1
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Miceli M, Failla P, Saccuzzo L, Galesi O, Amata S, Romano C, Bonaglia MC, Fichera M. Trait - driven analysis of the 2p15p16.1 microdeletion syndrome suggests a complex pattern of interactions between candidate genes. Genes Genomics 2023; 45:491-505. [PMID: 36807877 PMCID: PMC10027778 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-023-01369-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with the 2p15p16.1 microdeletion syndrome share a complex phenotype including neurodevelopmental delay, brain malformations, microcephaly, and autistic behavior. The analysis of the shortest region of overlap (SRO) between deletions in ~ 40 patients has led to the identification of two critical regions and four strongly candidate genes (BCL11A, REL, USP34 and XPO1). However, the delineation of their role in the occurrence of specific traits is hampered by their incomplete penetrance. OBJECTIVE To better delineate the role of hemizygosity of specific regions in selected traits by leveraging information both from penetrant and non - penetrant deletions. METHODS Deletions in patients that do not present a specific trait cannot contribute to delineate the SROs. We recently developed a probabilistic model that, by considering also the non - penetrant deletions, allows a more reliable assignment of peculiar traits to specific genomic segments. We apply this method adding two new patients to the published cases. RESULTS Our results delineate an intricate pattern of genotype - phenotype correlation where BCL11A emerges as the main gene for autistic behavior while USP34 and/or XPO1 haploinsufficiency are mainly associated with microcephaly, hearing loss and IUGR. BCL11A, USP34 and XPO1 genes are broadly related with brain malformations albeit with distinct patterns of brain damage. CONCLUSIONS The observed penetrance of deletions encompassing different SROs and that predicted when considering each single SRO as acting independently, may reflect a more complex model than the additive one. Our approach may improve the genotype/phenotype correlation and may help to identify specific pathogenic mechanisms in contiguous gene syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Miceli
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Medical Genetics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Saccuzzo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Medical Genetics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Corrado Romano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Medical Genetics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Research Unit of Rare Diseases and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Maria Clara Bonaglia
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Marco Fichera
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Medical Genetics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
- Research Unit of Rare Diseases and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy.
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2
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Bruce L, Peter B. Three children with different de novo BCL11A variants and diverse developmental phenotypes, but shared global motor discoordination and apraxic speech: Evidence for a functional gene network influencing the developing cerebellum and motor and auditory cortices. Am J Med Genet A 2022; 188:3401-3415. [PMID: 35856171 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BCL11A is implicated in BCL11A-Related Intellectual Development Disorder (BCL11A-IDD). Previously reported cases had various types of BCL11A variants (copy-number variations [CNVs], singlenucleotide variants [SNVs]). Phenotypes included global, cognitive, and motor delays, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), craniofacial dysmorphology, and speech and language delays described generally, with only two reports specifying childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). Here, we present three additional children with CAS and de novo BCL11A variants, a p.Ala182Thr nonconservative missense and a p.GLu611.Ter nonsense variant, both in exon 4, and a 106 kb deletion harboring exons 1 and 2. All three children have fine and gross motor discoordination, feeding difficulties, and visual motor disorders. Intellectual and learning disabilities and disordered language skills were seen only in the child with the missense variant and the child with the deletion. These findings align with, and expand, previous findings in that BCL11A variants have significant and highly penetrant apraxic effects across motor systems, consistent with cerebellar involvement. The deletion of exons 1 and 2 is the smallest BCL11A CNV with the full phenotypic expression reported to date. The present results support previous findings in that BCL11A-IDD can result from BCL11A variants regardless of type (deletion, SNVs). A gene expression study shows that BCL11 is expressed highly in the early developing cerebellum and primary motor and auditory cortices. Significant co-expression rates in these regions with genes previously implicated in disorders of spoken language and in ASD support the phenotypic overlaps in children with BCL11A-IDD, CAS, and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurel Bruce
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Beate Peter
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
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3
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The Emerging Roles of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Intellectual Disability and Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116118. [PMID: 35682796 PMCID: PMC9181295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In the human brain, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are widely expressed in an exquisitely temporally and spatially regulated manner, thus suggesting their contribution to normal brain development and their probable involvement in the molecular pathology of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). Bypassing the classic protein-centric conception of disease mechanisms, some studies have been conducted to identify and characterize the putative roles of non-coding sequences in the genetic pathogenesis and diagnosis of complex diseases. However, their involvement in NDD, and more specifically in intellectual disability (ID), is still poorly documented and only a few genomic alterations affecting the lncRNAs function and/or expression have been causally linked to the disease endophenotype. Considering that a significant fraction of patients still lacks a genetic or molecular explanation, we expect that a deeper investigation of the non-coding genome will unravel novel pathogenic mechanisms, opening new translational opportunities. Here, we present evidence of the possible involvement of many lncRNAs in the etiology of different forms of ID and NDD, grouping the candidate disease-genes in the most frequently affected cellular processes in which ID-risk genes were previously collected. We also illustrate new approaches for the identification and prioritization of NDD-risk lncRNAs, together with the current strategies to exploit them in diagnosis.
