Identifying human disease genes through cross-species gene mapping of evolutionary conserved processes

Background

Understanding complex networks that modulate development in humans is hampered by genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity within and between populations. Here we present a method that exploits natural variation in highly diverse mouse genetic reference panels in which genetic and environmental factors can be tightly controlled. The aim of our study is to test a cross-species genetic mapping strategy, which compares data of gene mapping in human patients with functional data obtained by QTL mapping in recombinant inbred mouse strains in order to prioritize human disease candidate genes.

Methodology

We exploit evolutionary conservation of developmental phenotypes to discover gene variants that influence brain development in humans. We studied corpus callosum volume in a recombinant inbred mouse panel (C57BL/6J×DBA/2J, BXD strains) using high-field strength MRI technology. We aligned mouse mapping results for this neuro-anatomical phenotype with genetic data from patients with abnormal corpus callosum (ACC) development.

Principal Findings

From the 61 syndromes which involve an ACC, 51 human candidate genes have been identified. Through interval mapping, we identified a single significant QTL on mouse chromosome 7 for corpus callosum volume with a QTL peak located between 25.5 and 26.7 Mb. Comparing the genes in this mouse QTL region with those associated with human syndromes (involving ACC) and those covered by copy number variations (CNV) yielded a single overlap, namely HNRPU in humans and Hnrpul1 in mice. Further analysis of corpus callosum volume in BXD strains revealed that the corpus callosum was significantly larger in BXD mice with a B genotype at the Hnrpul1 locus than in BXD mice with a D genotype at Hnrpul1 (F = 22.48, p<9.87*10⁻⁵).

Conclusion

This approach that exploits highly diverse mouse strains provides an efficient and effective translational bridge to study the etiology of human developmental disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia.

Chromothripsis as a mechanism driving complex de novo structural rearrangements in the germline

A variety of mutational mechanisms shape the dynamic architecture of human genomes and occasionally result in congenital defects and disease. Here, we used genome-wide long mate-pair sequencing to systematically screen for inherited and de novo structural variation in a trio including a child with severe congenital abnormalities. We identified 4321 inherited structural variants and 17 de novo rearrangements. We characterized the de novo structural changes to the base-pair level revealing a complex series of balanced inter- and intra-chromosomal rearrangements consisting of 12 breakpoints involving chromosomes 1, 4 and 10. Detailed inspection of breakpoint regions indicated that a series of simultaneous double-stranded DNA breaks caused local shattering of chromosomes. Fusion of the resulting chromosomal fragments involved non-homologous end joining, since junction points displayed limited or no homology and small insertions and deletions. The pattern of random joining of chromosomal fragments that we observe here strongly resembles the somatic rearrangement patterns--termed chromothripsis--that have recently been described in deranged cancer cells. We conclude that a similar mechanism may also drive the formation of de novo structural variation in the germline.

Telomere healing following DNA polymerase arrest-induced breakages is likely the main mechanism generating chromosome 4p terminal deletions

Constitutional developmental disorders are frequently caused by terminal chromosomal deletions. The mechanisms and/or architectural features that might underlie those chromosome breakages remain largely unexplored. Because telomeres are the vital DNA protein complexes stabilizing linear chromosomes against chromosome degradation, fusion, and incomplete replication, those terminal-deleted chromosomes acquired new telomeres either by telomere healing or by telomere capture. To unravel the mechanisms leading to chromosomal breakage and healing, we sequenced nine chromosome 4p terminal deletion boundaries. A computational analysis of the breakpoint flanking region, including 12 previously published pure terminal breakage sites, was performed in order to identify architectural features that might be involved in this process. All terminal 4p truncations were likely stabilized by telomerase-mediated telomere healing. In the majority of breakpoints multiple genetic elements have a potential to induce secondary structures and an enrichment in replication stalling site motifs were identified. These findings suggest DNA replication stalling-induced chromosome breakage during early development is the first mechanistic step leading toward terminal deletion syndromes.

Tunable backaction of a DC SQUID on an integrated micromechanical resonator

We have measured the backaction of a dc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) position detector on an integrated 1 MHz flexural resonator. The frequency and quality factor of the micromechanical resonator can be tuned with bias current and applied magnetic flux. The backaction is caused by the Lorentz force due to the change in circulating current when the resonator displaces. The experimental features are reproduced by numerical calculations using the resistively and capacitively shunted junction model.

Nonlinear modal interactions in clamped-clamped mechanical resonators

A theoretical and experimental investigation is presented on the intermodal coupling between the flexural vibration modes of a single clamped-clamped beam. Nonlinear coupling allows an arbitrary flexural mode to be used as a self-detector for the amplitude of another mode, presenting a method to measure the energy stored in a specific resonance mode. The observed complex nonlinear dynamics are quantitatively captured by a model based on coupling of the modes via the beam extension; the same mechanism is responsible for the well-known Duffing nonlinearity in clamped-clamped beams.

