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Vaz D, Vasconcelos S, Caniçais C, Costa B, Ramalho C, Marques J, Dória S. X-chromosome inactivation pattern and telomere length in recurrent pregnancy loss. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100933. [PMID: 39173315 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100933] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss is a reproductive disorder affecting about 1 to 5 % of pregnant women worldwide that requires our attention, especially considering that about 50 % of cases are idiopathic. The present study is focused on testing a possible association between extreme skewed X-chromosome inactivation patterns and/or shortened telomeres with idiopathic cases since both are considered non-consensual potential causes underlying recurrent pregnancy loss in the scientific community. For this purpose, two groups of women were analyzed and compared: a group of women with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss and a second group of age-matched women with proven fertility, and both X-chromosome inactivation patterns and telomere length were measured and compared from maternal DNA extracted from peripheral blood. Our data showed no statistically significant differences between groups, suggesting no association between extreme skewed X-chromosome inactivation or shortened telomeres with recurrent pregnancy losses. Additionally, the effect of maternal age on both X-chromosome inactivation pattern and telomere length was tested, but no significant correlation was observed between advanced maternal age and extreme skewed X-chromosome inactivation or telomere shortening. This study represents one more valid contribution to the investigation of causes underlying recurrent pregnancy loss suggesting that, new variables may be considered since the pattern of X-chromosome inactivation and telomere length do not seem to be related to this reproductive disorder. Briefly, considering its clinical relevance, it is mandatory a continuous effort in the scientific community to cover new potential recurrent pregnancy loss-related causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Vaz
- Genetics Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal.
| | - Sara Vasconcelos
- Genetics Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal; I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Portugal.
| | - Carla Caniçais
- Genetics Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal; I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Portugal.
| | - Beatriz Costa
- Genetics Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal.
| | - Carla Ramalho
- I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Portugal; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centro Hospitalar São João and Faculty of Medicine, Porto, Portugal; Department of Gynecology-Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal.
| | - Joana Marques
- Genetics Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal; I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Portugal.
| | - Sofia Dória
- Genetics Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal; I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Portugal.
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2
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Zhang Y, Shu Z, Li Y, Piao Y, Sun F, Han T, Wang T, Mao H. X-linked chronic granulomatous disease secondary to skewed X-chromosome inactivation in female patients. Clin Exp Immunol 2024; 215:261-267. [PMID: 38066563 PMCID: PMC10876111 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad129] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a heterogeneous primary immunodeficiency. X-linked (XL) CGD caused by gene defects of CYBB is the most prevalent type of CGD. OBJECTIVE We aim to understand the clinical and molecule features of XL-CGD secondary to skewed X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) in female. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of a female patient diagnosed with XL-CGD. Flow cytometry was used to detect the respiratory burst function. After restriction enzyme digestion of DNA, XCI was calculated by detecting fluorescent PCR products with capillary electrophoresis. The previously published female XL-CGD cases secondary to skewed XCI was summarized. RESULTS Clinical data were available for 15 female subjects. The median age of diagnosis was 16 years. Consistent with XL-CGD in males, infection was the most frequent manifestation in the female patients. Catalase-positive pathogens including Serratia marcescens and Staphylococcus aureus infections were the most common pathogens. Autoimmune/autoinflammation manifestations were observed in five patients. Dihydrorhodamine (DHR) assay showed that median %DHR+ values were 6.5% and the values varying with age were observed in 2 patients. All patients had a skewing XCI and there was no consistency between the daughter and carrier mother. Anti-infective treatment was effective in majority and there was no mortality reported in XL-CGD female patients to date. CONCLUSION XL-CGD should not be neglected in female patients manifested as CGD phenotype and it is necessary to make periodic clinical evaluation of CGD female carriers as the neutrophil oxidative function may decline with aging and increase the risk for infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhou Shu
- Department of Immunology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Immunology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yurong Piao
- Department of Immunology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Immunology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongxin Han
- Department of Immunology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyou Wang
- Hematology Center, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, National Key Discipline of Pediatrics, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Huawei Mao
- Department of Immunology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetics of Birth Defects, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Peeters SB, Posynick BJ, Brown CJ. Out of the Silence: Insights into How Genes Escape X-Chromosome Inactivation. EPIGENOMES 2023; 7:29. [PMID: 38131901 PMCID: PMC10742877 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes7040029] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The silencing of all but one X chromosome in mammalian cells is a remarkable epigenetic process leading to near dosage equivalence in X-linked gene products between the sexes. However, equally remarkable is the ability of a subset of genes to continue to be expressed from the otherwise inactive X chromosome-in some cases constitutively, while other genes are variable between individuals, tissues or cells. In this review we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the approaches that have been used to identify escapees. The identity of escapees provides important clues to mechanisms underlying escape from XCI, an arena of study now moving from correlation to functional studies. As most escapees show greater expression in females, the not-so-inactive X chromosome is a substantial contributor to sex differences in humans, and we highlight some examples of such impact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carolyn J. Brown
- Molecular Epigenetics Group, Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
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Trebes H, Wang Y, Reynolds E, Tiplady K, Harland C, Lopdell T, Johnson T, Davis S, Harris B, Spelman R, Couldrey C. Identification of candidate novel production variants on the Bos taurus chromosome X. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:7799-7815. [PMID: 37562645 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-23095] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Chromosome X is often excluded from bovine genetic studies due to complications caused by the sex specific nature of the chromosome. As chromosome X is the second largest cattle chromosome and makes up approximately 6% of the female genome, finding ways to include chromosome X in dairy genetic studies is important. Using female animals and treating chromosome X as an autosome, we performed X chromosome inclusive genome-wide association studies in the selective breeding environment of the New Zealand dairy industry, aiming to identify chromosome X variants associated with milk production traits. We report on the findings of these genome-wide association studies and their potential effect within the dairy industry. We identify missense mutations in the MOSPD1 and CCDC160 genes that are associated with decreased milk volume and protein production and increased fat production. Both of these mutations are exonic SNP that are more prevalent in the Jersey breed than in Holstein-Friesians. Of the 2 candidates proposed it is likely that only one is causal, though we have not been able to identify which is more likely.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Trebes
- Research and Development, Livestock Improvement Corporation, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand.
| | - Y Wang
- Research and Development, Livestock Improvement Corporation, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
| | - E Reynolds
- Research and Development, Livestock Improvement Corporation, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
| | - K Tiplady
- Research and Development, Livestock Improvement Corporation, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
| | - C Harland
- Research and Development, Livestock Improvement Corporation, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
| | - T Lopdell
- Research and Development, Livestock Improvement Corporation, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
| | - T Johnson
- Research and Development, Livestock Improvement Corporation, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
| | - S Davis
- Research and Development, Livestock Improvement Corporation, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
| | - B Harris
- Research and Development, Livestock Improvement Corporation, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
| | - R Spelman
- Research and Development, Livestock Improvement Corporation, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
| | - C Couldrey
- Research and Development, Livestock Improvement Corporation, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
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Buono MF, Benavente ED, Daniels M, Mol BM, Mekke JM, de Borst GJ, de Kleijn DPV, van der Laan SW, Pasterkamp G, Onland-Moret C, Mokry M, den Ruijter HM. X chromosome inactivation skewing is common in advanced carotid atherosclerotic lesions in females and predicts secondary peripheral artery events. Biol Sex Differ 2023; 14:43. [PMID: 37408072 PMCID: PMC10324263 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00527-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Sex differences in atherosclerosis have been described with female plaques being mostly perceived as stable and fibrous. Sex-specific mechanisms such as mosaic loss of the Y chromosome in men have been linked to cardiovascular health. In women, X-linked mechanisms such as X chromosome inactivation (XCI) skewing is common in several tissues. Yet, information on the role of XCI in female atherosclerotic plaques is lacking. Here, we investigated the presence of XCI skewing in advanced atherosclerotic lesions and its association with cardiovascular risk factors, histological plaque data, and clinical data. METHODS XCI skewing was quantified in 154 atherosclerotic plaque and 55 blood DNA samples of women included in the Athero-Express study. The skewing status was determined performing the HUMARA assay. Then, we studied the relationship of XCI skewing in female plaque and cardiovascular risk factors using regression models. In addition, we studied if plaque XCI predicted plaque composition, and adverse events during 3-years follow-up using Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS XCI skewing was detected in 76 of 154 (49.4%) plaques and in 27 of 55 (67%) blood samples. None of the clinical risk factors were associated with plaque skewing. Plaque skewing was more often detected in plaques with a plaque hemorrhage (OR [95% CI]: 1.44 [1.06-1.98], P = 0.02). Moreover, skewed plaques were not associated with a higher incidence of composite and major events but were specifically associated with peripheral artery events during a 3-year follow-up period in a multivariate model (HR [95%CI]: 1.46 [1.09-1.97]; P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS XCI skewing is common in carotid plaques of females and is predictive for the occurrence of peripheral artery events within 3 years after carotid endarterectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele F Buono
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ernest Diez Benavente
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Daniels
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Barend M Mol
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joost M Mekke
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gert J de Borst
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dominique P V de Kleijn
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sander W van der Laan
- Central Diagnostics Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard Pasterkamp
- Central Diagnostics Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte Onland-Moret
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michal Mokry
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Central Diagnostics Laboratory, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hester M den Ruijter
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Krueger K, Lamenza F, Gu H, El-Hodiri H, Wester J, Oberdick J, Fischer AJ, Oghumu S. Sex differences in susceptibility to substance use disorder: Role for X chromosome inactivation and escape? Mol Cell Neurosci 2023; 125:103859. [PMID: 37207894 PMCID: PMC10286730 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2023.103859] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a sex-based disparity associated with substance use disorders (SUDs) as demonstrated by clinical and preclinical studies. Females are known to escalate from initial drug use to compulsive drug-taking behavior (telescoping) more rapidly, and experience greater negative withdrawal effects than males. Although these biological differences have largely been attributed to sex hormones, there is evidence for non-hormonal factors, such as the influence of the sex chromosome, which underlie sex disparities in addiction behavior. However, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying sex chromosome influences on substance abuse behavior are not completely understood. In this review, we discuss the role that escape from X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) in females plays in sex-associated differences in addiction behavior. Females have two X chromosomes (XX), and during XCI, one X chromosome is randomly chosen to be transcriptionally silenced. However, some X-linked genes escape XCI and display biallelic gene expression. We generated a mouse model using an X-linked gene specific bicistronic dual reporter mouse as a tool to visualize allelic usage and measure XCI escape in a cell specific manner. Our results revealed a previously undiscovered X-linked gene XCI escaper (CXCR3), which is variable and cell type dependent. This illustrates the highly complex and context dependent nature of XCI escape which is largely understudied in the context of SUD. Novel approaches such as single cell RNA sequencing will provide a global molecular landscape and impact of XCI escape in addiction and facilitate our understanding of the contribution of XCI escape to sex disparities in SUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Krueger
