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Verdoodt D, van Wijk E, Broekman S, Venselaar H, Aben F, Sels L, De Backer E, Gommeren H, Szewczyk K, Van Camp G, Ponsaerts P, Van Rompaey V, de Vrieze E. Rational design of a genomically humanized mouse model for dominantly inherited hearing loss, DFNA9. Hear Res 2024; 442:108947. [PMID: 38218018 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2023.108947] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
DFNA9 is a dominantly inherited form of adult-onset progressive hearing impairment caused by mutations in the COCH gene. COCH encodes cochlin, a crucial extracellular matrix protein. We established a genomically humanized mouse model for the Dutch/Belgian c.151C>T founder mutation in COCH. Considering upcoming sequence-specific genetic therapies, we exchanged the genomic murine Coch exons 3-6 for the corresponding human sequence. Introducing human-specific genetic information into mouse exons can be risky. To mitigate unforeseen consequences on cochlin function resulting from the introduction of the human COCH protein-coding sequence, we converted all human-specific amino acids to mouse equivalents. We furthermore optimized the recognition of the human COCH exons by the murine splicing machinery during pre-mRNA splicing. Subsequent observations in mouse embryonic stem cells revealed correct splicing of the hybrid Coch transcript. The inner ear of the established humanized Coch mice displays correctly-spliced wild-type and mutant humanized Coch alleles. For a comprehensive study of auditory function, mice were crossbred with C57BL/6 Cdh23753A>G mice to remove the Cdh23ahl allele from the genetic background of the mice. At 9 months, all humanized Coch genotypes showed hearing thresholds comparable to wild-type C57BL/6 Cdh23753A>G mice. This indicates that both the introduction of human wildtype COCH, and correction of Cdh23ahl in the humanized Coch lines was successful. Overall, our approach proved beneficial in eliminating potential adverse events of genomic humanization of mouse genes, and provides us with a model in which sequence-specific therapies directed against the human mutant COCH alle can be investigated. With the hearing and balance defects anticipated to occur late in the second year of life, a long-term follow-up study is ongoing to fully characterize the humanized Coch mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorien Verdoodt
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Erwin van Wijk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, GA 6525, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne Broekman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, GA 6525, the Netherlands
| | - Hanka Venselaar
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, GA 6525, the Netherlands
| | - Fien Aben
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, GA 6525, the Netherlands
| | - Lize Sels
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Evi De Backer
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hanne Gommeren
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Krystyna Szewczyk
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guy Van Camp
- Center for Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2000, Belgium
| | - Peter Ponsaerts
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vincent Van Rompaey
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Erik de Vrieze
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, GA 6525, the Netherlands.
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Peters TMA, Engelke UFH, de Boer S, Reintjes JTG, Roullet JB, Broekman S, de Vrieze E, van Wijk E, Wamelink MMC, Artuch R, Barić I, Merx J, Boltje TJ, Martens J, Willemsen MAAP, Verbeek MM, Wevers RA, Gibson KM, Coene KLM. Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency in mice and in humans: an untargeted metabolomics perspective. J Inherit Metab Dis 2023. [PMID: 37455357 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (SSADHD) is a rare neurometabolic disorder caused by disruption of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) pathway. A more detailed understanding of its pathophysiology, beyond the accumulation of GABA and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), will increase our understanding of the disease and may support novel therapy development. To this end, we compared biochemical body fluid profiles from SSADHD patients with controls using next-generation metabolic screening (NGMS). Targeted analysis of NGMS data from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed a moderate increase of aspartic acid, glutaric acid, glycolic acid, 4-guanidinobutanoic acid and 2-hydroxyglutaric acid, and prominent elevations of GHB and 4,5-dihydroxyhexanoic acid (4,5-DHHA) in SSADHD samples. Remarkably, the intensities of 4,5-DHHA and GHB showed a significant positive correlation in control CSF, but not in patient CSF. In an established zebrafish epilepsy model, 4,5-DHHA showed increased mobility that may reflect limited epileptogenesis. Using untargeted metabolomics, we identified 12 features in CSF with high biomarker potential. These had comparable increased fold changes as GHB and 4,5-DHHA. For 10 of these features, a similar increase was found in plasma, urine and/or mouse brain tissue for SSADHD compared to controls. One of these was identified as the novel biomarker 4,5-dihydroxyheptanoic acid. The intensities of selected features in plasma and urine of SSADHD patients positively correlated with the clinical severity score of epilepsy and psychiatric symptoms of those patients, and also showed a high mutual correlation. Our findings provide new insights into the (neuro)metabolic disturbances in SSADHD and give leads for further research concerning SSADHD pathophysiology. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa M A Peters
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Metabolic Laboratory (TML), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Udo F H Engelke
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Metabolic Laboratory (TML), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Siebolt de Boer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Metabolic Laboratory (TML), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Joris T G Reintjes
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Metabolic Laboratory (TML), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jean-Baptiste Roullet
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Sanne Broekman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Erik de Vrieze
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin van Wijk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam M C Wamelink
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Metabolic Unit, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rafael Artuch
- Clinical biochemistry department, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERER and MetabERN Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ivo Barić
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Center Zagreb & University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jona Merx
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas J Boltje
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jonathan Martens
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, FELIX Laboratory, Radboud University, ED, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Michèl A A P Willemsen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel M Verbeek
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Metabolic Laboratory (TML), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ron A Wevers
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Metabolic Laboratory (TML), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - K Michael Gibson
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Karlien L M Coene
