ABHD16A deficiency causes a complicated form of hereditary spastic paraplegia associated with intellectual disability and cerebral anomalies

Investigating the impact of severe maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on infant DNA methylation and neurodevelopment

Maternal infections during pregnancy can increase the risk to offspring of developing a neurodevelopmental disorder. Given the global prevalence and severity of infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome related Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the objective of this study was to determine if in utero exposure to severe maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection alters infant neurodevelopmental outcomes at 12 months and to identify potential biological markers of adverse infant outcomes. Mother-infant dyads exposed to severe SARS-CoV-2 infection (requiring hospitalization) during pregnancy and age and sociodemographic matched control dyads were recruited from Monash Medical Centre, Australia in 2021/22 and prospectively assessed over 12 months. Maternal serum cytokine levels and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores were assessed at birth. DNA methylation was assessed from infant buccal swabs at birth (Illumina EPIC BeadChip). Infant neurodevelopmental outcomes at 12 months were assessed using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3). Mothers exposed to severe SARS-CoV-2 exhibited elevated serum IL-6 and IL-17A and higher EPDS scores than controls at birth. Infants exposed to severe SARS-CoV-2 in utero demonstrated over 3000 significant differentially methylated sites within their genomes compared to non-exposed (adjusted p-value < 0.05), including genes highly relevant to ASD and synaptic pathways. At 12 months, severe SARS-CoV-2 exposed infants scored lower on the ASQ-3 than non-exposed infants, and communication and problem-solving scores negatively correlated with maternal IL-6 levels at birth. DNA methylation changes therefore unveil potential mechanisms linking infection exposure to delayed neurodevelopment and maternal serum IL-6 levels may be a potential biomarker of child developmental delay. Mothers exposed to severe SARS-CoV-2 infections show elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines. Infants exposed in utero to severe SARS-CoV-2 infection show altered DNA methylation at birth and delayed development at 12 months of age. Created in Biorender.com.

Identification of ABHD6 as a lysophosphatidylserine lipase in the mammalian liver and kidneys

Lysophosphatidylserine (lyso-PS) is a potent hormone-like signaling lysophospholipid, which regulates many facets of mammalian biology and dysregulation in its metabolism is associated with several human neurological and autoimmune diseases. Despite the physiological importance and causal relation with human pathophysiology, little is known about the metabolism of lyso-PS in tissues other than the nervous and immune systems. To address this problem, here, we attempted to identify one (or more) lipase(s) capable of degrading lyso-PS in different mammalian tissues. We found that the membrane fraction of most mammalian tissues possess lyso-PS lipase activity, yet interestingly, the only bona fide lyso-PS lipase ABHD12 displays this enzymatic activity and has control over lyso-PS metabolism only in the mammalian brain. Using an in vitro inhibitor screen against membrane fractions of different tissues, we find that another lipase from the metabolic serine hydrolase family, ABHD6, is a putative lyso-PS lipase in the mouse liver and kidney. Finally, using pharmacological tools, we validate the lyso-PS lipase activity of ABHD6 in vivo, and functionally designate this enzyme as a major lyso-PS lipase in primary hepatocytes, and the mammalian liver and kidneys.

Altered Protein Palmitoylation as Disease Mechanism in Neurodegenerative Disorders

Palmitoylation, a lipid-based posttranslational protein modification, plays a crucial role in regulating various aspects of neuronal function through altering protein membrane-targeting, stabilities, and protein-protein interaction profiles. Disruption of palmitoylation has recently garnered attention as disease mechanism in neurodegeneration. Many proteins implicated in neurodegenerative diseases and associated neuronal dysfunction, including but not limited to amyloid precursor protein, β-secretase (BACE1), postsynaptic density protein 95, Fyn, synaptotagmin-11, mutant huntingtin, and mutant superoxide dismutase 1, undergo palmitoylation, and recent evidence suggests that altered palmitoylation contributes to the pathological characteristics of these proteins and associated disruption of cellular processes. In addition, dysfunction of enzymes that catalyze palmitoylation and depalmitoylation has been connected to the development of neurological disorders. This review highlights some of the latest advances in our understanding of palmitoylation regulation in neurodegenerative diseases and explores potential therapeutic implications.