A co-segregating microduplication of chromosome 15q11.2 pinpoints two risk genes for autism spectrum disorder

High resolution genomic copy-number analysis has shown that inherited and de novo copy-number variations contribute significantly to autism pathology, and that identification of small chromosomal aberrations related to autism will expedite the discovery of risk genes involved. Here, we report a microduplication of chromosome 15q11.2, spanning only four genes, co-segregating with autism in a Dutch pedigree, identified by SNP microarray analysis, and independently confirmed by FISH and MLPA analysis. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed over 70% increase in peripheral blood mRNA levels for the four genes present in the duplicated region in patients, and RNA in situ hybridization on mouse embryonic and adult brain sections revealed that two of the four genes, CYFIP1 and NIPA1, were highly expressed in the developing mouse brain. These findings point towards a contribution of microduplications at chromosome 15q11.2 to autism, and highlight CYFIP1 and NIPA1 as autism risk genes functioning in axonogenesis and synaptogenesis. Thereby, these findings further implicate defects in dosage-sensitive molecular control of neuronal connectivity in autism. However, the prevalence of this microduplication in patient samples was statistically not significantly different from control samples (0.94% in patients vs. 0.42% controls, P = 0.247), which suggests that our findings should be interpreted with caution and indicates the need for studies that include large numbers of control subjects to ascertain the impact of these changes on a population scale.

WRN mutations in Werner syndrome patients: genomic rearrangements, unusual intronic mutations and ethnic-specific alterations

Werner syndrome (WS) is an autosomal recessive segmental progeroid syndrome caused by null mutations at the WRN locus, which codes for a member of the RecQ family of DNA helicases. Since 1988, the International Registry of Werner syndrome had enrolled 130 molecularly confirmed WS cases from among 110 worldwide pedigrees. We now report 18 new mutations, including two genomic rearrangements, a deep intronic mutation resulting in a novel exon, a splice consensus mutation leading to utilization of the nearby splice site, and two rare missense mutations. We also review evidence for founder mutations among various ethnic/geographic groups. Founder WRN mutations had been previously reported in Japan and Northern Sardinia. Our Registry now suggests characteristic mutations originated in Morocco, Turkey, The Netherlands and elsewhere.

Recurrent copy number changes in mentally retarded children harbour genes involved in cellular localization and the glutamate receptor complex

To determine the phenotypic significance of copy number changes (CNCs) in the human genome, we performed genome-wide segmental aneuploidy profiling by BAC-based array-CGH of 278 unrelated patients with multiple congenital abnormalities and mental retardation (MCAMR) and in 48 unaffected family members. In 20 patients, we found de novo CNCs composed of multiple consecutive probes. Of the 125 probes making up these probably pathogenic CNCs, 14 were also found as single CNCs in other patients and 5 in healthy individuals. Thus, these CNCs are not by themselves pathogenic. Almost one out of five patients and almost one out of six healthy individuals in our study cohort carried a gain or a loss for any one of the recently discovered microdeletion/microduplication loci, whereas seven patients and one healthy individual showed losses or gains for at least two different loci. The pathogenic burden resulting from these CNCs may be limited as they were found with similar frequencies among patients and healthy individuals (P=0.165; Fischer's exact test), and several individuals showed CNCs at multiple loci. CNCs occurring specifically in our study cohort were enriched for components of the glutamate receptor family (GRIA2, GRIA4, GRIK2 and GRIK4) and genes encoding proteins involved in guiding cell localization during development (ATP1A2, GIRK3, GRIA2, KCNJ3, KCNJ10, KCNK17 and KCNK5). This indicates that disease cohort-specific compilations of CNCs may aid in identifying loci, genes and biological processes that contribute to the phenotype of patients.

Recurrent rearrangements of chromosome 1q21.1 and variable pediatric phenotypes

BACKGROUND

Duplications and deletions in the human genome can cause disease or predispose persons to disease. Advances in technologies to detect these changes allow for the routine identification of submicroscopic imbalances in large numbers of patients.

METHODS

We tested for the presence of microdeletions and microduplications at a specific region of chromosome 1q21.1 in two groups of patients with unexplained mental retardation, autism, or congenital anomalies and in unaffected persons.

RESULTS

We identified 25 persons with a recurrent 1.35-Mb deletion within 1q21.1 from screening 5218 patients. The microdeletions had arisen de novo in eight patients, were inherited from a mildly affected parent in three patients, were inherited from an apparently unaffected parent in six patients, and were of unknown inheritance in eight patients. The deletion was absent in a series of 4737 control persons (P=1.1x10(-7)). We found considerable variability in the level of phenotypic expression of the microdeletion; phenotypes included mild-to-moderate mental retardation, microcephaly, cardiac abnormalities, and cataracts. The reciprocal duplication was enriched in nine children with mental retardation or autism spectrum disorder and other variable features (P=0.02). We identified three deletions and three duplications of the 1q21.1 region in an independent sample of 788 patients with mental retardation and congenital anomalies.

