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He H, Zhang H, Chen H, He F, Yin F, Stauber T, Zou X, Peng J. Functional analysis of two SLC9A6 frameshift variants in lymphoblastoid cells from patients with Christianson syndrome. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:4059-4069. [PMID: 37381736 PMCID: PMC10651982 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14329] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Christianson syndrome (CS) is caused by mutations in SLC9A6 and is characterized by global developmental delay, epilepsy, hyperkinesis, ataxia, microcephaly, and behavioral disorder. However, the molecular mechanism by which these SLC9A6 mutations cause CS in humans is not entirely understood, and there is no objective method to determine the pathogenicity of single SLC9A6 variants. METHODS Trio-based whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out on two individuals with suspicion of CS. qRT-PCR, western blot analysis, filipin staining, lysosomal enzymatic assays, and electron microscopy examination, using EBV-LCLs established from the two patients, were performed. RESULTS Trio-based WES identified a hemizygous SLC9A6 c.1560dupT, p.T521Yfs*23 variant in proband 1 and a hemizygous SLC9A6 c.608delA, p.H203Lfs*10 variant in proband 2. Both children exhibited typical phenotypes associated with CS. Expression analysis in EBV-LCLs derived from the two patients showed a significant decrease in mRNA levels and no detectable normal NHE6 protein. EBV-LCLs showed a statistically significant increase in unesterified cholesterol in patient 1, but only non-significant increase in patient 2 when stained with filipin. Activities of lysosomal enzymes (β-hexosaminidase A, β-hexosaminidase A + B, β-galactosidase, galactocerebrosidase, arylsulfatase A) of EBV-LCLs did not significantly differ between the two patients and six controls. Importantly, by electron microscopy we detected an accumulation of lamellated membrane structures, deformed mitochondria, and lipid droplets in the patients' EBV-LCLs. CONCLUSIONS The SLC9A6 p.T521Yfs*23 and p.H203Lfs*10 variants in our patients result in loss of NHE6. Alterations of mitochondria and lipid metabolism may play a role in the pathogenesis of CS. Moreover, the combination of filipin staining with electron microscopy examination of patient lymphoblastoid cells can serve as a useful complementary diagnostic method for CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailan He
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research CenterChangshaChina
| | - Huiwen Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Genetic Metabolism, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric ResearchShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of NeurologyJiangxi Provincial Children's HospitalNanchangChina
| | - Fang He
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research CenterChangshaChina
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research CenterChangshaChina
| | - Tobias Stauber
- Department of Human Medicine and Institute for Molecular MedicineMSH Medical School HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Xiaomin Zou
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research CenterChangshaChina
| | - Jing Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research CenterChangshaChina
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McKnight D, Bean L, Karbassi I, Beattie K, Bienvenu T, Bonin H, Fang P, Chrisodoulou J, Friez M, Helgeson M, Krishnaraj R, Meng L, Mighion L, Neul J, Percy A, Ramsden S, Zoghbi H, Das S. Recommendations by the ClinGen Rett/Angelman-like expert panel for gene-specific variant interpretation methods. Hum Mutat 2022; 43:1097-1113. [PMID: 34837432 PMCID: PMC9135956 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The genes MECP2, CDKL5, FOXG1, UBE3A, SLC9A6, and TCF4 present unique challenges for current ACMG/AMP variant interpretation guidelines. To address those challenges, the Rett and Angelman-like Disorders Variant Curation Expert Panel (Rett/AS VCEP) drafted gene-specific modifications. A pilot study was conducted to test the clarity and accuracy of using the customized variant interpretation criteria. Multiple curators obtained the same interpretation for 78 out of the 87 variants (~90%), indicating appropriate usage of the modified guidelines the majority of times by all the curators. The classification of 13 variants changed using these criteria specifications compared to when the variants were originally curated and as present in ClinVar. Many of these changes were due to internal data shared from laboratory members however some changes were because of changes in strength of criteria. There were no two-step classification changes and only 1 clinically relevant change (Likely pathogenic to VUS). The Rett/AS VCEP hopes that these gene-specific variant curation rules and the assertions provided help clinicians, clinical laboratories, and others interpret variants in these genes but also other fully penetrant, early-onset genes associated with rare disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - John Chrisodoulou
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and the University of Melbourne,University of Sydney
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Donor Splice Site Variant in SLC9A6 Causes Christianson Syndrome in a Lithuanian Family: A Case Report. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58030351. [PMID: 35334527 PMCID: PMC8949093 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58030351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The pathogenic variants of SLC9A6 are a known cause of a rare, X-linked neurological disorder called Christianson syndrome (CS). The main characteristics of CS are developmental delay, intellectual disability, and neurological findings. This study investigated the genetic basis and explored the molecular changes that led to CS in two male siblings presenting with intellectual disability, epilepsy, behavioural problems, gastrointestinal dysfunction, poor height, and weight gain. Materials and Methods: Next-generation sequencing of a tetrad was applied to identify the DNA changes and Sanger sequencing of proband’s cDNA was used to evaluate the impact of a splice site variant on mRNA structure. Bioinformatical tools were used to investigate SLC9A6 protein structure changes. Results: Sequencing and bioinformatical analysis revealed a novel donor splice site variant (NC_000023.11(NM_001042537.1):c.899 + 1G > A) that leads to a frameshift and a premature stop codon. Protein structure modelling showed that the truncated protein is unlikely to form any functionally relevant SLC9A6 dimers. Conclusions: Molecular and bioinformatical analysis revealed the impact of a novel donor splice site variant in the SLC9A6 gene that leads to truncated and functionally disrupted protein causing the phenotype of CS in the affected individuals.