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Metabolic Laboratory (TML), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, Máxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
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Schellens RT, Broekman S, Peters T, Graave P, Malinar L, Venselaar H, Kremer H, De Vrieze E, Van Wijk E. A protein domain-oriented approach to expand the opportunities of therapeutic exon skipping for USH2A-associated retinitis pigmentosa. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids 2023; 32:980-994. [PMID: 37313440 PMCID: PMC10258241 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.05.020] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in USH2A are among the most common causes of syndromic and non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa (RP). We previously presented skipping of USH2A exon 13 as a promising treatment paradigm for USH2A-associated RP. However, RP-associated mutations are often private, and evenly distributed along the USH2A gene. In order to broaden the group of patients that could benefit from therapeutic exon skipping strategies, we expanded our approach to other USH2A exons in which unique loss-of-function mutations have been reported by implementing a protein domain-oriented dual exon skipping strategy. We first generated zebrafish mutants carrying a genomic deletion of the orthologous exons of the frequently mutated human USH2A exons 30-31 or 39-40 using CRISPR-Cas9. Excision of these in-frame combinations of exons restored usherin expression in the zebrafish retina and rescued the photopigment mislocalization typically observed in ush2a mutants. To translate these findings into a future treatment in humans, we employed in vitro assays to identify and validate antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) with a high potency for sequence-specific dual exon skipping. Together, the in vitro and in vivo data demonstrate protein domain-oriented ASO-induced dual exon skipping to be a highly promising treatment option for RP caused by mutations in USH2A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renske T.W. Schellens
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne Broekman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Theo Peters
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Pam Graave
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Lucija Malinar
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hanka Venselaar
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hannie Kremer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Erik De Vrieze
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Erwin Van Wijk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing and Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Stemerdink M, Broekman S, Peters T, Kremer H, de Vrieze E, van Wijk E. Generation and Characterization of a Zebrafish Model for ADGRV1-Associated Retinal Dysfunction Using CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing Technology. Cells 2023; 12:1598. [PMID: 37371069 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121598] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, around 40,000 people progressively lose their eyesight as a consequence of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) caused by pathogenic variants in the ADGRV1 gene, for which currently no treatment options exist. A model organism that mimics the human phenotype is essential to unravel the exact pathophysiological mechanism underlying ADGRV1-associated RP, and to evaluate future therapeutic strategies. The introduction of CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing technologies significantly improved the possibilities of generating mutant models in a time- and cost-effective manner. Zebrafish have been recognized as a suitable model to study Usher syndrome-associated retinal dysfunction. Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology we introduced a 4bp deletion in adgrv1 exon 9 (adgrv1rmc22). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that Adgrv1 was absent from the region of the photoreceptor connecting cilium in the adgrv1rmc22 zebrafish retina. Here, the absence of Adgrv1 also resulted in reduced levels of the USH2 complex members usherin and Whrnb, suggesting that Adgrv1 interacts with usherin and Whrnb in zebrafish photoreceptors. When comparing adgrv1rmc22 zebrafish with wild-type controls, we furthermore observed increased levels of aberrantly localized rhodopsin in the photoreceptor cell body, and decreased electroretinogram (ERG) B-wave amplitudes which indicate that the absence of Adgrv1 results in impaired retinal function. Based on these findings we present the adgrv1rmc22 zebrafish as the first ADGRV1 mutant model that displays an early retinal dysfunction. Moreover, the observed phenotypic changes can be used as quantifiable outcome measures when evaluating the efficacy of future novel therapeutic strategies for ADGRV1-associated RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merel Stemerdink
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing & Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne Broekman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing & Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Theo Peters
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing & Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hannie Kremer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing & Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Erik de Vrieze
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing & Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin van Wijk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing & Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Raterman ST, Von Den Hoff JW, Dijkstra S, De Vriend C, Te Morsche T, Broekman S, Zethof J, De Vrieze E, Wagener FADTG, Metz JR. Disruption of the foxe1 gene in zebrafish reveals conserved functions in development of the craniofacial skeleton and the thyroid. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1143844. [PMID: 36994096 PMCID: PMC10040582 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1143844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Mutations in the FOXE1 gene are implicated in cleft palate and thyroid dysgenesis in humans.Methods: To investigate whether zebrafish could provide meaningful insights into the etiology of developmental defects in humans related to FOXE1, we generated a zebrafish mutant that has a disruption in the nuclear localization signal in the foxe1 gene, thereby restraining nuclear access of the transcription factor. We characterized skeletal development and thyroidogenesis in these mutants, focusing on embryonic and larval stages.Results: Mutant larvae showed aberrant skeletal phenotypes in the ceratohyal cartilage and had reduced whole body levels of Ca, Mg and P, indicating a critical role for foxe1 in early skeletal development. Markers of bone and cartilage (precursor) cells were differentially expressed in mutants in post-migratory cranial neural crest cells in the pharyngeal arch at 1 dpf, at induction of chondrogenesis at 3 dpf and at the start of endochondral bone formation at 6 dpf. Foxe1 protein was detected in differentiated thyroid follicles, suggesting a role for the transcription factor in thyroidogenesis, but thyroid follicle morphology or differentiation were unaffected in mutants.Discussion: Taken together, our findings highlight the conserved role of Foxe1 in skeletal development and thyroidogenesis, and show differential signaling of osteogenic and chondrogenic genes related to foxe1 mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie T. Raterman
- Department of Dentistry—Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud Institute of Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Animal Ecology and Physiology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES), Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Sophie T. Raterman,
