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Gao CW, Lin W, Riddle RC, Chopra S, Kim J, Boukas L, Hansen KD, Björnsson HT, Fahrner JA. Growth deficiency in a mouse model of Kabuki syndrome 2 bears mechanistic similarities to Kabuki syndrome 1. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011310. [PMID: 38857303 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Growth deficiency is a characteristic feature of both Kabuki syndrome 1 (KS1) and Kabuki syndrome 2 (KS2), Mendelian disorders of the epigenetic machinery with similar phenotypes but distinct genetic etiologies. We previously described skeletal growth deficiency in a mouse model of KS1 and further established that a Kmt2d-/- chondrocyte model of KS1 exhibits precocious differentiation. Here we characterized growth deficiency in a mouse model of KS2, Kdm6atm1d/+. We show that Kdm6atm1d/+ mice have decreased femur and tibia length compared to controls and exhibit abnormalities in cortical and trabecular bone structure. Kdm6atm1d/+ growth plates are also shorter, due to decreases in hypertrophic chondrocyte size and hypertrophic zone height. Given these disturbances in the growth plate, we generated Kdm6a-/- chondrogenic cell lines. Similar to our prior in vitro model of KS1, we found that Kdm6a-/- cells undergo premature, enhanced differentiation towards chondrocytes compared to Kdm6a+/+ controls. RNA-seq showed that Kdm6a-/- cells have a distinct transcriptomic profile that indicates dysregulation of cartilage development. Finally, we performed RNA-seq simultaneously on Kmt2d-/-, Kdm6a-/-, and control lines at Days 7 and 14 of differentiation. This revealed surprising resemblance in gene expression between Kmt2d-/- and Kdm6a-/- at both time points and indicates that the similarity in phenotype between KS1 and KS2 also exists at the transcriptional level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine W Gao
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - WanYing Lin
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ryan C Riddle
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Research and Development Service, Baltimore Veterans Administration Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sheetal Chopra
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jiyoung Kim
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Leandros Boukas
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kasper D Hansen
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Hans T Björnsson
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
- Landspítali University Hospital, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Jill A Fahrner
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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2
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Donoghue S, Wright J, Voss AK, Lockhart PJ, Amor DJ. The Mendelian disorders of chromatin machinery: Harnessing metabolic pathways and therapies for treatment. Mol Genet Metab 2024; 142:108360. [PMID: 38428378 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2024.108360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The Mendelian disorders of chromatin machinery (MDCMs) represent a distinct subgroup of disorders that present with neurodevelopmental disability. The chromatin machinery regulates gene expression by a range of mechanisms, including by post-translational modification of histones, responding to histone marks, and remodelling nucleosomes. Some of the MDCMs that impact on histone modification may have potential therapeutic interventions. Two potential treatment strategies are to enhance the intracellular pool of metabolites that can act as substrates for histone modifiers and the use of medications that may inhibit or promote the modification of histone residues to influence gene expression. In this article we discuss the influence and potential treatments of histone modifications involving histone acetylation and histone methylation. Genomic technologies are facilitating earlier diagnosis of many Mendelian disorders, providing potential opportunities for early treatment from infancy. This has parallels with how inborn errors of metabolism have been afforded early treatment with newborn screening. Before this promise can be fulfilled, we require greater understanding of the biochemical fingerprint of these conditions, which may provide opportunities to supplement metabolites that can act as substrates for chromatin modifying enzymes. Importantly, understanding the metabolomic profile of affected individuals may also provide disorder-specific biomarkers that will be critical for demonstrating efficacy of treatment, as treatment response may not be able to be accurately assessed by clinical measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Donoghue
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville 3052, Australia; Department of Biochemical Genetics, Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Parkville 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia.
