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Tanaka T, Chung HL. Exploiting fly models to investigate rare human neurological disorders. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:21-28. [PMID: 38767473 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Rare neurological diseases, while individually are rare, collectively impact millions globally, leading to diverse and often severe neurological symptoms. Often attributed to genetic mutations that disrupt protein function or structure, understanding their genetic basis is crucial for accurate diagnosis and targeted therapies. To investigate the underlying pathogenesis of these conditions, researchers often use non-mammalian model organisms, such as Drosophila (fruit flies), which is valued for their genetic manipulability, cost-efficiency, and preservation of genes and biological functions across evolutionary time. Genetic tools available in Drosophila, including CRISPR-Cas9, offer a means to manipulate gene expression, allowing for a deep exploration of the genetic underpinnings of rare neurological diseases. Drosophila boasts a versatile genetic toolkit, rapid generation turnover, and ease of large-scale experimentation, making it an invaluable resource for identifying potential drug candidates. Researchers can expose flies carrying disease-associated mutations to various compounds, rapidly pinpointing promising therapeutic agents for further investigation in mammalian models and, ultimately, clinical trials. In this comprehensive review, we explore rare neurological diseases where fly research has significantly contributed to our understanding of their genetic basis, pathophysiology, and potential therapeutic implications. We discuss rare diseases associated with both neuron-expressed and glial-expressed genes. Specific cases include mutations in CDK19 resulting in epilepsy and developmental delay, mutations in TIAM1 leading to a neurodevelopmental disorder with seizures and language delay, and mutations in IRF2BPL causing seizures, a neurodevelopmental disorder with regression, loss of speech, and abnormal movements. And we explore mutations in EMC1 related to cerebellar atrophy, visual impairment, psychomotor retardation, and gain-of-function mutations in ACOX1 causing Mitchell syndrome. Loss-of-function mutations in ACOX1 result in ACOX1 deficiency, characterized by very-long-chain fatty acid accumulation and glial degeneration. Notably, this review highlights how modeling these diseases in Drosophila has provided valuable insights into their pathophysiology, offering a platform for the rapid identification of potential therapeutic interventions. Rare neurological diseases involve a wide range of expression systems, and sometimes common phenotypes can be found among different genes that cause abnormalities in neurons or glia. Furthermore, mutations within the same gene may result in varying functional outcomes, such as complete loss of function, partial loss of function, or gain-of-function mutations. The phenotypes observed in patients can differ significantly, underscoring the complexity of these conditions. In conclusion, Drosophila represents an indispensable and cost-effective tool for investigating rare neurological diseases. By facilitating the modeling of these conditions, Drosophila contributes to a deeper understanding of their genetic basis, pathophysiology, and potential therapies. This approach accelerates the discovery of promising drug candidates, ultimately benefiting patients affected by these complex and understudied diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Tanaka
- Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hyung-Lok Chung
- Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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2
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Losurdo NA, Bibo A, Bedke J, Link N. A novel adipose loss-of-function mutant in Drosophila. Fly (Austin) 2024; 18:2352938. [PMID: 38741287 PMCID: PMC11095658 DOI: 10.1080/19336934.2024.2352938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
To identify genes required for brain growth, we took an RNAi knockdown reverse genetic approach in Drosophila. One potential candidate isolated from this effort is the anti-lipogenic gene adipose (adp). Adp has an established role in the negative regulation of lipogenesis in the fat body of the fly and adipose tissue in mammals. While fat is key to proper development in general, adp has not been investigated during brain development. Here, we found that RNAi knockdown of adp in neuronal stem cells and neurons results in reduced brain lobe volume and sought to replicate this with a mutant fly. We generated a novel adp mutant that acts as a loss-of-function mutant based on buoyancy assay results. We found that despite a change in fat content in the body overall and a decrease in the number of larger (>5 µm) brain lipid droplets, there was no change in the brain lobe volume of mutant larvae. Overall, our work describes a novel adp mutant that can functionally replace the long-standing adp60 mutant and shows that the adp gene has no obvious involvement in brain growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adriana Bibo
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake, UT, USA
| | - Jacob Bedke
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake, UT, USA
| | - Nichole Link
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake, UT, USA
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3
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Musselman LP, Truong HG, DiAngelo JR. Transcriptional Control of Lipid Metabolism. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38782870 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2024_808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Transcriptional control of lipid metabolism uses a framework that parallels the control of lipid metabolism at the protein or enzyme level, via feedback and feed-forward mechanisms. Increasing the substrates for an enzyme often increases enzyme gene expression, for example. A paucity of product can likewise potentiate transcription or stability of the mRNA encoding the enzyme or enzymes needed to produce it. In addition, changes in second messengers or cellular energy charge can act as on/off switches for transcriptional regulators to control transcript (and protein) abundance. Insects use a wide range of DNA-binding transcription factors (TFs) that sense changes in the cell and its environment to produce the appropriate change in transcription at gene promoters. These TFs work together with histones, spliceosomes, and additional RNA processing factors to ultimately regulate lipid metabolism. In this chapter, we will first focus on the important TFs that control lipid metabolism in insects. Next, we will describe non-TF regulators of insect lipid metabolism such as enzymes that modify acetylation and methylation status, transcriptional coactivators, splicing factors, and microRNAs. To conclude, we consider future goals for studying the mechanisms underlying the control of lipid metabolism in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Palanker Musselman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Huy G Truong
- Division of Science, Pennsylvania State University, Berks Campus, Reading, PA, USA
| | - Justin R DiAngelo
- Division of Science, Pennsylvania State University, Berks Campus, Reading, PA, USA.
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4
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Dash PP, Mohanty P, Behura R, Behera S, Naik S, Mishra M, Sahoo H, Barick AK, Mohapatra P, Sahoo SK, Jali BR. Rapid Colorimetric and Fluorometric Discrimination of Maleic Acid vs. Fumaric Acid and Detection of Maleic Acid in Food Additives. J Fluoresc 2024; 34:1015-1024. [PMID: 37439921 DOI: 10.1007/s10895-023-03330-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
An anthracene thiazole based Schiff base L was synthesized and employed for fluorescence switch-on detection of maleic acid in aqueous DMSO. The non-fluorescent L (10-5 M) showed an instantaneous and selective fluorescence enhancement at 506 nm upon interaction with maleic acid (10-5 M). Other potential carboxylic acids (10-5 M), such as malic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, cinnamic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, oxalic acid and malonic acid failed to alter the chromo-fluorogenic properties of L. Probe L can be employed to detect maleic acid down to 2.74 × 10-6 M. The probe L showed good linearity from 2.97 to 6.87 µM. Analytical utility of L was examined by detecting maleic acid in various food additives and drosophila larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragyan P Dash
- Department of Chemistry, Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Burla, Sambalpur-768018, Odisha, India
| | - P Mohanty
- Department of Chemistry, Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Burla, Sambalpur-768018, Odisha, India
| | - R Behura
- Department of Chemistry, Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Burla, Sambalpur-768018, Odisha, India
| | - S Behera
- Department of Chemistry, Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Burla, Sambalpur-768018, Odisha, India
| | - S Naik
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, 769008, Rourkela, India
| | - M Mishra
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, 769008, Rourkela, India
| | - H Sahoo
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, 769008, Rourkela, India
| | - Aruna K Barick
- Department of Chemistry, Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Burla, Sambalpur-768018, Odisha, India
| | - P Mohapatra
- Department of Chemistry, Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Burla, Sambalpur-768018, Odisha, India
| | - Suban K Sahoo
- Department of Chemistry, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, 395007, Surat, Gujarat, India
| | - Bigyan R Jali
- Department of Chemistry, Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Burla, Sambalpur-768018, Odisha, India.
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5
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Wang DY, Zhu J, Zhang YZ, Cui QY, Wang SS, Ning YW, Shen XJ. Upf2-Mediated Nonsense-Mediated Degradation Pathway Involved in Genetic Compensation of TrpA1 Knockout Mutant Silkworm ( Bombyx mori). INSECTS 2024; 15:313. [PMID: 38786869 PMCID: PMC11122591 DOI: 10.3390/insects15050313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Genetic mutations leading to premature termination codons are known to have detrimental effects. Using the Lepidoptera model insect, the silkworm (Bombyx mori), we explored the genetic compensatory response triggered by mutations with premature termination codons. Additionally, we delved into the molecular mechanisms associated with the nonsense-mediated mRNA degradation pathway. CRISPR/Cas9 technology was utilized to generate a homozygous bivoltine silkworm line BmTrpA1-/- with a premature termination. Transcript levels were assessed for the BmTrpA paralogs, BmPyrexia and BmPainless as well as for the essential factors Upf1, Upf2, and Upf3a involved in the nonsense-mediated mRNA degradation (NMD) pathway. Upf2 was specifically knocked down via RNA interference at the embryonic stage. The results comfirmed that the BmTrpA1 transcripts with a 2-base deletion generating a premature termination codon in the BmTrpA1-/- line. From day 6 of embryonic development, the mRNA levels of BmPyrexia, BmPainless, Upf1, and Upf2 were significantly elevated in the gene-edited line. Embryonic knockdown of Upf2 resulted in the suppression of the genetic compensation response in the mutant. As a result, the offspring silkworm eggs were able to hatch normally after 10 days of incubation, displaying a non-diapause phenotype. It was observed that a genetic compensation response does exist in BmTrpA1-/-B. mori. This study presents a novel discovery of the NMD-mediated genetic compensation response in B. mori. The findings offer new insights into understanding the genetic compensation response and exploring the gene functions in lepidopteran insects, such as silkworms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Yue Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural and Animal Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; (D.-Y.W.); (Y.-Z.Z.); (Q.-Y.C.); (S.-S.W.); (Y.-W.N.)
| | - Juan Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural and Animal Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; (D.-Y.W.); (Y.-Z.Z.); (Q.-Y.C.); (S.-S.W.); (Y.-W.N.)
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Scientific Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Yi-Zhong Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural and Animal Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; (D.-Y.W.); (Y.-Z.Z.); (Q.-Y.C.); (S.-S.W.); (Y.-W.N.)
| | - Qian-Yi Cui
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural and Animal Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; (D.-Y.W.); (Y.-Z.Z.); (Q.-Y.C.); (S.-S.W.); (Y.-W.N.)
| | - Shan-Shan Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural and Animal Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; (D.-Y.W.); (Y.-Z.Z.); (Q.-Y.C.); (S.-S.W.); (Y.-W.N.)
| | - Yang-Wei Ning
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural and Animal Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; (D.-Y.W.); (Y.-Z.Z.); (Q.-Y.C.); (S.-S.W.); (Y.-W.N.)
| | - Xing-Jia Shen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural and Animal Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; (D.-Y.W.); (Y.-Z.Z.); (Q.-Y.C.); (S.-S.W.); (Y.-W.N.)