| | - Johannes W. Von Den Hoff
- Department of Dentistry—Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud Institute of Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Sietske Dijkstra
- Department of Animal Ecology and Physiology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES), Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Cheyenne De Vriend
- Department of Animal Ecology and Physiology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES), Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Tim Te Morsche
- Department of Animal Ecology and Physiology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES), Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Sanne Broekman
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jan Zethof
- Department of Animal Ecology and Physiology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES), Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Erik De Vrieze
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Frank A. D. T. G. Wagener
- Department of Dentistry—Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud Institute of Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Juriaan R. Metz
- Department of Animal Ecology and Physiology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES), Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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Kamel SM, Broekman S, Tessadori F, van Wijk E, Bakkers J. The zebrafish cohesin protein Sgo1 is required for cardiac function and eye development. Dev Dyn 2022; 251:1357-1367. [PMID: 35275424 PMCID: PMC9545960 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.468] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cohesinopathies is a term that refers to/covers rare genetic diseases caused by mutations in the cohesin complex proteins. The cohesin complex is a multiprotein complex that facilitates different aspects of cell division, gene transcription, DNA damage repair, and chromosome architecture. Shugoshin proteins prevent the cohesin complex from premature dissociation from chromatids during cell division. Patients with a homozygous missense mutation in SGO1, which encodes for Shugoshin1, have problems with normal pacing of the heart and gut. RESULTS To study the role of shugoshin during embryo development, we mutated the zebrafish sgo1 gene. Homozygous sgo1 mutant embryos display various phenotypes related to different organs, including a reduced heart rate accompanied by reduced cardiac function. In addition, sgo1 mutants are vision-impaired as a consequence of structurally defective and partially non-functional photoreceptor cells. Furthermore, the sgo1 mutants display reduced food intake and early lethality. CONCLUSION We have generated a zebrafish model of Sgo1 that showed its importance during organ development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Kamel
- Hubrecht Institute‐KNAW, University Medical Centre UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Sanne Broekman
- Department of OtorhinolaryngologyRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and BehaviorRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Federico Tessadori
- Hubrecht Institute‐KNAW, University Medical Centre UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Erwin van Wijk
- Department of OtorhinolaryngologyRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and BehaviorRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Bakkers
- Hubrecht Institute‐KNAW, University Medical Centre UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Department of Medical Physiology, Division of Heart & LungsUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Division of PediatricsUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
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Schellens RTW, Slijkerman RWN, Hetterschijt L, Peters T, Broekman S, Clemént A, Westerfield M, Phillips JB, Boldt K, Kremer H, De Vrieze E, Van Wijk E. Affinity purification of in vivo assembled whirlin-associated protein complexes from the zebrafish retina. J Proteomics 2022; 266:104666. [PMID: 35788411 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104666] [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: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in WHRN lead to Usher syndrome type 2d or to non-syndromic hearing impairment. The WHRN-encoded gene product whirlin directly interacts with the intracellular regions of the other two Usher syndrome type 2-associated proteins, usherin and ADGRV1. In photoreceptor cells, this protein complex constitutes fibrous links between the periciliary membrane and the connecting cilium. However, the molecular mechanism(s) of retinal degeneration due to compromised formation and function of the USH2-associated protein complex remains elusive. To unravel this pathogenic mechanism, we isolated and characterized whirlin-associated protein complexes from zebrafish photoreceptor cells. We generated transgenic zebrafish that express Strep/FLAG-tagged Whrna, a zebrafish ortholog of human whirlin, under the control of a photoreceptor-specific promoter. Affinity purification of Strep/FLAG-tagged Whrna and associated proteins from adult transgenic zebrafish retinas followed by mass spectrometry identified 19 novel candidate associated proteins. Pull down experiments and dedicated yeast two-hybrid assays confirmed the association of Whrna with 7 of the co-purified proteins. Several of the co-purified proteins are part of the synaptic proteome, which indicates a role for whirlin in the photoreceptor synapse. Future studies will elucidate which of the newly identified protein-protein interactions contribute to the development of the retinal phenotype observed in USH2d patients. SIGNIFICANCE: Since protein-protein interactions identified using targeted in vitro studies do not always recapitulate interactions that are functionally relevant in vivo, we established a transgenic zebrafish line that stably expresses a Strep/FLAG-tagged ortholog of human whirlin (SF-Whrna) in photoreceptor cells. Affinity purification of in vivo-assembled SF-Whrna-associated protein complexes from retinal lysates followed by mass spectrometry, identified 19 novel candidate interaction partners, many of which are enriched in the synaptic proteome. Two human orthologs of the identified candidate interaction partners, FRMPD4 and Kir2.3, were validated as direct interaction partners of human whirlin using a yeast two-hybrid assay. The strong connection of whirlin with postsynaptic density proteins was not identified in previous in vitro protein-protein interaction assays, presumably due to the absence of a biologically relevant context. Isolation and identification of in vivo-assembled whirlin-associated protein complexes from the tissue of interest is therefore a powerful methodology to obtain novel insight into tissue specific protein-protein interactions and has the potential to improve significantly our understanding of the function of whirlin and the molecular pathogenesis underlying Usher syndrome type 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- R T W Schellens
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, 6500GL Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - R W N Slijkerman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, 6525GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - L Hetterschijt
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - T Peters
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - S Broekman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - A Clemént
- University of Oregon, OR 97403, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - M Westerfield
- University of Oregon, OR 97403, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America.
| | - J B Phillips
- University of Oregon, OR 97403, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America.
