinos Kapnisis
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, Lemesos, Cyprus
| | - Kyriaki Michailidou
- The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Biostatistics Unit, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Andreas Anayiotos
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, Lemesos, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
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17
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Pafiti KS, Kepola EJ, Vlasiou MC, Yamasaki EN, Patrickios CS, Mastroyiannopoulos NP, Phylactou LA, Théato P. Oligo(ethylene imine)‐grafted glycidyl methacrylate linear and star homopolymers:
Odd–even
correlated transfection efficiency. Journal of Polymer Science 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pol.20210101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kyriaki S. Pafiti
- School of Sciences and Engineering University of Nicosia Nicosia Cyprus
| | | | | | - Edna N. Yamasaki
- School of Sciences and Engineering University of Nicosia Nicosia Cyprus
| | | | | | - Leonidas A. Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics Nicosia Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics Nicosia Cyprus
| | - Patrick Théato
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry (ITCP) Karlsruhe Germany
- Soft Matter Synthesis Laboratory Institute for Biological Interfaces III, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann‐von‐Helmholtz‐Platz 1 Eggenstein‐Leopoldshafen Germany
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18
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Fanis P, Neocleous V, Kosta K, Karipiadou A, Hartmann MF, Wudy SA, Karantaglis N, Papadimitriou DT, Skordis N, Tsikopoulos G, Phylactou LA, Roilides E, Papagianni M. Late diagnosis of 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency: the pivotal role of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry urinary steroid metabolome analysis and a novel homozygous nonsense mutation in the HSD3B2 gene. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2021; 34:131-136. [PMID: 33180036 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2020-0245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) deficiency is a rare type of congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by recessive loss-of-function mutations in HSD3B2 gene. CASE PRESENTATION We report an 8.5-year-old, 46XY, Roma boy with advanced adrenarche signs born to consanguineous parents. He was born at term with ambiguous genitalia. At 15 days of age, he underwent replacement therapy with hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone due to a salt wasting (SW) crisis and adrenal insufficiency. At 3.5 years, he was admitted again with SW crisis attributed to the low - unadjusted to body surface area - hydrocortisone dose and presented with bilateral gynecomastia and adrenarche. At 8.5 years, his bone age was four years more advanced than his chronological age and he was prepubertal, with very high testosterone levels. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) urinary steroid metabolome analysis revealed the typical steroid metabolic fingerprint of 3β-HSD deficiency. Sequencing of the HSD3B2 gene identified in homozygosity the novel p.Lys36Ter nonsense mutation. Furthermore, this patient was found to be heterozygous for p.Val281Leu in the CYP21A2 gene. Both parents were identified as carriers of the p.Lys36Ter in HSD3B2. CONCLUSIONS A novel nonsense p.Lys36Ter mutation in HSD3B2 was identified in a male patient with hypospadias. 3β-HSD deficiency due to mutations in the HSD3B2 gene is extremely rare and the finding of a patient with this rare type of disorders of sex development (DSD) is one of the very few reported to date. The complexity of such diseases requires a multidisciplinary team approach regarding the diagnosis and follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlos Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Konstantina Kosta
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism 3rd Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Hippokration Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Aristea Karipiadou
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism 3rd Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Hippokration Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Michaela F Hartmann
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology, Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Unit, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefan A Wudy
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology, Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Unit, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Karantaglis
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism 3rd Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Hippokration Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Nicos Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for specialized Pediatrics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- St George's University of London Medical School at the University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Georgios Tsikopoulos
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hippokration Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Emmanouil Roilides
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism 3rd Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Hippokration Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Papagianni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism 3rd Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Hippokration Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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19
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Lytridou AA, Demetriadou A, Christou M, Potamiti L, Mastroyiannopoulos NP, Kyriacou K, Phylactou LA, Drousiotou A, Petrou PP. Stbd1 promotes glycogen clustering during endoplasmic reticulum stress and supports survival of mouse myoblasts. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs244855. [PMID: 32958708 PMCID: PMC7648618 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.244855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Imbalances in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis provoke a condition known as ER stress and activate the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway, an evolutionarily conserved cell survival mechanism. Here, we show that mouse myoblasts respond to UPR activation by stimulating glycogenesis and the formation of α-amylase-degradable, glycogen-containing ER structures. We demonstrate that the glycogen-binding protein Stbd1 is markedly upregulated through the PERK signalling branch of the UPR pathway and is required for the build-up of glycogen structures in response to ER stress activation. In the absence of ER stress, Stbd1 overexpression is sufficient to induce glycogen clustering but does not stimulate glycogenesis. Glycogen structures induced by ER stress are degraded under conditions of glucose restriction through a process that does not depend on autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Furthermore, we provide evidence that failure to induce glycogen clustering during ER stress is associated with enhanced activation of the apoptotic pathway. Our results reveal a so far unknown response of mouse myoblasts to ER stress and uncover a novel specific function of Stbd1 in this process, which may have physiological implications during myogenic differentiation.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andria A Lytridou
- Department of Biochemical Genetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Anthi Demetriadou
- Department of Biochemical Genetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Melina Christou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Louiza Potamiti
- Department of Electron Microscopy/Molecular Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nikolas P Mastroyiannopoulos
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Kyriacos Kyriacou
- Department of Electron Microscopy/Molecular Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Anthi Drousiotou
- Department of Biochemical Genetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Petros P Petrou
- Department of Biochemical Genetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
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20
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Abstract
Muscular dystrophies are a group of inherited disorders that primarily affect the muscle tissues. Across the muscular dystrophies, symptoms commonly compromise the quality of life in all areas of functioning. It is well noted that muscular dystrophies need reliable and measurable biomarkers that will monitor the progress of the disease and evaluate the potential therapeutic approaches. In this review, we analyze the current findings regarding the development of blood-based circulating biomarkers for different types of muscular dystrophies. We emphasize those muscular dystrophies that gained particular interest for the development of biomarkers, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy types 1 and 2, Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy, congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A, Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy types 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, recently renamed as limb-girdle muscular dystrophy R1 calpain3-related, R2 dysferlin-related, R5 γ-sarcoglycan-related, and R3 α-sarcoglycan-related. This review highlights the up-to-date progress in the development of biomarkers at the level of proteins, lipids, and metabolites, as well as microRNAs (miRNAs) that currently are the main potential biomarker candidates in muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrie Koutsoulidou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, PO Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus.,Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, PO Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, PO Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus.,Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, PO Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
