1
|
Hwa HL, Lin CY, Yu YJ, Linacre A, Lee JCI. DNA identification of monozygotic twins. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2024; 69:102998. [PMID: 38100853 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2023.102998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
This study details the differentiation of identical twins based on single mutational base differences. There were three pairs of male monozygotic (MZ) twins in this study. DNA samples from blood, a buccal swab or saliva from each individual were all initially genotyped using 22 autosomal STR and 27 Y-STR loci. Preliminary screening confirmed there were no differences in the STR data between each pair of MZ twins. Whole Genome Sequence (WGS) data were generated from DNA extracted from the three body fluids from each individual. Kinship coefficients with 0.4254, 0.4557 and 0.4543 from 3 twins were generated based on WGS data to further confirm that their relationship was that of MZ twins. The fastq data generated by the Illumina Hiseq 2000 between MZ twins were then treated as "normal" as opposed to "tumor" using commercially available software tools to identify mutational single base changes. Sanger DNA sequencing confirmed there were 1, 5 and 9 single base changes found in WGS data from each of the three MZ twin sets. There was individual variation in the mutational base changes when comparing data from the three body fluids. The methods used in this study to differentiate MZ twins based on WGS data can readily be performed in many operational forensic DNA laboratories using user friendly software.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Lin Hwa
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No.1 Jen-Ai Road Section 1, Taipei 10051, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yen Lin
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Ministry of Justice, New Taipei City 23016, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jen Yu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No.1 Jen-Ai Road Section 1, Taipei 10051, Taiwan
| | - Adrian Linacre
- College of Science & Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide 5001, Australia
| | - James Chun-I Lee
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No.1 Jen-Ai Road Section 1, Taipei 10051, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu J, Zhang S, Wen Y, Su Y, Jiang L, Li S, Shen J, Zheng X, Li X, Chen X, Wang Z. Exploring rare differences in mitochondrial genome between MZ twins using Ion Torrent semiconductor sequencing. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 348:111708. [PMID: 37119662 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Monozygotic (MZ) twins are considered to be genetically identical in that they have the same genomic DNA sequences in theory, and thus cannot be differentiated using forensic standard STR-based DNA profiling. However, a recent study employed deep sequencing to explore extremely rare mutations in the nuclear genome and reported that the mutation analysis could be applied to differentiate between MZ twins. Compared with the nuclear genome, the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) exhibits higher mutation rates due to fewer DNA repair mechanisms in the mitochondrial genome (mtGenome) and the lack of proofreading capability of the mtDNA polymerase. In a previous study, we used Illumina ultra-deep sequencing to describe point heteroplasmy (PHP) and nucleotide variant of the mtGenomes in venous blood samples of MZ twins. In the present study, we characterized minor differences of the mtGenomes in three tissue samples from seven sets of MZ twins using Ion Torrent semiconductor sequencing (Thermo Fisher Ion S5 XL system) and commercialized mtGenome sequencing kit (Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome Panel). PHP was observed in blood samples from one set of MZ twins and in saliva samples from two sets of twins, but it presented in hair shaft samples from all seven sets of MZ twins. Overall, the coding region of the mtGenome exhibits more PHPs than the control region. The results of this study have further attested the competence of mtGenome sequencing in differentiating between MZ twins, and that among the three kinds of samples tested, hair shaft is more likely to accumulate minor differences in the mtGenomes of MZ twins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shuyuan Zhang
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yufeng Wen
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Yonglin Su
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lirong Jiang
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Suyu Li
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jian Shen
- Anhui Hopegenerich Biotechnology, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Xinyue Zheng
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xingrui Li
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiacan Chen
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sobahy TM, Tashkandi G, Bahussain D, Al-Harbi R. Clinically actionable cancer somatic variants (CACSV): a tumor interpreted dataset for analytical workflows. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:95. [PMID: 35468810 PMCID: PMC9036759 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01235-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recent development and enormous application of parallel sequencing technology in oncology has produced immense amounts of cell-specific genetic information. However, publicly available cell-specific genetic variants are not explained by well-established guidelines. Additionally, cell-specific variants interpretation and classification has remained a challenging task and lacks standardization. The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and the College of American Pathologists (CAP) published the first consensus guidelines for cell-specific variants cataloging and clinical annotations. METHODS AMP-ASCO-CAP recommended sources and information were downloaded and used as follows: relative knowledge in oncology clinical practice guidelines; approved, investigative or preclinical drugs; supporting literature and each gene-tumor site correlation. All information was homogenized into a single knowledgebase. Finally, we incorporated the consensus recommendations into a new computational method. RESULTS A subset of cancer genetic variants was manually curated to benchmark our method and well-known computational algorithms. We applied the new method on freely available tumor-specific databases to produce a clinically actionable cancer somatic variants (CACSV) dataset in an easy-to-integrate format for most clinical analytical workflows. The research also showed the current challenges and limitations of using different classification systems or computational methods. CONCLUSION CACSV is a step toward cell-specific genetic variants standardized interpretation as it is readily adaptable by most clinical laboratory pipelines for somatic variants clinical annotations. CACSV is freely accessible at ( https://github.com/tsobahytm/CACSV/tree/main/dataset ).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Turki M. Sobahy
- grid.415310.20000 0001 2191 4301King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center-Jeddah (KFSHRC-J), Research Center, Jeddah, 21499 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghassan Tashkandi
- grid.415310.20000 0001 2191 4301King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center-Jeddah (KFSHRC-J), Research Center, Jeddah, 21499 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Donya Bahussain