Towards a Treatment for Leukodystrophy Using Cell-Based Interception and Precision Medicine

Cell-based interception and precision medicine is a novel approach aimed at improving healthcare through the early detection and treatment of diseased cells. Here, we describe our recent progress towards developing cell-based interception and precision medicine to detect, understand, and advance the development of novel therapeutic approaches through a single-cell omics and drug screening platform, as part of a multi-laboratory collaborative effort, for a group of neurodegenerative disorders named leukodystrophies. Our strategy aims at the identification of diseased cells as early as possible to intercept progression of the disease prior to severe clinical impairment and irreversible tissue damage.

Identification and analyses of exonic and copy number variants in spastic paraplegia

Hereditary spastic paraplegias are a diverse group of degenerative disorders that are clinically categorized as isolated; with involvement of lower limb spasticity, or symptomatic, where spastic paraplegia is complicated by further neurological features. We sought to identify the underlying genetic causes of these disorders in the participating patients. Three consanguineous families with multiple affected members were identified by visiting special schools in the Punjab Province. DNA was extracted from blood samples of the participants. Exome sequencing was performed for selected patients from the three families, and the data were filtered to identify rare homozygous variants. ExomeDepth was used for the delineation of the copy number variants. All patients had varying degrees of intellectual disabilities, poor speech development, spasticity, a wide-based gait or an inability to walk and hypertonia. In family RDHR07, a homozygous deletion involving multiple exons and introns of SPG11 (NC000015.9:g.44894055_449028del) was found and correlated with the phenotype of the patients who had spasticity and other complex movement disorders, but not those who exhibited ataxic or indeterminate symptoms as well. In families ANMD03 and RDFA06, a nonsense variant, c.985C > T;(p.Arg329Ter) in DDHD2 and a frameshift insertion‒deletion variant of AP4B1, c.965-967delACTinsC;p.(Tyr322SerfsTer14), were identified which were homozygous in the patients while the obligate carriers in the respective pedigrees were heterozygous. All variants were ultra-rare with none, or very few carriers identified in the public databases. The three loss of function variants are likely to cause nonsense-mediated decay of the respective transcripts. Our research adds to the genetic variability associated with the SPG11 and AP4B1 variants and emphasizes the genetic heterogeneity of hereditary spastic paraplegia.

The expanding diagnostic toolbox for rare genetic diseases

Genomic technologies, such as targeted, exome and short-read genome sequencing approaches, have revolutionized the care of patients with rare genetic diseases. However, more than half of patients remain without a diagnosis. Emerging approaches from research-based settings such as long-read genome sequencing and optical genome mapping hold promise for improving the identification of disease-causal genetic variants. In addition, new omic technologies that measure the transcriptome, epigenome, proteome or metabolome are showing great potential for variant interpretation. As genetic testing options rapidly expand, the clinical community needs to be mindful of their individual strengths and limitations, as well as remaining challenges, to select the appropriate diagnostic test, correctly interpret results and drive innovation to address insufficiencies. If used effectively - through truly integrative multi-omics approaches and data sharing - the resulting large quantities of data from these established and emerging technologies will greatly improve the interpretative power of genetic and genomic diagnostics for rare diseases.