| | - Jordan Wright
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia
| | - Anne K Voss
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia
| | - Paul J Lockhart
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia
| | - David J Amor
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia
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Harris JR, Gao CW, Britton JF, Applegate CD, Bjornsson HT, Fahrner JA. Five years of experience in the Epigenetics and Chromatin Clinic: what have we learned and where do we go from here? Hum Genet 2024; 143:607-624. [PMID: 36952035 PMCID: PMC10034257 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02537-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
The multidisciplinary Epigenetics and Chromatin Clinic at Johns Hopkins provides comprehensive medical care for individuals with rare disorders that involve disrupted epigenetics. Initially centered on classical imprinting disorders, the focus shifted to the rapidly emerging group of genetic disorders resulting from pathogenic germline variants in epigenetic machinery genes. These are collectively called the Mendelian disorders of the epigenetic machinery (MDEMs), or more broadly, Chromatinopathies. In five years, 741 clinic visits have been completed for 432 individual patients, with 153 having confirmed epigenetic diagnoses. Of these, 115 individuals have one of 26 MDEMs with every single one exhibiting global developmental delay and/or intellectual disability. This supports prior observations that intellectual disability is the most common phenotypic feature of MDEMs. Additional common phenotypes in our clinic include growth abnormalities and neurodevelopmental issues, particularly hypotonia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and anxiety, with seizures and autism being less common. Overall, our patient population is representative of the broader group of MDEMs and includes mostly autosomal dominant disorders impacting writers more so than erasers, readers, and remodelers of chromatin marks. There is an increased representation of dual function components with a reader and an enzymatic domain. As expected, diagnoses were made mostly by sequencing but were aided in some cases by DNA methylation profiling. Our clinic has helped to facilitate the discovery of two new disorders, and our providers are actively developing and implementing novel therapeutic strategies for MDEMs. These data and our high follow-up rate of over 60% suggest that we are achieving our mission to diagnose, learn from, and provide optimal care for our patients with disrupted epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline R Harris
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christine W Gao
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Medical Scientist Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jacquelyn F Britton
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carolyn D Applegate
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hans T Bjornsson
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Jill A Fahrner
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Gao CW, Lin W, Riddle RC, Kushwaha P, Boukas L, Björnsson HT, Hansen KD, Fahrner JA. A mouse model of Weaver syndrome displays overgrowth and excess osteogenesis reversible with KDM6A/6B inhibition. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e173392. [PMID: 38015625 PMCID: PMC10906465 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.173392] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Weaver syndrome is a Mendelian disorder of the epigenetic machinery (MDEM) caused by germline pathogenic variants in EZH2, which encodes the predominant H3K27 methyltransferase and key enzymatic component of Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). Weaver syndrome is characterized by striking overgrowth and advanced bone age, intellectual disability, and distinctive facies. We generated a mouse model for the most common Weaver syndrome missense variant, EZH2 p.R684C. Ezh2R684C/R684C mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) showed global depletion of H3K27me3. Ezh2R684C/+ mice had abnormal bone parameters, indicative of skeletal overgrowth, and Ezh2R684C/+ osteoblasts showed increased osteogenic activity. RNA-Seq comparing osteoblasts differentiated from Ezh2R684C/+, and Ezh2+/+ BM-mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) indicated collective dysregulation of the BMP pathway and osteoblast differentiation. Inhibition of the opposing H3K27 demethylases KDM6A and KDM6B substantially reversed the excessive osteogenesis in Ezh2R684C/+ cells both at the transcriptional and phenotypic levels. This supports both the ideas that writers and erasers of histone marks exist in a fine balance to maintain epigenome state and that epigenetic modulating agents have therapeutic potential for the treatment of MDEMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine W. Gao
- Department of Genetic Medicine
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, and
| | | | - Ryan C. Riddle
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Research and Development Service, Baltimore Veterans Administration Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Priyanka Kushwaha
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Leandros Boukas
- Department of Genetic Medicine
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hans T. Björnsson
- Department of Genetic Medicine
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
- Landspítali University Hospital, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Kasper D. Hansen
- Department of Genetic Medicine
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jill A. Fahrner
- Department of Genetic Medicine
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Goodman SJ, Luperchio TR, Ellegood J, Chater-Diehl E, Lerch JP, Bjornsson HT, Weksberg R. Peripheral blood DNA methylation and neuroanatomical responses to HDACi treatment that rescues neurological deficits in a Kabuki syndrome mouse model. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:172. [PMID: 37884963 PMCID: PMC10605417 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01582-x] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent findings from studies of mouse models of Mendelian disorders of epigenetic machinery strongly support the potential for postnatal therapies to improve neurobehavioral and cognitive deficits. As several of these therapies move into human clinical trials, the search for biomarkers of treatment efficacy is a priority. A potential postnatal treatment of Kabuki syndrome type 1 (KS1), caused by pathogenic variants in KMT2D encoding a histone-lysine methyltransferase, has emerged using a mouse model of KS1 (Kmt2d+/βGeo). In this mouse model, hippocampal memory deficits are ameliorated following treatment with the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), AR-42. Here, we investigate the effect of both Kmt2d+/βGeo genotype and AR-42 treatment on neuroanatomy and on DNA methylation (DNAm) in peripheral blood. While peripheral blood may not be considered a "primary tissue" with respect to understanding the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, it has the potential to serve as an accessible biomarker of disease- and treatment-related changes in the brain. METHODS Half of the KS1 and wildtype mice were treated with 14 days of AR-42. Following treatment, fixed brain samples were imaged using MRI to calculate regional volumes. Blood was assayed for genome-wide DNAm at over 285,000 CpG sites using the Illumina Infinium Mouse Methylation array. DNAm patterns and brain volumes were analyzed in the four groups of animals: wildtype untreated, wildtype AR-42 treated, KS1 untreated and KS1 AR-42 treated. RESULTS We defined a DNAm signature in the blood of KS1 mice, that overlapped with the human KS1 DNAm signature. We also found a striking 10% decrease in total brain volume in untreated KS1 mice compared to untreated wildtype, which correlated with DNAm levels in a subset KS1 signature sites, suggesting that disease severity may be reflected in blood DNAm. Treatment with AR-42 ameliorated DNAm aberrations in KS1 mice at a small number of signature sites. CONCLUSIONS As this treatment impacts both neurological deficits and blood DNAm in mice, future KS clinical trials in humans could be used to assess blood DNAm as an early biomarker of therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Teresa Romeo Luperchio
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eric Chater-Diehl
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hans Tomas Bjornsson
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
- Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Rosanna Weksberg
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.
- Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Rapp T, Kalinousky AJ, Johnson J, Bjornsson H, Harris J. Sleep disturbance is a common feature of Kabuki syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 2022; 188:3041-3048. [PMID: 35930004 PMCID: PMC9474613 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a rare epigenetic disorder caused by heterozygous loss of function variants in either KMT2D (90%) or KDM6A (10%), both involved in regulation of histone methylation. While sleep disturbance in other Mendelian disorders of the epigenetic machinery has been reported, no study has been conducted on sleep in KS. This study assessed sleep in 59 participants with KS using a validated sleep questionnaire. Participants ranged in age from 4 to 43 years old with 86% of participants having a pathogenic variant in KMT2D. In addition, data on adaptive function, behavior, anxiety, and quality of life were collected using their respective questionnaires. Some form of sleep issue was present in 71% of participants, with night-waking, daytime sleepiness, and sleep onset delay being the most prevalent. Sleep dysfunction was positively correlated with maladaptive behaviors, anxiety levels, and decreasing quality of life. Sleep issues were not correlated with adaptive function. This study establishes sleep disturbance as a common feature of KS. Quantitative sleep measures may be a useful outcome measure for clinical trials in KS. Further, clinicians caring for those with KS should consider sleep dysfunction as an important feature that impacts overall health and well being in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Rapp
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Allison J Kalinousky
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | | | - Hans Bjornsson
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Jacqueline Harris
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Individuals with Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome show nonverbal reasoning and visuospatial defects with relative verbal skill sparing. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2022; 29:512-518. [PMID: 36062544 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617722000467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome (WSS) is a rare Mendelian disorder of the epigenetic machinery caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants in KMT2A. Currently, the specific neurocognitive profile of this syndrome remains unknown. This case series provides insight into the cognitive phenotype of WSS. METHODS This study involves a retrospective medical chart review of 10 pediatric patients, each with a molecularly confirmed diagnosis of WSS who underwent clinical neuropsychological evaluation at an academic medical center. RESULTS The majority of patients performed in the below average to very low ranges in Nonverbal Reasoning, Visual/Spatial Perception, Visuoconstruction, Visual Memory, Attention, Working Memory and Math Computation skills. In contrast, over half the sample performed within normal limits on Receptive Vocabulary, Verbal Memory, and Word Reading. Wilcoxon signed rank test showed weaker Nonverbal versus Verbal Reasoning skills (p = .005). Most caregivers reported deficits in executive functioning, most notably in emotion regulation. CONCLUSIONS Nonverbal reasoning/memory, visuospatial/construction, attention, working memory, executive functioning, and math computation skills are areas of weakness among those with WSS. These findings overlap with research on Kabuki syndrome, which is caused by variants in KMT2D, and suggest disruption in the neurogenesis of the hippocampal formation may drive shared pathogenesis of the two syndromes.