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21
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Stefani S, Kousiappa I, Nicolaou N, Papathanasiou ES, Oulas A, Fanis P, Neocleous V, Phylactou LA, Spyrou GM, Papacostas SS. Neurophysiological and Genetic Findings in Patients With Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy. Front Integr Neurosci 2020; 14:45. [PMID: 32973469 PMCID: PMC7468511 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2020.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive procedure, stimulates the cortex evaluating the central motor pathways. The response is called motor evoked potential (MEP). Polyphasia results when the response crosses the baseline more than twice (zero crossing). Recent research shows MEP polyphasia in patients with generalized genetic epilepsy (GGE) and their first-degree relatives compared with controls. Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME), a GGE type, is not well studied regarding polyphasia. In our study, we assessed polyphasia appearance probability with TMS in JME patients, their healthy first-degree relatives and controls. Two genetic approaches were applied to uncover genetic association with polyphasia. Methods 20 JME patients, 23 first-degree relatives and 30 controls underwent TMS, obtaining 10–15 MEPs per participant. We evaluated MEP mean number of phases, proportion of MEP trials displaying polyphasia for each subject and variability between groups. Participants underwent whole exome sequencing (WES) via trio-based analysis and two-case scenario. Extensive bioinformatics analysis was applied. Results We identified increased polyphasia in patients (85%) and relatives (70%) compared to controls (47%) and significantly higher mean number of zero crossings (i.e., occurrence of phases) (patients 1.49, relatives 1.46, controls 1.22; p < 0.05). Trio-based analysis revealed a candidate polymorphism, p.Glu270del,in SYT14 (Synaptotagmin 14), in JME patients and their relatives presenting polyphasia. Sanger sequencing analysis in remaining participants showed no significant association. In two-case scenario, a machine learning approach was applied in variants identified from odds ratio analysis and risk prediction scores were obtained for polyphasia. The results revealed 61 variants of which none was associated with polyphasia. Risk prediction scores indeed showed lower probability for non-polyphasic subjects on having polyphasia and higher probability for polyphasic subjects on having polyphasia. Conclusion Polyphasia was present in JME patients and relatives in contrast to controls. Although no known clinical symptoms are linked to polyphasia this neurophysiological phenomenon is likely due to common cerebral electrophysiological abnormality. We did not discover direct association between genetic variants obtained and polyphasia. It is likely these genetic traits alone cannot provoke polyphasia, however, this predisposition combined with disturbed brain-electrical activity and tendency to generate seizures may increase the risk of developing polyphasia, mainly in patients and relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefani Stefani
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Neurology Clinic B, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Ioanna Kousiappa
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Neurology Clinic B, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nicoletta Nicolaou
- Medical School, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Centre for Neuroscience and Integrative Brain Research (CENIBRE), University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Eleftherios S Papathanasiou
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Neurology Clinic B, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Anastasis Oulas
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Bioinformatics Group, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Pavlos Fanis
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Vassos Neocleous
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - George M Spyrou
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Bioinformatics Group, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Savvas S Papacostas
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Neurology Clinic B, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Medical School, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Centre for Neuroscience and Integrative Brain Research (CENIBRE), University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
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22
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Neocleous V, Fanis P, Toumba M, Tanteles GA, Schiza M, Cinarli F, Nicolaides NC, Oulas A, Spyrou GM, Mantzoros CS, Vlachakis D, Skordis N, Phylactou LA. GnRH Deficient Patients With Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism: Novel Genetic Findings in ANOS1, RNF216, WDR11, FGFR1, CHD7, and POLR3A Genes in a Case Series and Review of the Literature. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:626. [PMID: 32982993 PMCID: PMC7485345 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is a rare genetic disease caused by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) deficiency. So far a limited number of variants in several genes have been associated with the pathogenesis of the disease. In this original research and review manuscript the retrospective analysis of known variants in ANOS1 (KAL1), RNF216, WDR11, FGFR1, CHD7, and POLR3A genes is described, along with novel variants identified in patients with CHH by the present study. Methods: Seven GnRH deficient unrelated Cypriot patients underwent whole exome sequencing (WES) by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). The identified novel variants were initially examined by in silico computational algorithms and structural analysis of their predicted pathogenicity at the protein level was confirmed. Results: In four non-related GnRH males, a novel X-linked pathogenic variant in ANOS1 gene, two novel autosomal dominant (AD) probably pathogenic variants in WDR11 and FGFR1 genes and one rare AD probably pathogenic variant in CHD7 gene were identified. A rare autosomal recessive (AR) variant in the SRA1 gene was identified in homozygosity in a female patient, whilst two other male patients were also, respectively, found to carry novel or previously reported rare pathogenic variants in more than one genes; FGFR1/POLR3A and SRA1/RNF216. Conclusion: This report embraces the description of novel and previously reported rare pathogenic variants in a series of genes known to be implicated in the biological development of CHH. Notably, patients with CHH can harbor pathogenic rare variants in more than one gene which raises the hypothesis of locus-locus interactions providing evidence for digenic inheritance. The identification of such aberrations by NGS can be very informative for the management and future planning of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Pavlos Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Meropi Toumba
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Pediatric Endocrine Clinic, IASIS Hospital, Paphos, Cyprus
| | - George A. Tanteles
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Clinical Genetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Melpo Schiza
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Feride Cinarli
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nicolas C. Nicolaides
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, “Aghia Sophia” Childrens Hospital, Athens, Greece
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasis Oulas
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Bioinformatics ERA Chair, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - George M. Spyrou
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Bioinformatics ERA Chair, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christos S. Mantzoros
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Boston VA Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dimitrios Vlachakis
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Food, Biotechnology and Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Lab of Molecular Endocrinology, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Informatics, Faculty of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicos Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for Specialized Pediatrics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- St George's, University of London Medical School at the University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
- *Correspondence: Nicos Skordis
| | - Leonidas A. Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Leonidas A. Phylactou
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23