Lysophosphatidylserine: A Signaling Lipid with Implications in Human Diseases

Lysophosphatidylserine (lyso-PS) has emerged as yet another important signaling lysophospholipid in mammals, and deregulation in its metabolism has been directly linked to an array of human autoimmune and neurological disorders. It has an indispensable role in several biological processes in humans, and therefore, cellular concentrations of lyso-PS are tightly regulated to ensure optimal signaling and functioning in physiological settings. Given its biological importance, the past two decades have seen an explosion in the available literature toward our understanding of diverse aspects of lyso-PS metabolism and signaling and its association with human diseases. In this Review, we aim to comprehensively summarize different aspects of lyso-PS, such as its structure, biodistribution, chemical synthesis, and SAR studies with some synthetic analogs. From a biochemical perspective, we provide an exhaustive coverage of the diverse biological activities modulated by lyso-PSs, such as its metabolism and the receptors that respond to them in humans. We also briefly discuss the human diseases associated with aberrant lyso-PS metabolism and signaling and posit some future directions that may advance our understanding of lyso-PS-mediated mammalian physiology.

Elucidating the functional role of human ABHD16B lipase in regulating triacylglycerol mobilization and membrane lipid synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Lipids are essential biological macromolecules that play a pivotal role in various physiological processes and cellular homeostasis. ABHD16B, a member of the α/β-hydrolase domain (ABHD) superfamily protein, has emerged as a potential key regulator in lipid metabolism. However, the precise role of human ABHD16B in lipid metabolism remains unclear. In this study, we reported the overexpression of ABHD16B in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to determine its physiological relevance in lipid metabolism. Through in vivo [14C]acetate labeling experiments, we observed that overexpression of ABHD16B causes a decrease in cellular triacylglycerol (TAG) levels and a concurrent increase in phospholipid synthesis in wild-type cells. Mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis further corroborated these findings, showing a significant decrease in TAGs with a carbon chain length of 48 and an increase in major phospholipid species, specifically 34:2, upon overexpression of ABHD16B. Confocal microscopy analysis revealed a reduction in the number of lipid droplets in strains overexpressing ABHD16B, consistent with the observed decrease in neutral lipids. Additionally, qRT-PCR analysis indicated a high phospholipid synthetic activity of ABHD16B and a potential decrease in TAG levels in wild-type yeast, possibly due to upregulation of endogenous TAG hydrolytic enzymes, as confirmed using 3tglsΔ mutant strain. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis revealed significant modifications in fatty acid composition upon ABHD16B overexpression. Collectively, our results underscore the influence of ABHD16B overexpression on TAG levels, phospholipid synthesis, lipid droplet dynamics, and fatty acid composition. These findings reveal a complex interplay between TAG hydrolysis and phospholipid synthesis, highlighting the critical involvement of ABHD16B in lipid homeostasis and providing further insights into its regulatory function in cellular lipid metabolism.

Lost in traffic: consequences of altered palmitoylation in neurodegeneration

One of the first molecular events in neurodegenerative diseases, regardless of etiology, is protein mislocalization. Protein mislocalization in neurons is often linked to proteostasis deficiencies leading to the build-up of misfolded proteins and/or organelles that contributes to cellular toxicity and cell death. By understanding how proteins mislocalize in neurons, we can develop novel therapeutics that target the earliest stages of neurodegeneration. A critical mechanism regulating protein localization and proteostasis in neurons is the protein-lipid modification S-acylation, the reversible addition of fatty acids to cysteine residues. S-acylation is more commonly referred to as S-palmitoylation or simply palmitoylation, which is the addition of the 16-carbon fatty acid palmitate to proteins. Like phosphorylation, palmitoylation is highly dynamic and tightly regulated by writers (i.e., palmitoyl acyltransferases) and erasers (i.e., depalmitoylating enzymes). The hydrophobic fatty acid anchors proteins to membranes; thus, the reversibility allows proteins to be re-directed to and from membranes based on local signaling factors. This is particularly important in the nervous system, where axons (output projections) can be meters long. Any disturbance in protein trafficking can have dire consequences. Indeed, many proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases are palmitoylated, and many more have been identified in palmitoyl-proteomic studies. It follows that palmitoyl acyl transferase enzymes have also been implicated in numerous diseases. In addition, palmitoylation can work in concert with cellular mechanisms, like autophagy, to affect cell health and protein modifications, such as acetylation, nitrosylation, and ubiquitination, to affect protein function and turnover. Limited studies have further revealed a sexually dimorphic pattern of protein palmitoylation. Therefore, palmitoylation can have wide-reaching consequences in neurodegenerative diseases.