- grid.415310.20000 0001 2191 4301King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center-Jeddah (KFSHRC-J), Research Center, Jeddah, 21499 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Raneem Al-Harbi
- grid.412125.10000 0001 0619 1117Genetic Medicine Department, College of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, 7393 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lähnemann D, Köster J, Fischer U, Borkhardt A, McHardy AC, Schönhuth A. Accurate and scalable variant calling from single cell DNA sequencing data with ProSolo. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6744. [PMID: 34795237 PMCID: PMC8602313 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26938-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurate single cell mutational profiles can reveal genomic cell-to-cell heterogeneity. However, sequencing libraries suitable for genotyping require whole genome amplification, which introduces allelic bias and copy errors. The resulting data violates assumptions of variant callers developed for bulk sequencing. Thus, only dedicated models accounting for amplification bias and errors can provide accurate calls. We present ProSolo for calling single nucleotide variants from multiple displacement amplified (MDA) single cell DNA sequencing data. ProSolo probabilistically models a single cell jointly with a bulk sequencing sample and integrates all relevant MDA biases in a site-specific and scalable-because computationally efficient-manner. This achieves a higher accuracy in calling and genotyping single nucleotide variants in single cells in comparison to state-of-the-art tools and supports imputation of insufficiently covered genotypes, when downstream tools cannot handle missing data. Moreover, ProSolo implements the first approach to control the false discovery rate reliably and flexibly. ProSolo is implemented in an extendable framework, with code and usage at: https://github.com/prosolo/prosolo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Lähnemann
- grid.7490.a0000 0001 2238 295XDepartment for Computational Biology of Infection Research, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany ,grid.6738.a0000 0001 1090 0254Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany ,grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Algorithmic Bioinformatics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany ,grid.14778.3d0000 0000 8922 7789Department of Paediatric Oncology, Haematology and Immunology, University Hospital, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany ,grid.5718.b0000 0001 2187 5445Algorithms for Reproducible Bioinformatics, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Johannes Köster
- grid.5718.b0000 0001 2187 5445Algorithms for Reproducible Bioinformatics, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany ,grid.6054.70000 0004 0369 4183Genome Data Science, Life Sciences Group, Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica, 1098 XG Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ute Fischer
- grid.14778.3d0000 0000 8922 7789Department of Paediatric Oncology, Haematology and Immunology, University Hospital, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Arndt Borkhardt
- grid.14778.3d0000 0000 8922 7789Department of Paediatric Oncology, Haematology and Immunology, University Hospital, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alice C. McHardy
- grid.7490.a0000 0001 2238 295XDepartment for Computational Biology of Infection Research, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany ,grid.6738.a0000 0001 1090 0254Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany ,grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Algorithmic Bioinformatics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexander Schönhuth
- Genome Data Science, Life Sciences Group, Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica, 1098 XG, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Genome Data Science, Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Somatic Mutations and Autoimmunity. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082056. [PMID: 34440825 PMCID: PMC8394445 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082056] [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: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are among the most common chronic illness caused by a dysregulated immune response against self-antigens. Close to 5% of the general population in Western countries develops some form of autoimmunity, yet its underlying causes, although intensively studied, are still not fully known, and no curative therapies exist. It is well established that autoimmune diseases have common mechanisms and are caused by both genetic and non-genetic risk factors. One novel risk factor that can contribute to autoimmunity is somatic mutations, in a role parallel to their role in cancer. Somatic mutations are stochastic, de novo, non-inherited mutations. In this hypothesis, the persistent proliferation of self-reactive lymphocytes (that is usually hindered by a series of checkpoints) is permitted, due to somatic mutations in these expanding cells, allowing them to bypass multiple regulatory checkpoints, causing autoimmunity. This novel concept of the contribution of these mutations in non-malignant diseases has recently started to be explored. It proposes a novel paradigm for autoimmunity etiology and could be the missing piece of the autoimmunity puzzle.
Collapse
|
6
|
Stability across the Whole Nuclear Genome in the Presence and Absence of DNA Mismatch Repair. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051224. [PMID: 34067668 PMCID: PMC8156620 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe the contribution of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) to the stability of the eukaryotic nuclear genome as determined by whole-genome sequencing. To date, wild-type nuclear genome mutation rates are known for over 40 eukaryotic species, while measurements in mismatch repair-defective organisms are fewer in number and are concentrated on Saccharomyces cerevisiae and human tumors. Well-studied organisms include Drosophila melanogaster and Mus musculus, while less genetically tractable species include great apes and long-lived trees. A variety of techniques have been developed to gather mutation rates, either per generation or per cell division. Generational rates are described through whole-organism mutation accumulation experiments and through offspring–parent sequencing, or they have been identified by descent. Rates per somatic cell division have been estimated from cell line mutation accumulation experiments, from systemic variant allele frequencies, and from widely spaced samples with known cell divisions per unit of tissue growth. The latter methods are also used to estimate generational mutation rates for large organisms that lack dedicated germlines, such as trees and hyphal fungi. Mechanistic studies involving genetic manipulation of MMR genes prior to mutation rate determination are thus far confined to yeast, Arabidopsis thaliana, Caenorhabditis elegans, and one chicken cell line. A great deal of work in wild-type organisms has begun to establish a sound baseline, but far more work is needed to uncover the variety of MMR across eukaryotes. Nonetheless, the few MMR studies reported to date indicate that MMR contributes 100-fold or more to genome stability, and they have uncovered insights that would have been impossible to obtain using reporter gene assays.