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Christou M, Wengel J, Sokratous K, Kyriacou K, Nikolaou G, Phylactou LA, Mastroyiannopoulos NP. Systemic Evaluation of Chimeric LNA/2'-O-Methyl Steric Blockers for Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 Therapy. Nucleic Acid Ther 2019; 30:80-93. [PMID: 31873063 PMCID: PMC7133450 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2019.0811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a dominantly inherited, multisystemic disorder characterized clinically by delayed muscle relaxation and weakness. The disease is caused by a CTG repeat expansion in the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) of the DMPK gene, which leads to the expression of a toxic gain-of-function mRNA. The expanded CUG repeat mRNA sequesters the MBNL1 splicing regulator in nuclear-retained foci structures, resulting in loss of protein function and disruption of alternative splicing homeostasis. In this study, we used CAG repeat antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), composed of locked nucleic acid (LNA)- and 2′-O-methyl (2′OMe)-modified bases in a chimeric design, to alleviate CUGexpanded-mediated toxicity. Chimeric 14–18mer LNA/2′OMe oligonucleotides, exhibiting an LNA incorporation of ∼33%, significantly ameliorated the misregulated alternative splicing of Mbnl1-dependent exons in primary DM1 mouse myoblasts and tibialis anterior muscles of DM1 mice. Subcutaneous delivery of 14mer and 18mer LNA/2′OMe chimeras in DM1 mice resulted in high levels of accumulation in all tested skeletal muscles, as well as in the diaphragm and heart tissue. Despite the efficient delivery, chimeric LNA/2′OMe oligonucleotides were not able, even at a high-dosage regimen (400 mg/kg/week), to correct the misregulated splicing of Serca1 exon 22 in skeletal muscles. Nevertheless, oligonucleotide doses were well-tolerated as determined by histological and plasma biochemistry analyses. Our results provide proof of concept that inhibition of MBNL1 sequestration by systemic delivery of a steric-blocking ASO is extremely challenging, considering the large number of target sites that need to be occupied per RNA molecule. Although not suitable for DM1 therapy, chimeric LNA/2′OMe oligonucleotides could prove to be highly beneficial for other diseases, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, that require inhibition of a single target site per RNA molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Christou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Jesper Wengel
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Kleitos Sokratous
- Department of Electron Microscopy and Molecular Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Bioinformatics Group, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Kyriacos Kyriacou
- The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Department of Electron Microscopy and Molecular Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Georgios Nikolaou
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Vet Ex Machina Ltd, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nikolaos P Mastroyiannopoulos
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.,The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
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24
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Neocleous V, Fanis P, Cinarli F, Kokotsis V, Oulas A, Toumba M, Spyrou GM, Phylactou LA, Skordis N. 46,XY complete gonadal dysgenesis in a familial case with a rare mutation in the desert hedgehog (DHH) gene. Hormones (Athens) 2019; 18:315-320. [PMID: 31240586 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-019-00116-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Disorders of sex development (DSD) have been linked to gene defects that lead to gonadal dysgenesis. Herein, we aimed to identify the genetic cause of gonadal dysgenesis in a patient with primary amenorrhoea tracing it to a phenotypic female carrying a 46,XY karyotype of a consanguineous family. METHODS AND RESULTS Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed and revealed in homozygosity the rare and only once reported p.Arg164Pro missense mutation in exon 2 of the desert hedgehog (DHH) gene. Sanger sequencing was used to validate this candidate variant both in the patient, the parents, and two siblings. Both brother and sister of the index patient were found negative for the p.Arg164Pro mutation, while the consanguineous parents were found to carry the mutation in the heterozygous state. Neither the parents nor the unaffected siblings showed any reproductive malformations. CONCLUSIONS Defects in the DHH gene have been reported as a very rare cause of DSD, and this report increases the number of 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis cases. Additionally, the present study highlights the importance of genetic validation of patients with DSD, since this is likely to alleviate the considerable psychological distress experienced by both the patient and the parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - Pavlos Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Feride Cinarli
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Vasilis Kokotsis
- Pediatrics and Neonates, Luton and Dunstable Hospital, London, UK
| | - Anastasios Oulas
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Bioinformatics Group, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Meropi Toumba
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Pediatric Endocrine Clinic, IASIS Hospital, Paphos, Cyprus
| | - George M Spyrou
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Bioinformatics Group, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nicos Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for Specialized Pediatrics, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- School of Medicine, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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25
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Neocleous V, Fanis P, Toumba M, Stylianou C, Picolos M, Andreou E, Kyriakou A, Iasonides M, Nicolaou S, Kyriakides TC, Tanteles GA, Skordis N, Phylactou LA. The Spectrum of Genetic Defects in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia in the Population of Cyprus: A Retrospective Analysis. Horm Metab Res 2019; 51:586-594. [PMID: 31505704 DOI: 10.1055/a-0957-3297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) is caused by mutations in the CYP21A2 gene. The study refers to CAH patients of Greek-Cypriot ancestry between years 2007 and 2018. One hundred and twenty patients with various degrees of CAH were categorized and genotyped. The patients were categorized in 4 mutation groups based on their clinical and biochemical findings. The majority of patients (85.0%) belonged to the non-classic (NC)-CAH form and the disorder was more often diagnosed in females (71.7%). The most severe classic salt-wasting (SW) form was identified in 11 neonates (9.2%). Seven (5.8%) children were also identified with the simple virilizing (SV) form and a median presentation age of 5 years [interquartile range (IQR) 3.2-6.5]. In the 240 nonrelated alleles, the most frequent mutation was p.Val281Leu (60.0%) followed by c.655 A/C>G (IVS2-13A/C>G) (8.8%), p.Pro453Ser (5.8%), DelEx1-3 (4.6%), p.Val304Met (4.6%), and p.Gln318stop (4.2%). Other less frequent mutations including rare deletions were also identified. Following our recent report that the true carrier frequency of CYP21A2 in Greek-Cypriots is 1:10, this study reports that the CAH prevalence is predicted around 1.7 cases per 10 000 people. Therefore, the up-to-date 120 CAH patients identified by our group make only the 6.9% of the ones estimated (approximately 1750) to exist in the Greek Cypriot population. The compiled data from a coherent population such as the Greek-Cypriot could be valuable for the antenatal diagnosis, management and genetic counselling of the existing and prospect families with CAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Pavlos Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Meropi Toumba
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Pediatric Endocrine Clinic, IASIS Hospital, Paphos, Cyprus
| | | | | | - Elena Andreou
- Dasoupolis Endocrinology Center, Andrea Dimitriou Street Dasoupolis, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Andreas Kyriakou
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Stella Nicolaou
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Makarios III Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Tassos C Kyriakides
- Yale Center for Analytical Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - George A Tanteles
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Clinical Genetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nicos Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for Specialized Pediatrics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- St George's, University of London Medical School at the University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
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26
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Fanis P, Efstathiou E, Neocleous V, Phylactou LA, Hadjipanayis A. A novel heterozygous duplication of the SLC12A3 gene in two Gitelman syndrome pedigrees: indicating a founder effect. J Genet 2019; 98:5. [PMID: 30945685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Gitelman syndrome is an autosomal recessive salt-wasting tubulopathy caused by mutations in the SLC12A3 gene. A female and a male sibling from two unrelated Greek-Cypriot families presenting with a severe salt-wasting tubulopathy due to compound heterozygous mutations of a novel duplication and a previously reported missense mutation in the SLC12A gene are described. Sanger sequencing was used to identify possible mutations in the SLC12A3 gene. For the detection of duplications/conversions and deletions in the same gene, Multiplex ligation probe amplification (MLPA) analysis was performed. Direct sequencing and MLPA analysis of the SLC12A3 gene identified two compound heterozygous mutations in both unrelated probands. Both probands were identified to carry in compound heterozygosity the known p.Met581Lys and a novelheterozygous duplication of exons 9-14 (E9_E14dup). The diagnosis of Gitelman syndrome was made through clinical assessment, biochemical screening and genetic analysis. The identification of the novel SLC12A3 duplication seems to be characteristic of Greek-Cypriot patients and suggests a possible ancestral mutational event that has spread in Cyprus due to a possible founder effect. Testing for Gitelman syndrome probable variants can be performed before proceeding to a full gene sequencing dropping the diagnostic cost. In addition, this report adds to the mutational spectrum observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlos Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus.