The phospholipase A2 superfamily as a central hub of bioactive lipids and beyond

In essence, "phospholipase A₂" (PLA₂) means a group of enzymes that release fatty acids and lysophospholipids by hydrolyzing the sn-2 position of glycerophospholipids. To date, more than 50 enzymes possessing PLA₂ or related lipid-metabolizing activities have been identified in mammals, and these are subdivided into several families in terms of their structures, catalytic mechanisms, tissue/cellular localizations, and evolutionary relationships. From a general viewpoint, the PLA₂ superfamily has mainly been implicated in signal transduction, driving the production of a wide variety of bioactive lipid mediators. However, a growing body of evidence indicates that PLA₂s also contribute to phospholipid remodeling or recycling for membrane homeostasis, fatty acid β-oxidation for energy production, and barrier lipid formation on the body surface. Accordingly, PLA₂ enzymes are considered one of the key regulators of a broad range of lipid metabolism, and perturbation of specific PLA₂-driven lipid pathways often disrupts tissue and cellular homeostasis and may be associated with a variety of diseases. This review covers current understanding of the physiological functions of the PLA₂ superfamily, focusing particularly on the two major intracellular PLA₂ families (Ca²⁺-dependent cytosolic PLA₂s and Ca²⁺-independent patatin-like PLA₂s) as well as other PLA₂ families, based on studies using gene-manipulated mice and human diseases in combination with comprehensive lipidomics.

Bridging clinical care and research in Ontario, Canada: Maximizing diagnoses from reanalysis of clinical exome sequencing data

We examined the utility of clinical and research processes in the reanalysis of publicly-funded clinical exome sequencing data in Ontario, Canada. In partnership with eight sites, we recruited 287 families with suspected rare genetic diseases tested between 2014 and 2020. Data from seven laboratories was reanalyzed with the referring clinicians. Reanalysis of clinically relevant genes identified diagnoses in 4% (13/287); four were missed by clinical testing. Translational research methods, including analysis of novel candidate genes, identified candidates in 21% (61/287). Of these, 24 families have additional evidence through data sharing to support likely diagnoses (8% of cohort). This study indicates few diagnoses are missed by clinical laboratories, the incremental gain from reanalysis of clinically-relevant genes is modest, and the highest yield comes from validation of novel disease-gene associations. Future implementation of translational research methods, including continued reporting of compelling genes of uncertain significance by clinical laboratories, should be considered to maximize diagnoses.

Novel compound heterozygous variants in EMC1 associated with global developmental delay: a lesson from a non-silent synonymous exonic mutation

Background

The endoplasmic reticulum-membrane protein complex (EMC) as a molecular chaperone is required for the proper synthesis, folding and traffic of several transmembrane proteins. Variants in the subunit 1 of EMC (EMC1) have been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing (WES) with Sanger sequencing validation was performed for a Chinese family, including the proband (a 4-year-old girl who displayed global developmental delay, severe hypotonia and visual impairment), her affected younger sister and her non-consanguineous parents. RT-PCR assay and Sanger sequencing were used to detect abnormal RNA splicing.

Results

Novel compound heterozygous variants in EMC1, including the maternally inherited chr1: 19566812_1956800delinsATTCTACTT[hg19];NM_015047.3:c.765_777delins ATTCTACTT;p.(Leu256fsTer10) and the paternally inherited chr1:19549890G> A[hg19];NM_015047.3:c.2376G>A;p.(Val792=) are identified in the proband and her affected sister. RT-PCR assay followed by Sanger sequencing reveals that the c.2376G>A variant leads to aberrant splicing, with retention of intron 19 (561bp) in the mature mRNA, which is presumed to introduce a premature translational termination codon (p.(Val792fsTer31)).