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Liu X, Xie L, Fang Z, Jiang L. Case Report: Novel SLC9A6 Splicing Variant in a Chinese Boy With Christianson Syndrome With Electrical Status Epilepticus During Sleep. Front Neurol 2022; 12:796283. [PMID: 35095740 PMCID: PMC8795361 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.796283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the existence and potential pathogenicity of a SLC9A6 splicing variant in a Chinese boy with Christianson Syndrome (CS), which was reported for the first time in China. Trio whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed in the proband and his parents. Multiple computer prediction tools were used to evaluate the pathogenicity of the variant, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis and cDNA sequencing were performed to verify the RNA splicing results. The patient presented with characteristic features of CS: global developmental delay, seizures, absent speech, truncal ataxia, microcephaly, ophthalmoplegia, smiling face and hyperkinesis with electrical status epilepticus during sleep (ESES) detected in an electroencephalogram (EEG). A SLC9A6 splicing variant was identified by WES and complete skipping of exon 10 was confirmed by RT-PCR. This resulted in altered gene function and was predicted to be pathogenic. ESES observed early in the disease course is considered to be a significant feature of CS with the SLC9A6 variant. Combined genetic analysis at both the DNA and RNA levels is necessary to confirm the pathogenicity of this variant and its role in the clinical diagnosis of CS.
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Zhang X, Wu X, Liu H, Song T, Jiang Y, He H, Yang S, Xie Y. Christianson syndrome: A novel splicing variant of SLC9A6 causes exon skipping in a Chinese boy and a literature review. J Clin Lab Anal 2021; 36:e24123. [PMID: 34791706 PMCID: PMC8761434 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24123] [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: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Variants in the endosomal solute carrier family 9 member A6 (SLC9A6)/(Na+ ,K+ )/H+ exchanger 6 (NHE6) gene have been linked to epilepsy, speech loss, truncal ataxia, hyperkinesia, and postnatal microcephaly. METHODS In the present study, we evaluated genetic alterations in a 3-year-old Chinese boy displayed features of epilepsy, psychomotor retardation, microcephaly, low body weight, difficulty in feeding, excessive movement, attention loss, ataxia, and cerebellar atrophy and his healthy family using WES method. The identified variant was further confirmed by Sanger sequencing method. Finally, minigene assays were used to verify whether the novel SLC9A6 intronic variant influenced the normal splicing of mRNA. RESULTS We identified a novel hemizygous splicing variant [NM_001042537.1: c.1463-1G>A] in SLC9A6 by trio-based exome sequencing. The minigene expression in vitro confirmed the splicing variant altered a consensus splice acceptor site of SLC9A6 intron 11, resulting in skipping over exon 12. CONCLUSIONS Our finding extends the catalog of pathogenic intronic variants affecting SLC9A6 pre-mRNA splicing and provides a basis for the genetic diagnosis of CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoge Zhang
- Department of pediatrics, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaofang Wu
- Department of pediatrics, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Hongli Liu
- Department of pediatrics, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Tingting Song
- Department of pediatrics, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Yongsheng Jiang
- Department of pediatrics, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Hanhan He
- Department of pediatrics, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Shaoqing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, Department of Oral Biology, School of Stomatology, Clinic of Oral Rare and Genetic Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yun Xie
- Department of clinical laboratory, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
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Gong P, Xue J, Jiao X, Zhang Y, Yang Z. Genetic Etiologies in Developmental and/or Epileptic Encephalopathy With Electrical Status Epilepticus During Sleep: Cohort Study. Front Genet 2021; 12:607965. [PMID: 33897753 PMCID: PMC8060571 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.607965] [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: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recently, the electroencephalogram pattern of electrical status epilepticus during sleep (ESES) had been reported in some genetic disorders, and most of them were noted with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) or epileptic encephalopathy (EE). This study aimed to determine the genetic etiologies and clinical