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Scientific Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China
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6
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Pan X, Tao AM, Lu S, Ma M, Hannan SB, Slaugh R, Drewes Williams S, O'Grady L, Kanca O, Person R, Carter MT, Platzer K, Schnabel F, Abou Jamra R, Roberts AE, Newburger JW, Revah-Politi A, Granadillo JL, Stegmann APA, Sinnema M, Accogli A, Salpietro V, Capra V, Ghaloul-Gonzalez L, Brueckner M, Simon MEH, Sweetser DA, Glinton KE, Kirk SE, Wangler MF, Yamamoto S, Chung WK, Bellen HJ. De novo variants in FRYL are associated with developmental delay, intellectual disability, and dysmorphic features. Am J Hum Genet 2024; 111:742-760. [PMID: 38479391 PMCID: PMC11023917 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2024.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
FRY-like transcription coactivator (FRYL) belongs to a Furry protein family that is evolutionarily conserved from yeast to humans. The functions of FRYL in mammals are largely unknown, and variants in FRYL have not previously been associated with a Mendelian disease. Here, we report fourteen individuals with heterozygous variants in FRYL who present with developmental delay, intellectual disability, dysmorphic features, and other congenital anomalies in multiple systems. The variants are confirmed de novo in all individuals except one. Human genetic data suggest that FRYL is intolerant to loss of function (LoF). We find that the fly FRYL ortholog, furry (fry), is expressed in multiple tissues, including the central nervous system where it is present in neurons but not in glia. Homozygous fry LoF mutation is lethal at various developmental stages, and loss of fry in mutant clones causes defects in wings and compound eyes. We next modeled four out of the five missense variants found in affected individuals using fry knockin alleles. One variant behaves as a severe LoF variant, whereas two others behave as partial LoF variants. One variant does not cause any observable defect in flies, and the corresponding human variant is not confirmed to be de novo, suggesting that this is a variant of uncertain significance. In summary, our findings support that fry is required for proper development in flies and that the LoF variants in FRYL cause a dominant disorder with developmental and neurological symptoms due to haploinsufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyang Pan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan & Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alice M Tao
- Vagelos School of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shenzhao Lu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan & Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mengqi Ma
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan & Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shabab B Hannan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan & Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rachel Slaugh
- Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sarah Drewes Williams
- Division of Genetic and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lauren O'Grady
- Division of Medical Genetics & Metabolism, Massachusetts General for Children, Boston, MA, USA; MGH Institute of Health Professions, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Oguz Kanca
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan & Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Melissa T Carter
- Department of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Konrad Platzer
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Franziska Schnabel
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rami Abou Jamra
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Amy E Roberts
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Genetics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jane W Newburger
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anya Revah-Politi
- Institute for Genomic Medicine and Precision Genomics Laboratory, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jorge L Granadillo
- Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Alexander P A Stegmann
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Margje Sinnema
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Andrea Accogli
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Vincenzo Salpietro
- Department of Neuromuscular Disorders, University College London Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Valeria Capra
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Genomics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lina Ghaloul-Gonzalez
- Division of Genetic and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Human Genetics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Martina Brueckner
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Marleen E H Simon
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - David A Sweetser
- Division of Medical Genetics & Metabolism, Massachusetts General for Children, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kevin E Glinton
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Genetics, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Susan E Kirk
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael F Wangler
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan & Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shinya Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan & Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wendy K Chung
- Departments of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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Fishburn AT, Florio CJ, Lopez NJ, Link NL, Shah PS. Molecular functions of ANKLE2 and its implications in human disease. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050554. [PMID: 38691001 PMCID: PMC11103583 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Ankyrin repeat and LEM domain-containing 2 (ANKLE2) is a scaffolding protein with established roles in cell division and development, the dysfunction of which is increasingly implicated in human disease. ANKLE2 regulates nuclear envelope disassembly at the onset of mitosis and its reassembly after chromosome segregation. ANKLE2 dysfunction is associated with abnormal nuclear morphology and cell division. It regulates the nuclear envelope by mediating protein-protein interactions with barrier to autointegration factor (BANF1; also known as BAF) and with the kinase and phosphatase that modulate the phosphorylation state of BAF. In brain development, ANKLE2 is crucial for proper asymmetric division of neural progenitor cells. In humans, pathogenic loss-of-function mutations in ANKLE2 are associated with primary congenital microcephaly, a condition in which the brain is not properly developed at birth. ANKLE2 is also linked to other disease pathologies, including congenital Zika syndrome, cancer and tauopathy. Here, we review the molecular roles of ANKLE2 and the recent literature on human diseases caused by its dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam T. Fishburn
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Cole J. Florio
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Nick J. Lopez
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Nichole L. Link
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, 20 South 2030 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Priya S. Shah
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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8
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Ma M, Ganapathi M, Zheng Y, Tan KL, Kanca O, Bove KE, Quintanilla N, Sag SO, Temel SG, LeDuc CA, McPartland AJ, Pereira EM, Shen Y, Hagen J, Thomas CP, Nguyen Galván NT, Pan X, Lu S, Rosenfeld JA, Calame DG, Wangler MF, Lupski JR, Pehlivan D, Hertel PM, Chung WK, Bellen HJ. Homozygous missense variants in YKT6 result in loss of function and are associated with developmental delay, with or without severe infantile liver disease and risk for hepatocellular carcinoma. Genet Med 2024; 26:101125. [PMID: 38522068 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2024.101125] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE YKT6 plays important roles in multiple intracellular vesicle trafficking events but has not been associated with Mendelian diseases. METHODS We report 3 unrelated individuals with rare homozygous missense variants in YKT6 who exhibited neurological disease with or without a progressive infantile liver disease. We modeled the variants in Drosophila. We generated wild-type and variant genomic rescue constructs of the fly ortholog dYkt6 and compared their ability in rescuing the loss-of-function phenotypes in mutant flies. We also generated a dYkt6KozakGAL4 allele to assess the expression pattern of dYkt6. RESULTS Two individuals are homozygous for YKT6 [NM_006555.3:c.554A>G p.(Tyr185Cys)] and exhibited normal prenatal course followed by failure to thrive, developmental delay, and progressive liver disease. Haplotype analysis identified a shared homozygous region flanking the variant, suggesting a common ancestry. The third individual is homozygous for YKT6 [NM_006555.3:c.191A>G p.(Tyr64Cys)] and exhibited neurodevelopmental disorders and optic atrophy. Fly dYkt6 is essential and is expressed in the fat body (analogous to liver) and central nervous system. Wild-type genomic rescue constructs can rescue the lethality and autophagic flux defects, whereas the variants are less efficient in rescuing the phenotypes. CONCLUSION The YKT6 variants are partial loss-of-function alleles, and the p.(Tyr185Cys) is more severe than p.(Tyr64Cys).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Ma
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Mythily Ganapathi
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Yiming Zheng
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Kai-Li Tan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Oguz Kanca
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Kevin E Bove
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Norma Quintanilla
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Sebnem O Sag
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Sehime G Temel
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | | | | | | | - Yufeng Shen
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Jacob Hagen
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Christie P Thomas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | | | - Xueyang Pan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Shenzhao Lu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Jill A Rosenfeld
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Baylor Genetics Laboratories, Houston, TX
| | - Daniel G Calame
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Division of Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Michael F Wangler
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - James R Lupski
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX; Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Davut Pehlivan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX; Division of Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Paula M Hertel
- Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Wendy K Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX.
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9
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Hiers NM, Li T, Traugot CM, Xie M. Target-directed microRNA degradation: Mechanisms, significance, and functional implications. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2024; 15:e1832. [PMID: 38448799 PMCID: PMC11098282 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play a fundamental role in enabling miRNA-mediated target repression, a post-transcriptional gene regulatory mechanism preserved across metazoans. Loss of certain animal miRNA genes can lead to developmental abnormalities, disease, and various degrees of embryonic lethality. These short RNAs normally guide Argonaute (AGO) proteins to target RNAs, which are in turn translationally repressed and destabilized, silencing the target to fine-tune gene expression and maintain cellular homeostasis. Delineating miRNA-mediated target decay has been thoroughly examined in thousands of studies, yet despite these exhaustive studies, comparatively less is known about how and why miRNAs are directed for decay. Several key observations over the years have noted instances of rapid miRNA turnover, suggesting endogenous means for animals to induce miRNA degradation. Recently, it was revealed that certain targets, so-called target-directed miRNA degradation (TDMD) triggers, can "trigger" miRNA decay through inducing proteolysis of AGO and thereby the bound miRNA. This process is mediated in animals via the ZSWIM8 ubiquitin ligase complex, which is recruited to AGO during engagement with triggers. Since its discovery, several studies have identified that ZSWIM8 and TDMD are indispensable for proper animal development. Given the rapid expansion of this field of study, here, we summarize the key findings that have led to and followed the discovery of ZSWIM8-dependent TDMD. This article is categorized under: Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Turnover/Surveillance Mechanisms RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M Hiers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, UF Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Tianqi Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, UF Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Conner M Traugot
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, UF Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Mingyi Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, UF Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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10
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Zheng Y, Chen S. Transcriptional precision in photoreceptor development and diseases - Lessons from 25 years of CRX research. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1347436. [PMID: 38414750 PMCID: PMC10896975 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1347436] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate retina is made up of six specialized neuronal cell types and one glia that are generated from a common retinal progenitor. The development of these distinct cell types is programmed by transcription factors that regulate the expression of specific genes essential for cell fate specification and differentiation. Because of the complex nature of transcriptional regulation, understanding transcription factor functions in development and disease is challenging. Research on the Cone-rod homeobox transcription factor CRX provides an excellent model to address these challenges. In this review, we reflect on 25 years of mammalian CRX research and discuss recent progress in elucidating the distinct pathogenic mechanisms of four CRX coding variant classes. We highlight how in vitro biochemical studies of CRX protein functions facilitate understanding CRX regulatory principles in animal models. We conclude with a brief discussion of the emerging systems biology approaches that could accelerate precision medicine for CRX-linked diseases and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiao Zheng
- Molecular Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program, Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Saint Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Shiming Chen