Collapse
|
7
|
Fan X, Ping L, Sun H, Chen Y, Wang P, Liu T, Jiang R, Zhang X, Chen X. Whole-Exome Sequencing of Discordant Monozygotic Twin Families for Identification of Candidate Genes for Microtia-Atresia. Front Genet 2020; 11:568052. [PMID: 33193662 PMCID: PMC7642525 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.568052] [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: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective We used data from twins and their families to probe the genetic factors contributing to microtia-atresia, in particular, early post-twinning variations that potentially account for the discordant phenotypes of monozygotic twin pairs. Methods Six families of monozygotic twins discordant for congenital microtia-atresia were recruited for study. The six patients shared a consistent clinical phenotype of unilateral microtia-atresia. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed for all six twin pairs and their parents. Family segregation and multiple bioinformatics methods were applied to identify suspicious mutations in all families. Recurring mutations commonly detected in at least two families were highlighted. All variants were validated via Sanger sequencing. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was performed to identify candidate gene sets and related pathways. Copy number variation (CNV), linkage analysis, association analysis and machine learning methods were additionally applied to isolate candidate mutations, and comparative genomics and structural modeling tools used to evaluate their potential roles in onset of microtia-atresia. Results Our analyses revealed 61 genes with suspected mutations associated with microtia-atresia. Five (HOXA4, MUC6, CHST15, TBX10, and AMER1) contained 7 de novo mutations that appeared in at least two families, which have been previously reported as pathogenic for other diseases. Among these, HOXA4 (c.920A>C, p.H307P) was determined as the most likely pathogenic variant for microtia-atresia. GO analysis revealed four gene sets involving 11 pathways potentially related to underlying pathogenesis of the disease. CNVs in three genes (UGT2B17, OVOS, and KATNAL2) were detected in at least two families. Linkage analysis disclosed 13 extra markers for the disease, of which two (FGFR1 and EYA1) were validated via machine learning analysis as plausible candidate genes for the disease. Conclusion Based on comprehensive genetic and bioinformatic analyses of WES data from six families of discordant monozygotic twins with microtia-atresia, we identified multiple candidate genes that may function in post-twinning onset of the disease. The collective findings provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of congenital microtia-atresia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinmiao Fan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Ping
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Bioinformatics Division, BNRIST and MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yushan Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Pu Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Annoroad Gene Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Jiang
- Bioinformatics Division, BNRIST and MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuegong Zhang
- Bioinformatics Division, BNRIST and MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowei Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rolf B, Krawczak M. The germlines of male monozygotic (MZ) twins: Very similar, but not identical. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2020; 50:102408. [PMID: 33157386 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2020.102408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In 2012, a thought experiment in this journal suggested that paternity cases involving monozygotic (MZ) twins as putative fathers could be solved by means of whole genome sequencing (WGS). Although arising from a single fertilization event, MZ twins nevertheless continue to acquire somatic mutations during their development, including those that occur in the germline. Provided that paternity had been narrowed down to the twin pair beforehand by classical DNA analysis, one post-zygotic mutation would suffice to assign the paternal compartment of an offspring genome unambiguously to either twin if that mutation is found in the offspring and one twin, but not in the other twin. Since the publication of a proof-of-principle report in 2014, we have worked up five additional cases of MZ twin germline discrimination in real life, four paternity disputes and one criminal case requiring the identification of a sperm trace donor among a pair of MZ twin brothers. In this opinion paper, we report on the experiences made in the course of our work and take a look at possibilities for further development of the approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Burkhard Rolf
- Eurofins Medigenomix Forensik GmbH, Anzinger Str. 7a, 85560, Ebersberg, Germany
| | - Michael Krawczak
- Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Kiel University, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Brunswiker Strasse 10, 24105, Kiel, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jung YM, Lee SM, Oh S, Lyoo SH, Park CW, Lee SD, Park JS, Jun JK. The concordance rate of non-chromosomal congenital malformations in twins based on zygosity: a retrospective cohort study. BJOG 2020; 128:857-864. [PMID: 32783284 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the concordance rate of non-chromosomal congenital malformations in twin pairs based on zygosity. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING A tertiary hospital in Korea. POPULATION Twin pairs born at Seoul National University Hospital between 2001 and 2019. METHODS Congenital malformations were diagnosed by postnatal workups of neonates or autopsy in cases of stillborn infants. Zygosity was confirmed by sex, chorionicity and DNA analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Concordance rate of congenital malformations in twin pairs based on zygosity. RESULTS In total, 3386 twin pairs were included. The risk of a congenital malformation in the index twin increased significantly if the co-twin had the congenital malformation, and the concordance rate was higher in monozygotic (MZ) than in dizygotic (DZ) twins (37.04 versus 16.77, P < 0.001). An increased risk of a congenital malformation in the presence of the same congenital malformation in the co-twin was observed only for malformations of the nervous system, eye/ear/face/neck, circulatory system, cleft lip/palate, genital organs, urinary system and musculoskeletal system. Significantly higher concordance rates in MZ than in DZ twin pairs were observed only for the nervous system (40.00 versus 0.00, P < 0.001), circulatory system (32.97 versus 19.74, P = 0.021), cleft lip/palate (44.44 versus 0.00, P = 0.017) and urinary system (22.22 versus 0.00, P = 0.004), whereas significant differences were not found for the genital organs or musculoskeletal system. CONCLUSIONS Monozygotic twins had higher concordance rates than DZ twins only in specific organ systems. It may be speculated that nervous system, circulatory system, cleft lip/palate and urinary system are primarily genetically affected. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Monozygotic twins had higher concordance rates than dizygotic twins only in specific organ systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y M Jung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - S M Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - S Oh
- Department of Biostatistics, Seoul National University Seoul Metropolitan Government Boramae Medical Centre, Seoul, Korea
| | - S H Lyoo
- Institute of Forensic and Anthropological Science, Medical Research Centre, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - C-W Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Centre, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - S D Lee
- Institute of Forensic and Anthropological Science, Medical Research Centre, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Forensic Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - J S Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - J K Jun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Centre, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Twin study designs as a tool to identify new candidate genes for depression: A systematic review of DNA methylation studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 112:345-352. [PMID: 32068032 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Monozygotic (MZ) twin studies constitute a key resource for the dissection of environmental and biological risk factors for human complex disorders. Given that epigenetic differences accumulate throughout the lifespan, the assessment of MZ twin pairs discordant for depression offers a genetically informative design to explore DNA methylation while accounting for the typical confounders of the field, shared by co-twins of a pair. In this review, we systematically evaluate all twin studies published to date assessing DNA methylation in association with depressive phenotypes. However, difficulty to recruit large numbers of MZ twin pairs fails to provide enough sample size to develop genome-wide approaches. Alternatively, region and pathway analysis revealed an enrichment for nervous system related functions; likewise, evidence supports an accumulation of methylation variability in affected subjects when compared to their co-twins. Nevertheless, longitudinal studies incorporating known risk factors for depression such as childhood trauma are required for understanding the role that DNA methylation plays in the etiology of depression.