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Cavalcanti F, Gonzalez-Rey E, Delgado M, Falo CP, Mestre L, Guaza C, O’Valle F, Lufino MMP, Xaus J, Mascaró C, Lunardi S, Sacilotto N, Dessanti P, Rotllant D, Navarro X, Herrando-Grabulosa M, Buesa C, Maes T. Efficacy of Vafidemstat in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Highlights the KDM1A/RCOR1/HDAC Epigenetic Axis in Multiple Sclerosis. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071420. [PMID: 35890315 PMCID: PMC9323733 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071420] [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: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysine specific demethylase 1 (LSD1; also known as KDM1A), is an epigenetic modulator that modifies the histone methylation status. KDM1A forms a part of protein complexes that regulate the expression of genes involved in the onset and progression of diseases such as cancer, central nervous system (CNS) disorders, viral infections, and others. Vafidemstat (ORY-2001) is a clinical stage inhibitor of KDM1A in development for the treatment of neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. However, the role of ORY-2001 targeting KDM1A in neuroinflammation remains to be explored. Here, we investigated the effect of ORY-2001 on immune-mediated and virus-induced encephalomyelitis, two experimental models of multiple sclerosis and neuronal damage. Oral administration of ORY-2001 ameliorated clinical signs, reduced lymphocyte egress and infiltration of immune cells into the spinal cord, and prevented demyelination. Interestingly, ORY-2001 was more effective and/or faster acting than a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor antagonist in the effector phase of the disease and reduced the inflammatory gene expression signature characteristic ofEAE in the CNS of mice more potently. In addition, ORY-2001 induced gene expression changes concordant with a potential neuroprotective function in the brain and spinal cord and reduced neuronal glutamate excitotoxicity-derived damage in explants. These results pointed to ORY-2001 as a promising CNS epigenetic drug able to target neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases and provided preclinical support for the subsequent design of early-stage clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Cavalcanti
- Oryzon Genomics S.A., Carrer Sant Ferran 74, 08940 Cornellà de Llobregat, Spain; (F.C.); (M.M.P.L.); (J.X.); (C.M.); (N.S.); (P.D.); (D.R.); (C.B.)
| | - Elena Gonzalez-Rey
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine López-Neyra, IPBLN-CSIC, PTS-Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (E.G.-R.); (M.D.)
| | - Mario Delgado
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine López-Neyra, IPBLN-CSIC, PTS-Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (E.G.-R.); (M.D.)
| | - Clara P. Falo
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine López-Neyra, IPBLN-CSIC, PTS-Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (E.G.-R.); (M.D.)
| | - Leyre Mestre
- Department of Functional and Systems Neurobiology, Cajal Institute (CSIC), 28034 Madrid, Spain; (L.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Carmen Guaza
- Department of Functional and Systems Neurobiology, Cajal Institute (CSIC), 28034 Madrid, Spain; (L.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Francisco O’Valle
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, IBIMER and IBS-Granada, Granada University, 18071 Granada, Spain;
| | - Michele M. P. Lufino
- Oryzon Genomics S.A., Carrer Sant Ferran 74, 08940 Cornellà de Llobregat, Spain; (F.C.); (M.M.P.L.); (J.X.); (C.M.); (N.S.); (P.D.); (D.R.); (C.B.)
| | - Jordi Xaus
- Oryzon Genomics S.A., Carrer Sant Ferran 74, 08940 Cornellà de Llobregat, Spain; (F.C.); (M.M.P.L.); (J.X.); (C.M.); (N.S.); (P.D.); (D.R.); (C.B.)
| | - Cristina Mascaró
- Oryzon Genomics S.A., Carrer Sant Ferran 74, 08940 Cornellà de Llobregat, Spain; (F.C.); (M.M.P.L.); (J.X.); (C.M.); (N.S.); (P.D.); (D.R.); (C.B.)
| | - Serena Lunardi
- Oryzon Genomics S.A., Carrer Sant Ferran 74, 08940 Cornellà de Llobregat, Spain; (F.C.); (M.M.P.L.); (J.X.); (C.M.); (N.S.); (P.D.); (D.R.); (C.B.)
| | - Natalia Sacilotto
- Oryzon Genomics S.A., Carrer Sant Ferran 74, 08940 Cornellà de Llobregat, Spain; (F.C.); (M.M.P.L.); (J.X.); (C.M.); (N.S.); (P.D.); (D.R.); (C.B.)
| | - Paola Dessanti
- Oryzon Genomics S.A., Carrer Sant Ferran 74, 08940 Cornellà de Llobregat, Spain; (F.C.); (M.M.P.L.); (J.X.); (C.M.); (N.S.); (P.D.); (D.R.); (C.B.)
| | - David Rotllant
- Oryzon Genomics S.A., Carrer Sant Ferran 74, 08940 Cornellà de Llobregat, Spain; (F.C.); (M.M.P.L.); (J.X.); (C.M.); (N.S.); (P.D.); (D.R.); (C.B.)
| | - Xavier Navarro
- Departament de Biologia Cellular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (X.N.); (M.H.-G.)