| | - K Boldt
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - H Kremer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, 6500GL Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - E De Vrieze
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, 6500GL Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - E Van Wijk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, 6500GL Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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Moran AL, Carter SP, Kaylor JJ, Jiang Z, Broekman S, Dillon ET, Gómez Sánchez A, Minhas SK, van Wijk E, Radu RA, Travis GH, Carey M, Blacque OE, Kennedy BN. Dawn and dusk peaks of outer segment phagocytosis, and visual cycle function require Rab28. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22309. [PMID: 35471581 PMCID: PMC9322422 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101897r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RAB28 is a farnesylated, ciliary G‐protein. Patient variants in RAB28 are causative of autosomal recessive cone‐rod dystrophy (CRD), an inherited human blindness. In rodent and zebrafish models, the absence of Rab28 results in diminished dawn, photoreceptor, outer segment phagocytosis (OSP). Here, we demonstrate that Rab28 is also required for dusk peaks of OSP, but not for basal OSP levels. This study further elucidated the molecular mechanisms by which Rab28 controls OSP and inherited blindness. Proteomic profiling identified factors whose expression in the eye or whose expression at dawn and dusk peaks of OSP is dysregulated by loss of Rab28. Notably, transgenic overexpression of Rab28, solely in zebrafish cones, rescues the OSP defect in rab28 KO fish, suggesting rab28 gene replacement in cone photoreceptors is sufficient to regulate Rab28‐OSP. Rab28 loss also perturbs function of the visual cycle as retinoid levels of 11‐cRAL, 11cRP, and atRP are significantly reduced in larval and adult rab28 KO retinae (p < .05). These data give further understanding on the molecular mechanisms of RAB28‐associated CRD, highlighting roles of Rab28 in both peaks of OSP, in vitamin A metabolism and in retinoid recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailís L Moran
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen P Carter
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joanna J Kaylor
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Zhichun Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sanne Broekman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Eugene T Dillon
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alicia Gómez Sánchez
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Ocupharm Diagnostic Group Research, Faculty of Optic and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sajal K Minhas
- UCD School of Mathematics & Statistics, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Erwin van Wijk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Roxana A Radu
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gabriel H Travis
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Michelle Carey
- UCD School of Mathematics & Statistics, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Oliver E Blacque
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Breandán N Kennedy
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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9
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de Vrieze E, de Bruijn SE, Reurink J, Broekman S, van de Riet V, Aben M, Kremer H, van Wijk E. Efficient Generation of Knock-In Zebrafish Models for Inherited Disorders Using CRISPR-Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein Complexes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9429. [PMID: 34502338 PMCID: PMC8431507 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179429] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9-based genome-editing is a highly efficient and cost-effective method to generate zebrafish loss-of-function alleles. However, introducing patient-specific variants into the zebrafish genome with CRISPR-Cas9 remains challenging. Targeting options can be limited by the predetermined genetic context, and the efficiency of the homology-directed DNA repair pathway is relatively low. Here, we illustrate our efficient approach to develop knock-in zebrafish models using two previously variants associated with hereditary sensory deficits. We employ sgRNA-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes that are micro-injected into the first cell of fertilized zebrafish eggs together with an asymmetric, single-stranded DNA template containing the variant of interest. The introduction of knock-in events was confirmed by massive parallel sequencing of genomic DNA extracted from a pool of injected embryos. Simultaneous morpholino-induced blocking of a key component of the non-homologous end joining DNA repair pathway, Ku70, improved the knock-in efficiency for one of the targets. Our use of RNP complexes provides an improved knock-in efficiency as compared to previously published studies. Correct knock-in events were identified in 3-8% of alleles, and 30-45% of injected animals had the target variant in their germline. The detailed technical and procedural insights described here provide a valuable framework for the efficient development of knock-in zebrafish models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik de Vrieze
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.B.); (V.v.d.R.); (H.K.); (E.v.W.)
- Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.E.d.B.); (J.R.); (M.A.)
| | - Suzanne E. de Bruijn
- Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.E.d.B.); (J.R.); (M.A.)
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Janine Reurink
- Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.E.d.B.); (J.R.); (M.A.)
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne Broekman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.B.); (V.v.d.R.); (H.K.); (E.v.W.)
- Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.E.d.B.); (J.R.); (M.A.)
| | - Vince van de Riet
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.B.); (V.v.d.R.); (H.K.); (E.v.W.)
- Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.E.d.B.); (J.R.); (M.A.)
| | - Marco Aben
- Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.E.d.B.); (J.R.); (M.A.)
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hannie Kremer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.B.); (V.v.d.R.); (H.K.); (E.v.W.)
- Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.E.d.B.); (J.R.); (M.A.)
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin van Wijk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.B.); (V.v.d.R.); (H.K.); (E.v.W.)
- Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.E.d.B.); (J.R.); (M.A.)