characteristics of ESES in DEE/EE. Methods We performed a cohort study in cases of DEE or EE with ESES. Tio-based genetic testing was performed in 74 cases and was analyzed to identify underlying variants. Results Pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were identified in 17/74 cases, including KCNQ2 (n = 6), KCNA2 (n = 5), GRIN2A (n = 3), SLC9A6 (n = 1), HIVEP2 (n = 1), and RARS2 (n = 1). Eleven were boys. The median age at seizure onset was 6 months. ESES occurred at the mean age of 2.0 ± 1.2 years, predominant in the Rolandic region in 14 years. Twelve of 17 cases had the first stage of different epilepsy preceding ESES: 2/12 were diagnosed as Ohtahara syndrome, 2/12 were diagnosed as infantile spasms, 3/12 were diagnosed as DEE, and 5/12 were diagnosed as EE without the epileptic syndrome. Conclusion Monogenic variants explained over 20% of DEE/EE with ESES. ESES could be an age-related feature in genetic disorders and occurred after the first stage of different epilepsy. Both age-related factors and genetic etiology were suggested to play a role in the occurrence of ESES in genetic DEE/EE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Gong
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiao Xue
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xianru Jiao
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuehua Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhixian Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
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Lee U, Ryu SH, Chang S. SCAMP5 mediates activity-dependent enhancement of NHE6 recruitment to synaptic vesicles during synaptic plasticity. Mol Brain 2021; 14:47. [PMID: 33663553 PMCID: PMC7934559 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00763-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Na+(K+)/H+ exchanger 6 (NHE6) on synaptic vesicle (SV) is critical for the presynaptic regulation of quantal size at the glutamatergic synapses by converting the chemical gradient (ΔpH) into membrane potential (Δψ) across the SV membrane. We recently found that NHE6 directly interacts with secretory carrier membrane protein 5 (SCAMP5), and SCAMP5-dependent recruitment of NHE6 to SVs controls the strength of synaptic transmission by modulation of quantal size of glutamate release at rest. It is, however, unknown whether NHE6 recruitment by SCAMP5 plays a role during synaptic plasticity. Here, we found that the number of NHE6-positive presynaptic boutons was significantly increased by the chemical long-term potentiation (cLTP). Since cLTP involves new synapse formation, our results indicated that NHE6 was recruited not only to the existing presynaptic boutons but also to the newly formed presynaptic boutons. Knock down of SCAMP5 completely abrogated the enhancement of NHE6 recruitment by cLTP. Interestingly, despite an increase in the number of NHE6-positive boutons by cLTP, the quantal size of glutamate release at the presynaptic terminals remained unaltered. Together with our recent results, our findings indicate that SCAMP5-dependent recruitment of NHE6 plays a critical role in manifesting presynaptic efficacy not only at rest but also during synaptic plasticity. Since both are autism candidate genes, reduced presynaptic efficacy by interfering with their interaction may underlie the molecular mechanism of synaptic dysfunction observed in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Unghwi Lee
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, # 309 Medical Science Bldg, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Ryu
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, # 309 Medical Science Bldg, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea
| | - Sunghoe Chang
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, # 309 Medical Science Bldg, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea.
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, South Korea.
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Yalcintepe S, Gurkan H. Novel c.1505_1509dupCTGCC pathogenic variation in a male case with Christianson syndrome. Clin Dysmorphol 2021; 30:36-38. [PMID: 33278113 DOI: 10.1097/mcd.0000000000000358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenic variations in the SLC9A6 gene are associated with an X-linked disorder Christianson syndrome characterized by developmental delay, microcephaly, intellectual disability, autistic-like behavior and epilepsy. We identified a novel pathogenic variation in the SLC9A6 gene in a boy with developmental delay and microcephaly. Herein we report the clinical findings of the case diagnosed as Christianson syndrome; his mother was found to carry the same variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinem Yalcintepe
- Department of Medical Genetics, Trakya University Faculty of Medicine, Edirne, Turkey
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