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4
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Wessels MW, Cnossen MH, van Dijk TB, Gillemans N, Schmidt KLJ, van Lom K, Vinjamur DS, Coyne S, Kurita R, Nakamura Y, de Man SA, Pfundt R, Azmani Z, Brouwer RWW, Bauer DE, van den Hout MCGN, van IJcken WFJ, Philipsen S. Molecular analysis of the erythroid phenotype of a patient with BCL11A haploinsufficiency. Blood Adv 2021; 5:2339-2349. [PMID: 33938942 PMCID: PMC8114548 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020003753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The BCL11A gene encodes a transcriptional repressor with essential functions in multiple tissues during human development. Haploinsufficiency for BCL11A causes Dias-Logan syndrome (OMIM 617101), an intellectual developmental disorder with hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH). Due to the severe phenotype, disease-causing variants in BCL11A occur de novo. We describe a patient with a de novo heterozygous variant, c.1453G>T, in the BCL11A gene, resulting in truncation of the BCL11A-XL protein (p.Glu485X). The truncated protein lacks the 3 C-terminal DNA-binding zinc fingers and the nuclear localization signal, rendering it inactive. The patient displayed high fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels (12.1-18.7% of total hemoglobin), in contrast to the parents who had HbF levels of 0.3%. We used cultures of patient-derived erythroid progenitors to determine changes in gene expression and chromatin accessibility. In addition, we investigated DNA methylation of the promoters of the γ-globin genes HBG1 and HBG2. HUDEP1 and HUDEP2 cells were used as models for fetal and adult human erythropoiesis, respectively. Similar to HUDEP1 cells, the patient's cells displayed Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin (ATAC) peaks at the HBG1/2 promoters and significant expression of HBG1/2 genes. In contrast, HBG1/2 promoter methylation and genome-wide gene expression profiling were consistent with normal adult erythropoiesis. We conclude that HPFH is the major erythroid phenotype of constitutive BCL11A haploinsufficiency. Given the essential functions of BCL11A in other hematopoietic lineages and the neuronal system, erythroid-specific targeting of the BCL11A gene has been proposed for reactivation of γ-globin expression in β-hemoglobinopathy patients. Our data strongly support this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marjon H Cnossen
- Department of Pediatric Hematology
- Academic Center for Hemoglobinopathies and Rare Anemias
| | - Thamar B van Dijk
- Academic Center for Hemoglobinopathies and Rare Anemias
- Department of Cell Biology, and
| | - Nynke Gillemans
- Academic Center for Hemoglobinopathies and Rare Anemias
- Department of Cell Biology, and
| | - K L Juliëtte Schmidt
- Academic Center for Hemoglobinopathies and Rare Anemias
- Department of Cell Biology, and
| | - Kirsten van Lom
- Academic Center for Hemoglobinopathies and Rare Anemias
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Divya S Vinjamur
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Steven Coyne
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Ryo Kurita
- Department of Research and Development, Central Blood Institute, Blood Service Headquarters, Japanese Red Cross Society, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukio Nakamura
- Cell Engineering Division, RIKEN, BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Stella A de Man
- Department of Pediatrics, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands
| | - Rolph Pfundt
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; and
| | - Zakia Azmani
- Department of Cell Biology, and
- Center for Biomics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rutger W W Brouwer
- Department of Cell Biology, and
- Center for Biomics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel E Bauer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Wilfred F J van IJcken
- Department of Cell Biology, and
- Center for Biomics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sjaak Philipsen
- Academic Center for Hemoglobinopathies and Rare Anemias
- Department of Cell Biology, and
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5
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BCL11A: a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target in human diseases. Biosci Rep 2020; 39:220893. [PMID: 31654056 PMCID: PMC6851505 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20190604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 11A (BCL11A) gene encodes a zinc-finger protein that is predominantly expressed in brain and hematopoietic tissue. BCL11A functions mainly as a transcriptional repressor that is crucial in brain, hematopoietic system development, as well as fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switching. The expression of this gene is regulated by microRNAs, transcription factors and genetic variations. A number of studies have recently shown that BCL11A is involved in β-hemoglobinopathies, hematological malignancies, malignant solid tumors, 2p15-p16.1 microdeletion syndrome, and Type II diabetes. It has been suggested that BCL11A may be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for some diseases. In this review, we summarize the current research state of BCL11A, including its biochemistry, expression, regulation, function, and its possible clinical application in human diseases.
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6
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Simon R, Wiegreffe C, Britsch S. Bcl11 Transcription Factors Regulate Cortical Development and Function. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:51. [PMID: 32322190 PMCID: PMC7158892 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors regulate multiple processes during brain development and in the adult brain, from brain patterning to differentiation and maturation of highly specialized neurons as well as establishing and maintaining the functional neuronal connectivity. The members of the zinc-finger transcription factor family Bcl11 are mainly expressed in the hematopoietic and central nervous systems regulating the expression of numerous genes involved in a wide range of pathways. In the brain Bcl11 proteins are required to regulate progenitor cell proliferation as well as differentiation, migration, and functional integration of neural cells. Mutations of the human Bcl11 genes lead to anomalies in multiple systems including neurodevelopmental impairments like intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Simon
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Britsch
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, Germany
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7
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The importance of long non-coding RNAs in neuropsychiatric disorders. Mol Aspects Med 2019; 70:127-140. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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8
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Chromosome 2p15-p16.1 microduplication in a boy with congenital anomalies: Is it a distinctive syndrome? Eur J Med Genet 2019; 62:47-54. [PMID: 29864511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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9
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Lovrecic L, Gnan C, Baldan F, Franzoni A, Bertok S, Damante G, Isidor B, Peterlin B. Microduplication in the 2p16.1p15 chromosomal region linked to developmental delay and intellectual disability. Mol Cytogenet 2018; 11:39. [PMID: 29951117 PMCID: PMC6011332 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-018-0388-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several patients with the 2p16.1p15 microdeletion syndrome have been reported. However, microduplication in the 2p16.1p15 chromosomal region has only been reported in one case, and milder clinical features were present compared to those attributed to 2p16.1p15 microdeletion syndrome. Some additional cases were deposited in DECIPHER database. Case presentation In this report we describe four further cases of 2p16.1p15 microduplication in four unrelated probands. They presented with mild gross motor delay, delayed speech and language development, and mild dysmorphic features. In addition, two probands have macrocephaly and one a congenital heart anomaly. Newly described cases share several phenotype characteristics with those detailed in one previously reported microduplication case. Conclusion The common features among patients are developmental delay, speech delay, mild to moderate intellectual disability and unspecific dysmorphic features. Two patients have bilateral clinodactyly of the 5th finger and two have bilateral 2nd-3rd toes syndactyly. Interestingly, as opposed to the deletion phenotype with some cases of microcephaly, 2 patients are reported with macrocephaly. The reported cases suggest that microduplication in 2p16.1p15 chromosomal region might be causally linked to developmental delay, speech delay, and mild intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Lovrecic