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27
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Fanis P, Efstathiou E, Neocleous V, Phylactou LA, Hadjipanayis A. A novel heterozygous duplication of the SLC12A3 gene in two Gitelman syndrome pedigrees: indicating a founder effect. J Genet 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12041-019-1056-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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28
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Fanis P, Skordis N, Toumba M, Papaioannou N, Makris A, Kyriakou A, Neocleous V, Phylactou LA. Central Precocious Puberty Caused by Novel Mutations in the Promoter and 5'-UTR Region of the Imprinted MKRN3 Gene. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:677. [PMID: 31636607 PMCID: PMC6787840 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Central Precocious Puberty (CPP) is clinically defined by the development of secondary sexual characteristics before the age of 8 years in girls and 9 years in boys. To date, mutations in the coding region of KISS1, KISS1R, PROKR2, DLK1, and MKRN3 genes have been reported as causative for CPP. This study investigated the presence of causative mutations in both the promoter and the 5'-UTR regions of the MKRN3 gene. Methods: Sanger DNA sequencing was used for screening the proximal promoter and 5'-UTR region of the MKRN3 gene in a group of 73 index girls with CPP. Mutations identified were cloned in luciferase reporter gene vectors and transiently transfected in GN11 cells in order to check for changes in the activity of the MKRN3 promoter. GN11 cells were previously checked for Mkrn3 expression using lentivirus mediated knock-down. In silico analysis was implemented for the detection of changes in the mRNA secondary structure of the mutated MKRN3 5'-UTR. Results: Three novel heterozygous mutations (-166, -865, -886 nt upstream to the transcription start site) located in the proximal promoter region of the MKRN3 gene were identified in six non-related girls with CPP. Four of these girls shared the -865 mutation, one the -166, and another one the -886. A 5'-UTR (+13 nt downstream to the transcription start site) novel mutation was also identified in a girl with similar clinical phenotype. Gene reporter assay evaluated the identified promoter mutations and demonstrated a significant reduction of MKRN3 promoter activity in transfected GN11 cells. In silico analysis for the mutated 5'-UTR predicted a significant change of the mRNA secondary structure. The minimum free energy (MFE) of the mutated 5'-UTR was higher when compared to the corresponding wild-type indicating less stable RNA secondary structure. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated novel genetic alterations in the promoter and 5'-UTR regulatory regions of the MKRN3 gene. These changes add to another region to check for the etiology of CPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlos Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nicos Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Pediatric Endocrine Clinic, Paedi Center for Specialized Pediatrics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Meropi Toumba
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Pediatrics, Iasis Hospital, Paphos, Cyprus
| | - Nikoletta Papaioannou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Anestis Makris
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Andreas Kyriakou
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A. Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
- *Correspondence: Leonidas A. Phylactou
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Fanis P, Skordis N, Frangos S, Christopoulos G, Spanou-Aristidou E, Andreou E, Manoli P, Mavrommatis M, Nicolaou S, Kleanthous M, Cariolou MA, Christophidou-Anastasiadou V, Tanteles GA, Phylactou LA, Neocleous V. Multiple endocrine neoplasia 2 in Cyprus: evidence for a founder effect. J Endocrinol Invest 2018; 41:1149-1157. [PMID: 29396759 PMCID: PMC6182349 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-018-0841-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) affects patients with RET proto-oncogene mutations. This cohort study refers to patients who were diagnosed with familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and underwent RET genetic testing in Cyprus between years 2002 and 2017. METHODS AND PATIENTS Forty patients underwent RET testing by Sanger sequencing of exons 10-11 and 13-16. Genotyping with STR genetic markers flanking the RET gene along with Y-chromosome genotyping and haplogroup assignment was also performed. RESULTS RET mutations were identified in 40 patients from 11 apparently unrelated Cypriot families and two non-familial sporadic cases. Nine probands (69.2%) were heterozygous for p.Cys618Arg, one (7.7%) for p.Cys634Phe, one (7.7%) for the somatic delE632-L633 and two (15.4%) for p.Met918Thr mutations. The mean age at MTC diagnosis of patients carrying p.Cys618Arg was 36.8 ± 14.2 years. The age of pheo diagnosis ranged from 26 to 43 years and appeared simultaneously with MTC in 5/36 (13.9%) cases. The high frequency of the p.Cys618Arg mutation suggested a possible ancestral mutational event. Haplotype analysis was performed in families with and without p.Cys618Arg. Six microsatellite markers covering the RET gene and neighboring regions identified one core haplotype associated with all patients carrying p.Cys618Arg mutation. CONCLUSIONS The mutation p.Cys618Arg is by far the most prevalent mutation in Cyprus followed by other reported mutations of variable clinical significance. The provided molecular evidence speculates p.Cys618Arg mutation as an ancestral mutation that has spread in Cyprus due to a possible founder effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - N Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for Specialized Pediatrics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- St George's, University of London Medical School at the University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - S Frangos
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Bank of Cyprus Oncology Center, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - G Christopoulos
- Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - E Spanou-Aristidou
- Department of Clinical Genetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - E Andreou
- Dasoupolis Endocrinology Center, Andrea Dimitriou Street Dasoupolis, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - P Manoli
- Department of Cardiovascular Genetics and the Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - M Mavrommatis
- Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - S Nicolaou
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Makarios III Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - M Kleanthous
- Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - M A Cariolou
- Department of Cardiovascular Genetics and the Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - V Christophidou-Anastasiadou
- Department of Clinical Genetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Makarios III Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - G A Tanteles
- Department of Clinical Genetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - L A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - V Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Nikiphorou E, Neocleous V, Phylactou LA, Psarelis S. Successful use of tocilizumab in two cases of severe autoinflammatory disease with a single copy of the Mediterranean fever gene. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2018; 56:1627-1628. [PMID: 28486679 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Nikiphorou
- Rheumatology Department, Whittington NHS Health.,Academic Rheumatology Department, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Vassos Neocleous
- Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy Department, Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy Department, Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics
| | - Savvas Psarelis
- Rheumatology Department, Nicosia General Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Koutsoulidou A, Photiades M, Kyriakides TC, Georgiou K, Prokopi M, Kapnisis K, Lusakowska A, Nearchou M, Christou Y, Papadimas GK, Anayiotos A, Kyriakou K, Kararizou E, Zamba Papanicolaou E, Phylactou LA. Identification of exosomal muscle-specific miRNAs in serum of myotonic dystrophy patients relating to muscle disease progress. Hum Mol Genet 2018. [PMID: 28637233 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common form of adult-onset muscular dystrophy, which is characterised by progressive muscle wasting and the discovery of reliable blood-based biomarkers could be useful for the disease progress monitoring. There have been some reports showing that the presence of specific miRNAs in blood correlates with DM1. In one of these, our group identified four muscle-specific miRNAs, miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b and miR-206, which correlated with the progression of muscle wasting observed in DM1 patients. The levels of the four muscle-specific miRNAs were elevated in the serum of DM1 patients compared to healthy participants and were also elevated in the serum of progressive muscle wasting DM1 patients compared to disease-stable DM1 patients. The aim of this work was to characterise the ontology of these four muscle-specific miRNAs in the blood circulation of DM1 patients. Here we show that the four muscle-specific miRNAs are encapsulated within exosomes isolated from DM1 patients. Our results show for the first time, the presence of miRNAs encapsulated within exosomes in blood circulation of DM1 patients. More interestingly, the levels of the four exosomal muscle-specific miRNAs are associated with the progression of muscle wasting in DM1 patients. We propose that exosomal muscle-specific miRNAs may be useful molecular biomarkers for monitoring the progress of muscle wasting in DM1 patients. There has been a growing interest regarding the clinical applications of exosomes and their role in prognosis and therapy of various diseases and the above results contribute towards this way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrie Koutsoulidou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Marinos Photiades
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Tassos C Kyriakides
- Yale Center for Analytical Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kristia Georgiou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Marianna Prokopi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, Lemesos, Cyprus.,Theramir Ltd, Limassol, Cyprus
| | | | - Anna Lusakowska
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marianna Nearchou
- Department of Electron Microscopy/Molecular Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Yiolanda Christou
- Neurology Clinic D, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - George K Papadimas
- Department of Neurology, Eginitio Hospital, Medical School of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Anayiotos
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, Lemesos, Cyprus
| | - Kyriakos Kyriakou
- Department of Electron Microscopy/Molecular Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Evangelia Kararizou