Collapse
|
11
|
Saavedra M. Birth weight and infant health for multiple births. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS 2020; 69:102255. [PMID: 31841834 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2019.102255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
I provide plausibly causal estimates of the effect of birth weight using data from the universe of twins, triplets, and quadruplets born between 1995 and 2000 in the United States. Infants from higher-order multiple births have lower birth weights, but experience smaller reductions in infant health when they are low birth weight. OLS estimates using a rich set of controls show that this result holds when comparing singletons to multiples and when analyzing historical data from before the widespread use of in vitro fertilization. These results suggest that the paradox of low birth weight remains even after controlling for unobserved maternal heterogeneity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Saavedra
- Department of Economics, Oberlin College, 233 Rice Hall, 10 N. Professor St., Oberlin, OH 44074, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Alriyami M, Marchand L, Li Q, Du X, Olivier M, Polychronakos C. Clonal copy-number mosaicism in autoreactive T lymphocytes in diabetic NOD mice. Genome Res 2019; 29:1951-1961. [PMID: 31694869 PMCID: PMC6886509 DOI: 10.1101/gr.247882.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Concordance for type 1 diabetes (T1D) is far from 100% in monozygotic twins and in inbred nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, despite genetic identity and shared environment during incidence peak years. This points to stochastic determinants, such as postzygotic mutations (PZMs) in the expanding antigen-specific autoreactive T cell lineages, by analogy to their role in the expanding tumor lineage in cancer. Using comparative genomic hybridization of DNA from pancreatic lymph-node memory CD4+ T cells of 25 diabetic NOD mice, we found lymphocyte-exclusive mosaic somatic copy-number aberrations (CNAs) with highly nonrandom independent involvement of the same gene(s) across different mice, some with an autoimmunity association (e.g., Ilf3 and Dgka). We confirmed genes of interest using the gold standard approach for CNA quantification, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), as an independent method. As controls, we examined lymphocytes expanded during normal host defense (17 NOD and BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania major parasite). Here, CNAs found were fewer and significantly smaller compared to those in autoreactive cells (P = 0.0019). We determined a low T cell clonality for our samples suggesting a prethymic formation of these CNAs. In this study, we describe a novel, unexplored phenomenon of a potential causal contribution of PZMs in autoreactive T cells in T1D pathogenesis. We expect that exploration of point mutations and studies in human T cells will enable the further delineation of driver genes to target for functional studies. Our findings challenge the classical notions of autoimmunity and open conceptual avenues toward individualized prevention and therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maha Alriyami
- The Endocrine Genetics Laboratory, Child Health and Human Development Program and Department of Pediatrics, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1P3, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, 123, Muscat, Oman
| | - Luc Marchand
- The Endocrine Genetics Laboratory, Child Health and Human Development Program and Department of Pediatrics, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1P3, Canada
| | - Quan Li
- The Endocrine Genetics Laboratory, Child Health and Human Development Program and Department of Pediatrics, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1P3, Canada.,Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Xiaoyu Du
- The Endocrine Genetics Laboratory, Child Health and Human Development Program and Department of Pediatrics, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1P3, Canada
| | - Martin Olivier
- Departments of Medicine, Microbiology, and Immunology, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1P3, Canada
| | - Constantin Polychronakos
- The Endocrine Genetics Laboratory, Child Health and Human Development Program and Department of Pediatrics, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1P3, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cho Y, Lee S, Hong JH, Kim BJ, Hong WY, Jung J, Lee HB, Sung J, Kim HN, Kim HL, Jung J. Development of the variant calling algorithm, ADIScan, and its use to estimate discordant sequences between monozygotic twins. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:e92. [PMID: 29873758 PMCID: PMC6125643 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Calling variants from next-generation sequencing (NGS) data or discovering discordant sequences between two NGS data sets is challenging. We developed a computer algorithm, ADIScan1, to call variants by comparing the fractions of allelic reads in a tester to the universal reference genome. We then created ADIScan2 by modifying the algorithm to directly compare two sets of NGS data and predict discordant sequences between two testers. ADIScan1 detected >99.7% of variants called by GATK with an additional 724 393 SNVs. ADIScan2 identified ∼500 candidates of discordant sequences in each of two pairs of the monozygotic twins. About 200 of these candidates were included in the ∼2800 predicted by VarScan2. We verified 66 true discordant sequences among the candidates that ADIScan2 and VarScan2 exclusively predicted. ADIScan2 detected many discordant sequences overlooked by VarScan2 and Mutect, which specialize in detecting low frequency mutations in genetically heterogeneous cancerous tissues. Numbers of verified sequences alone were >5 times more than expected based on recently estimated mutation rates from whole genome sequences. Estimated post-zygotic mutation rates were 1.68 × 10−7 in this study. ADIScan1 and 2 would complement existing tools in screening causative mutations of diverse genetic diseases and comparing two sets of genome sequences, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangrae Cho
- Syntekabio Incorporated, Techno-2ro B-512, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34025, Republic of Korea.,DFTBA, CALS, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunho Lee
- Syntekabio Incorporated, Techno-2ro B-512, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34025, Republic of Korea.,School of Computer Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hui Hong
- Syntekabio Incorporated, Techno-2ro B-512, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34025, Republic of Korea.,Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Byong Joon Kim
- Syntekabio Incorporated, Techno-2ro B-512, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34025, Republic of Korea
| | - Woon-Young Hong
- Syntekabio Incorporated, Techno-2ro B-512, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34025, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongcheol Jung
- Syntekabio Incorporated, Techno-2ro B-512, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34025, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyang Burm Lee
- DFTBA, CALS, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Joohon Sung
- Complex Disease and Genome Epidemiology Branch, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Na Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ewha Woman's University, Seoul 07985, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Lae Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ewha Woman's University, Seoul 07985, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongsun Jung