- 1Clinical Institute of Medical Genetics, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Chiara Gnan
- 2Istituto di Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Federica Baldan
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche dell'Università Sapienza di Roma, Udine, Italy
| | - Alessandra Franzoni
- 2Istituto di Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Sara Bertok
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Bertrand Isidor
- 6Service de génétique médicale, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Borut Peterlin
- 1Clinical Institute of Medical Genetics, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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10
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Saha P, Verma S, Pathak RU, Mishra RK. Long Noncoding RNAs in Mammalian Development and Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1008:155-198. [PMID: 28815540 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-5203-3_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Following analysis of sequenced genomes and transcriptome of many eukaryotes, it is evident that virtually all protein-coding genes have already been discovered. These advances have highlighted an intriguing paradox whereby the relative amount of protein-coding sequences remain constant but nonprotein-coding sequences increase consistently in parallel to increasing evolutionary complexity. It is established that differences between species map to nonprotein-coding regions of the genome that surprisingly is transcribed extensively. These transcripts regulate epigenetic processes and constitute an important layer of regulatory information essential for organismal development and play a causative role in diseases. The noncoding RNA-directed regulatory circuit controls complex characteristics. Sequence variations in noncoding RNAs influence evolution, quantitative traits, and disease susceptibility. This chapter presents an account on a class of such noncoding transcripts that are longer than 200 nucleotides (long noncoding RNA-lncRNA) in mammalian development and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parna Saha
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | - Shreekant Verma
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | - Rashmi U Pathak
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500007, India.
| | - Rakesh K Mishra
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500007, India.
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11
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Soblet J, Dimov I, Graf von Kalckreuth C, Cano-Chervel J, Baijot S, Pelc K, Sottiaux M, Vilain C, Smits G, Deconinck N. BCL11A frameshift mutation associated with dyspraxia and hypotonia affecting the fine, gross, oral, and speech motor systems. Am J Med Genet A 2017; 176:201-208. [PMID: 28960836 PMCID: PMC5765401 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.38479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We report the case of a 7‐year‐old male of Western European origin presenting with moderate intellectual disability, severe childhood apraxia of speech in the presence of oral and manual dyspraxia, and hypotonia across motor systems including the oral and speech motor systems. Exome sequencing revealed a de novo frameshift protein truncating mutation in the fourth exon of BCL11A, a gene recently demonstrated as being involved in cognition and language development. Making parallels with a previously described patient with a 200 kb 2p15p16.1 deletion encompassing the entire BCL11A gene and displaying a similar phenotype, we characterize in depth how BCL11A is involved in clinical aspects of language development and oral praxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Soblet
- Department of Genetics, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, ULB Center of Human Genetics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Genetics, Hôpital Erasme, ULB Center of Human Genetics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ivan Dimov
- Faculté de Médecine ULB, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Clemens Graf von Kalckreuth
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julie Cano-Chervel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Simon Baijot
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karin Pelc
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Martine Sottiaux
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Catheline Vilain
- Department of Genetics, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, ULB Center of Human Genetics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Genetics, Hôpital Erasme, ULB Center of Human Genetics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Guillaume Smits
- Department of Genetics, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, ULB Center of Human Genetics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Genetics, Hôpital Erasme, ULB Center of Human Genetics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Deconinck
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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12
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Lévy J, Coussement A, Dupont C, Guimiot F, Baumann C, Viot G, Passemard S, Capri Y, Drunat S, Verloes A, Pipiras E, Benzacken B, Dupont JM, Tabet AC. Molecular and clinical delineation of 2p15p16.1 microdeletion syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 2017; 173:2081-2087. [PMID: 28573701 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.38302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Interstitial 2p15p16.1 microdeletion is a rare chromosomal syndrome previously reported in 33 patients. It is characterized by intellectual disability, developmental delay, autism spectrum disorders, microcephaly, short stature, dysmorphic features, and multiple congenital organ defects. It is defined as a contiguous gene syndrome and two critical regions have been proposed at 2p15 and 2p16.1 loci. Nevertheless, patients with deletion of both critical regions shared similar features of the phenotype and the correlation genotype-phenotype is still unclear. We review all published cases and describe three additional patients, to define the phenotype-genotype correlation more precisely. We reported on two patients including the first prenatal case described so far, carrying a 2p15 deletion affecting two genes: XPO1 and part of USP34. Both patients shared similar features including facial dysmorphism and cerebral abnormalities. We considered the genes involved in the deleted segment to further understand the abnormal phenotype. The third case we described here was a 4-year-old boy with a heterozygous de novo 427 kb deletion encompassing BCL11A and PAPOLG at 2p16.1. He displayed speech delay, autistic traits, and motor stereotypies associated with brain structure abnormalities. We discuss the contribution of the genes included in the deletion to the abnormal phenotype. Our three new patients compared to previous cases, highlighted that despite two critical regions, both distal deletion at 2p16.1 and proximal deletion at 2p15 are associated with phenotypes that are very close to each other. Finally, we also discuss the genetic counseling of this microdeletion syndrome particularly in the course of prenatal diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Lévy
- Genetics Department, AP-HP, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR1141, Paris Diderot University, AP-HP, Robert-Debré Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Aurélie Coussement