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10
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Schellens R, de Vrieze E, Graave P, Broekman S, Nagel-Wolfrum K, Peters T, Kremer H, Collin RWJ, van Wijk E. Zebrafish as a Model to Evaluate a CRISPR/Cas9-Based Exon Excision Approach as a Future Treatment Option for EYS-Associated Retinitis Pigmentosa. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179154. [PMID: 34502064 PMCID: PMC8431288 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179154] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal disease (IRD) with an overall prevalence of 1 in 4000 individuals. Mutations in EYS (Eyes shut homolog) are among the most frequent causes of non-syndromic autosomal recessively inherited RP and act via a loss-of-function mechanism. In light of the recent successes for other IRDs, we investigated the therapeutic potential of exon skipping for EYS-associated RP. CRISPR/Cas9 was employed to generate zebrafish from which the region encompassing the orthologous exons 37-41 of human EYS (eys exons 40-44) was excised from the genome. The excision of these exons was predicted to maintain the open reading frame and to result in the removal of exactly one Laminin G and two EGF domains. Although the eysΔexon40-44 transcript was found at levels comparable to wild-type eys, and no unwanted off-target modifications were identified within the eys coding sequence after single-molecule sequencing, EysΔexon40-44 protein expression could not be detected. Visual motor response experiments revealed that eysΔexon40-44 larvae were visually impaired and histological analysis revealed a progressive degeneration of the retinal outer nuclear layer in these zebrafish. Altogether, the data obtained in our zebrafish model currently provide no indications for the skipping of EYS exons 37-41 as an effective future treatment strategy for EYS-associated RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renske Schellens
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (R.S.); (E.d.V.); (S.B.); (T.P.); (H.K.)
- Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Erik de Vrieze
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (R.S.); (E.d.V.); (S.B.); (T.P.); (H.K.)
- Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Pam Graave
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Sanne Broekman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (R.S.); (E.d.V.); (S.B.); (T.P.); (H.K.)
| | - Kerstin Nagel-Wolfrum
- Institute for Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany;
- Institute for Developmental Biology and Neurobiology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Theo Peters
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (R.S.); (E.d.V.); (S.B.); (T.P.); (H.K.)
| | - Hannie Kremer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (R.S.); (E.d.V.); (S.B.); (T.P.); (H.K.)
- Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Rob W. J. Collin
- Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Erwin van Wijk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (R.S.); (E.d.V.); (S.B.); (T.P.); (H.K.)
- Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence:
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11
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Toms M, Dubis AM, de Vrieze E, Tracey-White D, Mitsios A, Hayes M, Broekman S, Baxendale S, Utoomprurkporn N, Bamiou D, Bitner-Glindzicz M, Webster AR, Van Wijk E, Moosajee M. Clinical and preclinical therapeutic outcome metrics for USH2A-related disease. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:1882-1899. [PMID: 31998945 PMCID: PMC7372554 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
USH2A variants are the most common cause of Usher syndrome type 2, characterized by congenital sensorineural hearing loss and retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and also contribute to autosomal recessive non-syndromic RP. Several treatment strategies are under development; however, sensitive clinical trial endpoint metrics to determine therapeutic efficacy have not been identified. In the present study, we have performed longitudinal retrospective examination of the retinal and auditory symptoms in (i) 56 biallelic molecularly confirmed USH2A patients and (ii) ush2a mutant zebrafish to identify metrics for the evaluation of future clinical trials and rapid preclinical screening studies. The patient cohort showed a statistically significant correlation between age and both rate of constriction for the ellipsoid zone length and hyperautofluorescent outer retinal ring area. Visual acuity and pure tone audiograms are not suitable outcome measures. Retinal examination of the novel ush2au507 zebrafish mutant revealed a slowly progressive degeneration of predominantly rods, accompanied by rhodopsin and blue cone opsin mislocalization from 6 to 12 months of age with lysosome-like structures observed in the photoreceptors. This was further evaluated in the ush2armc zebrafish model, which revealed similar changes in photopigment mislocalization with elevated autophagy levels at 6 days post fertilization, indicating a more severe genotype-phenotype correlation and providing evidence of new insights into the pathophysiology underlying USH2A-retinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Toms
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Adam M Dubis
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Erik de Vrieze
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen 6525 HR, The Netherlands
| | - Dhani Tracey-White
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Andreas Mitsios
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Matthew Hayes
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Sanne Broekman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen 6525 HR, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah Baxendale
- Bateson Centre and Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Nattawan Utoomprurkporn
- UCL Ear Institute, University College London, London WC1X 8EE, UK.,Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Doris Bamiou
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | | | - Andrew R Webster
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Erwin Van Wijk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen 6525 HR, The Netherlands
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, UK.,UCL Ear Institute, University College London, London WC1X 8EE, UK
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12
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Engelke UF, van Outersterp RE, Merx J, van Geenen FA, van Rooij A, Berden G, Huigen MC, Kluijtmans LA, Peters TM, Al-Shekaili HH, Leavitt BR, de Vrieze E, Broekman S, van Wijk E, Tseng LA, Kulkarni P, Rutjes FP, Mecinović J, Struys EA, Jansen LA, Gospe SM, Mercimek-Andrews S, Hyland K, Willemsen MA, Bok LA, van Karnebeek CD, Wevers RA, Boltje TJ, Oomens J, Martens J, Coene KL. Untargeted metabolomics and infrared ion spectroscopy identify biomarkers for pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:e148272. [PMID: 34138754 DOI: 10.1172/jci148272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundPyridoxine-dependent epilepsy (PDE-ALDH7A1) is an inborn error of lysine catabolism that presents with refractory epilepsy in newborns. Biallelic ALDH7A1 variants lead to deficiency of α-aminoadipic semialdehyde dehydrogenase/antiquitin, resulting in accumulation of piperideine-6-carboxylate (P6C), and secondary deficiency of the important cofactor pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP, active vitamin B6) through its complexation with P6C. Vitamin B6 supplementation resolves epilepsy in patients, but intellectual disability may still develop. Early diagnosis and treatment, preferably based on newborn screening, could optimize long-term clinical outcome. However, no suitable