- Department of Neurology, Eginitio Hospital, Medical School of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Neocleous V, Fanis P, Phylactou LA, Skordis N. Genotype Is Associated to the Degree of Virilization in Patients With Classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:733. [PMID: 30559721 PMCID: PMC6286958 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Molecular defects of CYP21A2 consistently decrease 21-hydroxylase activity and result in a variable expression of disease severity in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Aim: The genotype and biochemical findings were examined in an attempt to reveal any association to the degree of virilization in classic CAH patients. Methods: The study included 18 CAH patients with complete characterization of CYP21A2 mutations and were sorted based on the severity of the inherited mutations and the expected percentage of 21-hydroxylase enzyme activity. Results: Eleven out of the 18 patients manifested the SW form with the remaining seven exhibiting the SV form. The most frequent genetic defect in the classic salt-wasting (SW) and simple virilising (SV) forms was the IVS2-13A/C>G (36.1%) mutation, followed by delEX1-3 (19.4%) and p.Ile172Asn (19.4%). Four patients, who shared a combination of two mutations belonging to the most severe type, manifested only the SW form. Four out of five patients who shared homozygosity in the IVS2-13A/C>G mutation, demonstrated the SW form and only one demonstrated the SV form. All four patients who shared the p.Ile172Asn mutation, either in the homozygous or compound heterozygous state, manifested the SV form. Interestingly, a female neonate with SW, bearing the IVS2-13A/C>G/Large del, exhibited complete male virilisation (Prader 5). The remaining four affected female new-borns also exhibited the SW form, with two of them virilised as Prader 3 and the other two as Prader 4. Virilisation with clitoromegaly was also observed in one female, who presented premature adrenarche and carried the least severe p.Pro30Leu mutation. Conclusion: The frequency of the underlying mutations in our patients, with the classic form of CAH, varies but were quite similar to the ones reported in the Mediterranean region. Therefore, the identification of severe CYP21A2 defects in Cypriot patients and their comparison with the incidence and severity in different populations, will create a valuable diagnostic tool for genetic counseling in the classic form of CAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Pavlos Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A. Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
- *Correspondence: Nicos Skordis
| | - Nicos Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for Specialized Pediatrics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- St George's, University of London Medical School at the University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Leonidas A. Phylactou
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Skordis N, Ferrari E, Antoniadou A, Phylactou LA, Fanis P, Neocleous V. GnRH-dependent precocious puberty manifested at the age of 14 months in a girl with 47,XXX karyotype. Hormones (Athens) 2017; 16:318-321. [PMID: 29278519 DOI: 10.14310/horm.2002.1740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This case report describes a 47,XXX girl who presented very early, at the age of 14 months, with signs of sexual precocity (breast and pubic hair development, menarche) and was finally diagnosed with GnRH dependent precocious puberty with no evidence of underlying central nervous system pathology. Molecular testing did not identify any genetic defect in any of the genes tested (KISS1, KISS1R, DLK1 and the intronless MKRN3). Though previous studies have shown a link between karyotype 47,XXX and precocious puberty, this is the youngest patient reported so far. Treatment with GnRH analog was commenced and proved to be effective, indicating a successful suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicos Skordis
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for Specialized Pediatrics, 178 Athalassas Ave., 2025, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- St George's, University of London Medical School at the University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - Eleana Ferrari
- St George's, University of London Medical School at the University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Aria Antoniadou
- St George's, University of London Medical School at the University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Pavlos Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Christoforidis A, Skordis N, Fanis P, Dimitriadou M, Sevastidou M, Phelan MM, Neocleous V, Phylactou LA. A novel MKRN3 nonsense mutation causing familial central precocious puberty. Endocrine 2017; 56:446-449. [PMID: 28132164 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-017-1232-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicos Skordis
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for specialized Pediatrics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- St George's University of London Medical School at the University of Nicosia, Egkomi, Cyprus
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Pavlos Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Meropi Dimitriadou
- 1st Pediatric Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Sevastidou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Marie M Phelan
- NMR Center for Structural Biology, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Alexandrou A, Papaevripidou I, Tsangaras K, Alexandrou I, Tryfonidis M, Christophidou-Anastasiadou V, Zamba-Papanicolaou E, Koumbaris G, Neocleous V, Phylactou LA, Skordis N, Tanteles GA, Sismani C. Identification of a novel 15.5 kb SHOX deletion associated with marked intrafamilial phenotypic variability and analysis of its molecular origin. J Genet 2017; 95:839-845. [PMID: 27994182 DOI: 10.1007/s12041-016-0698-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Haploinsufficiency of the short stature homeobox contaning SHOX gene has been shown to result in a spectrum of phenotypes ranging from Leri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD) at the more severe end to SHOX-related short stature at the milder end of the spectrum. Most alterations are whole gene deletions, point mutations within the coding region, or microdeletions in its flanking sequences. Here, we present the clinical and molecular data as well as the potential molecular mechanism underlying a novel microdeletion, causing a variable SHOX-related haploinsufficiency disorder in a three-generation family. The phenotype resembles that of LWD in females, in males, however, the phenotypic expression is milder. The 15523-bp SHOX intragenic deletion, encompassing exons 3-6, was initially detected by array-CGH, followed by MLPA analysis. Sequencing of the breakpoints indicated an Alu recombination-mediated deletion (ARMD) as the potential causative mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelos Alexandrou
- Cytogenetics and Genomics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 1683, Cyprus.
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Neocleous V, Byrou S, Toumba M, Costi C, Shammas C, Kyriakou C, Christophidou-Anastasiadou V, Tanteles GA, Hadjipanayis A, Phylactou LA. Evidence of digenic inheritance in autoinflammation-associated genes. J Genet 2017; 95:761-766. [PMID: 27994174 DOI: 10.1007/s12041-016-0691-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) has traditionally been considered as a monogenic autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the MEFV gene with highest incidence among Mediterranean populations. In a considerable number of patients with typical FMF, only one MEFV mutation was identified and the possibility that more than one autoinflammatory gene may be responsible for their disease was investigated. In the present study, an extensive search for possible mutations in three hereditary recurrent fever (HRF) genes was performed in 128 MEFV heterozygous Greek-Cypriots clinically diagnosed based on their phenotype with FMF-like disease from a previous study. Sequence analysis was performed for MVK, TNFRSF1A and NLRP3 genes which is also known to cause HRFs. In total, three patients were identified with heterozygous mutations and a second mutation in an autoinflammatory gene. Two patients carried a MEFV mutation and a NLRP3 mutation, and an additional third carried a MEFV mutation and a TNFRSF1A mutation. Patient 1 carried MEFV p.[Val726Ala] (NM_000243.2:c.2177T>C) and NLRP3 p.[Val198Met] (NM_001243133.1:c.592G>A) variants and patient 2 carried MEFV p.[Glu148Gln] (NM_000243.2:c.442G>C) variant which is of uncertain significance and NLRP3 p.[Arg176Trp] (NM_001243133.1:c.526C>T). Lastly, patient 3 was identified to carry MEFV p.[Met694Val] (NM_000243.2:c.2080A>G) and TNFRSF1A p.[Arg121Gln] (NM_001065.3:c.362G>A) variants. The results from this study indicate that screening of genes known to cause HRFs in patients already identified with a single MEFV mutation, can reveal quite rare but potentially causative mutational combinations at different loci. Such interaction provide further evidence for possible locus-locus interactions and phenotypes resulting from digenic inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Nikiphorou E, Neocleous V, Phylactou LA, Psarelis S. 013. SUCCESSFUL USE OF TOCILIZUMAB IN TWO CASES OF SEVERE UNDEFINED AUTOINFLAMMATORY DISEASE WITH A SINGLE COPY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN FEVER GENE. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex062.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Koulermou G, Shammas C, Vassiliou A, Kyriakides TC, Costi C, Neocleous V, Phylactou LA, Pantelidou M. CDKN2A and MC1R variants found in Cypriot patients diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma. J Genet 2017; 96:155-160. [PMID: 28360400 DOI: 10.1007/s12041-017-0742-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of genetic variants associated to cutaneous melanoma (CM) has never been determined within Cypriot melanomas. This study evaluates the frequency of variants in cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) and melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) in 32 patients diagnosed with CM. Other characteristics and risk factors were also assessed. CDKN2A p.Ala148Thr was detected in three of 32 patients, while the control group revealed no variations within CDKN2A. MC1R screening in 32 patients revealed the following variations: p.Val60Leu in 11 patients, p.Arg142His in four patients, p.Thr314Thr in one patient, p.Arg160Trp in one patient, p.Val92Met/p.Thr314Thr in one patient and p.Val92Met/p.Arg142His/p.Thr314Thr in one patient. The control group revealed only p.Val60Leu (in 10 of 45 individuals), which is frequently found in general populations. Two unrelated patients carried CDKN2A p.Ala148Thr in combination with MC1R p.Arg142His, suggesting digenic inheritance that may provide evidence of different gene variants acting synergistically to contribute for CM development. This study confirms the presence of CDKN2A and MC1R variants among Cypriot melanomas and supports existing evidence of a role for these variants in susceptibility to melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Koulermou
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn Unit, Nicosia General Hospital, Nicosia 2029, Cyprus.