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, APHP, Cochin Hospital, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Céline Dupont
- Genetics Department, AP-HP, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Fabien Guimiot
- INSERM UMR1141, Paris Diderot University, AP-HP, Robert-Debré Hospital, Paris, France
- Department of Developmental Biology, APHP Robert-Debré hospital, Paris Diderot University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Clarisse Baumann
- Genetics Department, AP-HP, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Géraldine Viot
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, APHP, Cochin Hospital, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Passemard
- Genetics Department, AP-HP, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR1141, Paris Diderot University, AP-HP, Robert-Debré Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Yline Capri
- Genetics Department, AP-HP, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Séverine Drunat
- Genetics Department, AP-HP, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Alain Verloes
- Genetics Department, AP-HP, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Eva Pipiras
- Genetics Department, AP-HP, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR1141, Paris Diderot University, AP-HP, Robert-Debré Hospital, Paris, France
- University Hospital Jean-Verdier, Department of Cytogenetic, Embryology and Histology, Bondy, France
| | - Brigitte Benzacken
- Genetics Department, AP-HP, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR1141, Paris Diderot University, AP-HP, Robert-Debré Hospital, Paris, France
- University Hospital Jean-Verdier, Department of Cytogenetic, Embryology and Histology, Bondy, France
| | - Jean-Michel Dupont
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, APHP, Cochin Hospital, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Claude Tabet
- Genetics Department, AP-HP, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Paris, France
- Neuroscience Department, Génétique Humaine et Fonction Cognitive Unit, Pasteur Institute, Paris, France
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13
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Shimbo H, Yokoi T, Aida N, Mizuno S, Suzumura H, Nagai J, Ida K, Enomoto Y, Hatano C, Kurosawa K. Haploinsufficiency of BCL11A associated with cerebellar abnormalities in 2p15p16.1 deletion syndrome. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2017; 5:429-437. [PMID: 28717667 PMCID: PMC5511803 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromosome 2p15p16.1 deletion syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability (ID), neurodevelopmental delay, language delay, growth retardation, microcephaly, structural brain abnormalities, and dysmorphic features. More than 30 patients with 2p15p16.1 microdeletion syndrome have been reported in the literature. METHODS Molecular analysis was performed using microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH). Clinical characteristics and brain magnetic resonance imaging features of these patients were also reviewed. RESULTS We identified four patients with ID, neurodevelopmental delay, brain malformations, and dysmorphic features; two patients with 2p15p16.1 deletions (3.24 Mb, 5.04 Mb), one patient with 2p16.1 deletion (1.12 Mb), and one patient with 2p14p16.1 deletion (5.12 Mb). Three patients with 2p15p16.1 deletions or 2p16.1 deletions encompassing BCL11A,PAPOLG, and REL showed hypoplasia of the pons and cerebellum. The patient with 2p14p16.1 deletion, which did not include three genes showed normal size and shape of the cerebellar hemispheres and pons. CONCLUSION The zinc finger transcription factor BCL11A associated with the BAF chromatin remodeling complex has been identified to be critical for neural development and BCL11A haploinsufficiency is closely related to cerebellar abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Shimbo
- Clinical Research InstituteKanagawa Children's Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
| | - Takayuki Yokoi
- Division of Medical GeneticsKanagawa Children's Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
| | - Noriko Aida
- Division of RadiologyKanagawa Children's Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
| | - Seiji Mizuno
- Department of PediatricsAichi Human Service CenterCentral HospitalKasugaiJapan
| | - Hiroshi Suzumura
- Department of PediatricsDokkyo Medical University School of MedicineTochigiJapan
| | - Junichi Nagai
- Laboratory MedicineKanagawa Children's Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
| | - Kazumi Ida
- Division of Medical GeneticsKanagawa Children's Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
| | - Yumi Enomoto
- Clinical Research InstituteKanagawa Children's Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
| | - Chihiro Hatano
- Division of Medical GeneticsKanagawa Children's Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
| | - Kenji Kurosawa
- Division of Medical GeneticsKanagawa Children's Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
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14
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Codipilly DC, Gavrilova RH, Tangalos EG. De novo 2p16.1 microdeletion with metastatic esophageal adenocarcinoma. BMJ Case Rep 2017; 2017:bcr-2016-218016. [PMID: 28108439 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2016-218016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Microdeletions involving chromosome 2p15-16.1 are a rare genetic abnormality and have been reported in 18 separate patients, mainly children, since 2007. This microdeletion syndrome is characterised by a heterogeneous expression of intellectual impairment, dysmorphic facies, musculoskeletal abnormalities and potential neurodevelopmental anomalies. We report the first case of natural progression in an adult patient who died at a young age of metastatic esophageal adenocarcinoma. Important learning points include the variable phenotypic expression of this microdeletion syndrome and the fact that clinicians must be thorough in investigating objective discrepancies in patients who cannot endorse classical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don Chamil Codipilly
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ralitza H Gavrilova
- Department of Clinical Genomics and Neurology, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Eric G Tangalos
- Department of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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15
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BCL11A Haploinsufficiency Causes an Intellectual Disability Syndrome and Dysregulates Transcription. Am J Hum Genet 2016; 99:253-74. [PMID: 27453576 PMCID: PMC4974071 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2016.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID) is a common condition with considerable genetic heterogeneity. Next-generation sequencing of large cohorts has identified an increasing number of genes implicated in ID, but their roles in neurodevelopment remain largely unexplored. Here we report an ID syndrome caused by de novo heterozygous missense, nonsense, and frameshift mutations in BCL11A, encoding a transcription factor that is a putative member of the BAF swi/snf chromatin-remodeling complex. Using a comprehensive integrated approach to ID disease modeling, involving human cellular analyses coupled to mouse behavioral, neuroanatomical, and molecular phenotyping, we provide multiple lines of functional evidence for phenotypic effects. The etiological missense variants cluster in the amino-terminal region of human BCL11A, and we demonstrate that they all disrupt its localization, dimerization, and transcriptional regulatory activity, consistent with a loss of function. We show that Bcl11a haploinsufficiency in mice causes impaired cognition, abnormal social behavior, and microcephaly in accordance with the human phenotype. Furthermore, we identify shared aberrant transcriptional profiles in the cortex and hippocampus of these mouse models. Thus, our work implicates BCL11A haploinsufficiency in neurodevelopmental disorders and defines additional targets regulated by this gene, with broad relevance for our understanding of ID and related syndromes.