- Syntekabio Incorporated, Techno-2ro B-512, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34025, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Smith‐Ferguson J, Beekman M. Can't see the colony for the bees: behavioural perspectives of biological individuality. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2019; 94:1935-1946. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jules Smith‐Ferguson
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of Sydney Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Madeleine Beekman
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of Sydney Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Barnes‐Davis ME, Cortezzo DE. Two cases of atypical twinning: Phenotypically discordant monozygotic and conjoined twins. Clin Case Rep 2019; 7:920-925. [PMID: 31110715 PMCID: PMC6509934 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.2113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical twinning highlights that complex mechanisms responsible for twinning are not fully understood and may give further insight into the mechanisms involved. To assume that phenotypic difference is the result of dizygotic twinning would be erroneous and could have significant implications in the care and counseling provided to these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria E. Barnes‐Davis
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhio
- Division of Neonatal and Pulmonary BiologyCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOhio
| | - DonnaMaria E. Cortezzo
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhio
- Division of Neonatal and Pulmonary BiologyCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOhio
- Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhio
- Division of Pain and Palliative MedicineCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOhio
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lineage Tracing in Humans Enabled by Mitochondrial Mutations and Single-Cell Genomics. Cell 2019; 176:1325-1339.e22. [PMID: 30827679 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Lineage tracing provides key insights into the fate of individual cells in complex organisms. Although effective genetic labeling approaches are available in model systems, in humans, most approaches require detection of nuclear somatic mutations, which have high error rates, limited scale, and do not capture cell state information. Here, we show that somatic mutations in mtDNA can be tracked by single-cell RNA or assay for transposase accessible chromatin (ATAC) sequencing. We leverage somatic mtDNA mutations as natural genetic barcodes and demonstrate their utility as highly accurate clonal markers to infer cellular relationships. We track native human cells both in vitro and in vivo and relate clonal dynamics to gene expression and chromatin accessibility. Our approach should allow clonal tracking at a 1,000-fold greater scale than with nuclear genome sequencing, with simultaneous information on cell state, opening the way to chart cellular dynamics in human health and disease.
Collapse
|
17
|
Nishioka M, Bundo M, Iwamoto K, Kato T. Somatic mutations in the human brain: implications for psychiatric research. Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:839-856. [PMID: 30087451 PMCID: PMC6756205 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0129-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are caused by complex gene-environment interactions. While recent advances in genomic technologies have enabled the identification of several risk variants for psychiatric conditions, including single-nucleotide variants and copy-number variations, these factors can explain only a portion of the liability to these disorders. Although non-inherited factors had previously been attributed to environmental causes, recent genomic analyses have demonstrated that de novo mutations are among the main non-inherited risk factors for several psychiatric conditions. Somatic mutations in the brain may also explain how stochastic developmental events and environmental insults confer risk for a psychiatric disorder following fertilization. Here, we review evidence regarding somatic mutations in the brains of individuals with and without neuropsychiatric diseases. We further discuss the potential biological mechanisms underlying somatic mutations in the brain as well as the technical issues associated with the detection of somatic mutations in psychiatric research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Nishioka
- 0000 0001 2151 536Xgrid.26999.3dDivision for Counseling and Support, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miki Bundo
- 0000 0001 0660 6749grid.274841.cDepartment of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan ,0000 0004 1754 9200grid.419082.6PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kazuya Iwamoto
- Department of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
| | - Tadafumi Kato
- Laboratory for Molecular Dynamics of Mental Disorders, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Saitama, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Distinguishing genetically between the germlines of male monozygotic twins. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007756. [PMID: 30571769 PMCID: PMC6301568 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of the potential donor(s) of human germline-derived cells is an issue in many criminal investigations and in paternity testing. The experimental and statistical methodology necessary to work up such cases is well established but may be more challenging if monozygotic (MZ) twins are involved. Then, elaborate genome-wide searches are required for the detection of early somatic mutations that distinguish the cell sample and its donor from the other twin, usually relying upon reference material other than semen (e.g. saliva). The first such cases, involving either criminal sexual offenses or paternity disputes, have been processed successfully by Eurofins Genomics and Forensics Campus. However, when presenting the experimental results in court, common forensic genetic practice requires that the residual uncertainty about donorship is quantified in the form of a likelihood ratio (LR). Hence, we developed a general mathematical framework for LR calculation, presented herein, which allows quantification of the evidence in favour of the true donor in the respective cases, based upon observed DNA sequencing read counts. In many instances of practical forensic casework, particularly when connected to sexual assault, genetic analysis is carried out to identify the likely donor of a sperm sample left at the crime scene. The experimental and statistical methodology for such investigations is well established. In cases involving monozygotic (MZ) twin suspects, however, the procedure is hampered by the fact that the two individuals usually coincide for the genetic markers tested. One way to overcome this problem is to use the latest DNA sequencing technology to undertake a genome-wide search for those few mutations that occur during early embryonic development and hence allow distinguishing between MZ twins in later life. Following this approach, the first cases of criminal sexual offense have been worked on successfully by Eurofins Genomics and Forensics Campus, leading to the identification of sperm sample donors from saliva reference samples taken from MZ twin suspects. As a matter of principle, however, the residual uncertainty of the experimental results needs to be evaluated and reported as well. Therefore, we developed a novel mathematical framework to quantify the evidential power of the genetic data in cases attempting to identify MZ twin donors, based upon comprehensive DNA sequencing. Moreover, we demonstrate that the same mathematical method can be used to resolve paternity disputes involving alleged fathers who have MZ twin brothers.