CONCLUSIONS

We have identified recurrent molecular lesions that elude syndromic classification and whose disease manifestations must be considered in a broader context of development as opposed to being assigned to a specific disease. Clinical diagnosis in patients with these lesions may be most readily achieved on the basis of genotype rather than phenotype.

Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome facial dysmorphic features in a patient with a terminal 4p16.3 deletion telomeric to the WHSCR and WHSCR 2 regions

We report on a patient with developmental delay and several facial characteristics reminiscent of Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, who carries a terminal 4p16.3 deletion of minimally 1.691 Mb and maximally 1.698 Mb. This deletion contains the FGFRL1 gene, but does not include the WHSC1 gene. Given its expression pattern and its involvement in bone and cartilage formation during embryonic development, the FGFRL1 gene represents a plausible candidate gene for part of the facial characteristics of Wolf-Hirshhorn syndrome in 4p16.3 deletion patients.

Multiparameter analysis of physiological changes in apoptosis

Changes in mitochondrial parameters leading to cells with compromised mitochondrial function are a hallmark of apoptosis. These changes can be detected and the number of compromised cells quantitated by multicolor flow cytometry utilizing fluorescent dyes that monitor specific features of this organelle. In this way one can trace physiological changes during apoptosis and investigate whether or not certain changes occur simultaneously in the same cell. This unit presents protocols for combined NADH levels and mitochondrial membrane potential, cell cycle stage specific apoptosis, and cellular thiol and mitochondrial cardiolipin levels.

Analysis of intracellular organelles by flow cytometry or microscopy

Functional analysis of cellular organelles can be accomplished by staining cells with suitable organelle-specific dyes and analyzing the fluorescence of the stained cells with a flow cytometer. With this methodology it is possible to resolve suspected heterogeneity in organelle function or content within a population of cells. Morphological information can be provided by quantitative microscopy (confocal microscope or video microscope with digital image-analysis system). The thirteen protocols cover flow cytometry and microscopy for both live and fixed cells.

A novel 6.14 Mb duplication of chromosome 8p21 in a patient with autism and self mutilation

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders with a strong genetic etiology. Cytogenetic abnormalities have been detected in 5-10% of the patients with autism. In this study, we present the clinical, cytogenetic and array-comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) evaluation of a 13-year-old male with severe developmental delay, facial dysmorphic features, autism and self mutilation. The patient was found to carry a de novo duplication of chromosome region 8p21 of minimally 6.14 and maximally 6.58 Mb as ascertained by bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)-based array-CGH. Hitherto, only a few patients with autism with cytogenetically visible duplications involving the chromosome 8p21 region have been described, but the extent of these duplications has not been determined at the molecular level. This represents the smallest rearrangement of chromosomal region 8p21 as yet found in a patient with autism. For 11 of the 36 genes with known functions located within this duplication clear transcription in the brain was found. Of those the STMN4 and DPYSL2 genes are the most likely candidate genes to be involved in neuronal development, and, if altered in gene-dosage, in the autistic phenotype of our patient.

Cytogenetic aberrations in neuropathy associated with IgM monoclonal gammopathy

The occurrence and nature of cytogenetic aberrations in polyneuropathy associated with IgM monoclonal gammopathy was determined. Therefore, interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was applied in 22 patients with polyneuropathy associated with IgM monoclonal gammopathy, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assay in 18 of these patients and genome-wide-array-based comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) in eight of these 18 patients. Four patients had 10-20% and one patient had 30% B cells with IgH rearrangements; one patient had additional loss of 14qter; one patient had amplification of 6p and loss of 6q. Cytogenetic aberrations may be found in one third of the patients with neuropathy associated with IgM monoclonal gammopathy and are mainly associated with indolent Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia.

Proportional growth failure and oculocutaneous albinism in a girl with a 6.87 Mb deletion of region 15q26.2-->qter

We report on an 8(1)/(2)-year-old girl with severe pre- and postnatal growth retardation, congenital heart malformation, facial asymmetry, oculocutaneous albinism without misrouting and subluxation of the radial heads. Her intelligence was in the low normal range. By GTG-banding a deletion of band 15q26 was found. Array-CGH, using a 3783 BAC array, revealed a segmental monosomy of the 15(q26.2-->qter) region, which was narrowed down to a 6.87Mb deletion by using the Illumina Infinium 317 K SNP array system, and subsequently confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) analysis. The deletion appeared to have arisen de novo. The IGF1R (insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor) and the NR2F2 genes were situated within, but the OCA2 (oculocutaneous albinism II) gene (formerly called the P gene) was located outside the deleted region. Clinical findings in our patient were compared with previously reported cases carrying terminal deletions of 15q26.2. This allowed us to expand the clinical phenotype of terminal 15q26.2 deletions and to indicate candidate genes for several phenotypic features.