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16
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Genetic Candidate Variants in Two Multigenerational Families with Childhood Apraxia of Speech. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153864. [PMID: 27120335 PMCID: PMC4847873 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a severe and socially debilitating form of speech sound disorder with suspected genetic involvement, but the genetic etiology is not yet well understood. Very few known or putative causal genes have been identified to date, e.g., FOXP2 and BCL11A. Building a knowledge base of the genetic etiology of CAS will make it possible to identify infants at genetic risk and motivate the development of effective very early intervention programs. We investigated the genetic etiology of CAS in two large multigenerational families with familial CAS. Complementary genomic methods included Markov chain Monte Carlo linkage analysis, copy-number analysis, identity-by-descent sharing, and exome sequencing with variant filtering. No overlaps in regions with positive evidence of linkage between the two families were found. In one family, linkage analysis detected two chromosomal regions of interest, 5p15.1-p14.1, and 17p13.1-q11.1, inherited separately from the two founders. Single-point linkage analysis of selected variants identified CDH18 as a primary gene of interest and additionally, MYO10, NIPBL, GLP2R, NCOR1, FLCN, SMCR8, NEK8, and ANKRD12, possibly with additive effects. Linkage analysis in the second family detected five regions with LOD scores approaching the highest values possible in the family. A gene of interest was C4orf21 (ZGRF1) on 4q25-q28.2. Evidence for previously described causal copy-number variations and validated or suspected genes was not found. Results are consistent with a heterogeneous CAS etiology, as is expected in many neurogenic disorders. Future studies will investigate genome variants in these and other families with CAS.
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17
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Ctip1 Regulates the Balance between Specification of Distinct Projection Neuron Subtypes in Deep Cortical Layers. Cell Rep 2016; 15:999-1012. [PMID: 27117402 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.03.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular linkage between neocortical projection neuron subtype and area development, which enables the establishment of functional areas by projection neuron populations appropriate for specific sensory and motor functions, is poorly understood. Here, we report that Ctip1 controls precision of neocortical development by regulating subtype identity in deep-layer projection neurons. Ctip1 is expressed by postmitotic callosal and corticothalamic projection neurons but is excluded over embryonic development from corticospinal motor neurons, which instead express its close relative, Ctip2. Loss of Ctip1 function results in a striking bias in favor of subcerebral projection neuron development in sensory cortex at the expense of corticothalamic and deep-layer callosal development, while misexpression of Ctip1 in vivo represses subcerebral gene expression and projections. As we report in a paired paper, Ctip1 also controls acquisition of sensory area identity. Therefore, Ctip1 couples subtype and area specification, enabling specific functional areas to organize precise ratios of appropriate output projections.
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18
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Simon R, Baumann L, Fischer J, Seigfried FA, De Bruyckere E, Liu P, Jenkins NA, Copeland NG, Schwegler H, Britsch S. Structure-function integrity of the adult hippocampus depends on the transcription factor Bcl11b/Ctip2. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2016; 15:405-19. [PMID: 26915960 PMCID: PMC4832350 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The dentate gyrus is one of the only two brain regions where adult neurogenesis occurs. Throughout life, cells of the neuronal stem cell niche undergo proliferation, differentiation and integration into the hippocampal neural circuitry. Ongoing adult neurogenesis is a prerequisite for the maintenance of adult hippocampal functionality. Bcl11b, a zinc finger transcription factor, is expressed by postmitotic granule cells in the developing as well as adult dentate gyrus. We previously showed a critical role of Bcl11b for hippocampal development. Whether Bcl11b is also required for adult hippocampal functions has not been investigated. Using a tetracycline‐dependent inducible mouse model under the control of the forebrain‐specific CaMKIIα promoter, we show here that the adult expression of Bcl11b is essential for survival, differentiation and functional integration of adult‐born granule cell neurons. In addition, Bcl11b is required for survival of pre‐existing mature neurons. Consequently, loss of Bcl11b expression selectively in the adult hippocampus results in impaired spatial working memory. Together, our data uncover for the first time a specific role of Bcl11b in adult hippocampal neurogenesis and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Simon
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, Ulm
| | - L Baumann
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, Ulm.,Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen
| | - J Fischer
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, Ulm
| | - F A Seigfried
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, Ulm.,Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - E De Bruyckere
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, Ulm
| | - P Liu
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - N A Jenkins
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - N G Copeland
- Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - H Schwegler
- Institute of Anatomy, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - S Britsch
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, Ulm
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19
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Bagheri H, Badduke C, Qiao Y, Colnaghi R, Abramowicz I, Alcantara D, Dunham C, Wen J, Wildin RS, Nowaczyk MJ, Eichmeyer J, Lehman A, Maranda B, Martell S, Shan X, Lewis SM, O’Driscoll M, Gregory-Evans CY, Rajcan-Separovic E. Identifying candidate genes for 2p15p16.1 microdeletion syndrome using clinical, genomic, and functional analysis. JCI Insight 2016; 1:e85461. [PMID: 27699255 PMCID: PMC5033885 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.85461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The 2p15p16.1 microdeletion syndrome has a core phenotype consisting of intellectual disability, microcephaly, hypotonia, delayed growth, common craniofacial features, and digital anomalies. So far, more than 20 cases of 2p15p16.1 microdeletion syndrome have been reported in the literature; however, the size of the deletions and their breakpoints vary, making it difficult to identify the candidate genes. Recent reports pointed to 4 genes (XPO1, USP34, BCL11A, and REL) that were included, alone or in combination, in the smallest deletions causing the syndrome. Here, we describe 8 new patients with the 2p15p16.1 deletion and review all published cases to date. We demonstrate functional deficits for the above 4 candidate genes using patients' lymphoblast cell lines (LCLs) and knockdown of their orthologs in zebrafish. All genes were dosage sensitive on the basis of reduced protein expression in LCLs. In addition, deletion of XPO1, a nuclear exporter, cosegregated with nuclear accumulation of one of its cargo molecules (rpS5) in patients' LCLs. Other pathways associated with these genes (e.g., NF-κB and Wnt signaling as well as the DNA damage response) were not impaired in patients' LCLs. Knockdown of xpo1a, rel, bcl11aa, and bcl11ab resulted in abnormal zebrafish embryonic development including microcephaly, dysmorphic body, hindered growth, and small fins as well as structural brain abnormalities. Our multifaceted analysis strongly implicates XPO1, REL, and BCL11A as candidate genes for 2p15p16.1 microdeletion syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hani Bagheri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Chansonette Badduke