- Molecular Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program, Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Saint Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Saint Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, United States
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11
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Link N, Harnish JM, Hull B, Gibson S, Dietze M, Mgbike UE, Medina-Balcazar S, Shah PS, Yamamoto S. A Zika virus protein expression screen in Drosophila to investigate targeted host pathways during development. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050297. [PMID: 38214058 PMCID: PMC10924231 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, Zika virus (ZIKV) emerged as a global public health concern. Although adult infections are typically mild, maternal infection can lead to adverse fetal outcomes. Understanding how ZIKV proteins disrupt development can provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of disease caused by this virus, which includes microcephaly. In this study, we generated a toolkit to ectopically express ZIKV proteins in vivo in Drosophila melanogaster in a tissue-specific manner using the GAL4/UAS system. We used this toolkit to identify phenotypes and potential host pathways targeted by the virus. Our work identified that expression of most ZIKV proteins caused scorable phenotypes, such as overall lethality, gross morphological defects, reduced brain size and neuronal function defects. We further used this system to identify strain-dependent phenotypes that may have contributed to the increased pathogenesis associated with the outbreak of ZIKV in the Americas in 2015. Our work demonstrates the use of Drosophila as an efficient in vivo model to rapidly decipher how pathogens cause disease and lays the groundwork for further molecular study of ZIKV pathogenesis in flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichole Link
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, BCM, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - J. Michael Harnish
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, BCM, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Brooke Hull
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, BCM, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP), Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Shelley Gibson
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, BCM, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Miranda Dietze
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | | | - Silvia Medina-Balcazar
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, BCM, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Priya S. Shah
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Shinya Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, BCM, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP), Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, BCM, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, BCM, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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12
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Yamamoto S, Kanca O, Wangler MF, Bellen HJ. Integrating non-mammalian model organisms in the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases in humans. Nat Rev Genet 2024; 25:46-60. [PMID: 37491400 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00633-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing technology has rapidly accelerated the discovery of genetic variants of interest in individuals with rare diseases. However, showing that these variants are causative of the disease in question is complex and may require functional studies. Use of non-mammalian model organisms - mainly fruitflies (Drosophila melanogaster), nematode worms (Caenorhabditis elegans) and zebrafish (Danio rerio) - enables the rapid and cost-effective assessment of the effects of gene variants, which can then be validated in mammalian model organisms such as mice and in human cells. By probing mechanisms of gene action and identifying interacting genes and proteins in vivo, recent studies in these non-mammalian model organisms have facilitated the diagnosis of numerous genetic diseases and have enabled the screening and identification of therapeutic options for patients. Studies in non-mammalian model organisms have also shown that the biological processes underlying rare diseases can provide insight into more common mechanisms of disease and the biological functions of genes. Here, we discuss the opportunities afforded by non-mammalian model organisms, focusing on flies, worms and fish, and provide examples of their use in the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Oguz Kanca
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael F Wangler
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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13
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Wu S, Liu X, Yang H, Ma W, Qin Z. The effect of lipid metabolism on age-associated cognitive decline: Lessons learned from model organisms and human. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2023; 15:165-169. [PMID: 38204577 PMCID: PMC10776322 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.08.2194] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipids are required as integral building blocks of cells to support cellular structures and functions. The intricate mechanisms underpinning lipid homeostasis are essential for the health and maintenance of the central nervous system. Here we summarize the recent advances in dissecting the effect of lipid metabolism on cognitive function and its age-associated decline by reviewing relevant studies ranging from invertebrate model organisms to mammals including human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Punan Branch of Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200125, China
| | - Haiyan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Wenlin Ma
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Zhao Qin
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
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14
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Al-Ayari EA, Shehata MG, El-Hadidi M, Shaalan MG. In silico SNP prediction of selected protein orthologues in insect models for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18986. [PMID: 37923901 PMCID: PMC10624829 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46250-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's are the most common neurodegenerative diseases that are incurable and affect the elderly population. Discovery of effective treatments for these diseases is often difficult, expensive, and serendipitous. Previous comparative studies on different model organisms have revealed that most animals share similar cellular and molecular characteristics. The meta-SNP tool includes four different integrated tools (SIFT, PANTHER, SNAP, and PhD-SNP) was used to identify non synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (nsSNPs). Prediction of nsSNPs was conducted on three representative proteins for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases; APPl in Drosophila melanogaster, LRRK1 in Aedes aegypti, and VCPl in Tribolium castaneum. With the possibility of using insect models to investigate neurodegenerative diseases. We conclude from the protein comparative analysis between different insect models and nsSNP analyses that D. melanogaster is the best model for Alzheimer's representing five nsSNPs of the 21 suggested mutations in the APPl protein. Aedes aegypti is the best model for Parkinson's representing three nsSNPs in the LRRK1 protein. Tribolium castaneum is the best model for Huntington's disease representing 13 SNPs of 37 suggested mutations in the VCPl protein. This study aimed to improve human neural health by identifying the best insect to model Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshraka A Al-Ayari
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Magdi G Shehata
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El-Hadidi
- Bioinformatics Group, Center for Informatics Sciences (CIS), School of Information Technology and Computer Science (ITCS) , Nile University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mona G Shaalan
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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15
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Yang M, Zinkgraf M, Fitzgerald-Cook C, Harrison BR, Putzier A, Promislow DEL, Wang AM. Using Drosophila to identify naturally occurring genetic modifiers of amyloid beta 42- and tau-induced toxicity. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2023; 13:jkad132. [PMID: 37311212 PMCID: PMC10468303 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is characterized by 2 pathological proteins, amyloid beta 42 and tau. The majority of Alzheimer's disease cases in the population are sporadic and late-onset Alzheimer's disease, which exhibits high levels of heritability. While several genetic risk factors for late-onset Alzheimer's disease have been identified and replicated in independent studies, including the ApoE ε4 allele, the great majority of the heritability of late-onset Alzheimer's disease remains unexplained, likely due to the aggregate effects of a very large number of genes with small effect size, as well as to biases in sample collection and statistical approaches. Here, we present an unbiased forward genetic screen in Drosophila looking for naturally occurring modifiers of amyloid beta 42- and tau-induced ommatidial degeneration. Our results identify 14 significant SNPs, which map to 12 potential genes in 8 unique genomic regions. Our hits that are significant after genome-wide correction identify genes involved in neuronal development, signal transduction, and organismal development. Looking more broadly at suggestive hits (P < 10-5), we see significant enrichment in genes associated with neurogenesis, development, and growth as well as significant enrichment in genes whose orthologs have been identified as significantly or suggestively associated with Alzheimer's disease in human GWAS studies. These latter genes include ones whose orthologs are in close proximity to regions in the human genome that are associated with Alzheimer's disease, but where a causal gene has not been identified. Together, our results illustrate the potential for complementary and convergent evidence provided through multitrait GWAS in Drosophila to supplement and inform human studies, helping to identify the remaining heritability and novel modifiers of complex diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Matthew Zinkgraf
- Department of Biology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA
| | - Cecilia Fitzgerald-Cook
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Benjamin R Harrison
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Alexandra Putzier
- Department of Biology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA
| | - Daniel E L Promislow
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Adrienne M Wang
- Department of Biology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA
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16
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Guichard A, Lu S, Kanca O, Bressan D, Huang Y, Ma M, Sanz Juste S, Andrews JC, Jay KL, Sneider M, Schwartz R, Huang MC, Bei D, Pan H, Ma L, Lin WW, Auradkar A, Bhagwat P, Park S, Wan KH, Ohsako T, Takano-Shimizu T, Celniker SE, Wangler MF, Yamamoto S, Bellen HJ, Bier E. A comprehensive Drosophila resource to identify key functional interactions between SARS-CoV-2 factors and host proteins. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112842. [PMID: 37480566 PMCID: PMC10962759 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of effective therapies against SARS-CoV-2 infections relies on mechanistic knowledge of virus-host interface. Abundant physical interactions between viral and host proteins have been identified, but few have been functionally characterized. Harnessing the power of fly genetics, we develop a comprehensive Drosophila COVID-19 resource (DCR) consisting of publicly available strains for conditional tissue-specific expression of all SARS-CoV-2 encoded proteins, UAS-human cDNA transgenic lines encoding established host-viral interacting factors, and GAL4 insertion lines disrupting fly homologs of SARS-CoV-2 human interacting proteins. We demonstrate the utility of the DCR to functionally assess SARS-CoV-2 genes and candidate human binding partners. We show that NSP8 engages in strong genetic interactions with several human candidates, most prominently with the ATE1 arginyltransferase to induce actin arginylation and cytoskeletal disorganization, and that two ATE1 inhibitors can reverse NSP8 phenotypes. The DCR enables parallel global-scale functional analysis of SARS-CoV-2 components in a prime genetic model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel Guichard
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Shenzhao Lu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Oguz Kanca
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Daniel Bressan
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mengqi Ma
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sara Sanz Juste
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Epigenetics & Molecular Carcinogenesis at MD Anderson, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA; Center for Cancer Epigenetics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan C Andrews
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kristy L Jay
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Marketta Sneider
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ruth Schwartz
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Mei-Chu Huang
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Danqing Bei
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hongling Pan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Liwen Ma
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wen-Wen Lin
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ankush Auradkar
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Pranjali Bhagwat
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Soo Park
- Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Kenneth H Wan
- Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Takashi Ohsako
- Advanced Technology Center, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Takano-Shimizu
- Kyoto Drosophila Stock Center and Faculty of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto 616-8354, Japan
| | - Susan E Celniker
- Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Michael F Wangler
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shinya Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Ethan Bier
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Tata Institute for Genetics and Society - UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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17