Conclusion

Novel compound heterozygous variants in EMC1 have been identified in individuals with global developmental delay. Non-silent synonymous mutations should be kept in mind in genetic analysis.

Genomics4RD: An integrated platform to share Canadian deep-phenotype and multiomic data for international rare disease gene discovery

Despite recent progress in the understanding of the genetic etiologies of rare diseases (RDs), a significant number remain intractable to diagnostic and discovery efforts. Broad data collection and sharing of information among RD researchers is therefore critical. In 2018, the Care4Rare Canada Consortium launched the project C4R‐SOLVE, a subaim of which was to collect, harmonize, and share both retrospective and prospective Canadian clinical and multiomic data. Here, we introduce Genomics4RD, an integrated web‐accessible platform to share Canadian phenotypic and multiomic data between researchers, both within Canada and internationally, for the purpose of discovering the mechanisms that cause RDs. Genomics4RD has been designed to standardize data collection and processing, and to help users systematically collect, prioritize, and visualize participant information. Data storage, authorization, and access procedures have been developed in collaboration with policy experts and stakeholders to ensure the trusted and secure access of data by external researchers. The breadth and standardization of data offered by Genomics4RD allows researchers to compare candidate disease genes and variants between participants (i.e., matchmaking) for discovery purposes, while facilitating the development of computational approaches for multiomic data analyses and enabling clinical translation efforts for new genetic technologies in the future.

Childhood-Onset Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP): A Case Series and Review of Literature

BACKGROUND

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) encompasses several rare genetic disorders characterized by progressive lower extremity spasticity and weakness caused by corticospinal tract degeneration. Published literature on genetically confirmed pediatric HSP cases is limited.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of childhood-onset HSP cases followed in the neuromuscular clinics at Children's and Emory Healthcare in Atlanta. Clinical presentation, family history, examination, electrodiagnostic data, neuroimaging, genetic test results, comorbidities, and treatment were recorded.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients with HSP (eight males, eight females) with a mean age 19 years ± 15.7 years were included. Ten patients (66%) presented with gait difficulty. Seven (44%) were ambulatory at the last clinic follow-up visit with an average disease duration of 7.4 years. Genetically confirmed etiologies included SPAST (3 patients), MARS (2), KIF1A (2), KIF5A (1), SACS (1), SPG7 (1), REEP1 (1), PNPT1 (1), MT-ATP6 (1), and ATL1 (1). Symptom onset to genetic confirmation on an average was 8.2 years. Sensory motor axonal polyneuropathy was found in seven patients, and two exhibited cerebellar atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Neurological comorbidities included developmental delay (n = 9), autism (n = 5), epilepsy (n = 3), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (n = 2).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, a significant proportion (70%) of subjects with childhood-onset HSP had comorbid neurocognitive deficits, polyneuropathy with or without neuroimaging abnormalities, and rare genetic etiology. Genetic diagnosis was established either through inherited genetic neuropathy panel or whole-exome sequencing, which supports the utility of whole-exome sequencing in aiding in HSP diagnosis.

A homozygous ABHD16A variant causes a complex hereditary spastic paraplegia with developmental delay, absent speech, and characteristic face

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a genetically and clinically heterogeneous genetic disease characterized by progressive weakness and spasticity predominantly affecting the lower limbs. Complex HSP is a subset of HSP presenting with additional neuronal and/or non-neuronal phenotypes. Here, we identify a homozygous ABHD16A nonsense variant in two affected children in a Chilean family. Very recently, two groups reported patients with biallelic ABHD16A whose clinical presentation was similar to that of our patients. By reviewing the clinical features of these reports and our patients, ABHD16A-related HSP can be characterized by early childhood onset, developmental delay, intellectual disability, speech disturbance, extrapyramidal signs, psychiatric features, no sphincter control, skeletal involvement, thin corpus callosum, and high-intensity signals in white matter on T2-weighted brain MRI. In addition, our affected siblings showed a characteristic face, sleep disturbance, and nodular and hyperpigmented skin lesions, which have not previously been reported in this condition.