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ying Qiao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rita Colnaghi
- Human DNA Damage Response Disorders Group, Genome Damage and Stability Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Iga Abramowicz
- Human DNA Damage Response Disorders Group, Genome Damage and Stability Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Diana Alcantara
- Human DNA Damage Response Disorders Group, Genome Damage and Stability Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Dunham
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jiadi Wen
- University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | | | - Malgorzata J.M. Nowaczyk
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Anna Lehman
- Department of Medical Genetics, UBC, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bruno Maranda
- Medical Genetics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Sally Martell
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Xianghong Shan
- Department of Ophthalmology, UBC, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Suzanne M.E. Lewis
- Department of Medical Genetics, UBC, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mark O’Driscoll
- Human DNA Damage Response Disorders Group, Genome Damage and Stability Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Evica Rajcan-Separovic
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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20
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Mimouni-Bloch A, Yeshaya J, Kahana S, Maya I, Basel-Vanagaite L. A de-novo interstitial microduplication involving 2p16.1-p15 and mirroring 2p16.1-p15 microdeletion syndrome: Clinical and molecular analysis. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2015; 19:711-5. [PMID: 26278498 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2015.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2015] [Revised: 06/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microdeletions of various sizes in the 2p16.1-p15 chromosomal region have been grouped together under the 2p16.1-p15 microdeletion syndrome. Children with this syndrome generally share certain features including microcephaly, developmental delay, facial dysmorphism, urogenital and skeletal abnormalities. We present a child with a de-novo interstitial 1665 kb duplication of 2p16.1-p15. METHODS AND RESULTS Clinical features of this child are distinct from those of children with the 2p16.1-p15 microdeletion syndrome, specifically the head circumference which is within the normal range and mild intellectual disability with absence of autistic behaviors. Microduplications many times bear milder clinical phenotypes in comparison with corresponding microdeletion syndromes. Indeed, as compared to the microdeletion syndrome patients, the 2p16.1-p15 microduplication seems to have a milder cognitive effect and no effect on other body systems. Limited information available in genetic databases about cases with overlapping duplications indicates that they all have abnormal developmental phenotypes. CONCLUSION The involvement of genes in this location including BCL11A, USP34 and PEX13, affecting fundamental developmental processes both within and outside the nervous system may explain the clinical features of the individual described in this report.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviva Mimouni-Bloch
- The Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Unit, Loewenstein Rehabilitation Hospital 278 Ahuza Street, Raanana, 43100, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, P.O. 39040, Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel.
| | - Josepha Yeshaya
- Raphael Recanati Genetic Institute, Rabin Medical Center Beilinson Campus and Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Derech Ze'ev Jabotinsky 39, Petah Tikva, 4941492, Israel.
| | - Sarit Kahana
- Raphael Recanati Genetic Institute, Rabin Medical Center Beilinson Campus and Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Derech Ze'ev Jabotinsky 39, Petah Tikva, 4941492, Israel.
| | - Idit Maya
- Raphael Recanati Genetic Institute, Rabin Medical Center Beilinson Campus and Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Derech Ze'ev Jabotinsky 39, Petah Tikva, 4941492, Israel.
| | - Lina Basel-Vanagaite
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, P.O. 39040, Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel; Raphael Recanati Genetic Institute, Rabin Medical Center Beilinson Campus and Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Derech Ze'ev Jabotinsky 39, Petah Tikva, 4941492, Israel; Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Derech Ze'ev Jabotinsky 39, Petah Tikva, 4941492, Israel.
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21
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Abstract
Language is a defining characteristic of the human species, but its foundations remain mysterious. Heritable disorders offer a gateway into biological underpinnings, as illustrated by the discovery that FOXP2 disruptions cause a rare form of speech and language impairment. The genetic architecture underlying language-related disorders is complex, and although some progress has been made, it has proved challenging to pinpoint additional relevant genes with confidence. Next-generation sequencing and genome-wide association studies are revolutionizing understanding of the genetic bases of other neurodevelopmental disorders, like autism and schizophrenia, and providing fundamental insights into the molecular networks crucial for typical brain development. We discuss how a similar genomic perspective, brought to the investigation of language-related phenotypes, promises to yield equally informative discoveries. Moreover, we outline how follow-up studies of genetic findings using cellular systems and animal models can help to elucidate the biological mechanisms involved in the development of brain circuits supporting language.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Graham
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, 6525 XD Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Simon E Fisher
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, 6525 XD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; .,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
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22
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Bcl11a (Ctip1) Controls Migration of Cortical Projection Neurons through Regulation of Sema3c. Neuron 2015; 87:311-25. [PMID: 26182416 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2015.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
During neocortical development, neurons undergo polarization, oriented migration, and layer-type-specific differentiation. The transcriptional programs underlying these processes are not completely understood. Here, we show that the transcription factor Bcl11a regulates polarity and migration of upper layer neurons. Bcl11a-deficient late-born neurons fail to correctly switch from multipolar to bipolar morphology, resulting in impaired radial migration. We show that the expression of Sema3c is increased in migrating Bcl11a-deficient neurons and that Bcl11a is a direct negative regulator of Sema3c transcription. In vivo gain-of-function and rescue experiments demonstrate that Sema3c is a major downstream effector of Bcl11a required for the cell polarity switch and for the migration of upper layer neurons. Our data uncover a novel Bcl11a/Sema3c-dependent regulatory pathway used by migrating cortical neurons.