- Department of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Felipe Lamenza
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Howard Gu
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Heithem El-Hodiri
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jason Wester
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John Oberdick
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Andy J Fischer
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Steve Oghumu
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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7
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Zhang H, Li Y, Lv X, Mao Y, Sun Y, Xu T. A novel F8 variant in a Chinese hemophilia A family and involvement of X-chromosome inactivation: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33665. [PMID: 37145012 PMCID: PMC10158889 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033665] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Hemophilia A (HA) is an X-linked recessive bleeding disorder, which shows factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency caused by genetic variant in F8 gene. PATIENT CONCERNS Males with F8 variants are affected, whereas female carriers with a wide range of FVIII levels are usually asymptomatic, it is possible that different X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) may effect the FVIII activity. DIAGNOSES We identified a novel variant F8: c.6193T > G in a Chinese HA proband, it was inherited from the mother and grandmother with different FVIII levels. INTERVENTIONS We performed Androgen receptor gene (AR) assays and RT-PCR. OUTCOMES AR assays revealed that the X chromosome with the F8 variant was severely skewed inactivated in the grandmother with higher FVIII levels, but not in the mother with lower FVIII levels. Further, RT-PCR of mRNA confirmed that only the wild allele of F8 was expressed in the grandmother, with lower expression in the wild allele of the mother. LESSONS Our findings suggest that F8: c.6193T > G could be the cause of HA and that XCI affected the FVIII plasma levels in female carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghong Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Hangzhou Children’s Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yinjie Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Hangzhou Children’s Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaojuan Lv
- Department of Pediatrics, Hangzhou Children’s Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuchan Mao
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education (Zhejiang University), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yixi Sun
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education (Zhejiang University), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Hangzhou Children’s Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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8
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Inkster AM, Wong MT, Matthews AM, Brown CJ, Robinson WP. Who's afraid of the X? Incorporating the X and Y chromosomes into the analysis of DNA methylation array data. Epigenetics Chromatin 2023; 16:1. [PMID: 36609459 PMCID: PMC9825011 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-022-00477-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many human disease phenotypes manifest differently by sex, making the development of methods for incorporating X and Y-chromosome data into analyses vital. Unfortunately, X and Y chromosome data are frequently excluded from large-scale analyses of the human genome and epigenome due to analytical complexity associated with sex chromosome dosage differences between XX and XY individuals, and the impact of X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) on the epigenome. As such, little attention has been given to considering the methods by which sex chromosome data may be included in analyses of DNA methylation (DNAme) array data. RESULTS With Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 DNAme array data from 634 placental samples, we investigated the effects of probe filtering, normalization, and batch correction on DNAme data from the X and Y chromosomes. Processing steps were evaluated in both mixed-sex and sex-stratified subsets of the analysis cohort to identify whether including both sexes impacted processing results. We found that identification of probes that have a high detection p-value, or that are non-variable, should be performed in sex-stratified data subsets to avoid over- and under-estimation of the quantity of probes eligible for removal, respectively. All normalization techniques investigated returned X and Y DNAme data that were highly correlated with the raw data from the same samples. We found no difference in batch correction results after application to mixed-sex or sex-stratified cohorts. Additionally, we identify two analytical methods suitable for XY chromosome data, the choice between which should be guided by the research question of interest, and we performed a proof-of-concept analysis studying differential DNAme on the X and Y chromosome in the context of placental acute chorioamnionitis. Finally, we provide an annotation of probe types that may be desirable to filter in X and Y chromosome analyses, including probes in repetitive elements, the X-transposed region, and cancer-testis gene promoters. CONCLUSION While there may be no single "best" approach for analyzing DNAme array data from the X and Y chromosome, analysts must consider key factors during processing and analysis of sex chromosome data to accommodate the underlying biology of these chromosomes, and the technical limitations of DNA methylation arrays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Inkster
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 950 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3N1, Canada.
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, 4500 Oak St, Vancouver, V6H 3N1, Canada.
| | - Martin T Wong
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, 4500 Oak St, Vancouver, V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Allison M Matthews
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 950 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3N1, Canada
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z7, Canada
| | - Carolyn J Brown
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, 4500 Oak St, Vancouver, V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Wendy P Robinson
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 950 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3N1, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, 4500 Oak St, Vancouver, V6H 3N1, Canada
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Naderi E, Cornejo-Sanchez DM, Li G, Schrauwen I, Wang GT, Dewan AT, Leal SM. The genetic contribution of the X chromosome in age-related hearing loss. Front Genet 2023; 14:1106328. [PMID: 36896235 PMCID: PMC9988903 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1106328] [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: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related (AR) hearing loss (HL) is the most common sensory impairment with heritability of 55%. The aim of this study was to identify genetic variants on chromosome X associated with ARHL through the analysis of data obtained from the UK Biobank. We performed association analysis between self-reported measures of HL and genotyped and imputed variants on chromosome X from ∼460,000 white Europeans. We identified three loci associated with ARHL with a genome-wide significance level (p < 5 × 10-8), ZNF185 (rs186256023, p = 4.9 × 10-10) and MAP7D2 (rs4370706, p = 2.3 × 10-8) in combined analysis of males and females, and LOC101928437 (rs138497700, p = 8.9 × 10-9) in the sex-stratified analysis of males. In-silico mRNA expression analysis showed MAP7D2 and ZNF185 are expressed in mice and adult human inner ear tissues, particularly in the inner hair cells. We estimated that only a small amount of variation of ARHL, 0.4%, is explained by variants on the X chromosome. This study suggests that although there are likely a few genes contributing to ARHL on the X chromosome, the role that the X chromosome plays in the etiology of ARHL may be limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Naderi
- Center for Statistical Genetics, Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, and the Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Diana M Cornejo-Sanchez
- Center for Statistical Genetics, Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, and the Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Guangyou Li
- Center for Statistical Genetics, Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, and the Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Isabelle Schrauwen
- Center for Statistical Genetics, Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, and the Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Gao T Wang
- Center for Statistical Genetics, Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, and the Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Andrew T Dewan
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology and Center for Perinatal, Pediatric and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Suzanne M Leal
- Center for Statistical Genetics, Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, and the Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States.,Taub Institute for Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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10
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Dodd KC, Menon M. Sex bias in lymphocytes: Implications for autoimmune diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:945762. [PMID: 36505451 PMCID: PMC9730535 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.945762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are characterized by a significant sex dimorphism, with women showing increased susceptibility to disease. This is, at least in part, due to sex-dependent differences in the immune system that are influenced by the complex interplay between sex hormones and sex chromosomes, with contribution from sociological factors, diet and gut microbiota. Sex differences are evident in the number and function of lymphocyte populations. Women mount a stronger pro-inflammatory response than males, with increased lymphocyte proliferation, activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, whereas men display expanded regulatory cell subsets. Ageing alters the immune landscape of men and women in differing ways, resulting in changes in autoimmune disease susceptibility. Here we review the current literature on sex differences in lymphocyte function, the factors that influence this, and the implications for autoimmune disease. We propose that improved understanding of sex bias in lymphocyte function can provide sex-specific tailoring of treatment strategies for better management of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine C. Dodd
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Immunology, Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom,Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal Hospital, Salford, United Kingdom
| | - Madhvi Menon
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Immunology, Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Madhvi Menon,
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11
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Roberts AL, Morea A, Amar A, Zito A, El-Sayed Moustafa JS, Tomlinson M, Bowyer RCE, Zhang X, Christiansen C, Costeira R, Steves CJ, Mangino M, Bell JT, Wong CCY, Vyse TJ, Small KS. Age acquired skewed X chromosome inactivation is associated with adverse health outcomes in humans. eLife 2022; 11:e78263. [PMID: 36412098 PMCID: PMC9681199 DOI: 10.7554/elife.78263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ageing is a heterogenous process characterised by cellular and molecular hallmarks, including changes to haematopoietic stem cells and is a primary risk factor for chronic diseases. X chromosome inactivation (XCI) randomly transcriptionally silences either the maternal or paternal X in each cell of 46, XX females to balance the gene expression with 46, XY males. Age acquired XCI-skew describes the preferential selection of cells across a tissue resulting in an imbalance of XCI, which is particularly prevalent in blood tissues of ageing females, and yet its clinical consequences are unknown. Methods We assayed XCI in 1575 females from the TwinsUK population cohort using DNA extracted from whole blood. We employed prospective, cross-sectional, and intra-twin study designs to characterise the relationship of XCI-skew with molecular and cellular measures of ageing, cardiovascular disease risk, and cancer diagnosis. Results We demonstrate that XCI-skew is independent of traditional markers of biological ageing and is associated with a haematopoietic bias towards the myeloid lineage. Using an atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score, which captures traditional risk factors, XCI-skew is associated with an increased cardiovascular disease risk both cross-sectionally and within XCI-skew discordant twin pairs. In a prospective 10 year follow-up study, XCI-skew is predictive of future cancer incidence. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that age acquired XCI-skew captures changes to the haematopoietic stem cell population and has clinical potential as a unique biomarker of chronic disease risk. Funding KSS acknowledges funding from the Medical Research Council [MR/M004422/1 and MR/R023131/1]. JTB acknowledges funding from the ESRC [ES/N000404/1]. MM acknowledges funding from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)-funded BioResource, Clinical Research Facility and Biomedical Research Centre based at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with King's College London. TwinsUK is funded by the Wellcome Trust, Medical Research Council, European Union, Chronic Disease Research Foundation (CDRF), Zoe Global Ltd and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)-funded BioResource, Clinical Research Facility and Biomedical Research Centre based at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with King's College London.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Roberts
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Alessandro Morea
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Ariella Amar
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Antonino Zito
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Max Tomlinson
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Ruth CE Bowyer