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Cembran A, Fernandez-Funez P. Intrinsic determinants of prion protein neurotoxicity in Drosophila: from sequence to (dys)function. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1231079. [PMID: 37645703 PMCID: PMC10461008 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1231079] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are fatal brain disorders characterized by deposition of insoluble isoforms of the prion protein (PrP). The normal and pathogenic structures of PrP are relatively well known after decades of studies. Yet our current understanding of the intrinsic determinants regulating PrP misfolding are largely missing. A 3D subdomain of PrP comprising the β2-α2 loop and helix 3 contains high sequence and structural variability among animals and has been proposed as a key domain regulating PrP misfolding. We combined in vivo work in Drosophila with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, which provide additional insight to assess the impact of candidate substitutions in PrP from conformational dynamics. MD simulations revealed that in human PrP WT the β2-α2 loop explores multiple β-turn conformations, whereas the Y225A (rabbit PrP-like) substitution strongly favors a 310-turn conformation, a short right-handed helix. This shift in conformational diversity correlates with lower neurotoxicity in flies. We have identified additional conformational features and candidate amino acids regulating the high toxicity of human PrP and propose a new strategy for testing candidate modifiers first in MD simulations followed by functional experiments in flies. In this review we expand on these new results to provide additional insight into the structural and functional biology of PrP through the prism of the conformational dynamics of a 3D domain in the C-terminus. We propose that the conformational dynamics of this domain is a sensitive measure of the propensity of PrP to misfold and cause toxicity. This provides renewed opportunities to identify the intrinsic determinants of PrP misfolding through the contribution of key amino acids to different conformational states by MD simulations followed by experimental validation in transgenic flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Cembran
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN, United States
| | - Pedro Fernandez-Funez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN, United States
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18
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Rozich E, Randolph LK, Insolera R. An optimized temporally controlled Gal4 system in Drosophila reveals degeneration caused by adult-onset neuronal Vps13D knockdown. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1204068. [PMID: 37457002 PMCID: PMC10339317 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1204068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the human gene VPS13D cause the adult-onset neurodegenerative disease ataxia. Our previous work showed that disruptions in the Vps13D gene in Drosophila neurons causes mitochondrial defects. However, developmental lethality caused by Vps13D loss limited our understanding of the long-term physiological effects of Vps13D perturbation in neurons. Here, we optimized a previously generated system to temporally knock down Vps13D expression precisely in adult Drosophila neurons using a modification to the Gal4/UAS system. Adult-onset activation of Gal4 was enacted using the chemically-inducible tool which fuses a destabilization-domain to the Gal4 repressor Gal80 (Gal80-DD). Optimization of the Gal80-DD tool shows that feeding animals the DD-stabilizing drug trimethoprim (TMP) during development and rearing at a reduced temperature maximally represses Gal4 activity. Temperature shift and removal of TMP from the food after eclosion robustly activates Gal4 expression in adult neurons. Using the optimized Gal80-DD system, we find that adult-onset Vps13D RNAi expression in neurons causes the accumulation of mitophagy intermediates, progressive deficits in locomotor activity, early lethality, and brain vacuolization characteristic of neurodegeneration. The development of this optimized system allows us to more precisely examine the degenerative phenotypes caused by Vps13D disruption, and can likely be utilized in the future for other genes associated with neurological diseases whose manipulation causes developmental lethality in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Rozich
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Lynsey K. Randolph
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Ryan Insolera
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
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19
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Iegiani G, Ferraro A, Pallavicini G, Di Cunto F. The impact of TP53 activation and apoptosis in primary hereditary microcephaly. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1220010. [PMID: 37457016 PMCID: PMC10338886 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1220010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a constellation of disorders that share significant brain size reduction and mild to moderate intellectual disability, which may be accompanied by a large variety of more invalidating clinical signs. Extensive neural progenitor cells (NPC) proliferation and differentiation are essential to determine brain final size. Accordingly, the 30 MCPH loci mapped so far (MCPH1-MCPH30) encode for proteins involved in microtubule and spindle organization, centriole biogenesis, nuclear envelope, DNA replication and repair, underscoring that a wide variety of cellular processes is required for sustaining NPC expansion during development. Current models propose that altered balance between symmetric and asymmetric division, as well as premature differentiation, are the main mechanisms leading to MCPH. Although studies of cellular alterations in microcephaly models have constantly shown the co-existence of high DNA damage and apoptosis levels, these mechanisms are less considered as primary factors. In this review we highlight how the molecular and cellular events produced by mutation of the majority of MCPH genes may converge on apoptotic death of NPCs and neurons, via TP53 activation. We propose that these mechanisms should be more carefully considered in the alterations of the sophisticated equilibrium between proliferation, differentiation and death produced by MCPH gene mutations. In consideration of the potential druggability of cell apoptotic pathways, a better understanding of their role in MCPH may significantly facilitate the development of translational approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Iegiani
- Department of Neuroscience ‘Rita Levi Montalcini’, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessia Ferraro
- Department of Neuroscience ‘Rita Levi Montalcini’, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Turin, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Pallavicini
- Department of Neuroscience ‘Rita Levi Montalcini’, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Turin, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Di Cunto
- Department of Neuroscience ‘Rita Levi Montalcini’, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Turin, Italy
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20
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Chung HL, Ye Q, Park YJ, Zuo Z, Mok JW, Kanca O, Tattikota SG, Lu S, Perrimon N, Lee HK, Bellen HJ. Very-long-chain fatty acids induce glial-derived sphingosine-1-phosphate synthesis, secretion, and neuroinflammation. Cell Metab 2023; 35:855-874.e5. [PMID: 37084732 PMCID: PMC10160010 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
VLCFAs (very-long-chain fatty acids) are the most abundant fatty acids in myelin. Hence, during demyelination or aging, glia are exposed to higher levels of VLCFA than normal. We report that glia convert these VLCFA into sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) via a glial-specific S1P pathway. Excess S1P causes neuroinflammation, NF-κB activation, and macrophage infiltration into the CNS. Suppressing the function of S1P in fly glia or neurons, or administration of Fingolimod, an S1P receptor antagonist, strongly attenuates the phenotypes caused by excess VLCFAs. In contrast, elevating the VLCFA levels in glia and immune cells exacerbates these phenotypes. Elevated VLCFA and S1P are also toxic in vertebrates based on a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS), experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Indeed, reducing VLCFA with bezafibrate ameliorates the phenotypes. Moreover, simultaneous use of bezafibrate and fingolimod synergizes to improve EAE, suggesting that lowering VLCFA and S1P is a treatment avenue for MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung-Lok Chung
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Qi Ye
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ye-Jin Park
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhongyuan Zuo
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jung-Wan Mok
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Oguz Kanca
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Shenzhao Lu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nobert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hyun Kyoung Lee
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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21
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Link N, Harnish JM, Hull B, Gibson S, Dietze M, Mgbike UE, Medina-Balcazar S, Shah PS, Yamamoto S. A Zika virus protein expression screen in Drosophila to investigate targeted host pathways during development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.28.538736. [PMID: 37163061 PMCID: PMC10168400 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.28.538736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
In the past decade, Zika virus (ZIKV) emerged as a global public health concern. While adult infections are typically mild, maternal infection can lead to adverse fetal outcomes. Understanding how ZIKV proteins disrupt development can provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of symptoms caused by this virus including microcephaly. In this study, we generated a toolkit to ectopically express Zika viral proteins in vivo in Drosophila melanogaster in a tissue-specific manner using the GAL4/UAS system. We use this toolkit to identify phenotypes and host pathways targeted by the virus. Our work identified that expression of most ZIKV proteins cause scorable phenotypes, such as overall lethality, gross morphological defects, reduced brain size, and neuronal function defects. We further use this system to identify strain-dependent phenotypes that may contribute to the increased pathogenesis associated with the more recent outbreak of ZIKV in the Americas. Our work demonstrates Drosophila's use as an efficient in vivo model to rapidly decipher how pathogens cause disease and lays the groundwork for further molecular study of ZIKV pathogenesis in flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichole Link
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, BCM, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - J Michael Harnish
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, BCM, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Brooke Hull
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, BCM, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP), Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Shelley Gibson
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, BCM, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Miranda Dietze
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | | | - Silvia Medina-Balcazar
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, BCM, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Priya S. Shah
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Shinya Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, BCM, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP), Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, BCM, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, BCM, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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22
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Cheramangalam RN, Anand T, Pandey P, Balasubramanian D, Varghese R, Singhal N, Jaiswal SN, Jaiswal M. Bendless is essential for PINK1-Park mediated Mitofusin degradation under mitochondrial stress caused by loss of LRPPRC. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010493. [PMID: 37098042 PMCID: PMC10162545 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells under mitochondrial stress often co-opt mechanisms to maintain energy homeostasis, mitochondrial quality control and cell survival. A mechanistic understanding of such responses is crucial for further insight into mitochondrial biology and diseases. Through an unbiased genetic screen in Drosophila, we identify that mutations in lrpprc2, a homolog of the human LRPPRC gene that is linked to the French-Canadian Leigh syndrome, result in PINK1-Park activation. While the PINK1-Park pathway is well known to induce mitophagy, we show that PINK1-Park regulates mitochondrial dynamics by inducing the degradation of the mitochondrial fusion protein Mitofusin/Marf in lrpprc2 mutants. In our genetic screen, we also discover that Bendless, a K63-linked E2 conjugase, is a regulator of Marf, as loss of bendless results in increased Marf levels. We show that Bendless is required for PINK1 stability, and subsequently for PINK1-Park mediated Marf degradation under physiological conditions, and in response to mitochondrial stress as seen in lrpprc2. Additionally, we show that loss of bendless in lrpprc2 mutant eyes results in photoreceptor degeneration, indicating a neuroprotective role for Bendless-PINK1-Park mediated Marf degradation. Based on our observations, we propose that certain forms of mitochondrial stress activate Bendless-PINK1-Park to limit mitochondrial fusion, which is a cell-protective response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tarana Anand
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Hyderabad, India
| | - Priyanka Pandey
- CSIR–Centre For Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Reshmi Varghese
- CSIR–Centre For Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Neha Singhal
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Manish Jaiswal
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Hyderabad, India
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23
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Pelletier D, Rivera B, Fabian MR, Foulkes WD. miRNA biogenesis and inherited disorders: clinico-molecular insights. Trends Genet 2023; 39:401-414. [PMID: 36863945 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital roles in the regulation of gene expression, a process known as miRNA-induced gene silencing. The human genome codes for many miRNAs, and their biogenesis relies on a handful of genes, including DROSHA, DGCR8, DICER1, and AGO1/2. Germline pathogenic variants (GPVs) in these genes cause at least three distinct genetic syndromes, with clinical manifestations that range from hyperplastic/neoplastic entities to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Over the past decade, DICER1 GPVs have been shown to lead to tumor predisposition. Moreover, recent findings have provided insight into the clinical consequences arising from GPVs in DGCR8, AGO1, and AGO2. Here we provide a timely update with respect to how GPVs in miRNA biogenesis genes alter miRNA biology and ultimately lead to their clinical manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Pelletier