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23
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Bauer DE, Orkin SH. Hemoglobin switching's surprise: the versatile transcription factor BCL11A is a master repressor of fetal hemoglobin. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2015; 33:62-70. [PMID: 26375765 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The major disorders of β-globin, sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia, may be ameliorated by expression of the fetal gene paralog γ-globin. Uncertainty regarding the mechanisms repressing fetal hemoglobin in the adult stage has served as a puzzle of developmental gene regulation as well as a barrier to rational therapeutic design. Recent genome-wide association studies implicated the zinc-finger transcriptional repressor BCL11A in fetal hemoglobin regulation. Extensive genetic analyses have validated BCL11A as a potent repressor of fetal hemoglobin level. Studies of BCL11A exemplify how contextual gene regulation may often be the substrate for trait-associated common genetic variation. These discoveries have suggested novel rational approaches for the β-hemoglobin disorders including therapeutic genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E Bauer
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States.
| | - Stuart H Orkin
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
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24
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Shimojima K, Okamoto N, Yamamoto T. Characteristics of 2p15-p16.1 microdeletion syndrome: Review and description of two additional patients. Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 2015; 55:125-32. [PMID: 25900130 DOI: 10.1111/cga.12112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Many new microdeletion syndromes have been characterized in the past decade, including 2p15-p16.1 microdeletion syndrome. More than 10 patients with this syndrome have been described. Recently, we encountered two additional patients with 2p15-p16.1 microdeletion syndrome. All patients showed variable degrees of intellectual disability, with the autistic features characteristic of this syndrome. Seven out of 16 patients (44%) showed structural abnormalities in the brain, which is also an important feature of this syndrome. The shortest region of microdeletion overlap among the patients includes two genes, USP34 and XPO1. Although these genes have some functional relevance to cancer, they have not been associated with neurological functions. Diagnosis of additional patients with 2p15-p16.1 microdeletion syndrome and identification of pathogenic mutations in this region will help identify the genes responsible for the neurological features of the syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Shimojima
- Institute for Integrated Medical Sciences, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Okamoto
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Izumi, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Yamamoto
- Institute for Integrated Medical Sciences, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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25
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Balci TB, Sawyer SL, Davila J, Humphreys P, Dyment DA. Brain malformations in a patient with deletion 2p16.1: A refinement of the phenotype to BCL11A. Eur J Med Genet 2015; 58:351-4. [PMID: 25979662 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2015.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Microdeletions of 2p15-16.1 have been reported in 15 patients with a recognizable syndrome of dysmorphic features, intellectual disability and microcephaly. Facial features include telecanthus, short palpebral fissures, epicanthal folds, a broad nasal root, smooth and long philtrum and large ears. Brain malformations can be observed in this syndrome and include hypoplasia of the corpus callosum and a simplified cortical gyral pattern. Case reports have narrowed the critical region of the neurodevelopmental phenotype to a region that spans the B-cell CLL/lymphoma 11A (BCL11A) gene. Here we present a 3-year-old normocephalic girl with moderate development delay and dysmorphic features including a prominent forehead, telecanthus, depressed nasal bridge, thin upper vermilion and a small chin. Magnetic resonance imaging shows enlargement of the lateral, third and fourth ventricles and hypoplastic corpus callosum, cerebellar vermis and pons. Array CGH revealed a 0.875 Mb de novo deletion at 2p16.1 that includes only BCL11A. The moderate delays, hypoplastic and dysmorphic corpus callosum and hippocampi and the facial features are in keeping with the previously described 2p15-16.1 microdeletion syndrome. However, hypoplasia of the pons and cerebellum are not commonly recognized features and are reminiscent of the brain malformations observed in individuals with a mutation in CASK. CASK is known to interact with BCL11A in the normal growth of axons. This case report highlights the role of BCL11A in 2p15-16.1 microdeletion syndrome and the unique phenotype suggests a common pathway for BCL11A and other genes in neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tugce B Balci
- Department of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Sarah L Sawyer
- Department of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Jorge Davila
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Peter Humphreys
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
| | - David A Dyment
- Department of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada.
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26
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Basak A, Hancarova M, Ulirsch JC, Balci TB, Trkova M, Pelisek M, Vlckova M, Muzikova K, Cermak J, Trka J, Dyment DA, Orkin SH, Daly MJ, Sedlacek Z, Sankaran VG. BCL11A deletions result in fetal hemoglobin persistence and neurodevelopmental alterations. J Clin Invest 2015; 125:2363-8. [PMID: 25938782 DOI: 10.1172/jci81163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A transition from fetal hemoglobin (HbF) to adult hemoglobin (HbA) normally occurs within a few months after birth. Increased production of HbF after this period of infancy ameliorates clinical symptoms of the major disorders of adult β-hemoglobin: β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease. The transcription factor BCL11A silences HbF and has been an attractive therapeutic target for increasing HbF levels; however, it is not clear to what extent BCL11A inhibits HbF production or mediates other developmental functions in humans. Here, we identified and characterized 3 patients with rare microdeletions of 2p15-p16.1 who presented with an autism spectrum disorder and developmental delay. Moreover, these patients all exhibited substantial persistence of HbF but otherwise retained apparently normal hematologic and immunologic function. Of the genes within 2p15-p16.1, only BCL11A was commonly deleted in all of the patients. Evaluation of gene expression data sets from developing and adult human brains revealed that BCL11A expression patterns are similar to other genes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Additionally, common SNPs within the second intron of BCL11A are strongly associated with schizophrenia. Together, the study of these rare patients and orthogonal genetic data demonstrates that BCL11A plays a central role in silencing HbF in humans and implicates BCL11A as an important factor for neurodevelopment.