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Xinyuan Zhang
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Colette Christiansen
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Ricardo Costeira
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Claire J Steves
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Massimo Mangino
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Guy's and St Thomas' Foundation TrustLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Jordana T Bell
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Chloe CY Wong
- Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Timothy J Vyse
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Kerrin S Small
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
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12
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Günthner R, Knipping L, Jeruschke S, Satanoskij R, Lorenz-Depiereux B, Hemmer C, Braunisch MC, Riedhammer KM, Ćomić J, Tönshoff B, Tasic V, Abazi-Emini N, Nushi-Stavileci V, Buiting K, Gjorgjievski N, Momirovska A, Patzer L, Kirschstein M, Gross O, Lungu A, Weber S, Renders L, Heemann U, Meitinger T, Büscher AK, Hoefele J. Renal X-inactivation in female individuals with X-linked Alport syndrome primarily determined by age. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:953643. [PMID: 36341250 PMCID: PMC9630586 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.953643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
X-linked Alport syndrome (AS) caused by hemizygous disease-causing variants in COL4A5 primarily affects males. Females with a heterozygous state show a diverse phenotypic spectrum ranging from microscopic hematuria to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and extrarenal manifestations. In other X-linked diseases, skewed X-inactivation leads to preferential silencing of one X-chromosome and thus can determine the phenotype in females. We aimed to show a correlation between X-inactivation in blood and urine-derived renal cells and clinical phenotype of females with a heterozygous disease-causing variant in COL4A5 compared to healthy controls. A total of 56 females with a heterozygous disease-causing COL4A5 variant and a mean age of 31.6 ± 18.3 SD years were included in this study. A total of 94% had hematuria, 62% proteinuria >200 mg/day, yet only 7% had decreased eGFR. Using human androgen receptor assay X-inactivation was examined in blood cells of all 56 individuals, in urine-derived cells of 27 of these individuals and in all healthy controls. X-inactivation did not correlate with age of first manifestation, proteinuria or eGFR neither in blood, nor in urine. The degree of X-inactivation showed a moderate association with age, especially in urine-derived cells of the patient cohort (rho = 0.403, p = 0.037). Determination of X-inactivation allelity revealed a shift of X-inactivation toward the COL4A5 variant bearing allele. This is the first study examining X-inactivation of urine-derived cells from female individuals with AS. A correlation between phenotype and X-inactivation could not be observed suspecting other genetic modifiers shaping the phenotype in female individuals with AS. The association of X-inactivation with age in urine-derived cells suggests an escape-mechanism inactivating the COL4A5 variant carrying allele in female individuals with AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Günthner
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Lea Knipping
- Pediatric Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Robin Satanoskij
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Clara Hemmer
- Institute of Human Genetics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias C. Braunisch
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Korbinian M. Riedhammer
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Jasmina Ćomić
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Burkhard Tönshoff
- Department of Pediatrics I, University Children’s Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Velibor Tasic
- University Children’s Hospital, Medical Faculty of Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Nora Abazi-Emini
- University Children’s Hospital, Medical Faculty of Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | | | - Karin Buiting
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nikola Gjorgjievski
- University Hospital of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, University “Ss Cyril and Methodius,” Skopje, North Macedonia
| | | | - Ludwig Patzer
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital St. Elisabeth and St. Barbara, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | | | - Oliver Gross
- Clinic for Nephrology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Adrian Lungu
- Fundeni Clinical Institute, Pediatric Nephrology Department, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Stefanie Weber
- Department of Pediatrics II, University Children’s Hospital, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Lutz Renders
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Uwe Heemann
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Meitinger
- Institute of Human Genetics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Anja K. Büscher
- Pediatric Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Julia Hoefele
- Institute of Human Genetics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
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13
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Preferential X Chromosome Inactivation as a Mechanism to Explain Female Preponderance in Myasthenia Gravis. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13040696. [PMID: 35456502 PMCID: PMC9031138 DOI: 10.3390/genes13040696] [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] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular autoimmune disease characterized by prevalence in young women (3:1). Several mechanisms proposed as explanations for gender bias, including skewed X chromosome inactivation (XCI) and dosage or sex hormones, are often involved in the development of autoimmunity. The skewed XCI pattern can lead to an unbalanced expression of some X-linked genes, as observed in several autoimmune disorders characterized by female predominance. No data are yet available regarding XCI and MG. We hypothesize that the preferential XCI pattern may contribute to the female bias observed in the onset of MG, especially among younger women. XCI analysis was performed on blood samples of 284 women between the ages of 20 and 82. XCI was tested using the Human Androgen Receptor Assay (HUMARA). XCI patterns were classified as random (XCI < 75%) and preferential (XCI ≥ 75%). In 121 informative patients, the frequency of skewed XCI patterns was 47%, significantly higher than in healthy controls (17%; p ≤ 0.00001). Interestingly, the phenomenon was observed mainly in younger patients (<45 years; p ≤ 0.00001). Furthermore, considering the XCI pattern and the other clinical characteristics of patients, no significant differences were found. In conclusion, we observed preferential XCI in MG female patients, suggesting its potential role in the aetiology of MG, as observed in other autoimmune diseases in women.
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14
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Rodrigues B, Gonçalves A, Sousa V, Maia N, Marques I, Vale-Fernandes E, Santos R, Nogueira AJA, Jorge P. Use of the FMR1 Gene Methylation Status to Assess the X-Chromosome Inactivation Pattern: A Stepwise Analysis. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:419. [PMID: 35327973 PMCID: PMC8951761 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) is a developmental process to compensate the imbalance in the dosage of X-chromosomal genes in females. A skewing of the XCI pattern may suggest a carrier status for an X-linked disease or explain the presence of a severe phenotype. In these cases, it is important to determine the XCI pattern, conventionally using the gold standard Human Androgen-Receptor Assay (HUMARA), based on the analysis of the methylation status at a polymorphic CAG region in the first exon of the human androgen receptor gene (AR). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the methylation status of the fragile mental retardation protein translational regulator gene (FMR1) can provide an XCI pattern similar to that obtained by HUMARA. A set of 48 female carriers of FMR1 gene normal-sized alleles was examined using two assays: HUMARA and a FMR1 methylation PCR (mPCR). Ranges were defined to establish the XCI pattern using the methylation pattern of the FMR1 gene by mPCR. Overall, a 77% concordance of the XCI patterns was obtained between the two assays, which led us to propose a set of key points and a stepwise analysis towards obtaining an accurate result for the XCI pattern and to minimize the underlying pitfalls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Rodrigues
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Centro de Genética Médica Dr. Jacinto Magalhães (CGM), Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUPorto), 4099-028 Porto, Portugal; (B.R.); (A.G.); (V.S.); (N.M.); (I.M.); (R.S.)
- UMIB—Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- ITR—Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Gonçalves
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Centro de Genética Médica Dr. Jacinto Magalhães (CGM), Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUPorto), 4099-028 Porto, Portugal; (B.R.); (A.G.); (V.S.); (N.M.); (I.M.); (R.S.)
- UMIB—Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- ITR—Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Vanessa Sousa
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Centro de Genética Médica Dr. Jacinto Magalhães (CGM), Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUPorto), 4099-028 Porto, Portugal; (B.R.); (A.G.); (V.S.); (N.M.); (I.M.); (R.S.)
| | - Nuno Maia
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Centro de Genética Médica Dr. Jacinto Magalhães (CGM), Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUPorto), 4099-028 Porto, Portugal; (B.R.); (A.G.); (V.S.); (N.M.); (I.M.); (R.S.)
- UMIB—Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- ITR—Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Marques
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Centro de Genética Médica Dr. Jacinto Magalhães (CGM), Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUPorto), 4099-028 Porto, Portugal; (B.R.); (A.G.); (V.S.); (N.M.); (I.M.); (R.S.)
- UMIB—Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- ITR—Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Emídio Vale-Fernandes
- UMIB—Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- ITR—Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Centre for Medically Assisted Procreation/Public Gamete Bank, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte Dr. Albino Aroso (CMIN), Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUPorto), 4050-651 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rosário Santos
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Centro de Genética Médica Dr. Jacinto Magalhães (CGM), Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUPorto), 4099-028 Porto, Portugal; (B.R.); (A.G.); (V.S.); (N.M.); (I.M.); (R.S.)
- UMIB—Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- ITR—Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - António J. A. Nogueira
- CESAM—Center for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Paula Jorge
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Centro de Genética Médica Dr. Jacinto Magalhães (CGM), Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUPorto), 4099-028 Porto, Portugal; (B.R.); (A.G.); (V.S.); (N.M.); (I.M.); (R.S.)
- UMIB—Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS—School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- ITR—Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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15
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Lemaigre C, Suarez F, Martellosio JP, Barbarin C, Brunet K, Chomel JC, Hainaut E, Rammaert B, Roblot F, Torregrosa-Diaz JM. Late Onset of Chronic Granulomatous Disease Revealed by Paecilomyces lilacinus Cutaneous Infection. J Clin Immunol 2021; 42:60-63. [PMID: 34596815 PMCID: PMC8821496 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-021-01140-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an inherited immunodeficiency due to defective leukocyte NADPH responsible for recurrent infections and aberrant inflammation. Mutations in the CYBB gene are responsible for the X-linked CGD and account for approximately 70% of the cases. CGD is diagnosed during childhood in males. Female carriers may have biased X-inactivation and may present with clinical manifestations depending on the level of residual NADPH oxidase activity. We report the case of a previously asymptomatic female carrier who was diagnosed at age 67 with a skin infection with the rare fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus as the first manifestation of CGD. Dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR) activity was below 10%. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) revealed mutations in DNMT3A, ASXL1, and STAG2 suggesting that clonal hematopoiesis could be responsible for a progressive loss of NADPH oxidase activity and the late onset of X-linked CGD in this patient. Long-term follow-up of asymptomatic carrier women seems to be essential after 50 years old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément Lemaigre
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses Et Tropicales, CHU Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Felipe Suarez
- Necker - Enfants Malades, APHP - Centre Université de Paris, Institut Imagine, INSERM UMR 1163 & CNRS ERL 8254, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Martellosio
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses Et Tropicales, CHU Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Cindy Barbarin
- University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Service de Dermatologie, CHU Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Kévin Brunet
- University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,INSERM U1070, Poitiers, France.,Département Des Agents Infectieux, CHU Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Jean Claude Chomel
- Service d'Oncologie Hématologique Et Thérapie Cellulaire, INSERM CIC 1402, CHU Poitiers, 2 rue de la Milétrie, 86021, Poitiers Cedex, France.,Service de Cancérologie Biologique, Poitiers, France
| | - Ewa Hainaut
- Service de Dermatologie, CHU Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Blandine Rammaert
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses Et Tropicales, CHU Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,INSERM U1070, Poitiers, France
| | - France Roblot
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses Et Tropicales, CHU Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,INSERM U1070, Poitiers, France
| | - José Miguel Torregrosa-Diaz
- Service d'Oncologie Hématologique Et Thérapie Cellulaire, INSERM CIC 1402, CHU Poitiers, 2 rue de la Milétrie, 86021, Poitiers Cedex, France.