| | - Mireia Herrando-Grabulosa
- Departament de Biologia Cellular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (X.N.); (M.H.-G.)
| | - Carlos Buesa
- Oryzon Genomics S.A., Carrer Sant Ferran 74, 08940 Cornellà de Llobregat, Spain; (F.C.); (M.M.P.L.); (J.X.); (C.M.); (N.S.); (P.D.); (D.R.); (C.B.)
| | - Tamara Maes
- Oryzon Genomics S.A., Carrer Sant Ferran 74, 08940 Cornellà de Llobregat, Spain; (F.C.); (M.M.P.L.); (J.X.); (C.M.); (N.S.); (P.D.); (D.R.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Hattori Y, Matsumoto S, Morimoto S, Daini M, Toyofuku M, Matsuda S, Baba R, Murakami K, Iwatani M, Oki H, Iwasaki S, Matsumiya K, Tominari Y, Kimura H, Ito M. Design, synthesis, and structure–activity relationship of TAK-418 and its derivatives as a novel series of LSD1 inhibitors with lowered risk of hematological side effects. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 239:114522. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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10
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Lei J, Deng Y, Ma S. Downregulation of TGIF2 is possibly correlated with neuronal apoptosis and autism-like symptoms in mice. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2610. [PMID: 35592894 PMCID: PMC9226810 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND TGFB-induced factor homeobox 2 (TGIF2) has been reported to exert essential functions in brain development. This study aimed to elucidate the correlation of TGIF2 with autism, a neurodevelopmental condition which presents with severe communication problems. METHODS An autism-related gene expression dataset GSE36315 was used to analyze aberrantly expressed genes in autistic brain tissues. Maternal mice were treated with valproate (VPA), and their offspring were selected as model mice with autism. The functions of TGIF2 in autism-like symptoms in mice were examined by behavioral tests and histological examination of their hippocampal tissues. Mouse hippocampal neurons were extracted for in vitro studies. A gene set enrichment analysis was performed to analyze the signaling pathways involved, and the upstream factors influencing TGIF2 expression were explored in the ENCODE database and validated by ChIP-qPCR assays. RESULTS TGIF2 was poorly expressed in autistic patients in the GSE36315 dataset as well as in the temporal cortex tissues of autistic mice. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of TGIF2 suppressed autism-like symptoms and neuronal apoptosis in autistic mice. TGIF2 activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. TGIF2 could be regulated by monomethylation of histone H3 Lys4 (H3K4me1). The histone demethylase LSD1 was highly expressed in the tissues of autistic mice and bound to TGIF2 promoter, which was possibly responsible for TGIF2 downregulation. CONCLUSION This research suggests that the downregulation of TGIF2, possibly regulated by LSD1/H3K4me1, is correlated with neuronal apoptosis and development of autism in mice through the inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lei
- Department of the Ninth Pediatrics, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (the First-Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, P. R. China
| | - Yijue Deng
- Department of Graduate School, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, P. R. China
| | - Songdong Ma
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respirology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (the First-Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, P. R. China
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11
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Nothof SA, Magdinier F, Van-Gils J. Chromatin Structure and Dynamics: Focus on Neuronal Differentiation and Pathological Implication. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13040639. [PMID: 35456445 PMCID: PMC9029427 DOI: 10.3390/genes13040639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin structure is an essential regulator of gene expression. Its state of compaction contributes to the regulation of genetic programs, in particular during differentiation. Epigenetic processes, which include post-translational modifications of histones, DNA methylation and implication of non-coding RNA, are powerful regulators of gene expression. Neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation are spatio-temporally regulated events that allow the formation of the central nervous system components. Here, we review the chromatin structure and post-translational histone modifications associated with neuronal differentiation. Studying the impact of histone modifications on neuronal differentiation improves our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of chromatinopathies and opens up new therapeutic avenues. In addition, we will discuss techniques for the analysis of histone modifications on a genome-wide scale and the pathologies associated with the dysregulation of the epigenetic machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie A. Nothof
- Marseille Medical Genetics, Aix Marseille University, Inserm, CEDEX 05, 13385 Marseille, France; (S.A.N.); (F.M.)
| | - Frédérique Magdinier
- Marseille Medical Genetics, Aix Marseille University, Inserm, CEDEX 05, 13385 Marseille, France; (S.A.N.); (F.M.)
| | - Julien Van-Gils
- Marseille Medical Genetics, Aix Marseille University, Inserm, CEDEX 05, 13385 Marseille, France; (S.A.N.); (F.M.)