PDE-ALDH7A1 newborn screening biomarkers are currently available.MethodsWe combined the innovative analytical methods untargeted metabolomics and infrared ion spectroscopy to discover and identify biomarkers in plasma that would allow for PDE-ALDH7A1 diagnosis in newborn screening.ResultsWe identified 2S,6S-/2S,6R-oxopropylpiperidine-2-carboxylic acid (2-OPP) as a PDE-ALDH7A1 biomarker, and confirmed 6-oxopiperidine-2-carboxylic acid (6-oxoPIP) as a biomarker. The suitability of 2-OPP as a potential PDE-ALDH7A1 newborn screening biomarker in dried bloodspots was shown. Additionally, we found that 2-OPP accumulates in brain tissue of patients and Aldh7a1-knockout mice, and induced epilepsy-like behavior in a zebrafish model system.ConclusionThis study has opened the way to newborn screening for PDE-ALDH7A1. We speculate that 2-OPP may contribute to ongoing neurotoxicity, also in treated PDE-ALDH7A1 patients. As 2-OPP formation appears to increase upon ketosis, we emphasize the importance of avoiding catabolism in PDE-ALDH7A1 patients.FundingSociety for Inborn Errors of Metabolism for Netherlands and Belgium (ESN), United for Metabolic Diseases (UMD), Stofwisselkracht, Radboud University, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Dutch Research Council (NWO), and the European Research Council (ERC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Udo Fh Engelke
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Jona Merx
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Arno van Rooij
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Giel Berden
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, FELIX Laboratory and
| | - Marleen Cdg Huigen
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Leo Aj Kluijtmans
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Tessa Ma Peters
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Hilal H Al-Shekaili
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Blair R Leavitt
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Erik de Vrieze
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Sanne Broekman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Erwin van Wijk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Laura A Tseng
- Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Purva Kulkarni
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Floris Pjt Rutjes
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jasmin Mecinović
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Eduard A Struys
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location VU Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Laura A Jansen
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sidney M Gospe
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Saadet Mercimek-Andrews
- Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Keith Hyland
- Medical Neurogenetics Laboratories, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Michèl Aap Willemsen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Levinus A Bok
- Department of Pediatrics, Máxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, Netherlands
| | - Clara Dm van Karnebeek
- Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics-Metabolic Diseases, Radboud Center for Mitochondrial Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,United for Metabolic Diseases (UMD), Netherlands
| | - Ron A Wevers
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Thomas J Boltje
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jos Oomens
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, FELIX Laboratory and.,Van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Karlien Lm Coene
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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13
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Quint WH, Tadema KCD, de Vrieze E, Lukowicz RM, Broekman S, Winkelman BHJ, Hoevenaars M, de Gruiter HM, van Wijk E, Schaeffel F, Meester-Smoor M, Miller AC, Willemsen R, Klaver CCW, Iglesias AI. Loss of Gap Junction Delta-2 (GJD2) gene orthologs leads to refractive error in zebrafish. Commun Biol 2021; 4:676. [PMID: 34083742 PMCID: PMC8175550 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02185-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Myopia is the most common developmental disorder of juvenile eyes, and it has become an increasing cause of severe visual impairment. The GJD2 locus has been consistently associated with myopia in multiple independent genome-wide association studies. However, despite the strong genetic evidence, little is known about the functional role of GJD2 in refractive error development. Here, we find that depletion of gjd2a (Cx35.5) or gjd2b (Cx35.1) orthologs in zebrafish, cause changes in the biometry and refractive status of the eye. Our immunohistological and scRNA sequencing studies show that Cx35.5 (gjd2a) is a retinal connexin and its depletion leads to hyperopia and electrophysiological changes in the retina. These findings support a role for Cx35.5 (gjd2a) in the regulation of ocular biometry. Cx35.1 (gjd2b) has previously been identified in the retina, however, we found an additional lenticular role. Lack of Cx35.1 (gjd2b) led to a nuclear cataract that triggered axial elongation. Our results provide functional evidence of a link between gjd2 and refractive error. Quint et al. use zebrafish lines deficient in one of two orthologs of the Gap Junction Delta-2 (GJD2) gene, which is associated with myopia by genome-wide association studies. They link gjd2 with refractive error and report evidence to suggest that gjd2a plays a role in ocular biometry whilst gjd2b, previously found in the retina, possesses an additional lenticular role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wim H Quint
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Kirke C D Tadema
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erik de Vrieze
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Rachel M Lukowicz
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, United States
| | - Sanne Broekman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Beerend H J Winkelman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Cerebellar Coordination and Cognition, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Melanie Hoevenaars
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Erwin van Wijk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Frank Schaeffel
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Magda Meester-Smoor
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adam C Miller
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, United States
| | - Rob Willemsen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline C W Klaver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Adriana I Iglesias
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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14