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16
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Molecular Mechanisms of Skewed X-Chromosome Inactivation in Female Hemophilia Patients-Lessons from Wide Genome Analyses. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22169074. [PMID: 34445777 PMCID: PMC8396640 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Hemophilia A (HA) is an X-linked bleeding disorder caused by factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency or dysfunction due to F8 gene mutations. HA carriers are usually asymptomatic because their FVIII levels correspond to approximately half of the concentration found in healthy individuals. However, in rare cases, a carrier may exhibit symptoms of moderate to severe HA primarily due to skewed inactivation of her non-hemophilic X chromosome. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) patterns in HA carriers, with special emphasis on three karyotypically normal HA carriers presenting with moderate to severe HA phenotype due to skewed XCI, in an attempt to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying skewed XCI in these symptomatic HA carriers. The study was based on the hypothesis that the presence of a pathogenic mutation on the non-hemophilic X chromosome is the cause of extreme inactivation of that X chromosome. Methods: XCI patterns were studied by PCR analysis of the CAG repeat region in the HUMARA gene. HA carriers that demonstrated skewed XCI were further studied by whole-exome sequencing (WES) followed by X chromosome-targeted bioinformatic analysis. Results: All three HA carriers presenting with the moderate to severe HA phenotype due to skewed XCI were found to carry pathogenic mutations on their non-hemophilic X chromosomes. Patient 1 was diagnosed with a frameshift mutation in the PGK1 gene that was associated with familial XCI skewing in three generations. Patient 2 was diagnosed with a missense mutation in the SYTL4 gene that was associated with familial XCI skewing in two generations. Patient 3 was diagnosed with a nonsense mutation in the NKAP gene that was associated with familial XCI skewing in two generations. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the main reason for skewed XCI in our female HA patients was negative selection against cells with a disadvantage caused by an additional deleterious mutation on the silenced X chromosome, thus complicating the phenotype of a monogenic X-linked disease. Based on our study, we are currently offering the X inactivation test to symptomatic hemophilia carriers and plan to expand this approach to symptomatic carriers of other X-linked diseases, which can be further used in pregnancy planning.
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17
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Fang H, Deng X, Disteche CM. X-factors in human disease: Impact of gene content and dosage regulation. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:R285-R295. [PMID: 34387327 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The gene content of the X and Y chromosomes has dramatically diverged during evolution. The ensuing dosage imbalance within the genome of males and females has led to unique chromosome-wide regulatory mechanisms with significant and sex-specific impacts on X-linked gene expression. X inactivation or silencing of most genes on one X chromosome chosen at random in females profoundly affects the manifestation of X-linked diseases, as males inherit a single maternal allele, while females express maternal and paternal alleles in a mosaic manner. An additional complication is the existence of genes that escape X inactivation and thus are ubiquitously expressed from both alleles in females. The mosaic nature of X-linked gene expression and the potential for escape can vary between individuals, tissues, cell types, and stages of life. Our understanding of the specialized nature of X-linked genes and of the multilayer epigenetic regulation that influence their expression throughout the organism has been helped by molecular studies conducted by tissue-specific and single-cell-specific approaches. In turn, the definition of molecular events that control X silencing has helped develop new approaches for the treatment of some X-linked disorders. This review focuses on the peculiarities of the X chromosome genetic content and epigenetic regulation in shaping the manifestation of congenital and acquired X-linked disorders in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Fang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
| | | | - Christine M Disteche
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
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18
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Sun Y, Yang Y, Luo Y, Chen M, Wang L, Huang Y, Yang Y, Dong M. Lack of MECP2 gene transcription on the duplicated alleles of two related asymptomatic females with Xq28 duplications and opposite X-chromosome inactivation skewing. Hum Mutat 2021; 42:1429-1442. [PMID: 34273908 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24262] [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: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Xq28 duplication syndrome (MIM# 300815) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder in males due to MeCP2 overexpression. Most females with MECP2 duplication are asymptomatic carriers, but there are phenotypic heterogeneities. Skewed X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) can protect females from exhibiting clinical phenotypes. Herein we reported two asymptomatic females (mother and grandmother) with interstitial Xq28 duplication. AR and RP2 assays showed that both had extremely skewed XCI, the Xq28 duplicated chromosome was inactivated in the mother, but was surprisingly activated in the grandmother. Interestingly, by combining RNA sequencing and whole-exome sequencing, we confirmed that XIST only expressed in the Xq28 duplication chromosomes of the two females, indicating that the Xq28 duplication chromosomes were inactive. Meanwhile, MECP2 and most XCI genes in the duplicated X-chromosomes were not transcriptionally expressed or upregulated, precluding major clinical phenotypes in the two females, especially the grandmother. We showed that XCI status detected using RNA sequencing was more relevant for establishing the clinical phenotype of MECP2 duplication in females. It suggested that there were other factors maintaining the XCI status in addition to DNA methylation, a possible additional inhibition mechanism occurred at the transcriptional level in the unmethylated X-chromosome, counter balancing the MECP2 duplication's detrimental phenotype effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixi Sun
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yali Yang
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuqin Luo
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liya Wang
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yingzhi Huang
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanmei Yang
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Minyue Dong
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Immunological Aspects of X-Linked Chronic Granulomatous Disease Female Carriers. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10060891. [PMID: 34206017 PMCID: PMC8229314 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10060891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
X-linked Granulomatous Disease (XL-CGD) carriers were previously thought to be clinically healthy because random X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) allows approximately half of their phagocytes/monocytes to express functional gp91phox protein. This supports the NADPH oxidase activity necessary for the killing of engulfed pathogens. Some XL-CGD carriers suffer from inflammatory and autoimmune manifestations as well as infections, although the skewed-XCI of a mutated allele is reported to be exclusively determinant for infection susceptibility. Indeed, immune dysregulation could be determined by dysfunctional non-phagocytic leukocytes rather than the percentage of functioning neutrophils. Here we investigated in a cohort of 12 X-CGD female carriers at a particular time of their life the gp91phox protein expression/function and how this affects immune cell function. We showed that 50% of carriers have an age-independent skewed-XCI and 65% of them have a misrepresented expression of the wild-type gene. The majority of carriers manifested immune dysregulation and GI manifestations regardless of age and XCI. Immunological investigations revealed an increase in CD19+ B cells, CD56bright-NK cell percentage, a slightly altered CD107a upregulation on CD4+ T cells, and reduced INFγ-production by CD4+ and CD8+ cells. Notably, we demonstrated that the residual level of ROS robustly correlates with INFγ-expressing T cells, suggesting a role in promoting immune dysregulation in carriers.
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20
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Juchniewicz P, Piotrowska E, Kloska A, Podlacha M, Mantej J, Węgrzyn G, Tukaj S, Jakóbkiewicz-Banecka J. Dosage Compensation in Females with X-Linked Metabolic Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094514. [PMID: 33925963 PMCID: PMC8123450 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Through the use of new genomic and metabolomic technologies, our comprehension of the molecular and biochemical etiologies of genetic disorders is rapidly expanding, and so are insights into their varying phenotypes. Dosage compensation (lyonization) is an epigenetic mechanism that balances the expression of genes on heteromorphic sex chromosomes. Many studies in the literature have suggested a profound influence of this phenomenon on the manifestation of X-linked disorders in females. In this review, we summarize the clinical and genetic findings in female heterozygotic carriers of a pathogenic variant in one of ten selected X-linked genes whose defects result in metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Juchniewicz
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (P.J.); (A.K.); (J.J.-B.)
| | - Ewa Piotrowska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.P.); (J.M.); (G.W.); (S.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-58-523-6040
| | - Anna Kloska
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (P.J.); (A.K.); (J.J.-B.)
| | - Magdalena Podlacha
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.P.); (J.M.); (G.W.); (S.T.)
| | - Jagoda Mantej
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.P.); (J.M.); (G.W.); (S.T.)
| | - Grzegorz Węgrzyn
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.P.); (J.M.); (G.W.); (S.T.)
| | - Stefan Tukaj
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.P.); (J.M.); (G.W.); (S.T.)
| | - Joanna Jakóbkiewicz-Banecka
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (P.J.); (A.K.); (J.J.-B.)