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Neocleous V, Fanis P, Toumba M, Phedonos AAP, Picolos M, Andreou E, Kyriakides TC, Tanteles GA, Shammas C, Phylactou LA, Skordis N. Variations in the 3'UTR of the CYP21A2 Gene in Heterozygous Females with Hyperandrogenaemia. Int J Endocrinol 2017; 2017:8984365. [PMID: 28487735 PMCID: PMC5405599 DOI: 10.1155/2017/8984365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterozygosity for CYP21A2 mutations in females is possibly related to increased risk of developing clinical hyperandrogenism. The present study was designed to seek evidence on the phenotype-genotype correlation in female children, adolescents, and women with CYP21A2 mutations and variants in the 3'UTR region of the gene. Sixty-six patients out of the 169 were identified as carriers of CYP21A2 mutations. Higher values of stimulated 17 hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) levels were found in the carriers of the p.Val281Leu mutation compared to the carriers of other mutations (mean: 24.7 nmol/l versus 15.6 nmol/l). The haplotype of the ∗52C>T, ∗440C>T, and ∗443T>C in the 3'UTR was identical in all heterozygous patients with p.Val281Leu and the haplotype of the ∗12C>T and ∗52C>T was identical in all heterozygous patients with the p.Gln318∗. In conclusion, hyperandrogenaemic females are likely to bear heterozygous CYP21A2 mutations. Carriers of the mild p.Val281Leu mutation are at higher risk of developing hyperandrogenism than the carriers of more severe mutations. The identification of variants in the 3'UTR of CYP21A2 in combination with the heterozygous mutation may be associated with the mild form of nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia and reveal the importance of analyzing the CYP21A2 untranslated regions for the appropriate management of this category of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Pavlos Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Meropi Toumba
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Pediatric Endocrine Clinic, IASIS Hospital, Paphos, Cyprus
| | - Alexia A. P. Phedonos
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Elena Andreou
- Dasoupolis Endocrinology Center, Andrea Dimitriou Street Dasoupolis, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Tassos C. Kyriakides
- Yale Center for Analytical Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - George A. Tanteles
- Clinical Genetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christos Shammas
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A. Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nicos Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for Specialized Pediatrics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- St. George's University of London Medical School at the University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
- *Nicos Skordis:
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Neocleous V, Shammas C, Phelan MM, Fanis P, Pantelidou M, Skordis N, Mantzoros C, Phylactou LA, Toumba M. A novel MC4R deletion coexisting with FTO and MC1R gene variants, causes severe early onset obesity. Hormones (Athens) 2016; 15:441-444. [PMID: 27394708 PMCID: PMC6309374 DOI: 10.14310/horm.2002.1686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Heterozygous mutations on the melanocortin-4-receptor gene (MC4R) are the most frequent cause of monogenic obesity. We describe a novel MC4R deletion in a girl with severe early onset obesity, tall stature, pale skin and red hair. CASE REPORT Clinical and hormonal parameters were evaluated in a girl born full-term by non-consanguineous parents. Her body mass index (BMI) at presentation (3 years) was 30 kg/m2 (z-score: +4.5SDS). By the age of 5.2 years, she exhibited extreme linear growth acceleration and developed hyperinsulinemia. METHODS Direct sequencing of the MC4R, MC1Rand for the knownFTOsingle nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs9939609was performed for the patient and her family. RESULTS A novel heterozygous MC4R p.Met215del (c.643_645delATG) deletion was identified in the patient, her father and her brother, both of whom exhibited a milder phenotype. 3D structural dynamic simulation studies investigated the conformational changes induced by the p.Met215del. The patient and her mother were also found to be carriers of the obesity risk associated FTOrs9939609SNP. Finally, the identification of the known p.Arg160Trp MC1Rvariant in the patient accounts for the red hair and pale skin phenotypic features. CONCLUSION The p.Met215del causes global conformational and functional changes as it is localized at the alpha-helical transmembrane regions and the membrane spanning regions of the beta-barrel. This novel mutation produces a severe overgrowth phenotype that is apparent as from infancy and is progressive in childhood. The additional negative effect of environmental and unhealthy lifestyle habits as well as a possible co-interaction of FTOrs9939609 SNP may worsen the phenotype.
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MESH Headings
- Age of Onset
- Alpha-Ketoglutarate-Dependent Dioxygenase FTO/metabolism
- Body Mass Index
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Feeding Behavior
- Female
- Gene Deletion
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- Hair Color/genetics
- Heredity
- Heterozygote
- Humans
- Hyperphagia/genetics
- Hyperphagia/physiopathology
- Pediatric Obesity/diagnosis
- Pediatric Obesity/genetics
- Pediatric Obesity/physiopathology
- Pedigree
- Phenotype
- Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
- Protein Conformation
- Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 1/genetics
- Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4/chemistry
- Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4/genetics
- Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4/metabolism
- Severity of Illness Index
- Skin Pigmentation/genetics
- Structure-Activity Relationship
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christos Shammas
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Marie M Phelan
- Department of Biochemistry NMR Centre for Structural Biology, University of Liverpool, Institute of Integrative Biology, Crown Street, Liverpool, UK
| | - Pavlos Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Maria Pantelidou
- Department of Pharmacy and Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Frederick University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nicos Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for specialized Pediatrics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- St George's University of London Medical School at the University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christos Mantzoros
- Division of Endocrinology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, USA
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Meropi Toumba
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- Paediatrics & Paediatric Endocrinology Clinic, IASIS Hospital, 8036, Paphos, Cyprus.