Collapse
|
19
|
Brody Y, Kimmerling RJ, Maruvka YE, Benjamin D, Elacqua JJ, Haradhvala NJ, Kim J, Mouw KW, Frangaj K, Koren A, Getz G, Manalis SR, Blainey PC. Quantification of somatic mutation flow across individual cell division events by lineage sequencing. Genome Res 2018; 28:1901-1918. [PMID: 30459213 PMCID: PMC6280753 DOI: 10.1101/gr.238543.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mutation data reveal the dynamic equilibrium between DNA damage and repair processes in cells and are indispensable to the understanding of age-related diseases, tumor evolution, and the acquisition of drug resistance. However, available genome-wide methods have a limited ability to resolve rare somatic variants and the relationships between these variants. Here, we present lineage sequencing, a new genome sequencing approach that enables somatic event reconstruction by providing quality somatic mutation call sets with resolution as high as the single-cell level in subject lineages. Lineage sequencing entails sampling single cells from a population and sequencing subclonal sample sets derived from these cells such that knowledge of relationships among the cells can be used to jointly call variants across the sample set. This approach integrates data from multiple sequence libraries to support each variant and precisely assigns mutations to lineage segments. We applied lineage sequencing to a human colon cancer cell line with a DNA polymerase epsilon (POLE) proofreading deficiency (HT115) and a human retinal epithelial cell line immortalized by constitutive telomerase expression (RPE1). Cells were cultured under continuous observation to link observed single-cell phenotypes with single-cell mutation data. The high sensitivity, specificity, and resolution of the data provide a unique opportunity for quantitative analysis of variation in mutation rate, spectrum, and correlations among variants. Our data show that mutations arrive with nonuniform probability across sublineages and that DNA lesion dynamics may cause strong correlations between certain mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yehuda Brody
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Robert J Kimmerling
- MIT Department of Biological Engineering, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Yosef E Maruvka
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- MGH Cancer Center and Department of Pathology, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - David Benjamin
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Joshua J Elacqua
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- MIT Department of Biological Engineering, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Nicholas J Haradhvala
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- MGH Cancer Center and Department of Pathology, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - Jaegil Kim
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Kent W Mouw
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Kristjana Frangaj
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Amnon Koren
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Gad Getz
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- MGH Cancer Center and Department of Pathology, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - Scott R Manalis
- MIT Department of Biological Engineering, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Paul C Blainey
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- MIT Department of Biological Engineering, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ouwens KG, Jansen R, Tolhuis B, Slagboom PE, Penninx BW, Boomsma DI. A characterization of postzygotic mutations identified in monozygotic twins. Hum Mutat 2018; 39:1393-1401. [PMID: 29980163 PMCID: PMC6175188 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Postzygotic mutations are DNA changes acquired from the zygote stage onwards throughout the lifespan. These changes lead to differences in DNA sequence among cells of an individual, potentially contributing to the etiology of complex disorders. Here we compared whole genome DNA sequence data of two monozygotic twin pairs, 40 and 100 years old, to detect somatic mosaicism. DNA samples were sequenced twice on two Illumina platforms (13X and 40X read depth) for increased specificity. Using differences in allelic ratios resulted in sets of 1,720 and 1,739 putative postzygotic mutations in the 40-year-old twin pair and 100-year-old twin pair, respectively, for subsequent enrichment analysis. This set of putative mutations was strongly (p < 4.37e-91) enriched in both twin pairs for regulatory elements. The corresponding genes were significantly enriched for genes that are alternatively spliced, and for genes involved in GTPase activity. This research shows that somatic mosaicism can be detected in monozygotic twin pairs by using allelic ratios calculated from DNA sequence data and that the mutations which are found by this approach are not randomly distributed throughout the genome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klaasjan G. Ouwens
- Department of Biological PsychologyVU University AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Genalice Core BVNijkerkThe Netherlands
| | - Rick Jansen
- Department of PsychiatryVU University Medical CenterAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - P. Eline Slagboom
- Department of Molecular EpidemiologyLeids Universitair Medisch CentrumLeidenThe Netherlands
| | | | - Dorret I. Boomsma
- Department of Biological PsychologyVU University AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Saini N, Gordenin DA. Somatic mutation load and spectra: A record of DNA damage and repair in healthy human cells. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2018; 59:672-686. [PMID: 30152078 PMCID: PMC6188803 DOI: 10.1002/em.22215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Somatic genome instability is a hallmark of cancer genomes and has been linked to aging and a variety of other pathologies. Large-scale cancer genome and exome sequencing have revealed that mutation load and spectra in cancers can be influenced by environmental exposures, the anatomical site of exposures, and tissue type. There is now an abundance of data favoring the hypothesis that a substantial portion of the mutations in cancers originate prior to carcinogenesis in stem cells of the healthy individual. Rapid advances in sequencing of noncancer cells from healthy humans have shown that their mutation loads and spectra resemble cancer data. Similar to cancer genomes, mutation profiles of healthy cells show marked intra-individual variation, thus providing a metric of the various factors-environmental and endogenous-involved in mutagenesis in these individuals. This review focuses on the current methodologies to measure mutation loads and to determine mutation signatures for evaluating the environmental and endogenous sources of DNA damage in human somatic cells. We anticipate that in future, such large-scale studies aimed at exploring the landscapes of somatic mutations across different cell types in healthy people would provide a valuable resource for designing personalized preventative strategies against diseases associated with somatic genome instability. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:672-686, 2018. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Saini
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dmitry A. Gordenin
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Copy Number Variants and Exome Sequencing Analysis in Six Pairs of Chinese Monozygotic Twins Discordant for Congenital Heart Disease. Twin Res Hum Genet 2018; 20:521-532. [PMID: 29192580 PMCID: PMC5729853 DOI: 10.1017/thg.2017.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common birth defects. More than 200 susceptibility loci have been identified for CHDs, yet a large part of the genetic risk factors remain unexplained. Monozygotic (MZ) twins are thought to be completely genetically identical; however, discordant phenotypes have been found in MZ twins. Recent studies have demonstrated genetic differences between MZ twins. We aimed to test whether copy number variants (CNVs) and/or genetic mutation differences play a role in the etiology of CHDs by using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping arrays and whole exome sequencing of twin pairs discordant for CHDs. Our goal was to identify mutations present only in the affected twins, which could identify novel candidates for CHD susceptibility loci. We present a comprehensive analysis for the CNVs and genetic mutation results of the selected individuals but detected no consistent differences within the twin pairs. Our study confirms that chromosomal structure or genetic mutation differences do not seem to play a role in the MZ twins discordant for CHD.