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Dulla K, Slijkerman R, van Diepen HC, Albert S, Dona M, Beumer W, Turunen JJ, Chan HL, Schulkens IA, Vorthoren L, den Besten C, Buil L, Schmidt I, Miao J, Venselaar H, Zang J, Neuhauss SCF, Peters T, Broekman S, Pennings R, Kremer H, Platenburg G, Adamson P, de Vrieze E, van Wijk E. Antisense oligonucleotide-based treatment of retinitis pigmentosa caused by USH2A exon 13 mutations. Mol Ther 2021; 29:2441-2455. [PMID: 33895329 PMCID: PMC8353187 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [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: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in USH2A are among the most common causes of syndromic and non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The two most recurrent mutations in USH2A, c.2299delG and c.2276G > T, both reside in exon 13. Skipping exon 13 from the USH2A transcript presents a potential treatment modality in which the resulting transcript is predicted to encode a slightly shortened usherin protein. Morpholino-induced skipping of ush2a exon 13 in zebrafish ush2armc1 mutants resulted in the production of usherinΔexon 13 protein and a completely restored retinal function. Antisense oligonucleotides were investigated for their potential to selectively induce human USH2A exon 13 skipping. Lead candidate QR-421a induced a concentration-dependent exon 13 skipping in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived photoreceptor precursors from an Usher syndrome patient homozygous for the c.2299delG mutation. Mouse surrogate mQR-421a reached the retinal outer nuclear layer after a single intravitreal injection and induced a detectable level of exon skipping until at least 6 months post-injection. In conclusion, QR-421a-induced exon skipping proves to be a highly promising treatment option for RP caused by mutations in USH2A exon 13.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyan Dulla
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ralph Slijkerman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Silvia Albert
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Margo Dona
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter Beumer
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Janne J Turunen
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Hee Lam Chan
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Iris A Schulkens
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Lars Vorthoren
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Levi Buil
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Iris Schmidt
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jiayi Miao
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Hanka Venselaar
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jingjing Zang
- University of Zürich, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Stephan C F Neuhauss
- University of Zürich, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Theo Peters
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne Broekman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald Pennings
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hannie Kremer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Peter Adamson
- ProQR Therapeutics, Zernikedreef 9, 2333 CK Leiden, the Netherlands; UCL, Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Erik de Vrieze
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Erwin van Wijk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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15
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Slijkerman R, Goloborodko A, Broekman S, de Vrieze E, Hetterschijt L, Peters T, Gerits M, Kremer H, van Wijk E. Poor Splice-Site Recognition in a Humanized Zebrafish Knockin Model for the Recurrent Deep-Intronic c.7595-2144A>G Mutation in USH2A. Zebrafish 2018; 15:597-609. [PMID: 30281416 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2018.1613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The frequent deep-intronic c.7595-2144A>G mutation in intron 40 of USH2A generates a high-quality splice donor site, resulting in the incorporation of a pseudoexon (PE40) into the mature transcript that is predicted to prematurely terminate usherin translation. Aberrant USH2A pre-mRNA splicing could be corrected in patient-derived fibroblasts using antisense oligonucleotides. With the aim to study the effect of the c.7595-2144A>G mutation and USH2A splice redirection on retinal function, a humanized zebrafish knockin model was generated, in which 670 basepairs of ush2a intron 40 were exchanged for 557 basepairs of the corresponding human sequence using an optimized CRISPR/Cas9-based protocol. However, in the retina of adult homozygous humanized zebrafish, only 7.4% ± 3.9% of ush2a transcripts contained the human PE40 sequence and immunohistochemical analyses revealed no differences in the usherin expression and localization between the retina of humanized and wild-type zebrafish larvae. Nevertheless, we were able to partially correct aberrant ush2a splicing using a PE40-targeting antisense morpholino. Our results indicate a clear difference in splice-site recognition by the human and zebrafish splicing machinery. Therefore, we propose a protocol in which the effect of human splice-modulating mutations is studied in a zebrafish-specific cell-based splice assay before the generation of a humanized zebrafish knockin model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Slijkerman
- 1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen, the Netherlands .,2 Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, and Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander Goloborodko
- 3 Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne Broekman
- 1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen, the Netherlands .,4 Donders Institute for Brain , Cognition, and Behavior, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Erik de Vrieze
- 1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen, the Netherlands .,4 Donders Institute for Brain , Cognition, and Behavior, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Lisette Hetterschijt
- 1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen, the Netherlands .,4 Donders Institute for Brain , Cognition, and Behavior, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Theo Peters
- 1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen, the Netherlands .,4 Donders Institute for Brain , Cognition, and Behavior, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Milou Gerits
- 3 Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hannie Kremer
- 1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen, the Netherlands .,3 Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen, the Netherlands .,4 Donders Institute for Brain , Cognition, and Behavior, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Erwin van Wijk
- 1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen, the Netherlands .,4 Donders Institute for Brain , Cognition, and Behavior, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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16
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Messchaert M, Dona M, Broekman S, Peters TA, Corral-Serrano JC, Slijkerman RWN, van Wijk E, Collin RWJ. Eyes shut homolog is important for the maintenance of photoreceptor morphology and visual function in zebrafish. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200789. [PMID: 30052645 PMCID: PMC6063403 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in eyes shut homolog (EYS), a gene predominantly expressed in the photoreceptor cells of the retina, are among the most frequent causes of autosomal recessive (ar) retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a progressive retinal disorder. Due to the absence of EYS in several rodent species and its retina-specific expression, still little is known about the exact function of EYS and the pathogenic mechanism underlying EYS-associated RP. We characterized eys in zebrafish, by RT-PCR analysis on zebrafish eye-derived RNA, which led to the identification of a 8,715 nucleotide coding sequence that is divided over 46 exons. The transcript is predicted to encode a 2,905-aa protein that contains 39 EGF-like domains and five laminin A G-like domains, which overall shows 33% identity with human EYS. To study the function of EYS, we generated a stable eysrmc101/rmc101 mutant zebrafish model using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The introduced lesion is predicted to result in premature termination of protein synthesis and lead to loss of Eys function. Immunohistochemistry on retinal sections revealed that Eys localizes at the region of the connecting cilium and that both rhodopsin and cone transducin are mislocalized in the absence of Eys. Electroretinogram recordings showed diminished b-wave amplitudes in eysrmc101/rmc101 zebrafish (5 dpf) compared to age- and strain-matched wild-type larvae. In addition, decreased locomotor activity in response to light stimuli was observed in eys mutant larvae. Altogether, our study shows that absence of Eys leads to a disorganized retinal architecture and causes visual dysfunction in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriël Messchaert