- Department of Human Genetics, Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Cancer Axis, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Barbara Rivera
- Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology Program - Oncobell, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marc R Fabian
- Cancer Axis, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada; Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - William D Foulkes
- Department of Human Genetics, Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Cancer Axis, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada; Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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24
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Asif M, Abdullah U, Nürnberg P, Tinschert S, Hussain MS. Congenital Microcephaly: A Debate on Diagnostic Challenges and Etiological Paradigm of the Shift from Isolated/Non-Syndromic to Syndromic Microcephaly. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040642. [PMID: 36831309 PMCID: PMC9954724 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital microcephaly (CM) exhibits broad clinical and genetic heterogeneity and is thus categorized into several subtypes. However, the recent bloom of disease-gene discoveries has revealed more overlaps than differences in the underlying genetic architecture for these clinical sub-categories, complicating the differential diagnosis. Moreover, the mechanism of the paradigm shift from a brain-restricted to a multi-organ phenotype is only vaguely understood. This review article highlights the critical factors considered while defining CM subtypes. It also presents possible arguments on long-standing questions of the brain-specific nature of CM caused by a dysfunction of the ubiquitously expressed proteins. We argue that brain-specific splicing events and organ-restricted protein expression may contribute in part to disparate clinical manifestations. We also highlight the role of genetic modifiers and de novo variants in the multi-organ phenotype of CM and emphasize their consideration in molecular characterization. This review thus attempts to expand our understanding of the phenotypic and etiological variability in CM and invites the development of more comprehensive guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Asif
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Uzma Abdullah
- University Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology (UIBB), PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi 46300, Pakistan
| | - Peter Nürnberg
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Sigrid Tinschert
- Zentrum Medizinische Genetik, Medizinische Universität, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Muhammad Sajid Hussain
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Correspondence:
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25
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Wolf L, Boutros M. The role of Evi/Wntless in exporting Wnt proteins. Development 2023; 150:286996. [PMID: 36763105 PMCID: PMC10112924 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Intercellular communication by Wnt proteins governs many essential processes during development, tissue homeostasis and disease in all metazoans. Many context-dependent effects are initiated in the Wnt-producing cells and depend on the export of lipidated Wnt proteins. Although much focus has been on understanding intracellular Wnt signal transduction, the cellular machinery responsible for Wnt secretion became better understood only recently. After lipid modification by the acyl-transferase Porcupine, Wnt proteins bind their dedicated cargo protein Evi/Wntless for transport and secretion. Evi/Wntless and Porcupine are conserved transmembrane proteins, and their 3D structures were recently determined. In this Review, we summarise studies and structural data highlighting how Wnts are transported from the ER to the plasma membrane, and the role of SNX3-retromer during the recycling of its cargo receptor Evi/Wntless. We also describe the regulation of Wnt export through a post-translational mechanism and review the importance of Wnt secretion for organ development and cancer, and as a future biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Wolf
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Signalling and Functional Genomics and Heidelberg University, BioQuant and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Boutros
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Signalling and Functional Genomics and Heidelberg University, BioQuant and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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26
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Prasad T, Iyer S, Chatterjee S, Kumar M. In vivo models to study neurogenesis and associated neurodevelopmental disorders-Microcephaly and autism spectrum disorder. WIREs Mech Dis 2023:e1603. [PMID: 36754084 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1603] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
The genesis and functioning of the central nervous system are one of the most intricate and intriguing aspects of embryogenesis. The big lacuna in the field of human CNS development is the lack of accessibility of the human brain for direct observation during embryonic and fetal development. Thus, it is imperative to establish alternative animal models to gain deep mechanistic insights into neurodevelopment, establishment of neural circuitry, and its function. Neurodevelopmental events such as neural specification, differentiation, and generation of neuronal and non-neuronal cell types have been comprehensively studied using a variety of animal models and in vitro model systems derived from human cells. The experimentations on animal models have revealed novel, mechanistic insights into neurogenesis, formation of neural networks, and function. The models, thus serve as indispensable tools to understand the molecular basis of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) arising from aberrations during embryonic development. Here, we review the spectrum of in vivo models such as fruitfly, zebrafish, frog, mice, and nonhuman primates to study neurogenesis and NDDs like microcephaly and Autism Spectrum Disorder. We also discuss nonconventional models such as ascidians and the recent technological advances in the field to study neurogenesis, disease mechanisms, and pathophysiology of human NDDs. This article is categorized under: Cancer > Stem Cells and Development Congenital Diseases > Stem Cells and Development Neurological Diseases > Stem Cells and Development Congenital Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuhina Prasad
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Sharada Iyer
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Sayoni Chatterjee
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, India
| | - Megha Kumar
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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27
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Maddison DC, Mattedi F, Vagnoni A, Smith GA. Analysis of Mitochondrial Dynamics in Adult Drosophila Axons. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2023; 2023:75-83. [PMID: 36180217 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.top107819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal survival depends on the generation of ATP from an ever-changing mitochondrial network. This requires a fine balance between the constant degradation of damaged mitochondria, biogenesis of new mitochondria, movement along microtubules, dynamic processes, and adequate functional capacity to meet firing demands. The distribution of mitochondria needs to be tightly controlled throughout the entire neuron, including its projections. Axons in particular can be enormous structures compared to the size of the cell soma, and how mitochondria are maintained in these compartments is poorly defined. Mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons is associated with aging and neurodegenerative diseases, with the axon being preferentially vulnerable to destruction. Drosophila offer a unique way to study these organelles in fully differentiated adult neurons in vivo. Here, we briefly review the regulation of neuronal mitochondria in health, aging, and disease and introduce two methodological approaches to study mitochondrial dynamics and transport in axons using the Drosophila wing system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Maddison
- UK Dementia Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca Mattedi
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 9RX, United Kingdom
| | - Alessio Vagnoni
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 9RX, United Kingdom
| | - Gaynor Ann Smith
- UK Dementia Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom
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28
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Pan X, Dutta D, Lu S, Bellen HJ. Sphingolipids in neurodegenerative diseases. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1137893. [PMID: 36875645 PMCID: PMC9978793 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1137893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative Diseases (NDDs) are a group of disorders that cause progressive deficits of neuronal function. Recent evidence argues that sphingolipid metabolism is affected in a surprisingly broad set of NDDs. These include some lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs), hereditary sensory and autonomous neuropathy (HSAN), hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD), Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), as well as some forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Many of these diseases have been modeled in Drosophila melanogaster and are associated with elevated levels of ceramides. Similar changes have also been reported in vertebrate cells and mouse models. Here, we summarize studies using fly models and/or patient samples which demonstrate the nature of the defects in sphingolipid metabolism, the organelles that are implicated, the cell types that are initially affected, and potential therapeutics for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyang Pan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Debdeep Dutta
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shenzhao Lu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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29
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Trajković J, Makevic V, Pesic M, Pavković-Lučić S, Milojevic S, Cvjetkovic S, Hagerman R, Budimirovic DB, Protic D. Drosophila melanogaster as a Model to Study Fragile X-Associated Disorders. Genes (Basel) 2022; 14:genes14010087. [PMID: 36672829 PMCID: PMC9859539 DOI: 10.3390/genes14010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a global neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the expansion of CGG trinucleotide repeats (≥200) in the Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene. FXS is the hallmark of Fragile X-associated disorders (FXD) and the most common monogenic cause of inherited intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. There are several animal models used to study FXS. In the FXS model of Drosophila, the only ortholog of FMR1, dfmr1, is mutated so that its protein is missing. This model has several relevant phenotypes, including defects in the circadian output pathway, sleep problems, memory deficits in the conditioned courtship and olfactory conditioning paradigms, deficits in social interaction, and deficits in neuronal development. In addition to FXS, a model of another FXD, Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), has also been established in Drosophila. This review summarizes many years of research on FXD in Drosophila models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Trajković
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vedrana Makevic
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Pesic
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Sara Milojevic
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Smiljana Cvjetkovic
- Department of Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Randi Hagerman
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Dejan B. Budimirovic
- Department of Psychiatry, Fragile X Clinic, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences-Child Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Dragana Protic
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Correspondence:
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30
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Ren M, Yang Y, Heng KHY, Ng LY, Chong CYY, Ng YT, Gorur-Shandilya S, Lee RMQ, Lim KL, Zhang J, Koh TW. MED13 and glycolysis are conserved modifiers of α-synuclein-associated neurodegeneration. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111852. [PMID: 36543134 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein (α-syn) is important in synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease (PD). While genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of synucleinopathies have identified many risk loci, the underlying genes have not been shown for most loci. Using Drosophila, we screened 3,471 mutant chromosomes for genetic modifiers of α-synuclein and identified 12 genes. Eleven modifiers have human orthologs associated with diseases, including MED13 and CDC27, which lie within PD GWAS loci. Drosophila Skd/Med13 and glycolytic enzymes are co-upregulated by α-syn-associated neurodegeneration. While elevated α-syn compromises mitochondrial function, co-expressing skd/Med13 RNAi and α-syn synergistically increase the ratio of oxidized-to-reduced glutathione. The resulting neurodegeneration can be suppressed by overexpressing a glycolytic enzyme or treatment with deferoxamine, suggesting that compensatory glycolysis is neuroprotective. In addition, the functional relationship between α-synuclein, MED13, and glycolytic enzymes is conserved between flies and mice. We propose that hypoxia-inducible factor and MED13 are part of a druggable pathway for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengda Ren
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore 117604, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308207, Singapore; National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore 308433, Singapore
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University First Affiliated Hospital and School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310002, China
| | | | - Lu Yi Ng
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore 117604, Singapore
| | | | - Yan Ting Ng
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore 117604, Singapore
| | | | - Rachel Min Qi Lee
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore 117604, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Kah Leong Lim
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308207, Singapore; National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore 308433, Singapore
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University First Affiliated Hospital and School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310002, China; China National Health and Disease Human Brain Tissue Resource Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310002, China
| | - Tong-Wey Koh
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore 117604, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore.