Collapse
|
23
|
Nishioka M, Bundo M, Ueda J, Yoshikawa A, Nishimura F, Sasaki T, Kakiuchi C, Kasai K, Kato T, Iwamoto K. Identification of somatic mutations in monozygotic twins discordant for psychiatric disorders. NPJ SCHIZOPHRENIA 2018; 4:7. [PMID: 29654278 PMCID: PMC5899160 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-018-0049-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Monozygotic twins are assumed to have identical genomes. Based on this assumption, phenotypic discordance in monozygotic twins has been previously attributed to environmental factors. However, recent genomic studies have identified characteristic somatic mutations in monozygotic twins discordant for Darier disease, Van der Woude syndrome, and Dravet syndrome. Here, we explored somatic mutations in four pairs of monozygotic twins discordant for schizophrenia or delusional disorder. We analyzed whole exome sequence data obtained from blood samples and identified seven somatic mutations in one twin pair discordant for delusional disorder. All seven of these mutations were validated by independent amplicon sequencing, and five of them were further validated by pyrosequencing. One somatic mutation in the patient with delusional disorder showed a missense variant in ABCC9 with an allele fraction of 7.32%. Although an association between the somatic mutations and phenotypic discordance could not be established conclusively in this study, our results suggest that somatic mutations in monozygotic twins may contribute to the development of psychiatric disorders, and can serve as high-priority candidates for genetic studies. Identical twins are not always identical when it comes to psychiatric disorders—and DNA mutations that arise after birth could explain why. Researchers in Japan led by Tadafumi Kato from the RIKEN Brain Science Institute and
Kazuya Iwamoto from Kumamoto University searched for DNA differences between four pairs of identical twins discordant for schizophrenia or delusional disorder by sequencing the entire protein-coding portion of the genome from the study subjects’ blood. In one sibling pair, they found seven genetic differences, including one in the sister with the delusional disorder that altered the sequence of a protein implicated in sleep and other brain functions. The findings suggest that, alongside epigenetic and environmental differences, acquired mutations can account for discordances in psychiatric illnesses among otherwise genetically identical twins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Nishioka
- Department of Molecular Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Division for Counseling and Support, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miki Bundo
- Department of Molecular Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.,PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama, Japan
| | - Junko Ueda
- Department of Molecular Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory for Molecular Dynamics of Mental Disorders, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Saitama, Japan
| | - Akane Yoshikawa
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumichika Nishimura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Sasaki
- Department of Physical and Health Education, Graduate School of Education, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chihiro Kakiuchi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoto Kasai
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tadafumi Kato
- Laboratory for Molecular Dynamics of Mental Disorders, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Kazuya Iwamoto
- Department of Molecular Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. .,Department of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Whole-exome sequencing for monozygotic twins discordant for hemifacial microsomia. J Craniomaxillofac Surg 2018; 46:802-807. [PMID: 29551253 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcms.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is the second most common congenital craniofacial malformation. Although many sporadic and familial cases have been studied to explore the etiology and pathogenesis of HFM, no common understanding has been reached. We aimed to further probe into the etiology of HFM through studying monozygotic twins. Here, we report two cases of pairs of monozygotic twins discordant for HFM, and performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) and bioinformatics analysis to help determine the underlying molecular mechanisms. We identified 93 and 83, and 101 and 104 genes containing rare germline mutations in the twins of the two pairs, respectively. No positive gene candidates were found among the samples, and none of the analyses results revealed a clear intersection with previously reported gene candidates. The pathogenesis of HFM twin pairs does not appear to be related to single nucleotide variants or small insertions/deletions. Thus, HFM may be caused by structure variations, epigenetic alterations, and/or instability of short repeat sequences, which requires further investigation in a larger cohort with sequencing technology for verification.