- Reference Center AD SOOR, AnDDI-RARE, Inserm U 1211, Medical Genetics Department, Bordeaux University, Center Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
- Correspondence:
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12
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Marwaha A, Costain G, Cytrynbaum C, Mendoza-Londano R, Chad L, Awamleh Z, Chater-Diehl E, Choufani S, Weksberg R. The utility of DNA methylation signatures in directing genome sequencing workflow: Kabuki syndrome and CDK13-related disorder. Am J Med Genet A 2022; 188:1368-1375. [PMID: 35043535 PMCID: PMC9303780 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by hypotonia, intellectual disability, skeletal anomalies, and postnatal growth restriction. The characteristic facial appearance is not pathognomonic for KS as several other conditions demonstrate overlapping features. For 20‐30% of children with a clinical diagnosis of KS, no causal variant is identified by conventional genetic testing of the two associated genes, KMT2D and KDM6A. Here, we describe two cases of suspected KS that met clinical diagnostic criteria and had a high gestalt match on the artificial intelligence platform Face2Gene. Although initial KS testing was negative, genome‐wide DNA methylation (DNAm) was instrumental in guiding genome sequencing workflow to establish definitive molecular diagnoses. In one case, a positive DNAm signature for KMT2D led to the identification of a cryptic variant in KDM6A by genome sequencing; for the other case, a DNAm signature different from KS led to the detection of another diagnosis in the KS differential, CDK13‐related disorder. This approach illustrates the clinical utility of DNAm signatures in the diagnostic workflow for the genome analyst or clinical geneticist—especially for disorders with overlapping clinical phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Marwaha
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gregory Costain
- Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Genetics and Genome Biology Program, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cheryl Cytrynbaum
- Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Genetics and Genome Biology Program, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roberto Mendoza-Londano
- Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauren Chad
- Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zain Awamleh
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric Chater-Diehl
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sanaa Choufani
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rosanna Weksberg
- Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Genetics and Genome Biology Program, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Song Y, Zhang H, Yang X, Shi Y, Yu B. Annual review of lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1/KDM1A) inhibitors in 2021. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 228:114042. [PMID: 34915312 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.114042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1/KDM1A) has emerged as a promising epigenetic target for disease treatment. Several LSD1 inhibitors have advanced into clinical trials. Following our last annual review on LSD1 inhibitors in 2020 (Eur. J. Med. Chem. 2021, 214, 113254), in this review we aim to update LSD1 inhibitors including natural products, synthetic compounds and cyclic peptides reported during 2021. Design strategies, structure-activity relationships, binding model analysis and modes of action are highlighted. In particular, two FDA-approved antihypertensive drugs raloxifene and fenoldopam were repurposed as reversible LSD1 inhibitors. The clinical candidate TAK-418 for treating neurodevelopmental disorders and PET imaging agent [18F]30 for LSD1 were identified. Moreover, dual inhibitors targeting both LSD1 and HDAC6 or tubulin displayed enhanced anti-cancer effects than single agents. These compounds further enrich the structural types of LSD1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Song
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Huiqing Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xiaoke Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yuting Shi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Bin Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing, 100000, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
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14
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Lindlöf A. The Vulnerability of the Developing Brain: Analysis of Highly Expressed Genes in Infant C57BL/6 Mouse Hippocampus in Relation to Phenotypic Annotation Derived From Mutational Studies. Bioinform Biol Insights 2022; 16:11779322211062722. [PMID: 35023907 PMCID: PMC8743926 DOI: 10.1177/11779322211062722] [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: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus has been shown to have a major role in learning and memory, but also to participate in the regulation of emotions. However, its specific role(s) in memory is still unclear. Hippocampal damage or dysfunction mainly results in memory issues, especially in the declarative memory but, in animal studies, has also shown to lead to hyperactivity and difficulty in inhibiting responses previously taught. The brain structure is affected in neuropathological disorders, such as Alzheimer's, epilepsy, and schizophrenia, and also by depression and stress. The hippocampus structure is far from mature at birth and undergoes substantial development throughout infant and juvenile life. The aim of this study was to survey genes highly expressed throughout the postnatal period in mouse hippocampus and which have also been linked to an abnormal phenotype through mutational studies to achieve a greater understanding about hippocampal functions during postnatal development. Publicly available gene expression data from C57BL/6 mouse hippocampus was analyzed; from a total of 5 time points (at postnatal day 1, 10, 15, 21, and 30), 547 genes highly expressed in all of these time points were selected for analysis. Highly expressed genes are considered to be of potential biological importance and appear to be multifunctional, and hence any dysfunction in such a gene will most likely have a large impact on the development of abilities during the postnatal and juvenile period. Phenotypic annotation data downloaded from Mouse Genomic Informatics database were analyzed for these genes, and the results showed that many of them are important for proper embryo development and infant survival, proper growth, and increase in body size, as well as for voluntary movement functions, motor coordination, and balance. The results also indicated an association with seizures that have primarily been characterized by uncontrolled motor activity and the development of proper grooming abilities. The complete list of genes and their phenotypic annotation data have been compiled in a file for easy access.