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Margo Dona
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne Broekman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Theo A. Peters
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Julio C. Corral-Serrano
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ralph W. N. Slijkerman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin van Wijk
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rob W. J. Collin
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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17
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Dona M, Slijkerman R, Lerner K, Broekman S, Wegner J, Howat T, Peters T, Hetterschijt L, Boon N, de Vrieze E, Sorusch N, Wolfrum U, Kremer H, Neuhauss S, Zang J, Kamermans M, Westerfield M, Phillips J, van Wijk E. Usherin defects lead to early-onset retinal dysfunction in zebrafish. Exp Eye Res 2018; 173:148-159. [PMID: 29777677 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [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: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in USH2A are the most frequent cause of Usher syndrome and autosomal recessive nonsyndromic retinitis pigmentosa. To unravel the pathogenic mechanisms underlying USH2A-associated retinal degeneration and to evaluate future therapeutic strategies that could potentially halt the progression of this devastating disorder, an animal model is needed. The available Ush2a knock-out mouse model does not mimic the human phenotype, because it presents with only a mild and late-onset retinal degeneration. Using CRISPR/Cas9-technology, we introduced protein-truncating germline lesions into the zebrafish ush2a gene (ush2armc1: c.2337_2342delinsAC; p.Cys780GlnfsTer32 and ush2ab1245: c.15520_15523delinsTG; p.Ala5174fsTer). Homozygous mutants were viable and displayed no obvious morphological or developmental defects. Immunohistochemical analyses with antibodies recognizing the N- or C-terminal region of the ush2a-encoded protein, usherin, demonstrated complete absence of usherin in photoreceptors of ush2armc1, but presence of the ectodomain of usherin at the periciliary membrane of ush2ab1245-derived photoreceptors. Furthermore, defects of usherin led to a reduction in localization of USH2 complex members, whirlin and Adgrv1, at the photoreceptor periciliary membrane of both mutants. Significantly elevated levels of apoptotic photoreceptors could be observed in both mutants when kept under constant bright illumination for three days. Electroretinogram (ERG) recordings revealed a significant and similar decrease in both a- and b-wave amplitudes in ush2armc1 as well as ush2ab1245 larvae as compared to strain- and age-matched wild-type larvae. In conclusion, this study shows that mutant ush2a zebrafish models present with early-onset retinal dysfunction that is exacerbated by light exposure. These models provide a better understanding of the pathophysiology underlying USH2A-associated RP and a unique opportunity to evaluate future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margo Dona
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ralph Slijkerman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Kimberly Lerner
- Institute of Neuroscience, 1254 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403-1254, USA
| | - Sanne Broekman
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Montessorilaan 3, 6525 HR Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeremy Wegner
- Institute of Neuroscience, 1254 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403-1254, USA
| | - Taylor Howat
- Institute of Neuroscience, 1254 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403-1254, USA
| | - Theo Peters
- Institute of Neuroscience, 1254 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403-1254, USA; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Montessorilaan 3, 6525 HR Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lisette Hetterschijt
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Montessorilaan 3, 6525 HR Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nanda Boon
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Erik de Vrieze
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Montessorilaan 3, 6525 HR Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nasrin Sorusch
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Johannes-von-Muellerweg 6, D-55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Uwe Wolfrum
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Johannes-von-Muellerweg 6, D-55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Hannie Kremer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Montessorilaan 3, 6525 HR Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Stephan Neuhauss
- University of Zürich, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich, CH - 8057, Switzerland
| | - Jingjing Zang
- University of Zürich, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich, CH - 8057, Switzerland
| | - Maarten Kamermans
- Retinal Signal Processing Lab, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Biomedical Physics, Academisch Medisch Centrum, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Monte Westerfield
- Institute of Neuroscience, 1254 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403-1254, USA
| | - Jennifer Phillips
- Institute of Neuroscience, 1254 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403-1254, USA
| | - Erwin van Wijk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Montessorilaan 3, 6525 HR Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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18
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Weisz Hubshman M, Broekman S, van Wijk E, Cremers F, Abu-Diab A, Khateb S, Tzur S, Lagovsky I, Smirin-Yosef P, Sharon D, Haer-Wigman L, Banin E, Basel-Vanagaite L, de Vrieze E. Whole-exome sequencing reveals POC5 as a novel gene associated with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 27:614-624. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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19
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Broekman S, Pohlmann O, Beardwood ES, de Meulenaer EC. Ultrasonic treatment for microbiological control of water systems. Ultrason Sonochem 2010; 17:1041-1048. [PMID: 20083420 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2009.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2009] [Revised: 11/13/2009] [Accepted: 11/22/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
A combination treatment of shear, micro-bubbles, and high-frequency low-power ultrasound introduced via side-stream treatment of industrial water systems has shown excellent results in controlling bacteria and algae. Through the physical, high-stress environment created by ultrasonic waves, sessile and planktonic biological populations, some of which may undergo programmed cell death (PCD), can be controlled. Additionally, the instability and reduction of biofilm have been observed in systems treated by ultrasound and may be attributed to starvation-stress and lack of available cross-linking cations in the biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Broekman
- Ashland Hercules Water Technologies, Krefeld, Germany.
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