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21
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Kawai M, Kato T, Tsutsumi M, Shinkai Y, Inagaki H, Kurahashi H. Molecular analysis of low-level mosaicism of the IKBKG mutation using the X Chromosome Inactivation pattern in Incontinentia Pigmenti. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2020; 8:e1531. [PMID: 33085210 PMCID: PMC7767561 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Incontinentia pigmenti (IP) is a rare X‐linked disorder affecting the skin and other ectodermal tissues that is caused by mutation of the IKBKG/NEMO gene. Previous studies have reported that the overall mutation detection rate in IP is ~75%. We hypothesized that a low‐level mosaicism existed in the remaining cases. Methods Genomic variations in the IKBKG gene were examined in 30 IP probands and their family members. Standard mutational analyses were performed to detect common deletions, nucleotide alterations, and copy number variations. To assess skewing of the X chromosome inactivation (XCI) pattern, a HUMARA assay was performed. We compared the results of this analysis with phenotype severity. Results Pathogenic variants were identified in 20 probands (66.7%), the rate of detection was suboptimal. The remaining 10 probands tended to manifest a mild phenotype with no skewed X chromosome inactivation that is generally observed in IP patients. Quantitative nested PCR and digital droplet PCR were performed for the 10 patients and mosaicism of the common IKBKG deletion were identified in five patients. Conclusion Overall, we detected 25 IKBKG mutations (83.3%). Determination of the XCI value in advance of mutational analyses for IP could improve the mutation detection rate. Our improved detection rate for these mutations, particularly those with a low‐level mosaicism, may present opportunities for appropriate genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miki Kawai
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Fujita Health University Hospital, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Takema Kato
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Makiko Tsutsumi
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Yasuko Shinkai
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Hidehito Inagaki
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kurahashi
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Fujita Health University Hospital, Toyoake, Japan
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22
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De Silva SR, Arno G, Robson AG, Fakin A, Pontikos N, Mohamed MD, Bird AC, Moore AT, Michaelides M, Webster AR, Mahroo OA. The X-linked retinopathies: Physiological insights, pathogenic mechanisms, phenotypic features and novel therapies. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 82:100898. [PMID: 32860923 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
X-linked retinopathies represent a significant proportion of monogenic retinal disease. They include progressive and stationary conditions, with and without syndromic features. Many are X-linked recessive, but several exhibit a phenotype in female carriers, which can help establish diagnosis and yield insights into disease mechanisms. The presence of affected carriers can misleadingly suggest autosomal dominant inheritance. Some disorders (such as RPGR-associated retinopathy) show diverse phenotypes from variants in the same gene and also highlight limitations of current genetic sequencing methods. X-linked disease frequently arises from loss of function, implying potential for benefit from gene replacement strategies. We review X-inactivation and X-linked inheritance, and explore burden of disease attributable to X-linked genes in our clinically and genetically characterised retinal disease cohort, finding correlation between gene transcript length and numbers of families. We list relevant genes and discuss key clinical features, disease mechanisms, carrier phenotypes and novel experimental therapies. We consider in detail the following: RPGR (associated with retinitis pigmentosa, cone and cone-rod dystrophy), RP2 (retinitis pigmentosa), CHM (choroideremia), RS1 (X-linked retinoschisis), NYX (complete congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB)), CACNA1F (incomplete CSNB), OPN1LW/OPN1MW (blue cone monochromacy, Bornholm eye disease, cone dystrophy), GPR143 (ocular albinism), COL4A5 (Alport syndrome), and NDP (Norrie disease and X-linked familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR)). We use a recently published transcriptome analysis to explore expression by cell-type and discuss insights from electrophysiology. In the final section, we present an algorithm for genes to consider in diagnosing males with non-syndromic X-linked retinopathy, summarise current experimental therapeutic approaches, and consider questions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha R De Silva
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Gavin Arno
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Anthony G Robson
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ana Fakin
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Ljubljana University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nikolas Pontikos
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Moin D Mohamed
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Alan C Bird
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Anthony T Moore
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Andrew R Webster
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Omar A Mahroo
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Section of Ophthalmology, King's College London, UK; Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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23
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Zhang X, Li Y, Ma L, Zhang G, Liu M, Wang C, Zheng Y, Li R. A new sex-specific underlying mechanism for female schizophrenia: accelerated skewed X chromosome inactivation. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:39. [PMID: 32680558 PMCID: PMC7368719 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00315-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is the mechanism by which the X-linked gene dosage is adjusted between the sexes. Evidence shows that many sex-specific diseases have their basis in X chromosome biology. While female schizophrenia patients often have a delayed age of disease onset and clinical phenotypes that are different from those of males, it is unknown whether the sex differences in schizophrenia are associated with X-linked gene dosage and the choice of X chromosome silencing in female cells. Previous studies demonstrated that sex chromosome aneuploidies may be related to the pathogeneses of some psychiatric diseases. Here, we examined the changes in skewed XCI in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS A total of 109 female schizophrenia (SCZ) patients and 80 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (CNTLs) were included in this study. We evaluated clinical features including disease onset age, disease duration, clinical symptoms by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and antipsychotic treatment dosages. The XCI skewing patterns were analyzed by the methylation profile of the HUMARA gene found in DNA isolated from SCZ patient and CNTL leukocytes in the three age groups. RESULTS First, we found that the frequency of skewed XCI in SCZ patients was 4 times more than that in the age- and sex-matched CNTLs (p < 0.01). Second, we found an earlier onset of severe XCI skewing in the SCZ patients than in CNTLs. Third, we demonstrated a close relationship between the severity of skewed XCI and schizophrenic symptoms (PANSS score ≥ 90) as well as the age of disease onset. Fourth, we demonstrated that the skewed XCI in SCZ patients was not transmitted from the patients' mothers. LIMITATIONS The XCI skewing pattern might differ depending on tissues or organs. Although this is the first study to explore skewed XCI in SCZ, in the future, samples from different tissues or cells in SCZ patients might be important for understanding the impact of skewed XCI in this disease. CONCLUSION Our study, for the first time, investigated skewed XCI in female SCZ patients and presented a potential mechanism for the sex differences in SCZ. Our data also suggested that XCI might be a potential target for the development of female-specific interventions for SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinzhu Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhong Li
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Ma
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guofu Zhang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Liu
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanyue Wang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Rena Li
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. .,The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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24
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Wayhelova M, Ryzí M, Oppelt J, Hladilkova E, Vallova V, Krskova L, Vilemova M, Polackova H, Gaillyova R, Kuglik P. Novel familial IQSEC2 pathogenic sequence variant associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and epilepsy. Neurogenetics 2020; 21:269-278. [PMID: 32564198 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-020-00616-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic sequence variants in the IQ motif- and Sec7 domain-containing protein 2 (IQSEC2) gene have been confirmed as causative in the aetiopathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders (intellectual disability, autism) and epilepsy. We report on a case of a family with three sons; two of them manifest delayed psychomotor development and epilepsy. Initially proband A was examined using a multistep molecular diagnostics algorithm, including karyotype and array-comparative genomic hybridization analysis, both with negative results. Therefore, probands A and B and their unaffected parents were enrolled for an analysis using targeted "next-generation" sequencing (NGS) with a gene panel ClearSeq Inherited DiseaseXT (Agilent Technologies) and verification analysis by Sanger sequencing. A novel frameshift variant in the X-linked IQSEC2 gene NM_001111125.2:c.1813_1814del, p.(Asp605Profs*3) on protein level, was identified in both affected probands and their asymptomatic mother, having skewed X chromosome inactivation (XCI) (100:0). As the IQSEC2 gene is a known gene escaping from XCI in humans, we expect the existence of mechanisms maintaining the normal or enough level of the IQSEC2 protein in the asymptomatic mother. Further analyses may help to the characterization of the presented novel frameshift variant in the IQSEC2 gene as well as to elucidate the mechanisms leading to the rare asymptomatic phenotypes in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marketa Wayhelova
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Ryzí
- Clinic of Children's Neurology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Oppelt
- CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Hladilkova
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimira Vallova
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Krskova
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marcela Vilemova
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Polackova
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Renata Gaillyova
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kuglik
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic. .,Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.
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25
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Ultra-Deep DNA Methylation Analysis of X-Linked Genes: GLA and AR as Model Genes. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11060620. [PMID: 32512878 PMCID: PMC7349208 DOI: 10.3390/genes11060620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recessive X-linked disorders may occasionally evolve in clinical manifestations of variable severity also in female carriers. For some of such diseases, the frequency of the symptoms’ appearance during women’s life may be particularly relevant. This phenomenon has been largely attributed to the potential skewness of the X-inactivation process leading to variable phenotypes. Nonetheless, in many cases, no correlation with X-inactivation unbalance was demonstrated. However, methods for analyzing skewness have been mainly limited to Human Androgen Receptor methylation analysis (HUMARA). Recently, the X-inactivation process has been largely revisited, highlighting the heterogeneity existing among loci in the epigenetic state within inactive and, possibly, active X-chromosomes. We reasoned that gene-specific and ultra-deep DNA methylation analyses could greatly help to unravel details of the X-inactivation process and the roles of specific X genes inactivation in disease manifestations. We recently provided evidence that studying DNA methylation at specific autosomic loci at a single-molecule resolution (epiallele distribution analysis) allows one to analyze cell-to-cell methylation differences in a given cell population. We here apply the epiallele analysis at two X-linked loci to investigate whether females show allele-specific epiallelic patterns. Due to the high potential of this approach, the method allows us to obtain clearly distinct allele-specific epiallele profiles.