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15
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Morgan MAJ, Popova IK, Vaidya A, Burg JM, Marunde MR, Rendleman EJ, Dumar ZJ, Watson R, Meiners MJ, Howard SA, Khalatyan N, Vaughan RM, Rothbart SB, Keogh MC, Shilatifard A. A trivalent nucleosome interaction by PHIP/BRWD2 is disrupted in neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer. Genes Dev 2021; 35:1642-1656. [PMID: 34819353 PMCID: PMC8653789 DOI: 10.1101/gad.348766.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the PHIP/BRWD2 chromatin regulator cause the human neurodevelopmental disorder Chung-Jansen syndrome, while alterations in PHIP expression are linked to cancer. Precisely how PHIP functions in these contexts is not fully understood. Here we demonstrate that PHIP is a chromatin-associated CRL4 ubiquitin ligase substrate receptor and is required for CRL4 recruitment to chromatin. PHIP binds to chromatin through a trivalent reader domain consisting of a H3K4-methyl binding Tudor domain and two bromodomains (BD1 and BD2). Using semisynthetic nucleosomes with defined histone post-translational modifications, we characterize PHIPs BD1 and BD2 as respective readers of H3K14ac and H4K12ac, and identify human disease-associated mutations in each domain and the intervening linker region that likely disrupt chromatin binding. These findings provide new insight into the biological function of this enigmatic chromatin protein and set the stage for the identification of both upstream chromatin modifiers and downstream targets of PHIP in human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A J Morgan
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | | | - Anup Vaidya
- EpiCypher, Inc., Durham, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | | | | | - Emily J Rendleman
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Zachary J Dumar
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | | | | | | | - Natalia Khalatyan
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Robert M Vaughan
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, Minnesota 49503, USA
| | - Scott B Rothbart
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, Minnesota 49503, USA
| | | | - Ali Shilatifard
- Simpson Querrey Center for Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
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16
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Irwin AB, Bahabry R, Lubin FD. A putative role for lncRNAs in epigenetic regulation of memory. Neurochem Int 2021; 150:105184. [PMID: 34530054 PMCID: PMC8552959 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The central dogma of molecular genetics is defined as encoded genetic information within DNA, transcribed into messenger RNA, which contain the instructions for protein synthesis, thus imparting cellular functionality and ultimately life. This molecular genetic theory has given birth to the field of neuroepigenetics, and it is now well established that epigenetic regulation of gene transcription is critical to the learning and memory process. In this review, we address a potential role for a relatively new player in the field of epigenetic crosstalk - long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). First, we briefly summarize epigenetic mechanisms in memory formation and examine what little is known about the emerging role of lncRNAs during this process. We then focus discussions on how lncRNAs interact with epigenetic mechanisms to control transcriptional programs under various conditions in the brain, and how this may be applied to regulation of gene expression necessary for memory formation. Next, we explore how epigenetic crosstalk in turn serves to regulate expression of various individual lncRNAs themselves. To highlight the importance of further exploring the role of lncRNA in epigenetic regulation of gene expression, we consider the significant relationship between lncRNA dysregulation and declining memory reserve with aging, Alzheimer's disease, and epilepsy, as well as the promise of novel therapeutic interventions. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of the critical questions that remain to be answered regarding a role for lncRNA in memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh B Irwin
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Rudhab Bahabry
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Farah D Lubin
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
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17
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Gillotin S, Sahni V, Lepko T, Hanspal MA, Swartz JE, Alexopoulou Z, Marshall FH. Targeting impaired adult hippocampal neurogenesis in ageing by leveraging intrinsic mechanisms regulating Neural Stem Cell activity. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 71:101447. [PMID: 34403830 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Deficits in adult neurogenesis may contribute to the aetiology of many neurodevelopmental, psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. Genetic ablation of neurogenesis provides proof of concept that adult neurogenesis is required to sustain complex and dynamic cognitive functions, such as learning and memory, mostly by providing a high degree of plasticity to neuronal circuits. In addition, adult neurogenesis is reactive to external stimuli and the environment making it particularly susceptible to impairment and consequently contributing to comorbidity. In the human brain, the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus is the main active source of neural stem cells that generate granule neurons throughout life. The regulation and preservation of the pool of neural stem cells is central to ensure continuous and healthy adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN). Recent advances in genetic and metabolic profiling alongside development of more predictive animal models have contributed to the development of new concepts and the emergence of molecular mechanisms that could pave the way to the implementation of new therapeutic strategies to treat neurological diseases. In this review, we discuss emerging molecular mechanisms underlying AHN that could be embraced in drug discovery to generate novel concepts and targets to treat diseases of ageing including neurodegeneration. To support this, we review cellular and molecular mechanisms that have recently been identified to assess how AHN is sustained throughout life and how AHN is associated with diseases. We also provide an outlook on strategies for developing correlated biomarkers that may accelerate the translation of pre-clinical and clinical data and review clinical trials for which modulation of AHN is part of the therapeutic strategy.