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31
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Nitta Y, Sugie A. Studies of neurodegenerative diseases using Drosophila and the development of novel approaches for their analysis. Fly (Austin) 2022; 16:275-298. [PMID: 35765969 PMCID: PMC9336468 DOI: 10.1080/19336934.2022.2087484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of Drosophila in neurodegenerative disease research has contributed to the identification of modifier genes for the pathology. The basis for neurodegenerative disease occurrence in Drosophila is the conservation of genes across species and the ability to perform rapid genetic analysis using a compact brain. Genetic findings previously discovered in Drosophila can reveal molecular pathologies involved in human neurological diseases in later years. Disease models using Drosophila began to be generated during the development of genetic engineering. In recent years, results of reverse translational research using Drosophila have been reported. In this review, we discuss research on neurodegenerative diseases; moreover, we introduce various methods for quantifying neurodegeneration in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Nitta
- Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Atsushi Sugie
- Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan,CONTACT Atsushi Sugie Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
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32
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Molina-Pelayo C, Olguin P, Mlodzik M, Glavic A. The conserved Pelado/ZSWIM8 protein regulates actin dynamics by promoting linear actin filament polymerization. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/12/e202201484. [PMID: 35940847 PMCID: PMC9375228 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Actin filament polymerization can be branched or linear, which depends on the associated regulatory proteins. Competition for actin monomers occurs between proteins that induce branched or linear actin polymerization. Cell specialization requires the regulation of actin filaments to allow the formation of cell type-specific structures, like cuticular hairs in Drosophila, formed by linear actin filaments. Here, we report the functional analysis of CG34401/pelado, a gene encoding a SWIM domain-containing protein, conserved throughout the animal kingdom, called ZSWIM8 in mammals. Mutant pelado epithelial cells display actin hair elongation defects. This phenotype is reversed by increasing actin monomer levels or by either pushing linear actin polymerization or reducing branched actin polymerization. Similarly, in hemocytes, Pelado is essential to induce filopodia, a linear actin-based structure. We further show that this function of Pelado/ZSWIM8 is conserved in human cells, where Pelado inhibits branched actin polymerization in a cell migration context. In summary, our data indicate that the function of Pelado/ZSWIM8 in regulating actin cytoskeletal dynamics is conserved, favoring linear actin polymerization at the expense of branched filaments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Molina-Pelayo
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Departamento de Biología, Centro FONDAP de Regulación del Genoma, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricio Olguin
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA .,Departamento de Neurociencia, Programa de Genética Humana, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Instituto de Neurociencia Biomédica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marek Mlodzik
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alvaro Glavic
- Departamento de Biología, Centro FONDAP de Regulación del Genoma, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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33
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Boettcher S, Simons M. Model organisms for functional validation in genetic renal disease. MED GENET-BERLIN 2022; 34:287-296. [PMID: 38836086 PMCID: PMC11006349 DOI: 10.1515/medgen-2022-2162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Functional validation is key for establishing new disease genes in human genetics. Over the years, model organisms have been utilized in a very effective manner to prove causality of genes or genetic variants for a wide variety of diseases. Also in hereditary renal disease, model organisms are very helpful for functional validation of candidate genes and variants identified by next-generation sequencing strategies and for obtaining insights into the pathophysiology. Due to high genetic conservation as well as high anatomical and physiological similarities with the human kidney, almost all genetic kidney diseases can be studied in the mouse. However, mouse work is time consuming and expensive, so there is a need for alternative models. In this review, we will provide an overview of model organisms used in renal research, focusing on mouse, zebrafish, frog, and fruit flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Boettcher
- Sektion Nephrogenetik, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matias Simons
- Sektion Nephrogenetik, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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34
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Keramidioti A, Golegou E, Psarra E, Paschalidis N, Kalodimou K, Yamamoto S, Delidakis C, Vakaloglou KM, Zervas CG. Epithelial morphogenesis in the Drosophila egg chamber requires Parvin and ILK. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:951082. [PMID: 36531940 PMCID: PMC9752845 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.951082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Integrins are the major family of transmembrane proteins that mediate cell-matrix adhesion and have a critical role in epithelial morphogenesis. Integrin function largely depends on the indirect connection of the integrin cytoplasmic tail to the actin cytoskeleton through an intracellular protein network, the integrin adhesome. What is currently unknown is the role of individual integrin adhesome components in epithelia dynamic reorganization. Drosophila egg chamber consists of the oocyte encircled by a monolayer of somatic follicle epithelial cells that undergo specific cell shape changes. Egg chamber morphogenesis depends on a developmental array of cell-cell and cell-matrix signalling events. Recent elegant work on the role of integrins in the Drosophila egg chamber has indicated their essential role in the early stages of oogenesis when the pre-follicle cells assemble into the follicle epithelium. Here, we have focused on the functional requirement of two key integrin adhesome components, Parvin and Integrin-Linked Kinase (ILK). Both proteins are expressed in the developing ovary from pupae to the adult stage and display enriched expression in terminal filament and stalk cells, while their genetic removal from early germaria results in severe disruption of the subsequent oogenesis, leading to female sterility. Combining genetic mosaic analysis of available null alleles for both Parvin and Ilk with conditional rescue utilizing the UAS/Gal4 system, we found that Parvin and ILK are required in pre-follicle cells for germline cyst encapsulation and stalk cell morphogenesis. Collectively, we have uncovered novel developmental functions for both Parvin and ILK, which closely synergize with integrins in epithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athina Keramidioti
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Evgenia Golegou
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Psarra
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Paschalidis
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantina Kalodimou
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Shinya Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Department of Neuroscience (BCM), The Development Disease Models and Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH), Program in Developmental Biology (BCM), Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Christos Delidakis
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Iraklio, Greece
- Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), Iraklio, Greece
| | - Katerina M. Vakaloglou
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos G. Zervas
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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35
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Notch Missense Mutations in Drosophila Reveal Functions of Specific EGF-like Repeats in Notch Folding, Trafficking, and Signaling. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12121752. [PMID: 36551180 PMCID: PMC9775759 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling plays various roles in cell-fate specification through direct cell-cell interactions. Notch receptors are evolutionarily conserved transmembrane proteins with multiple epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats. Drosophila Notch has 36 EGF-like repeats, and while some play a role in Notch signaling, the specific functions of most remain unclear. To investigate the role of each EGF-like repeat, we used 19 previously identified missense mutations of Notch with unique amino acid substitutions in various EGF-like repeats and a transmembrane domain; 17 of these were identified through a single genetic screen. We assessed these mutants' phenotypes in the nervous system and hindgut during embryogenesis, and found that 10 of the 19 Notch mutants had defects in both lateral inhibition and inductive Notch signaling, showing context dependency. Of these 10 mutants, six accumulated Notch in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and these six were located in EGF-like repeats 8-10 or 25. Mutations with cysteine substitutions were not always coupled with ER accumulation. This suggests that certain EGF-like repeats may be particularly susceptible to structural perturbation, resulting in a misfolded and inactive Notch product that accumulates in the ER. Thus, we propose that these EGF-like repeats may be integral to Notch folding.
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36
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Kingston ER, Blodgett LW, Bartel DP. Endogenous transcripts direct microRNA degradation in Drosophila, and this targeted degradation is required for proper embryonic development. Mol Cell 2022; 82:3872-3884.e9. [PMID: 36150386 PMCID: PMC9648618 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) typically direct degradation of their mRNA targets. However, some targets have unusual miRNA-binding sites that direct degradation of cognate miRNAs. Although this target-directed miRNA degradation (TDMD) is thought to shape the levels of numerous miRNAs, relatively few sites that endogenously direct degradation have been identified. Here, we identify six sites, five in mRNAs and one in a noncoding RNA named Marge, which serve this purpose in Drosophila cells or embryos. These six sites direct miRNA degradation without collateral target degradation, helping explain the effectiveness of this miRNA-degradation pathway. Mutations that disrupt this pathway are lethal, with many flies dying as embryos. Concomitant derepression of miR-3 and its paralog miR-309 appears responsible for some of this lethality, whereas the loss of Marge-directed degradation of miR-310 miRNAs causes defects in embryonic cuticle development. Thus, TDMD is implicated in the viability of an animal and is required for its proper development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena R Kingston
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Whitehead Institute of Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Lianne W Blodgett
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Whitehead Institute of Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - David P Bartel
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Whitehead Institute of Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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37
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Lu S, Ma M, Mao X, Bacino CA, Jankovic J, Sutton VR, Bartley JA, Wang X, Rosenfeld JA, Beleza-Meireles A, Chauhan J, Pan X, Li M, Liu P, Prescott K, Amin S, Davies G, Wangler MF, Dai Y, Bellen HJ. De novo variants in FRMD5 are associated with developmental delay, intellectual disability, ataxia, and abnormalities of eye movement. Am J Hum Genet 2022; 109:1932-1943. [PMID: 36206744 PMCID: PMC9606480 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteins containing the FERM (four-point-one, ezrin, radixin, and moesin) domain link the plasma membrane with cytoskeletal structures at specific cellular locations and have been implicated in the localization of cell-membrane-associated proteins and/or phosphoinositides. FERM domain-containing protein 5 (FRMD5) localizes at cell adherens junctions and stabilizes cell-cell contacts. To date, variants in FRMD5 have not been associated with a Mendelian disease in OMIM. Here, we describe eight probands with rare heterozygous missense variants in FRMD5 who present with developmental delay, intellectual disability, ataxia, seizures, and abnormalities of eye movement. The variants are de novo in all for whom parental testing was available (six out of eight probands), and human genetic datasets suggest that FRMD5 is intolerant to loss of function (LoF). We found that the fly ortholog of FRMD5, CG5022 (dFrmd), is expressed in the larval and adult central nervous systems where it is present in neurons but not in glia. dFrmd LoF mutant flies are viable but are extremely sensitive to heat shock, which induces severe seizures. The mutants also exhibit defective responses to light. The human FRMD5 reference (Ref) cDNA rescues the fly dFrmd LoF phenotypes. In contrast, all the FRMD5 variants tested in this study (c.340T>C, c.1051A>G, c.1053C>G, c.1054T>C, c.1045A>C, and c.1637A>G) behave as partial LoF variants. In addition, our results indicate that two variants that were tested have dominant-negative effects. In summary, the evidence supports that the observed variants in FRMD5 cause neurological symptoms in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenzhao Lu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mengqi Ma
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xiao Mao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory for Birth Defect Research and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Department of Medical Genetics, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Carlos A Bacino
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Joseph Jankovic
- Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - V Reid Sutton
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - James A Bartley
- Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Xueying Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, China
| | - Jill A Rosenfeld
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Baylor Genetics Laboratories, Houston, TX 77021, USA
| | - Ana Beleza-Meireles
- Clinical Genetics Department, St Michael's Hospital, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston, Bristol BS1 3NU, UK
| | - Jaynee Chauhan
- Yorkshire Regional Genetics Service, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds LS7 4SA, UK
| | - Xueyang Pan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Megan Li
- Invitae, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
| | - Pengfei Liu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Baylor Genetics Laboratories, Houston, TX 77021, USA
| | - Katrina Prescott
- Yorkshire Regional Genetics Service, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds LS7 4SA, UK
| | - Sam Amin
- Paediatric Neurology Department, Bristol Royal Pediatric Hospital, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston, Bristol BS1 3NU, UK
| | | | - Michael F Wangler
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yuwei Dai
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory for Birth Defect Research and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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38
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Ratiu JJ, Barclay WE, Lin E, Wang Q, Wellford S, Mehta N, Harnois MJ, DiPalma D, Roy S, Contreras AV, Shinohara ML, Wiest D, Zhuang Y. Loss of Zfp335 triggers cGAS/STING-dependent apoptosis of post-β selection thymocytes. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5901. [PMID: 36202870 PMCID: PMC9537144 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33610-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Production of a functional peripheral T cell compartment typically involves massive expansion of the bone marrow progenitors that seed the thymus. There are two main phases of expansion during T cell development, following T lineage commitment of double-negative (DN) 2 cells and after successful rearrangement and selection for functional TCRβ chains in DN3 thymocytes, which promotes the transition of DN4 cells to the DP stage. The signals driving the expansion of DN2 thymocytes are well studied. However, factors regulating the proliferation and survival of DN4 cells remain poorly understood. Here, we uncover an unexpected link between the transcription factor Zfp335 and control of cGAS/STING-dependent cell death in post-β-selection DN4 thymocytes. Zfp335 controls survival by sustaining expression of Ankle2, which suppresses cGAS/STING-dependent cell death. Together, this study identifies Zfp335 as a key transcription factor regulating the survival of proliferating post-β-selection thymocytes and demonstrates a key role for the cGAS/STING pathway in driving apoptosis of developing T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy J Ratiu