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Insights into the genetic foundations of human communication. Neuropsychol Rev 2015; 25:3-26. [PMID: 25597031 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-014-9277-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The human capacity to acquire sophisticated language is unmatched in the animal kingdom. Despite the discontinuity in communicative abilities between humans and other primates, language is built on ancient genetic foundations, which are being illuminated by comparative genomics. The genetic architecture of the language faculty is also being uncovered by research into neurodevelopmental disorders that disrupt the normally effortless process of language acquisition. In this article, we discuss the strategies that researchers are using to reveal genetic factors contributing to communicative abilities, and review progress in identifying the relevant genes and genetic variants. The first gene directly implicated in a speech and language disorder was FOXP2. Using this gene as a case study, we illustrate how evidence from genetics, molecular cell biology, animal models and human neuroimaging has converged to build a picture of the role of FOXP2 in neurodevelopment, providing a framework for future endeavors to bridge the gaps between genes, brains and behavior.
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Fannemel M, Barøy T, Holmgren A, Rødningen OK, Haugsand TM, Hansen B, Frengen E, Misceo D. Haploinsufficiency of XPO1 and USP34 by a de novo 230 kb deletion in 2p15, in a patient with mild intellectual disability and cranio-facial dysmorphisms. Eur J Med Genet 2014; 57:513-9. [PMID: 24911659 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2014.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
2p15p16.1-deletion syndrome was first described in 2007 based on the clinical presentation of two patients. The syndrome is characterized by intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, microcephaly, dysmorphic facial features and a variety of congenital organ defects. The precise genotype-phenotype correlation in 2p15-deletion syndrome is not understood. However, greater insight can be obtained by thorough clinical investigation of patients carrying deletions, especially those of small size. We report a 21-year-old male patient with features overlapping the clinical spectrum of the 2p15p16.1-deletion syndrome, such as intellectual disability, dysmorphic facial features, and congenital defects. He carried a 230 kb de novo deletion (chr2:61500346-61733075 bp, hg19), which affects the genes USP34, SNORA70B and XPO1. While there is a lack of functional data on SNORA70B, the involvement of USP34 and XPO1 in the regulation of fundamental developmental processes is well known. We suggest that haploinsufficiency of one or both of these genes is likely to be responsible for the disease in our patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Fannemel
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Tuva Barøy
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Asbjørn Holmgren
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Olaug K Rødningen
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Trine M Haugsand
- Department for Adult Habilitation, Akershus University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Børre Hansen
- Department for Adult Habilitation, Akershus University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Eirik Frengen
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Doriana Misceo
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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Peter B, Matsushita M, Oda K, Raskind W. De novo microdeletion of BCL11A is associated with severe speech sound disorder. Am J Med Genet A 2014; 164A:2091-6. [PMID: 24810580 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.36599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In 10 cases of 2p15p16.1 microdeletions reported worldwide to date, shared phenotypes included growth retardation, craniofacial and skeletal dysmorphic traits, internal organ defects, intellectual disability, nonverbal or low verbal status, abnormal muscle tone, and gross motor delays. The size of the deletions ranged from 0.3 to 5.7 Mb, where the smallest deletion involved the BCL11A, PAPOLG, and REL genes. Here we report on an 11-year-old male with a heterozygous de novo 0.2 Mb deletion containing a single gene, BCL11A, and a phenotype characterized by childhood apraxia of speech and dysarthria in the presence of general oral and gross motor dyspraxia and hypotonia as well as expressive language and mild intellectual delays. BCL11A is situated within the dyslexia susceptibility candidate region 3 (DYX3) candidate region on chromosome 2. The present case is the first to involve a single gene within the microdeletion region and a phenotype restricted to a subset of the traits observed in other cases with more extensive deletions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beate Peter
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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van de Vondervoort IIGM, Gordebeke PM, Khoshab N, Tiesinga PHE, Buitelaar JK, Kozicz T, Aschrafi A, Glennon JC. Long non-coding RNAs in neurodevelopmental disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2013; 6:53. [PMID: 24415997 PMCID: PMC3874560 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2013.00053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have emphasized an important role for long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) in epigenetic regulation, development, and disease. Despite growing interest in lncRNAs, the mechanisms by which lncRNAs control cellular processes are still elusive. Improved understanding of these mechanisms is critical, because the majority of the mammalian genome is transcribed, in most cases resulting in non-coding RNA products. Recent studies have suggested the involvement of lncRNA in neurobehavioral and neurodevelopmental disorders, highlighting the functional importance of this subclass of brain-enriched RNAs. Impaired expression of lnRNAs has been implicated in several forms of intellectual disability disorders. However, the role of this family of RNAs in cognitive function is largely unknown. Here we provide an overview of recently identified mechanisms of neuronal development involving lncRNAs, and the consequences of lncRNA deregulation for neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilse I G M van de Vondervoort
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, RadboudUMC Nijmegen, Netherlands ; Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Peter M Gordebeke
- Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior Nijmegen, Netherlands ; Department of Neuroinformatics, Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Nima Khoshab
- Department of Neuroinformatics, Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Paul H E Tiesinga
- Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior Nijmegen, Netherlands ; Department of Neuroinformatics, Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jan K Buitelaar
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, RadboudUMC Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Tamas Kozicz
- Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior Nijmegen, Netherlands ; Department of Anatomy, Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Armaz Aschrafi
- Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior Nijmegen, Netherlands ; Department of Neuroinformatics, Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jeffrey C Glennon
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, RadboudUMC Nijmegen, Netherlands ; Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior Nijmegen, Netherlands
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