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26
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Márquez EJ, Trowbridge J, Kuchel GA, Banchereau J, Ucar D. The lethal sex gap: COVID-19. IMMUNITY & AGEING 2020; 17:13. [PMID: 32457811 PMCID: PMC7240166 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-020-00183-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
While Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is disrupting lives across the globe for everyone, it has a more devastating impact on the health of older adults, especially that of older men. This pandemic has highlighted the crucial importance of considering an individual’s age and biological sex in the clinic in addition to other confounding diseases (Kuchel, G.A, J Am Geriatr Soc, 67, 203, 2019, Tannenbaum, C., Nature, 575 451-458, 2009) As an interdisciplinary team of scientists in immunology, hematology, genomics, bioinformatics, and geriatrics, we have been studying how age and sex shape the human immune system. Herein we reflect on how our recent findings on the alterations of the immune system in aging might contribute to our current understanding of COVID-19 infection rate and disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - George A Kuchel
- 3University of Connecticut Center on Aging, UConn Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030 USA
| | | | - Duygu Ucar
- 4The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030 USA
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27
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Ayachi S, Buscarlet M, Busque L. 60 Years of clonal hematopoiesis research: From X-chromosome inactivation studies to the identification of driver mutations. Exp Hematol 2020; 83:2-11. [PMID: 32001340 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2020.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The history of clonal hematopoiesis (CH) research is punctuated by several seminal discoveries that have forged our understanding of cancer development. The clever application of the principle of random X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) in females led to the development of the first test to identify clonal derivation of cells. Initially limited by a low level of informativeness, the applicability of these assays expanded with differential methylation-based assays at highly polymorphic genes such as the human androgen receptor (HUMARA). Twenty years ago, the observation that skewing of XCI ratios increases as women age was the first clue that led to the identification of mutations in the TET2 gene in hematologically normal aging individuals. In 2014, large-scale genomic approaches of three cohorts allowed definition of CH, which was reported to increase the risk of developing hematologic cancers and cardiovascular diseases. These observations created a fertile field of investigation aimed at investigating the etiology and consequences of CH. The most frequently mutated genes in CH are DNMT3A, TET2, and ASXL1, which have a role in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) development and self-renewal. These mutations confer a competitive advantage to the CH clones. However, the penetrance of CH is age dependent but incomplete, suggesting the influence of extrinsic factors. Recent data attribute a modest role to genetic predisposition, but several observations point to the impact of a pro-inflammatory milieu that advantages the mutated clones. CH may be a barometer of nonhealthy aging, and interventions devised at curbing its initiation or progression should be a research priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Ayachi
- Research Center, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Manuel Buscarlet
- Research Center, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Lambert Busque
- Research Center, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada; Hematology Division, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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28
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Heritability of skewed X-inactivation in female twins is tissue-specific and associated with age. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5339. [PMID: 31767861 PMCID: PMC6877649 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13340-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Female somatic X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) balances the X-linked transcriptional dosages between the sexes. Skewed XCI toward one parental X has been observed in several complex human traits, but the extent to which genetics and environment influence skewed XCI is largely unexplored. To address this, we quantify XCI-skew in multiple tissues and immune cell types in a twin cohort. Within an individual, XCI-skew differs between blood, fat and skin tissue, but is shared across immune cell types. XCI skew increases with age in blood, but not other tissues, and is associated with smoking. XCI-skew is increased in twins with Rheumatoid Arthritis compared to unaffected identical co-twins. XCI-skew is heritable in blood of females >55 years old (h2 = 0.34), but not in younger individuals or other tissues. This results in a Gene x Age interaction that shifts the functional dosage of all X-linked heterozygous loci in a tissue-restricted manner. Skewing of X chromosome inactivation (XCI) occurs when the silencing of one parental X chromosome is non-random. Here, Zito et al. report XCI patterns in lymphoblastoid cell lines, blood, subcutaneous adipose tissue samples and skin samples of monozygotic and dizygotic twins and find XCI skew to associate with tissue and age.
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29
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Fahim AT, Sullivan LS, Bowne SJ, Jones KD, Wheaton DKH, Khan NW, Heckenlively JR, Jayasundera KT, Branham KH, Andrews CA, Othman MI, Karoukis AJ, Birch DG, Daiger SP. X-Chromosome Inactivation Is a Biomarker of Clinical Severity in Female Carriers of RPGR-Associated X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa. Ophthalmol Retina 2019; 4:510-520. [PMID: 31953110 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2019.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE X-linked retinitis pigmentosa can manifest in female carriers with widely variable severity, whereas others remain unaffected. The contribution of X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) to phenotypic variation has been postulated but not demonstrated. Furthermore, the impact of genotype and genetic modifiers has been demonstrated in affected males but has not been well established in female carriers. The purpose of this study was to describe the scope of clinical phenotype in female carriers with mutations in RPGR and quantify the contribution of genotype, genetic modifiers, and XCI to phenotypic severity. DESIGN Cohort study. PARTICIPANTS Seventy-seven female carriers with RPGR mutations from 41 pedigrees. METHODS Coding single nucleotide polymorphisms were sequenced in candidate genetic modifier genes encoding known RPGR-interacting proteins. X-chromosome inactivation ratios were determined in genomic DNA isolated from blood (n = 42) and saliva (n = 20) using methylation status of X-linked polymorphic repeats. These genetic data were compared with disease severity based on quantitative clinical parameters. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Visual acuity, Humphrey visual field (HVF) results, full-field electroretinography results, and dark adaptation. RESULTS Most individuals at all ages were mildly affected or unaffected, whereas those who progressed to moderate or severe vision loss were older than 30 years. RPGR genotype was not associated with clinical severity. The D1264N variant in RPGRIP1L was associated with more severe disease. Skewed XCI toward inactivation of the normal RPGR allele was associated with more severe disease. The XCI ratio in both blood and saliva was a predictor of visual function as measured by HVF diameter, rod amplitude, flicker amplitude, and flicker implicit time. For carriers with extreme XCI skewing of 80:20 or more, 57% were affected severely compared with 8% for those with XCI of less than 80:20 (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Female carriers with mutations in RPGR demonstrate widely variable clinical severity. X-chromosome inactivation ratios correlate with clinical severity and may serve as a predictor of clinically significant disease. Because RPGR gene therapy trials are underway, a future imperative exists to determine which carriers require intervention and when to intervene. X-chromosome inactivation analysis may be useful for identifying candidates for early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail T Fahim
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| | - Lori S Sullivan
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Sara J Bowne
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | | | - Naheed W Khan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - John R Heckenlively
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - K Thiran Jayasundera
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kari H Branham
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Chris A Andrews
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Mohammad I Othman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Athanasios J Karoukis
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Stephen P Daiger
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas
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Santiwatana S, Mahachoklertwattana P, Limwongse C, Khlairit P, Pongratanakul S, Roothumnong E, Prangphan K, Choubtum L, Songdej D, Poomthavorn P. Skewed X chromosome inactivation in girls and female adolescents with autoimmune thyroid disease. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2018; 89:863-869. [PMID: 30229980 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Skewed X chromosome inactivation (XCI) was associated with female predominance in adult autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD). In normal females, skewed XCI is increased with age. Whether early-onset skewed XCI is associated with childhood ATD remains unknown. This study aimed to determine XCI skewing in paediatric ATD. DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS Ninety-one female ATD patients, aged 3-20 years and 57 age-matched, female controls were enrolled. XCI was analysed by enzymatic digestion of DNA with methylation-sensitive enzymes followed by PCR of the polymorphic CAG repeat in the androgen receptor gene. Skewed XCI was defined as having 80% or greater of the cells preferentially inactivated on the same X chromosome. XCI pattern of the enrolled patients and parental origin of the skewed XCI were determined. RESULTS After exclusion of samples with homozygous CAG repeats, skewed XCI was analysed in 83 patients (57 Graves' disease and 26 Hashimoto thyroiditis) and 52 controls. There was an increased frequency of skewed XCI in ATD patients as compared with the controls (23% vs 8%, P = 0.022). Patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis had greater frequency of skewed XCI than patients with Graves' disease (38% vs 16%, P = 0.023). There were no differences in clinical parameters between patients with skewed and random XCI. Analysis of 7 patients with skewed XCI showed a preferential inactivation of paternal X chromosome in 6 patients (86%). CONCLUSIONS Frequency of skewed XCI was increased in childhood ATD. This observation suggests a possible association of skewed XCI in the development of paediatric ATD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suttikarn Santiwatana
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pat Mahachoklertwattana
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chanin Limwongse
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Patcharin Khlairit
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sarunyu Pongratanakul
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ekkapong Roothumnong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanjana Prangphan
- Division of Medical Genetics Research and Laboratory, Siriraj Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lulin Choubtum
- Research Center, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Duantida Songdej
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Preamrudee Poomthavorn
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Eguchi M, Yagi C, Tauchi H, Kobayashi M, Ishii E, Eguchi-Ishimae M. Exon skipping in CYBB mRNA and skewed inactivation of X chromosome cause late-onset chronic granulomatous disease. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2018; 35:341-349. [PMID: 30633606 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2018.1522402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a hereditary immunodeficiency syndrome caused by a defect in the NADPH oxidase complex, which is essential for bactericidal function of phagocytes. Approximately 70% of patients with CGD have a mutation in the CYBB gene on the X chromosome, resulting in defective expression of gp91phox, one of the membrane-bound subunits of NADPH oxidase. Although most patients with X-linked CGD are males, owing to transmission of this disease as an X-linked recessive trait, there are female patients with X-linked CGD. Here, we report the case of a teenage girl with X-linked CGD associated with a heterozygous mutation in exon 5 of the CYBB gene (c.389G > C; R130P), which causes skipping of exon 5, resulting in a premature stop codon in exon 6 of CYBB. Accurate pro-mRNA splicing for mature mRNA formation is regulated by several splicing mechanisms that are essential for appropriate recognition of exonic sequences. The c.389G > C mutation disrupts exonic-splicing regulator sequences, thereby resulting in the aberrant skipping of exon 5 in the CYBB transcript of the patient. The patient showed an extremely skewed (≥96%) X inactivation pattern of the HUMARA locus; this inactivation is thought to be responsible for the development of CGD not only in neutrophils but also in monocytic, T-cell, and B-cell lineages and in CD34-positive immature hematopoietic cells. Our case and other reports indicate that the onset of X-linked CGD in female patients tends to occur later in life, and that the symptoms tend to be milder as compared to male patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Eguchi
- a Department of Pediatrics , Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine , Toon , Ehime , Japan
| | - Chihiro Yagi
- a Department of Pediatrics , Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine , Toon , Ehime , Japan
| | - Hisamichi Tauchi
- a Department of Pediatrics , Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine , Toon , Ehime , Japan
| | - Masao Kobayashi
- b Department of Pediatrics , Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences , Hiroshima , Hiroshima , Japan
| | - Eiichi Ishii
- a Department of Pediatrics , Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine , Toon , Ehime , Japan
| | - Minenori Eguchi-Ishimae
- a Department of Pediatrics , Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine , Toon , Ehime , Japan
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Kawai M, Tsutsumi M, Suzuki F, Sameshima K, Dowa Y, Kyoya T, Inagaki H, Kurahashi H. Two siblings with 11qter deletion syndrome that had been rescued in their mother by uniparental disomy. Eur J Med Genet 2018; 62:224-228. [PMID: 30031150 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2018.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Jacobsen syndrome refers to a congenital anomaly caused by deletion at 11q23.3-qter. We here describe two siblings with the same 11q23.3-qter deletion. Both parents were healthy with a normal karyotype. Cytogenetic microarray analysis revealed no mosaicism in either parent but the mother showed uniparental disomy encompassing the deleted region found in the two siblings. The pattern of X chromosome inactivation was almost completely skewed in the mother. These data suggested that the mother was a carrier of the 11q23.3-qter deletion but that this had been rescued by disomy formation during early embryogenesis except for her germinal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miki Kawai
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Makiko Tsutsumi
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Suzuki
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan; Center for Collaboration in Research and Education, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Kiyoko Sameshima
- Department of Pediatrics, Minamikyushu National Hospital, Aira, Japan
| | - Yuri Dowa
- Department of Neurology, Gunma Children's Medical Center, Shibukawa, Japan
| | - Takuji Kyoya
- Department of Obstetrics, Gunma Children's Medical Center, Shibukawa, Japan
| | - Hidehito Inagaki
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan; Genome and Transcriptome Analysis Center, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kurahashi
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan; Center for Collaboration in Research and Education, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan; Genome and Transcriptome Analysis Center, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan.