- Duke University, Department of Immunology, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | | | - Elliot Lin
- Duke University, Department of Immunology, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Qun Wang
- Duke University, Department of Immunology, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | | | - Naren Mehta
- Duke University, Department of Immunology, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | | | - Devon DiPalma
- Duke University, Department of Immunology, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Sumedha Roy
- Duke University, Department of Immunology, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Alejandra V Contreras
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Blood Cell Development and Function Program, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Mari L Shinohara
- Duke University, Department of Immunology, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Duke University, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - David Wiest
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Blood Cell Development and Function Program, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Yuan Zhuang
- Duke University, Department of Immunology, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
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39
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Fernandez-Abascal J, Wang L, Graziano B, Johnson CK, Bianchi L. Exon-dependent transcriptional adaptation by exon-junction complex proteins Y14/RNP-4 and MAGOH/MAG-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010488. [PMID: 36315586 PMCID: PMC9648848 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional adaptation is a powerful gene regulation mechanism that can increase genetic robustness. Transcriptional adaptation occurs when a gene is mutated and is mediated by the mutant RNA, rather than by protein feedback loops. We show here that transcriptional adaptation occurs in the C. elegans clh family of Cl- channels and that it requires exon-junction complex (EJC) proteins RNP-4, MAG-1, and eiF4AIII. Depending on which exons are deleted in distinct clh-1 alleles, different clh genes are regulated in an EJC-dependent manner. Our results support the idea that different transcriptional adaptation outcomes may be directed by the differential interaction of the EJC with its target mutant RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Fernandez-Abascal
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Lei Wang
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Bianca Graziano
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Christina K. Johnson
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Laura Bianchi
- Department Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
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40
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Cheng KC, Burdine RD, Dickinson ME, Ekker SC, Lin AY, Lloyd KCK, Lutz CM, MacRae CA, Morrison JH, O'Connor DH, Postlethwait JH, Rogers CD, Sanchez S, Simpson JH, Talbot WS, Wallace DC, Weimer JM, Bellen HJ. Promoting validation and cross-phylogenetic integration in model organism research. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:276675. [PMID: 36125045 PMCID: PMC9531892 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Model organism (MO) research provides a basic understanding of biology and disease due to the evolutionary conservation of the molecular and cellular language of life. MOs have been used to identify and understand the function of orthologous genes, proteins, cells and tissues involved in biological processes, to develop and evaluate techniques and methods, and to perform whole-organism-based chemical screens to test drug efficacy and toxicity. However, a growing richness of datasets and the rising power of computation raise an important question: How do we maximize the value of MOs? In-depth discussions in over 50 virtual presentations organized by the National Institutes of Health across more than 10 weeks yielded important suggestions for improving the rigor, validation, reproducibility and translatability of MO research. The effort clarified challenges and opportunities for developing and integrating tools and resources. Maintenance of critical existing infrastructure and the implementation of suggested improvements will play important roles in maintaining productivity and facilitating the validation of animal models of human biology and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith C Cheng
- Department of Pathology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.,Institute for Computational and Data Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Rebecca D Burdine
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Mary E Dickinson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77007, USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77007, USA
| | - Stephen C Ekker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55906, USA
| | - Alex Y Lin
- Department of Pathology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - K C Kent Lloyd
- Mouse Biology Program, School of Medicinel, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA.,Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - Cathleen M Lutz
- The Jackson Laboratory, Genetic Resource Science, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Calum A MacRae
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 360 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - John H Morrison
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - David H O'Connor
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University ofWisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53711, USA
| | | | - Crystal D Rogers
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Susan Sanchez
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Julie H Simpson
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93117, USA
| | - William S Talbot
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Douglas C Wallace
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jill M Weimer
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Neurological Research Institute (TCH), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77007, USA
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41
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Benoit I, Di Curzio D, Civetta A, Douville RN. Drosophila as a Model for Human Viral Neuroinfections. Cells 2022; 11:cells11172685. [PMID: 36078091 PMCID: PMC9454636 DOI: 10.3390/cells11172685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of human neurological infection faces many technical and ethical challenges. While not as common as mammalian models, the use of Drosophila (fruit fly) in the investigation of virus–host dynamics is a powerful research tool. In this review, we focus on the benefits and caveats of using Drosophila as a model for neurological infections and neuroimmunity. Through the examination of in vitro, in vivo and transgenic systems, we highlight select examples to illustrate the use of flies for the study of exogenous and endogenous viruses associated with neurological disease. In each case, phenotypes in Drosophila are compared to those in human conditions. In addition, we discuss antiviral drug screening in flies and how investigating virus–host interactions may lead to novel antiviral drug targets. Together, we highlight standardized and reproducible readouts of fly behaviour, motor function and neurodegeneration that permit an accurate assessment of neurological outcomes for the study of viral infection in fly models. Adoption of Drosophila as a valuable model system for neurological infections has and will continue to guide the discovery of many novel virus–host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilena Benoit
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, 599 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2G3, Canada
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Taché Ave, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Domenico Di Curzio
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Taché Ave, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Alberto Civetta
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, 599 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2G3, Canada
| | - Renée N. Douville
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, 599 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2G3, Canada
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, 351 Taché Ave, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Barish S, Senturk M, Schoch K, Minogue AL, Lopergolo D, Fallerini C, Harland J, Seemann JH, Stong N, Kranz PG, Kansagra S, Mikati MA, Jasien J, El-Dairi M, Galluzzi P, Ariani F, Renieri A, Mari F, Wangler MF, Arur S, Jiang YH, Yamamoto S, Shashi V, Bellen HJ. The microRNA processor DROSHA is a candidate gene for a severe progressive neurological disorder. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:2934-2950. [PMID: 35405010 PMCID: PMC9433733 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
DROSHA encodes a ribonuclease that is a subunit of the Microprocessor complex and is involved in the first step of microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis. To date, DROSHA has not yet been associated with a Mendelian disease. Here, we describe two individuals with profound intellectual disability, epilepsy, white matter atrophy, microcephaly and dysmorphic features, who carry damaging de novo heterozygous variants in DROSHA. DROSHA is constrained for missense variants and moderately intolerant to loss-of-function (o/e = 0.24). The loss of the fruit fly ortholog drosha causes developmental arrest and death in third instar larvae, a severe reduction in brain size and loss of imaginal discs in the larva. Loss of drosha in eye clones causes small and rough eyes in adult flies. One of the identified DROSHA variants (p.Asp1219Gly) behaves as a strong loss-of-function allele in flies, while another variant (p.Arg1342Trp) is less damaging in our assays. In worms, a knock-in that mimics the p.Asp1219Gly variant at a worm equivalent residue causes loss of miRNA expression and heterochronicity, a phenotype characteristic of the loss of miRNA. Together, our data show that the DROSHA variants found in the individuals presented here are damaging based on functional studies in model organisms and likely underlie the severe phenotype involving the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Barish
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mumine Senturk
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kelly Schoch
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Amanda L Minogue
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Diego Lopergolo
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Chiara Fallerini
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Jake Harland
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jacob H Seemann
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nicholas Stong
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Peter G Kranz
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Duke Health, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Sujay Kansagra
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Health, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Mohamad A Mikati
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Health, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Joan Jasien
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Health, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Mays El-Dairi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Health, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Paolo Galluzzi
- Department of Medical Genetics, NeuroImaging and NeuroInterventional Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera e Universitaria, Senese, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Francesca Ariani
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Alessandra Renieri
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Francesca Mari
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Michael F Wangler
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Swathi Arur
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yong-Hui Jiang
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Shinya Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Vandana Shashi
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Functional Diversity and Evolution of the Drosophila Sperm Proteome. Mol Cell Proteomics 2022; 21:100281. [PMID: 35985624 PMCID: PMC9494239 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2022.100281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa are central to fertilization and the evolutionary fitness of sexually reproducing organisms. As such, a deeper understanding of sperm proteomes (and associated reproductive tissues) has proven critical to the advancement of the fields of sexual selection and reproductive biology. Due to their extraordinary complexity, proteome depth-of-coverage is dependent on advancements in technology and related bioinformatics, both of which have made significant advancements in the decade since the last Drosophila sperm proteome was published. Here, we provide an updated version of the Drosophila melanogaster sperm proteome (DmSP3) using improved separation and detection methods and an updated genome annotation. Combined with previous versions of the sperm proteome, the DmSP3 contains a total of 3176 proteins, and we provide the first label-free quantitation of the sperm proteome for 2125 proteins. The top 20 most abundant proteins included the structural elements α- and β-tubulins and sperm leucyl-aminopeptidases. Both gene content and protein abundance were significantly reduced on the X chromosome, consistent with prior genomic studies of X chromosome evolution. We identified 9 of the 16 Y-linked proteins, including known testis-specific male fertility factors. We also identified almost one-half of known Drosophila ribosomal proteins in the DmSP3. The role of this subset of ribosomal proteins in sperm is unknown. Surprisingly, our expanded sperm proteome also identified 122 seminal fluid proteins (Sfps), proteins originally identified in the accessory glands. We show that a significant fraction of 'sperm-associated Sfps' are recalcitrant to concentrated salt and detergent treatments, suggesting this subclass of Sfps are expressed in testes and may have additional functions in sperm, per se. Overall, our results add to a growing landscape of both sperm and seminal fluid protein biology and in particular provides quantitative evidence at the protein level for prior findings supporting the meiotic sex-chromosome inactivation model for male-specific gene and X chromosome evolution.
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Li D, Gao H, Zheng W, Jin C, Huang Y, Pan S. Case report: Fetal cervical immature teratoma and copy number variations. Front Oncol 2022; 12:843268. [PMID: 36046039 PMCID: PMC9423720 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.843268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal cervical teratoma is a rare congenital neck tumor. Here, we report a case of a fetus with an anterior solid neck tumor that was confirmed to have an immature teratoma by histology. A duplication was found at chromosome 14q24.1-q24.3 of the fetus in chromosome microarray (CMA) and whole exome sequencing (WES), which was a copy number variation (CNV) and a probably new-onset. Ultrasound coupled with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be considered to be a relatively reliable diagnostic tool, whereas ex-utero intrapartum therapy or resection of the tumor mass on placental support may improve the chances of the newborn’s survival. Strangely, the same duplication occurred on her next fetus that was found with complex congenital heart malformations. CNV at chromosome 14q24.1-q24.3 needs to be paid more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianjie Li
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Gao
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wanting Zheng
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shantou Central Hospital, Shantou, China
| | - Chunzhu Jin
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuxin Huang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yuxin Huang, ; Shilei Pan,
| | - Shilei Pan
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yuxin Huang, ; Shilei Pan,
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Thomas AX, Link N, Robak LA, Demmler‐Harrison G, Pao EC, Squire AE, Michels S, Cohen JS, Comi A, Prontera P, Verrotti di Pianella A, Di Cara G, Garavelli L, Caraffi SG, Fusco C, Zuntini R, Parks KC, Sherr EH, Hashem MO, Maddirevula S, Alkuraya FS, Contractar IAF, Neil JE, Walsh CA, Bellen HJ, Chao H, Clark RD, Mirzaa GM.