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Shammas C, Byrou S, Phelan MM, Toumba M, Stylianou C, Skordis N, Neocleous V, Phylactou LA. Genetic screening of non-classic CAH females with hyperandrogenemia identifies a novel CYP11B1 gene mutation. Hormones (Athens) 2016; 15:235-242. [PMID: 27376426 DOI: 10.14310/horm.2002.1651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an endocrine autosomal recessive disorder with various symptoms of diverse severity. Mild hyperandrogenemia is the most commonclinical feature in non-classic CAH patients and 95% of the cases are identified by mutations in the CYP21A2 gene. In the present study, the second most common cause for non-classic CAH (NC-CAH), 11β-hydroxylase deficiency due to mutations in the CYP11B1 gene, is investigated. DESIGN Screening of the CYP21A2 and CYP11B1 genes by direct sequencing was carried out for the detection of possible genetic defects in patients with suspected CAH. RES ULTS It wasobserved that CYP11B1 variants co-exist only in rare cases along with mutations in CYP21A2 in patients clinically diagnosed with CAH. A total of 23 NC-CAH female patients out of 75 were identified with only one mutation in the CYP21A2 gene. The novel CYP11B1 gene mutation, p.Val484Asp, was identified in a patient with CAH in the heterozygous state. The structural characterization of the novel p.Val484Asp was found to likely cause distortion of the surrounding beta sheet and indirect destabilization of the cavity that occurs on the opposite face of the structural elements, leading to partial impairment of the enzymatic activity. CONCLUSIONS CYP21A2 gene mutations are the most frequent genetic defects in cases of NC-CAH even when these patients are in the heterozygous state. These mutations have a diverse phenotype giving rise to a variable extent of cortisol synthesis impairment; it is also clear that CYP11B1 mutants are a rare type of defects causing CAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Shammas
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 1683, Nicosia, Cyprus
- St George's, University of London Medical School at the University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Stefania Byrou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 1683, Nicosia, Cyprus
- St George's, University of London Medical School at the University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Marie M Phelan
- NMR Centre for Structural Biology, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- St George's, University of London Medical School at the University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Meropi Toumba
- Division of Pediatrics, Iasis Hospital, Pafos, Cyprus
- St George's, University of London Medical School at the University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Charilaos Stylianou
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Pafos General Hospital, Pafos, Cyprus
- St George's, University of London Medical School at the University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nicos Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 1683, Nicosia, Cyprus
- St George's, University of London Medical School at the University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 1683, Nicosia, Cyprus
- St George's, University of London Medical School at the University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 1683, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- St George's, University of London Medical School at the University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Neocleous V, Shammas C, Phelan MM, Nicolaou S, Phylactou LA, Skordis N. In silico analysis of a novel MKRN3 missense mutation in familial central precocious puberty. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2016; 84:80-4. [PMID: 26173472 DOI: 10.1111/cen.12854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Revised: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The onset of puberty is influenced by the interplay of stimulating and restraining factors, many of which have a genetic origin. Premature activation of the GnRH secretion in central precocious puberty (CPP) may arise either from gain-of-function mutations of the KISS1 and KISS1R genes or from loss-of-function manner mutations of the MKRN3 gene leading to MKRN3 deficiency. OBJECTIVE To explore the genetic causes responsible for CPP and the potential role of the RING finger protein 3 (MKRN3) gene. DESIGN AND PATIENTS We investigated potential sequence variations in the intronless MKRN3 gene by Sanger sequencing of the entire 507 amino acid coding region of exon 1 in a family with two affected girls presented with CPP at the age of 6 and 5·7 years, respectively. RESULTS A novel heterozygous g.Gly312Asp missense mutation in the MKRN3 gene was identified in these siblings. The imprinted MKRN3 missense mutation was also identified as expected in the unaffected father and followed as expected an imprinted mode of inheritance. In silico analysis of the altered missense variant using the computational algorithms Polyphen2, SIFT and Mutation Taster predicted a damage and pathogenic alteration causing CPP. The pathogenicity of the alteration at the protein level via an in silico structural model is also explored. CONCLUSION A novel mutation in the MKRN3 gene in two sisters with CPP was identified, supporting the fundamental role of this gene in the suppression of the hypothalamic GnRH neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christos Shammas
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Marie M Phelan
- NMR Centre for Structural Biology, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Stella Nicolaou
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Makarios III Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nicos Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for specialized Pediatrics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- St George's University of London Medical School at the University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Koutalianos D, Koutsoulidou A, Mastroyiannopoulos NP, Furling D, Phylactou LA. MyoD transcription factor induces myogenesis by inhibiting Twist-1 through miR-206. Development 2015. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.131151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Koutalianos D, Koutsoulidou A, Mastroyiannopoulos NP, Furling D, Phylactou LA. MyoD transcription factor induces myogenesis by inhibiting Twist-1 through miR-206. J Cell Sci 2015; 128:3631-45. [PMID: 26272918 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.172288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Twist-1 is mostly expressed during development and has been previously shown to control myogenesis. Because its regulation in muscle has not been fully exploited, the aim of this project was to identify micro (mi)RNAs in muscle that regulate Twist-1. miR-206, one of the most important muscle-specific miRNAs (myomiRs), was identified as a possible regulator of Twist-1 mRNA. Luciferase assays and transfections in human foetal myoblasts showed that Twist-1 is a direct target of miR-206 and that through this pathway muscle cell differentiation is promoted. We next investigated whether MyoD, a major myogenic transcription factor, regulates Twist-1 because it is known that MyoD induces expression of the miR-206 gene. We found that forced MyoD expression induced miR-206 upregulation and Twist-1 downregulation through binding to the miR-206 promoter, followed by increased muscle cell differentiation. Finally, experiments were performed in muscle cells from subjects with congenital myotonic dystrophy type 1, in which myoblasts fail to differentiate into myotubes. MyoD overexpression inhibited Twist-1 through miR-206 induction, which was followed by an increase in muscle cell differentiation. These results reveal a previously unidentified mechanism of myogenesis that might also play an important role in muscle disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demetris Koutalianos
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia,1683, Cyprus
| | - Andrie Koutsoulidou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia,1683, Cyprus
| | - Nikilaos P Mastroyiannopoulos
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia,1683, Cyprus
| | - Denis Furling
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, INSERM UMRS974, CNRS FRE3617, Institut de Myologie, Paris 75013, France
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia,1683, Cyprus
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Phylactou LA. Special Issue--Towards Understanding the Mechanisms and Curing of Muscular Dystrophy Diseases. Molecules 2015; 20:12944-5. [PMID: 26791289 PMCID: PMC6332128 DOI: 10.3390/molecules200712944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Leonidas A Phylactou
- The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, PO Box 23462, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Skordis N, Shammas C, Phedonos AAP, Kyriakou A, Toumba M, Neocleous V, Phylactou LA. Genetic defects of the CYP21A2 gene in girls with premature adrenarche. J Endocrinol Invest 2015; 38:535-9. [PMID: 25481255 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-014-0223-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To seek evidence on the prevalence of CYP21A2 genetic defects and consequences in girls with premature adrenarche (PA). METHODS The study included 59 girls diagnosed with PA. Direct DNA sequencing and MLPA analysis were performed to identify mutations in CYP21A2 gene. RESULTS Twelve girls were diagnosed with non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NC-CAH) based on stimulated 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) levels and the presence of two mutations in CYP21A2, 19 were heterozygotes. The most frequent mutations detected were the mild p.Val281Leu and p.Pro453Ser. Higher levels of mean stimulated 17-OHP were found in the carriers of the p.Val281Leu mutation. The detection rate for two CYP21A2 mutations was higher in girls with PA than in adult females with hyperandrogenemia in our studied population. A notable increased allelic frequency for the known p.Asn493Ser polymorphism was observed in the pool of the 28 girls with PA in whom no mutation was identified. CONCLUSIONS In girls with PA, the frequency of the underlying CYP21A2 genetic defects is similar to that observed in other populations. The carrier status is likely a contributing factor in the genotype-phenotype correlation in NC-CAH. However, polymorphisms and other genes may be implicated in the clinical manifestation of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for Specialized Pediatrics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- St George's, University of London Medical School Programme at the University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - C Shammas