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Trauma-Induced Acute X Chromosome Skewing in White Blood Cells Represents an Immuno-Modulatory Mechanism Unique to Females and a Likely Contributor to Sex-Based Outcome Differences. Shock 2018; 47:402-408. [PMID: 27749765 DOI: 10.1097/shk.0000000000000764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Sex-related outcome disparities following severe trauma have been demonstrated in human and animal studies; however, sex hormone status could not fully account for the differences. This study tested whether X-linked cellular mosaicism, which is unique to females, could represent a genetically based mechanism contributing to sex-related immuno-modulation following trauma. Serial blood samples collected for routine laboratory tests were analyzed for ChrX inactivation (XCI) ratios in white blood cells. Thirty-nine severely injured (mean ISS 19) female trauma patients on mixed racial and ethnic background were tested for initial (baseline) and trauma-induced changes in XCI ratios and their associations with severity of injury and clinical outcome. At admission, two-thirds of the patients showed XCI-ratio values between one and three, about a third presented skewed XCI ratios (3-7 range) and three patients displayed extremely skewed XCI ratios (8-30 range). Serial blood samples during the clinical course showed additional changes in XCI ratios ranging between 20% and 900% over initial. Increasing XCI ratios during the injury course correlated with the severity of trauma, subsequent need for ventilator support and pneumonia. In contrast, initial XCI ratios did not show correlations with injury severity or clinical complications. Initial XCI ratios showed a positive correlation with age but older patients retained the ability to mount trauma-induced secondary XCI changes. These data show that trauma results in X-linked cell selection in females, which is likely to be driven by polymorphic differences between the parental ChrXs. X-linked white blood cell skewing correlates with injury severity and a complicated postinjury clinical course. Female X-linked cellular mosaicism and its capacity to change dynamically during the injury course compared with the lack of this machinery in males may represent a novel immuno-modulatory mechanism contributing to sex-based outcome differences after injury and infection.
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Development of ultra-deep targeted RNA sequencing for analyzing X-chromosome inactivation in female Dent disease. J Hum Genet 2018; 63:589-595. [DOI: 10.1038/s10038-018-0415-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Marciano BE, Zerbe CS, Falcone EL, Ding L, DeRavin SS, Daub J, Kreuzburg S, Yockey L, Hunsberger S, Foruraghi L, Barnhart LA, Matharu K, Anderson V, Darnell DN, Frein C, Fink DL, Lau KP, Long Priel DA, Gallin JI, Malech HL, Uzel G, Freeman AF, Kuhns DB, Rosenzweig SD, Holland SM. X-linked carriers of chronic granulomatous disease: Illness, lyonization, and stability. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2018; 141:365-371. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Wang J, Talluri R, Shete S. Selection of X-chromosome Inactivation Model. Cancer Inform 2017; 16:1176935117747272. [PMID: 29308008 PMCID: PMC5751921 DOI: 10.1177/1176935117747272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
To address the complexity of the X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) process, we previously developed a unified approach for the association test for X-chromosomal single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the disease of interest, accounting for different biological possibilities of XCI: random, skewed, and escaping XCI. In the original study, we focused on the SNP-disease association test but did not provide knowledge regarding the underlying XCI models. One can use the highest likelihood ratio (LLR) to select XCI models (max-LLR approach). However, that approach does not formally compare the LLRs corresponding to different XCI models to assess whether the models are distinguishable. Therefore, we propose an LLR comparison procedure (comp-LLR approach), inspired by the Cox test, to formally compare the LLRs of different XCI models to select the most likely XCI model that describes the underlying XCI process. We conduct simulation studies to investigate the max-LLR and comp-LLR approaches. The simulation results show that compared with the max-LLR, the comp-LLR approach has higher probability of identifying the correct underlying XCI model for the scenarios when the underlying XCI process is random XCI, escaping XCI, or skewed XCI to the deleterious allele. We applied both approaches to a head and neck cancer genetic study to investigate the underlying XCI processes for the X-chromosomal genetic variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- Department of Biostatistics–Unit 1411, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rajesh Talluri
- Department of Data Science, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Sanjay Shete
- Department of Biostatistics–Unit 1411, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Spolarics Z, Peña G, Qin Y, Donnelly RJ, Livingston DH. Inherent X-Linked Genetic Variability and Cellular Mosaicism Unique to Females Contribute to Sex-Related Differences in the Innate Immune Response. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1455. [PMID: 29180997 PMCID: PMC5694032 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Females have a longer lifespan and better general health than males. Considerable number of studies also demonstrated that, after trauma and sepsis, females present better outcomes as compared to males indicating sex-related differences in the innate immune response. The current notion is that differences in the immuno-modulatory effects of sex hormones are the underlying causative mechanism. However, the field remains controversial and the exclusive role of sex hormones has been challenged. Here, we propose that polymorphic X-linked immune competent genes, which are abundant in the population are important players in sex-based immuno-modulation and play a key role in causing sex-related outcome differences following trauma or sepsis. We describe the differences in X chromosome (ChrX) regulation between males and females and its consequences in the context of common X-linked polymorphisms at the individual as well as population level. We also discuss the potential pathophysiological and immune-modulatory aspects of ChrX cellular mosaicism, which is unique to females and how this may contribute to sex-biased immune-modulation. The potential confounding effects of ChrX skewing of cell progenitors at the bone marrow is also presented together with aspects of acute trauma-induced de novo ChrX skewing at the periphery. In support of the hypothesis, novel observations indicating ChrX skewing in a female trauma cohort as well as case studies depicting the temporal relationship between trauma-induced cellular skewing and the clinical course are also described. Finally, we list and discuss a selected set of polymorphic X-linked genes, which are frequent in the population and have key regulatory or metabolic functions in the innate immune response and, therefore, are primary candidates for mediating sex-biased immune responses. We conclude that sex-related differences in a variety of disease processes including the innate inflammatory response to injury and infection may be related to the abundance of X-linked polymorphic immune-competent genes, differences in ChrX regulation, and inheritance patterns between the sexes and the presence of X-linked cellular mosaicism, which is unique to females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltan Spolarics
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Geber Peña
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Yong Qin
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Robert J Donnelly
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - David H Livingston
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
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Abstract
Choosing an evidence-based workup and treatment for recurrent pregnancy loss is imperative to provide best patient care and create a culture that permits rigorous research into potential (not yet evidence-based) tests and therapeutics. As health sciences technologies become more sophisticated, more precise, and less expensive, new tools may be developed that allow better evaluation and treatment of couples with recurrent pregnancy loss. The goal must remain optimizing value and adhering to evidence-based care.
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Epigenetic dysregulation of hematopoietic stem cells and preleukemic state. Int J Hematol 2017; 106:34-44. [PMID: 28555413 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-017-2257-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Recent genetic analyses have revealed that premalignant somatic mutations in hematopoietic cells are common in older people without an evidence of hematologic malignancies, leading to clonal hematopoietic expansion. This phenomenon has been termed clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP). Frequency of such clonal somatic mutations increases with age: in 5-10% of people older than 70 years and around 20% of people older than 90 years. The most commonly mutated genes found in individuals with CHIP were epigenetic regulators, including DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A), Ten-eleven-translocation 2 (TET2), and Additional sex combs-like 1 (ASXL1), which are also recurrently mutated in myeloid malignancies. Recent functional studies have uncovered pleiotropic effect of mutations in DNMT3A, TET2, and ASXL1 in hematopoietic stem cell regulation and leukemic transformation. Of note, CHIP is associated with an increased risk of hematologic malignancy and all-cause mortality, albeit the annual risk of leukemic transformation was relatively low (0.5-1%). These findings suggest that clonal hematopoiesis per se may not be sufficient to engender preleukemic state. Further studies are required to decipher the exact mechanism by which preleukemic stem cells originate and transform into a full-blown leukemic state.