ANKLE2
‐related microcephaly: A variable microcephaly syndrome resembling Zika infection. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2022; 9:1276-1288. [PMID: 35871307 PMCID: PMC9380164 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Methods Results Interpretation
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay X. Thomas
- Division Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics Baylor College of Medicine Houston Texas USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute Texas Children's Hospital Houston Texas USA
| | - Nichole Link
- Department of Neurobiology University of Utah Salt Lake City Utah USA
| | - Laurie A. Robak
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute Texas Children's Hospital Houston Texas USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics Baylor College of Medicine Houston Texas USA
| | - Gail Demmler‐Harrison
- Division Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics Baylor College of Medicine Houston Texas USA
| | - Emily C. Pao
- Seattle Children's Hospital Seattle Washington USA
| | | | | | - Julie S. Cohen
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine Kennedy Krieger Institute Baltimore Maryland USA
- Department of Neurology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Anne Comi
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine Kennedy Krieger Institute Baltimore Maryland USA
- Department of Neurology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland USA
- Department of Pediatrics Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Paolo Prontera
- Medical Genetics Unit University and Hospital of Perugia Perugia Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Di Cara
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences University of Perugia Perugia Italy
| | - Livia Garavelli
- Medical Genetics Unit Azienda USL‐IRCCS di Reggio Emilia Reggio Emilia Italy
| | | | - Carlo Fusco
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit Azienda USL‐IRCCS di Reggio Emilia Reggio Emilia Italy
| | - Roberta Zuntini
- Medical Genetics Unit Azienda USL‐IRCCS di Reggio Emilia Reggio Emilia Italy
| | - Kendall C. Parks
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Human Genetics University of California in San Francisco San Francisco California USA
| | - Elliott H. Sherr
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Human Genetics University of California in San Francisco San Francisco California USA
| | - Mais O. Hashem
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center Riyadh Saudi Arabia
| | - Sateesh Maddirevula
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center Riyadh Saudi Arabia
| | - Fowzan S. Alkuraya
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center Riyadh Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Jennifer E. Neil
- Division of Genetics and Genomics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Boston Children's Hospital Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Christopher A. Walsh
- Division of Genetics and Genomics and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Boston Children's Hospital Boston Massachusetts USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Hugo J. Bellen
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute Texas Children's Hospital Houston Texas USA
- Division Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics Baylor College of Medicine Houston Texas USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute Baylor College of Medicine Houston Texas USA
- Department of Neuroscience Baylor College of Medicine Houston Texas USA
| | - Hsiao‐Tuan Chao
- Division Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics Baylor College of Medicine Houston Texas USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute Texas Children's Hospital Houston Texas USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics Baylor College of Medicine Houston Texas USA
- Department of Neuroscience Baylor College of Medicine Houston Texas USA
- McNair Medical Institute The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation Houston Texas USA
| | - Robin D. Clark
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics Loma Linda University Loma Linda California USA
| | - Ghayda M. Mirzaa
- Center for Integrative Brain Research Seattle Children's Research Institute Seattle Washington USA
- Department of Pediatrics University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
- Brotman‐Baty Institute for Precision Medicine Seattle Washington USA
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Olguín V, Durán A, Las Heras M, Rubilar JC, Cubillos FA, Olguín P, Klein AD. Genetic Background Matters: Population-Based Studies in Model Organisms for Translational Research. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147570. [PMID: 35886916 PMCID: PMC9316598 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We are all similar but a bit different. These differences are partially due to variations in our genomes and are related to the heterogeneity of symptoms and responses to treatments that patients exhibit. Most animal studies are performed in one single strain with one manipulation. However, due to the lack of variability, therapies are not always reproducible when treatments are translated to humans. Panels of already sequenced organisms are valuable tools for mimicking human phenotypic heterogeneities and gene mapping. This review summarizes the current knowledge of mouse, fly, and yeast panels with insightful applications for translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Olguín
- Centro de Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7610658, Chile; (V.O.); (A.D.); (M.L.H.); (J.C.R.)
| | - Anyelo Durán
- Centro de Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7610658, Chile; (V.O.); (A.D.); (M.L.H.); (J.C.R.)
| | - Macarena Las Heras
- Centro de Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7610658, Chile; (V.O.); (A.D.); (M.L.H.); (J.C.R.)
| | - Juan Carlos Rubilar
- Centro de Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7610658, Chile; (V.O.); (A.D.); (M.L.H.); (J.C.R.)
| | - Francisco A. Cubillos
- Departamento de Biología, Santiago, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170022, Chile;
- Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago 7500565, Chile
| | - Patricio Olguín
- Program in Human Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Neurosciences Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
| | - Andrés D. Klein
- Centro de Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7610658, Chile; (V.O.); (A.D.); (M.L.H.); (J.C.R.)
- Correspondence:
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47
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Apridita Sebastian W, Shiraishi H, Shimizu N, Umeda R, Lai S, Ikeuchi M, Morisaki I, Yano S, Yoshimura A, Hanada R, Hanada T. Ankle2 deficiency-associated microcephaly and spermatogenesis defects in zebrafish are alleviated by heterozygous deletion of vrk1. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 624:95-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.07.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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48
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Novel Genetic Diagnoses in Septo-Optic Dysplasia. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13071165. [PMID: 35885948 PMCID: PMC9320703 DOI: 10.3390/genes13071165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) is a developmental phenotype characterized by midline neuroradiological anomalies, optic nerve hypoplasia, and pituitary anomalies, with a high degree of variability and additional systemic anomalies present in some cases. While disruption of several transcription factors has been identified in SOD cohorts, most cases lack a genetic diagnosis, with multifactorial risk factors being thought to play a role. Exome sequencing in a cohort of families with a clinical diagnosis of SOD identified a genetic diagnosis in 3/6 families, de novo variants in SOX2, SHH, and ARID1A, and explored variants of uncertain significance in the remaining three. The outcome of this study suggests that investigation for a genetic etiology is warranted in individuals with SOD, particularly in the presence of additional syndromic anomalies and when born to older, multigravida mothers. The identification of causative variants in SHH and ARID1A further expands the phenotypic spectra associated with these genes and reveals novel pathways to explore in septo-optic dysplasia.
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49
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Manivannan SN, Roovers J, Smal N, Myers CT, Turkdogan D, Roelens F, Kanca O, Chung HL, Scholz T, Hermann K, Bierhals T, Caglayan HS, Stamberger H, Mefford H, de Jonghe P, Yamamoto S, Weckhuysen S, Bellen HJ. De novo FZR1 loss-of-function variants cause developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Brain 2022; 145:1684-1697. [PMID: 34788397 PMCID: PMC9166542 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
FZR1, which encodes the Cdh1 subunit of the anaphase-promoting complex, plays an important role in neurodevelopment by regulating the cell cycle and by its multiple post-mitotic functions in neurons. In this study, evaluation of 250 unrelated patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies and a connection on GeneMatcher led to the identification of three de novo missense variants in FZR1. Whole-exome sequencing in 39 patient-parent trios and subsequent targeted sequencing in an additional cohort of 211 patients was performed to identify novel genes involved in developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Functional studies in Drosophila were performed using three different mutant alleles of the Drosophila homologue of FZR1 fzr. All three individuals carrying de novo variants in FZR1 had childhood-onset generalized epilepsy, intellectual disability, mild ataxia and normal head circumference. Two individuals were diagnosed with the developmental and epileptic encephalopathy subtype myoclonic atonic epilepsy. We provide genetic-association testing using two independent statistical tests to support FZR1 association with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Further, we provide functional evidence that the missense variants are loss-of-function alleles using Drosophila neurodevelopment assays. Using three fly mutant alleles of the Drosophila homologue fzr and overexpression studies, we show that patient variants can affect proper neurodevelopment. With the recent report of a patient with neonatal-onset with microcephaly who also carries a de novo FZR1 missense variant, our study consolidates the relationship between FZR1 and developmental and epileptic encephalopathy and expands the associated phenotype. We conclude that heterozygous loss-of-function of FZR1 leads to developmental and epileptic encephalopathies associated with a spectrum of neonatal to childhood-onset seizure types, developmental delay and mild ataxia. Microcephaly can be present but is not an essential feature of FZR1-encephalopathy. In summary, our approach of targeted sequencing using novel gene candidates and functional testing in Drosophila will help solve undiagnosed myoclonic atonic epilepsy or developmental and epileptic encephalopathy cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sathiya N Manivannan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston 77030, USA
| | - Jolien Roovers
- Neurogenetics Group, VIB Centre for Molecular Neurology, Antwerp 2610, Belgium.,Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Noor Smal
- Applied and Translational Neurogenomics Group, VIB Centre for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Candace T Myers
- Center for Pediatric Neurological Disease Research, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 30105, USA
| | - Dilsad Turkdogan
- Division of Child Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, Marmara University, Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | | | - Oguz Kanca
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston 77030, USA
| | - Hyung-Lok Chung
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston 77030, USA
| | - Tasja Scholz
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Hermann
- Department of Paediatrics, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tatjana Bierhals
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hande S Caglayan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hannah Stamberger
- Applied and Translational Neurogenomics Group, VIB Centre for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp 2610, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp 2650, Belgium
| | | | - Heather Mefford
- Center for Pediatric Neurological Disease Research, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 30105, USA
| | - Peter de Jonghe
- Neurogenetics Group, VIB Centre for Molecular Neurology, Antwerp 2610, Belgium.,Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp 2650, Belgium
| | - Shinya Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston 77030, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sarah Weckhuysen
- Applied and Translational Neurogenomics Group, VIB Centre for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp 2610, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp 2650, Belgium.,Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2650, Belgium.,µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston 77030, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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50
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Antonica F, Aiello G, Soldano A, Abballe L, Miele E, Tiberi L. Modeling Brain Tumors: A Perspective Overview of in vivo and Organoid Models. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:818696. [PMID: 35706426 PMCID: PMC9190727 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.818696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors are a large and heterogeneous group of neoplasms that affect the central nervous system and include some of the deadliest cancers. Almost all the conventional and new treatments fail to hinder tumoral growth of the most malignant brain tumors. This is due to multiple factors, such as intra-tumor heterogeneity, the microenvironmental properties of the human brain, and the lack of reliable models to test new therapies. Therefore, creating faithful models for each tumor and discovering tailored treatments pose great challenges in the fight against brain cancer. Over the years, different types of models have been generated, and, in this review, we investigated the advantages and disadvantages of the models currently used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Antonica
- Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Brain Disorders and Cancer, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Aiello
- Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Brain Disorders and Cancer, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Alessia Soldano
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Luana Abballe
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Evelina Miele
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Tiberi
- Armenise-Harvard Laboratory of Brain Disorders and Cancer, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
- *Correspondence: Luca Tiberi,
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