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - A A P Phedonos
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - A Kyriakou
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for Specialized Pediatrics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - M Toumba
- Iasis Hospital, 8036, Paphos, Cyprus
| | - V Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - L A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, P.O. Box 23462, 1683, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Koutsoulidou A, Kyriakides TC, Papadimas GK, Christou Y, Kararizou E, Papanicolaou EZ, Phylactou LA. Elevated Muscle-Specific miRNAs in Serum of Myotonic Dystrophy Patients Relate to Muscle Disease Progress. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125341. [PMID: 25915631 PMCID: PMC4411125 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of reliable and sensitive blood biomarkers is useful for the diagnosis, monitoring and potential future therapy of diseases. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified in blood circulation and might have the potential to be used as biomarkers for several diseases and clinical conditions. Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common form of adult-onset muscular dystrophy primarily characterized by muscle myotonia, weakness and atrophy. Previous studies have shown an association between miRNAs and DM1 in muscle tissue and, recently, in plasma. The aim of this study was to detect and assess muscle-specific miRNAs as potential biomarkers of DM1 muscle wasting, an important parameter in the disease’s natural history. Disease stable or progressive DM1 patients with muscle weakness and wasting were recruited and enrolled in the study. RNA isolated from participants’ serum was used to assess miRNA levels. Results suggest that the levels of muscle-specific miRNAs are correlated with the progression of muscle wasting and weakness observed in the DM1 patients. Specifically, miR-1, miR-133a, miR133b and miR-206 serum levels were found elevated in DM1 patients with progressive muscle wasting compared to disease stable DM1 patients. Based on these results, we propose that muscle-specific miRNAs might be useful molecular biomarkers for monitoring the progress of muscle atrophy in DM1 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrie Koutsoulidou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, P.O. Box 2346, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Tassos C. Kyriakides
- Yale Center for Analytical Sciences,Yale School of Public Health, 300 George Street, Suite 555, New Haven, CT 06520, United States of America
| | - George K. Papadimas
- Department of Neurology, Eginitio hospital, Medical School of Athens, 74 Vasilissis Sofias, 11528, Athens, Greece
| | - Yiolanda Christou
- Neurology Clinic D, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, P.O. Box 2346, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Evangelia Kararizou
- Department of Neurology, Eginitio hospital, Medical School of Athens, 74 Vasilissis Sofias, 11528, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Zamba Papanicolaou
- Neurology Clinic D, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, P.O. Box 2346, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A. Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, P.O. Box 2346, 1683 Nicosia, Cyprus
- * E-mail:
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Neocleous V, Costi C, Kyriakou C, Kyriakides TC, Shammas C, Skordis N, Toumba M, Kyriakou S, Koliou M, Kousparou M, Onoufriou M, Hadjipanayis A, Iasonides M, Atamyan VN, Pierides A, Christophidou-Anastasiadou V, Tanteles GA, Phylactou LA. Familial Mediterranean Fever Associated withMEFVMutations in a Large Cohort of Cypriot Patients. Ann Hum Genet 2014; 79:20-7. [DOI: 10.1111/ahg.12087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics; Function and Therapy; The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics; Nicosia Cyprus
| | - Constantina Costi
- Department of Molecular Genetics; Function and Therapy; The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics; Nicosia Cyprus
| | - Christina Kyriakou
- Department of Molecular Genetics; Function and Therapy; The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics; Nicosia Cyprus
| | | | - Christos Shammas
- Department of Molecular Genetics; Function and Therapy; The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics; Nicosia Cyprus
| | - Nicos Skordis
- Department of Pediatrics; Hospital ‘Archbishop Makarios III ’; Nicosia Cyprus
- St. George's, University of London; University of Nicosia Medical School; Nicosia Cyprus
| | | | - Sophia Kyriakou
- Department of Economics; University of Cyprus; Nicosia Cyprus
| | - Maria Koliou
- Department of Pediatrics; Hospital ‘Archbishop Makarios III ’; Nicosia Cyprus
| | - Marianna Kousparou
- Department of Pediatrics; Hospital ‘Archbishop Makarios III ’; Nicosia Cyprus
| | - Margarita Onoufriou
- Department of Pediatrics; Hospital ‘Archbishop Makarios III ’; Nicosia Cyprus
| | - Adamos Hadjipanayis
- Department of Pediatrics; Larnaca General Hospital; Larnaca Cyprus
- The School of Medicine; European University of Cyprus; Egkomi Cyprus
| | | | - Vick N Atamyan
- Corner Limassol Av. & Armenias Str., Acropolis; Nicosia Cyprus
| | - Alkis Pierides
- Department of Nephrology; Hippocrateon Hospital; Nicosia Cyprus
| | - Violetta Christophidou-Anastasiadou
- Department of Pediatrics; Hospital ‘Archbishop Makarios III ’; Nicosia Cyprus
- Department of Clinical Genetics; The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics; Nicosia Cyprus
| | - George A Tanteles
- Department of Clinical Genetics; The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics; Nicosia Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics; Function and Therapy; The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics; Nicosia Cyprus
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective was to seek evidence on the prevalence and consequences of heterozygous CYP21A2 mutations in girls, adolescent, and adult females with clinical manifestation of androgen excess. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included 64 girls diagnosed with premature adrenarche (PA) in childhood and 141 females with clinical hyperandrogenemia manifested in adolescence or adulthood. Direct DNA sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis were used to identify mutations in the CYP21A2 gene. RESULTS (1) Thirty-four patients were diagnosed with nonclassical-congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NC-CAH) based on the 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) levels and the presence of two mutations in CYP21A2 and therefore were excluded from the study, 66 were found to be heterozygotes and finally 105 had no identifiable mutations. The most frequent mutations among the carriers were the mild p.Val281 Leu and p.Qln318stop. Higher levels of mean stimulated 17-OHP were found in the carriers of the p.Val281 Leu. (2) A notable increased allelic frequency for the known p.Asn493 Ser polymorphism was observed in the pool of females with hyperandrogenemia in whom no mutation was identified. (3) In girls, who presented early with PA, 26.6% were diagnosed with NC-CAH and carried two mutations, 28.7% were identified as heterozygotes 43.7% had no identifiable genetic defect in the translated region of the CYP21A2 gene. On the contrary, in the group of 141 females with late onset hyperandrogenemia, the presence of 2 mutations was detected in 12%, 1 mutation in 33.4% and no mutation in 54.6%. CONCLUSIONS The carrier status for 21-OHD, may be an important factor in the variable phenotype of hyperandrogenism and may be a contributing factor for the early manifestation of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia,, Cyprus
| | - Christos Shammas
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia,, Cyprus
| | - Alexia AP Phedonos
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia,, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia,, Cyprus
| | - Nicos Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia,, Cyprus
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for Specialized Pediatrics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- St. George's University of London Medical School at the University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Abstract
The complex process of skeletal muscle differentiation is organized by the myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs), Myf5, MyoD, Myf6, and myogenin, where myogenin plays a critical role in the regulation of the final stage of muscle differentiation. In an effort to investigate the role microRNAs (miRNAs) play in regulating myogenin, a bioinformatics approach was used and six miRNAs (miR-182, miR-186, miR-135, miR-491, miR-329, and miR-96) were predicted to bind the myogenin 3'-untranslated region (UTR). However, luciferase assays showed only miR-186 inhibited translation and 3'-UTR mutagenesis analysis confirmed this interaction was specific. Interestingly, the expression of miR-186 mirrored that of its host gene, ZRANB2, during development. Functional studies demonstrated that miR-186 overexpression inhibited the differentiation of C2C12 and primary muscle cells. Our findings therefore identify miR-186 as a novel regulator of myogenic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonis Antoniou
- From the Department of Molecular Genetics, Function, and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 1683, Nicosia, Cyprus and
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