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18
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Panov J, Kaphzan H. Angelman Syndrome and Angelman-like Syndromes Share the Same Calcium-Related Gene Signatures. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9870. [PMID: 34576033 PMCID: PMC8469403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189870] [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: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Angelman-like syndromes are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that entail clinical presentation similar to Angelman Syndrome (AS). In our previous study, we showed that calcium signaling is disrupted in AS, and we identified calcium-target and calcium-regulating gene signatures that are able to differentiate between AS and their controls in different models. In the herein study, we evaluated these sets of calcium-target and calcium-regulating genes as signatures of AS-like and non-AS-like syndromes. We collected a number of RNA-seq datasets of various AS-like and non-AS-like syndromes and performed Principle Component Analysis (PCA) separately on the two sets of signature genes to visualize the distribution of samples on the PC1-PC2 plane. In addition to the evaluation of calcium signature genes, we performed differential gene expression analyses to identify calcium-related genes dysregulated in each of the studied syndromes. These analyses showed that the calcium-target and calcium-regulating signatures differentiate well between AS-like syndromes and their controls. However, in spite of the fact that many of the non-AS-like syndromes have multiple differentially expressed calcium-related genes, the calcium signatures were not efficient classifiers for non-AS-like neurodevelopmental disorders. These results show that features based on clinical presentation are reflected in signatures derived from bioinformatics analyses and suggest the use of bioinformatics as a tool for classification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hanoch Kaphzan
- Laboratory for Neurobiology of Psychiatric Disorders, Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
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19
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Yin W, Arkilo D, Khudyakov P, Hazel J, Gupta S, Quinton MS, Lin J, Hartman DS, Bednar MM, Rosen L, Wendland JR. Safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of TAK-418, a novel inhibitor of the epigenetic modulator lysine-specific demethylase 1A. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 87:4756-4768. [PMID: 33990969 PMCID: PMC9290503 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims Dysregulation of histone methylation epigenetic marks may result in intellectual and developmental disability, as seen in Kabuki syndrome. Animal data suggest that increasing histone methylation by inhibiting lysine‐specific demethylase 1A (LSD1) may improve cognitive outcomes in a model of Kabuki syndrome. TAK‐418 is a novel LSD1 inhibitor, developed as a potential therapeutic agent for central nervous system disorders such as Kabuki syndrome. Here, we report safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of single and multiple doses of TAK‐418 (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03228433, NCT03501069). Methods Two randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 1 studies of oral TAK‐418 were performed, a first‐in‐human single‐rising‐dose (SRD) study (5–60 mg) in healthy adult male and female volunteers (placebo, n = 10; TAK‐418, n = 30), and an SRD (120–160 mg) and multiple‐rising‐dose (MRD) study (20–160 mg once daily for 10 days) in healthy female volunteers (placebo, n = 2 [SRD] and n = 6 [MRD]; TAK‐418, n = 6 [SRD] and n = 18 [MRD]). Results TAK‐418 was well tolerated. No clinically significant changes in laboratory test results or vital signs were observed and no serious adverse events were reported. TAK‐418 had a nearly linear pharmacokinetic profile, with rapid absorption and short terminal half‐life across the evaluated dose range. No obvious accumulation was observed after daily administration for 10 days. Administration with food delayed peak plasma concentrations but overall exposure was unaffected. TAK‐418 rapidly crossed the blood–brain barrier and generally showed a dose‐dependent response in the peripheral pharmacodynamic biomarker formyl‐flavin adenine dinucleotide. Conclusion The brain‐penetrant LSD1 inhibitor TAK‐418 was well tolerated, with pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects that support further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yin
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA, Ltd, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Jim Hazel
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA, Ltd, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Jie Lin
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA, Ltd, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Laura Rosen
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA, Ltd, Cambridge, MA, USA
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