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Gentilini D, Garagnani P, Pisoni S, Bacalini MG, Calzari L, Mari D, Vitale G, Franceschi C, Di Blasio AM. Stochastic epigenetic mutations (DNA methylation) increase exponentially in human aging and correlate with X chromosome inactivation skewing in females. Aging (Albany NY) 2016; 7:568-78. [PMID: 26342808 PMCID: PMC4586102 DOI: 10.18632/aging.100792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In this study we applied a new analytical strategy to investigate the relations between stochastic epigenetic mutations (SEMs) and aging. We analysed methylation levels through the Infinium HumanMethylation27 and HumanMethylation450 BeadChips in a population of 178 subjects ranging from 3 to 106 years. For each CpG probe, epimutated subjects were identified as the extreme outliers with methylation level exceeding three times interquartile ranges the first quartile (Q1-(3 × IQR)) or the third quartile (Q3+(3 × IQR)). We demonstrated that the number of SEMs was low in childhood and increased exponentially during aging. Using the HUMARA method, skewing of X chromosome inactivation (XCI) was evaluated in heterozygotes women. Multivariate analysis indicated a significant correlation between log(SEMs) and degree of XCI skewing after adjustment for age (β = 0.41; confidence interval: 0.14, 0.68; p-value = 0.0053). The PATH analysis tested the complete model containing the variables: skewing of XCI, age, log(SEMs) and overall CpG methylation. After adjusting for the number of epimutations we failed to confirm the well reported correlation between skewing of XCI and aging. This evidence might suggest that the known correlation between XCI skewing and aging could not be a direct association but mediated by the number of SEMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Gentilini
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Cusano Milanino, 20095 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Garagnani
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum- University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy.,Interdepartmental Center "L. Galvani", University of Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Serena Pisoni
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Cusano Milanino, 20095 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Bacalini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum- University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy.,Interdepartmental Center "L. Galvani", University of Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Luciano Calzari
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Cusano Milanino, 20095 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Mari
- Geriatric Unit, IRCCS Ca' Granda Foundation Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Vitale
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Cusano Milanino, 20095 Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum- University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy.,Interdepartmental Center "L. Galvani", University of Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy
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Fahim AT, Daiger SP. The Role of X-Chromosome Inactivation in Retinal Development and Disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 854:325-31. [PMID: 26427428 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-17121-0_43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The expression of X-linked genes is equalized between males and females in mammalian species through X-Chromosome inactivation (XCI). Every cell in a female mammalian embryo randomly chooses one X Chromosome for epigenetic silencing at the 8-16 cell stage, resulting in a Gaussian distribution of XCI ratios with a peak at 50:50. At the tail extremes of this distribution, X-linked recessive mutations can manifest in disease in female carriers if the mutant allele is disproportionately active. The role of XCI skewing, if any, in X-linked retinal disease is still unknown, although many have speculated that such skewing accounts for phenotypic variation in female carriers of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XlRP). Some investigators have used clinical findings such as tapetal-like reflex, pigmentary changes, and multifocal ERG parameters to approximate XCI patches in the retina. These studies are limited by small cohorts and the relative inaccessibility of retinal tissue for genetic and epigenetic analysis. Although blood has been used as a proxy for other tissues in determining XCI ratios, blood XCI skews with age out of proportion to other tissues and may not accurately reflect retinal XCI ratios. Future investigations in determining retinal XCI ratios and the contribution of XCI to phenotype could potentially impact prognosis for female carriers of X-linked retinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail T Fahim
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Kellogg Eye Center, 1000 Wall Street, 48105, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Stephen P Daiger
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center, 1200 Herman Pressler Drive, RAS W-522, 77030, Houston, TX, USA.
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Association of skewed X chromosome inactivation and idiopathic recurrent spontaneous abortion: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biomed Online 2015; 31:140-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Revised: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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44
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Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential and its distinction from myelodysplastic syndromes. Blood 2015; 126:9-16. [PMID: 25931582 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2015-03-631747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1301] [Impact Index Per Article: 144.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent genetic analyses of large populations have revealed that somatic mutations in hematopoietic cells leading to clonal expansion are commonly acquired during human aging. Clonally restricted hematopoiesis is associated with an increased risk of subsequent diagnosis of myeloid or lymphoid neoplasia and increased all-cause mortality. Although myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are defined by cytopenias, dysplastic morphology of blood and marrow cells, and clonal hematopoiesis, most individuals who acquire clonal hematopoiesis during aging will never develop MDS. Therefore, acquisition of somatic mutations that drive clonal expansion in the absence of cytopenias and dysplastic hematopoiesis can be considered clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), analogous to monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis, which are precursor states for hematologic neoplasms but are usually benign and do not progress. Because mutations are frequently observed in healthy older persons, detection of an MDS-associated somatic mutation in a cytopenic patient without other evidence of MDS may cause diagnostic uncertainty. Here we discuss the nature and prevalence of CHIP, distinction of this state from MDS, and current areas of uncertainty regarding diagnostic criteria for myeloid malignancies.
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Abstract
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks and destroys the organs and tissues of its own host. Autoimmunity is the third most common type of disease in the United States. Because there is no cure for autoimmunity, it is extremely important to study the mechanisms that trigger these diseases. Most autoimmune diseases predominantly affect females, indicating a strong sex bias. Various factors, including sex hormones, the presence or absence of a second X chromosome, and sex-specific gut microbiota can influence gene expression in a sex-specific way. These changes in gene expression may, in turn, lead to susceptibility or protection from autoimmunity, creating a sex bias for autoimmune diseases. In this Review we discuss recent findings in the field of sex-dependent regulation of gene expression and autoimmunity.
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Richard JLC, Ogawa Y. Understanding the Complex Circuitry of lncRNAs at the X-inactivation Center and Its Implications in Disease Conditions. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2015; 394:1-27. [PMID: 25982976 DOI: 10.1007/82_2015_443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Balanced gene expression is a high priority in order to maintain optimal functioning since alterations and variations could result in acute consequences. X chromosome inactivation (X-inactivation) is one such strategy utilized by mammalian species to silence the extra X chromosome in females to uphold a similar level of expression between the two sexes. A functionally versatile class of molecules called long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) has emerged as key regulators of gene expression and plays important roles during development. An lncRNA that is indispensable for X-inactivation is X-inactive specific transcript (Xist), which induces a repressive epigenetic landscape and creates the inactive X chromosome (Xi). With recent advents in the field of X-inactivation, novel positive and negative lncRNA regulators of Xist such as Jpx and Tsix, respectively, have broadened the regulatory network of X-inactivation. Xist expression failure or dysregulation has been implicated in producing developmental anomalies and disease states. Subsequently, reactivation of the Xi at a later stage of development has also been associated with certain tumors. With the recent influx of information about lncRNA biology and advancements in methods to probe lncRNA, we can now attempt to understand this complex network of Xist regulation in development and disease. It has become clear that the presence of an extra set of genes could be fatal for the organism. Only by understanding the precise ways in which lncRNAs function can treatments be developed to bring aberrations under control. This chapter summarizes our current understanding and knowledge with regard to how lncRNAs are orchestrated at the X-inactivation center (Xic), with a special focus on how genetic diseases come about as a consequence of lncRNA dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Lalith Charles Richard
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Yuya Ogawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
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Gallot V, Nedellec S, Capmas P, Legendre G, Lejeune-Saada V, Subtil D, Nizard J, Levêque J, Deffieux X, Hervé B, Vialard F. Fausses couches précoces « à répétition » : bilan et prise en charge. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 43:812-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jgyn.2014.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Wang J, Yu R, Shete S. X-chromosome genetic association test accounting for X-inactivation, skewed X-inactivation, and escape from X-inactivation. Genet Epidemiol 2014; 38:483-93. [PMID: 25043884 PMCID: PMC4127090 DOI: 10.1002/gepi.21814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Revised: 04/06/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) is the process in which one of the two copies of the X-chromosome in females is randomly inactivated to achieve the dosage compensation of X-linked genes between males and females. That is, 50% of the cells have one allele inactive and the other 50% of the cells have the other allele inactive. However, studies have shown that skewed or nonrandom XCI is a biological plausibility wherein more than 75% of cells have the same allele inactive. Also, some of the X-chromosome genes escape XCI, i.e., both alleles are active in all cells. Current statistical tests for X-chromosome association studies can either account for random XCI (e.g., Clayton's approach) or escape from XCI (e.g., PLINK software). Because the true XCI process is unknown and differs across different regions on the X-chromosome, we proposed a unified approach of maximizing likelihood ratio over all biological possibilities: random XCI, skewed XCI, and escape from XCI. A permutation-based procedure was developed to assess the significance of the approach. We conducted simulation studies to compare the performance of the proposed approach with Clayton's approach and PLINK regression. The results showed that the proposed approach has higher powers in the scenarios where XCI is skewed while losing some power in scenarios where XCI is random or XCI is escaped, with well-controlled type I errors. We also applied the approach to the X-chromosomal genetic association study of head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, U.S.A
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, U.S.A
| | - Robert Yu
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, U.S.A
| | - Sanjay Shete
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, U.S.A
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, U.S.A
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van Rahden VA, Rau I, Fuchs S, Kosyna FK, de Almeida HL, Fryssira H, Isidor B, Jauch A, Joubert M, Lachmeijer AMA, Zweier C, Moog U, Kutsche K. Clinical spectrum of females with HCCS mutation: from no clinical signs to a neonatal lethal form of the microphthalmia with linear skin defects (MLS) syndrome. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2014; 9:53. [PMID: 24735900 PMCID: PMC4021606 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1172-9-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Segmental Xp22.2 monosomy or a heterozygous HCCS mutation is associated with the microphthalmia with linear skin defects (MLS) or MIDAS (microphthalmia, dermal aplasia, and sclerocornea) syndrome, an X-linked disorder with male lethality. HCCS encodes the holocytochrome c-type synthase involved in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and programmed cell death. METHODS We characterized the X-chromosomal abnormality encompassing HCCS or an intragenic mutation in this gene in six new female patients with an MLS phenotype by cytogenetic analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization, sequencing, and quantitative real-time PCR. The X chromosome inactivation (XCI) pattern was determined and clinical data of the patients were reviewed. RESULTS Two terminal Xp deletions of ≥ 11.2 Mb, two submicroscopic copy number losses, one of ~850 kb and one of ≥ 3 Mb, all covering HCCS, 1 nonsense, and one mosaic 2-bp deletion in HCCS are reported. All females had a completely (>98:2) or slightly skewed (82:18) XCI pattern. The most consistent clinical features were microphthalmia/anophthalmia and sclerocornea/corneal opacity in all patients and congenital linear skin defects in 4/6. Additional manifestations included various ocular anomalies, cardiac defects, brain imaging abnormalities, microcephaly, postnatal growth retardation, and facial dysmorphism. However, no obvious clinical sign was observed in three female carriers who were relatives of one patient. CONCLUSION Our findings showed a wide phenotypic spectrum ranging from asymptomatic females with an HCCS mutation to patients with a neonatal lethal MLS form. Somatic mosaicism and the different ability of embryonic cells to cope with an OXPHOS defect and/or enhanced cell death upon HCCS deficiency likely underlie the great variability in phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kerstin Kutsche
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
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Chabchoub G. X chromosome inactivation and autoimmune diseases. World J Rheumatol 2013; 3:12-15. [DOI: 10.5499/wjr.v3.i3.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Revised: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases (AIDs) is characterized by a female preponderance. The causes for this sex imbalance are based on several hypotheses. One of the most intriguing hypotheses is related to an X chromosome inactivation (XCI) process. Females are mosaics for two cell populations, one with the maternal and one with the paternal X as the active chromosome. Skewed XCI is often defined as a pattern where 80% or more of the cells show a preferential inactivation of one X chromosome. The role of skewed XCI has been questioned in the pathogenesis of several AIDs, such as autoimmune thyroid diseases and rheumatoid arthritis.
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