Collapse
|
25
|
Castellani CA, Melka MG, Gui JL, Gallo AJ, O'Reilly RL, Singh SM. Post-zygotic genomic changes in glutamate and dopamine pathway genes may explain discordance of monozygotic twins for schizophrenia. Clin Transl Med 2017; 6:43. [PMID: 29181591 PMCID: PMC5704032 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-017-0174-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Monozygotic twins are valuable in assessing the genetic vs environmental contribution to diseases. In the era of complete genome sequences, they allow identification of mutational mechanisms and specific genes and pathways that offer predisposition to the development of complex diseases including schizophrenia. Methods We sequenced the complete genomes of two pairs of monozygotic twins discordant for schizophrenia (MZD), including one representing a family tetrad. The family specific complete sequences have allowed identification of post zygotic mutations between MZD genomes. It allows identification of affected genes including relevant network and pathways that may account for the diseased state in pair specific patient. Results We found multiple twin specific sequence differences between co-twins that included small nucleotides [single nucleotide variants (SNV), small indels and block substitutions], copy number variations (CNVs) and structural variations. The genes affected by these changes belonged to a number of canonical pathways, the most prominent ones are implicated in schizophrenia and related disorders. Although these changes were found in both twins, they were more frequent in the affected twin in both pairs. Two specific pathway defects, glutamate receptor signaling and dopamine feedback in cAMP signaling pathways, were uniquely affected in the two patients representing two unrelated families. Conclusions We have identified genome-wide post zygotic mutations in two MZD pairs affected with schizophrenia. It has allowed us to use the threshold model and propose the most likely cause of this disease in the two patients studied. The results support the proposition that each schizophrenia patient may be unique and heterogeneous somatic de novo events may contribute to schizophrenia threshold and discordance of the disease in monozygotic twins. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40169-017-0174-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C A Castellani
- Department of Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada. .,McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - M G Melka
- Department of Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - J L Gui
- Department of Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - A J Gallo
- Department of Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - R L O'Reilly
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - S M Singh
- Department of Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Morimoto Y, Ono S, Imamura A, Okazaki Y, Kinoshita A, Mishima H, Nakane H, Ozawa H, Yoshiura KI, Kurotaki N. Deep sequencing reveals variations in somatic cell mosaic mutations between monozygotic twins with discordant psychiatric disease. Hum Genome Var 2017; 4:17032. [PMID: 28765789 PMCID: PMC5529667 DOI: 10.1038/hgv.2017.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Monozygotic (MZ) twins have been thought to be genetically identical. However, recent studies have shown discordant variants between them. We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) in five MZ twin pairs with discordant neurodevelopmental disorders and one healthy control MZ twin to detect discordant variants. We identified three discordant variants confirmed by deep sequencing after analysis by personalized next-generation sequencing (NGS). Three mutations in FBXO38 (chr5:147774428;T>G), SMOC2 (chr6:169051385;A>G) and TDRP (chr8:442616;A>G), were detected with low allele frequency of mutant alleles on deep sequencing, suggesting that these loci are mosaic due to somatic mutations in a developmental stage. Our results suggest that deep sequencing analysis would be an adequate method to detect discordant mutations in candidate genes responsible for heritable diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiro Morimoto
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Unit of Translation Medicine Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Human Genetics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shinji Ono
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Unit of Translation Medicine Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Human Genetics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Akira Imamura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Unit of Translation Medicine Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yuji Okazaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Koseikai Michino-o Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Akira Kinoshita
- Department of Human Genetics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Mishima
- Department of Human Genetics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Nakane
- Unit of Rehabilitation Science, Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Science, University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ozawa
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Unit of Translation Medicine Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Koh-Ichiro Yoshiura
- Department of Human Genetics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Naohiro Kurotaki
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Unit of Translation Medicine Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Huang AY, Zhang Z, Ye AY, Dou Y, Yan L, Yang X, Zhang Y, Wei L. MosaicHunter: accurate detection of postzygotic single-nucleotide mosaicism through next-generation sequencing of unpaired, trio, and paired samples. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:e76. [PMID: 28132024 PMCID: PMC5449543 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 12/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic mosaicism arising from postzygotic mutations has long been associated with cancer and more recently with non-cancer diseases. It has also been detected in healthy individuals including healthy parents of children affected with genetic disorders, highlighting its critical role in the origin of genetic mutations. However, most existing software for the genome-wide identification of single-nucleotide mosaicisms (SNMs) requires a paired control tissue obtained from the same individual which is often unavailable for non-cancer individuals and sometimes missing in cancer studies. Here, we present MosaicHunter (http://mosaichunter.cbi.pku.edu.cn), a bioinformatics tool that can identify SNMs in whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing data of unpaired samples without matched controls using Bayesian genotypers. We evaluate the accuracy of MosaicHunter on both simulated and real data and demonstrate that it has improved performance compared with other somatic mutation callers. We further demonstrate that incorporating sequencing data of the parents can be an effective approach to significantly improve the accuracy of detecting SNMs in an individual when a matched control sample is unavailable. Finally, MosaicHunter also has a paired mode that can take advantage of matched control samples when available, making it a useful tool for detecting SNMs in both non-cancer and cancer studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- August Yue Huang
- Center for Bioinformatics, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Center for Bioinformatics, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Adam Yongxin Ye
- Center for Bioinformatics, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanmei Dou
- Center for Bioinformatics, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Linlin Yan
- Center for Bioinformatics, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxu Yang
- Center for Bioinformatics, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuehua Zhang
- Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100034, People's Republic of China
| | - Liping Wei
- Center for Bioinformatics, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article discusses genomic investigations in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) beyond genome-wide association (GWA) studies, but prior to this, genetic variants achieving genome-wide significance will be summarized highlighting key pathways contributing to disease pathogenesis. RECENT FINDINGS Evidence suggests that disease pathogenesis is attributed to a complex interplay of genetic, environmental and immunological factors. GWA studies have greatly enhanced our understanding of AS pathogenesis by illuminating distinct immunomodulatory pathways affecting innate and acquired immunity, most notably the interleukin-23/interleukin-17 pathway. However, despite the wealth of new information gleaned from such studies, a fraction of the heritability (24.4%) has been explained. This review will focus on investigations beyond GWA studies including copy number variants, gene expression profiling, including microRNA (miRNA), epigenetics, rare variants and gene-gene interactions. SUMMARY To address the 'missing heritability' and advance beyond GWA studies, a concerted effort involving rethinking of study design and implementation of newer technologies will be required. The coming of age of next-generation sequencing and advancements in epigenetic and miRNA technologies, combined with familial-focused investigations using well-characterized cohorts, is likely to reveal some of the hidden genomic mysteries associated with AS.
Collapse
|
29
|
Differences between germline and somatic mutation rates in humans and mice. Nat Commun 2017; 8:15183. [PMID: 28485371 PMCID: PMC5436103 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The germline mutation rate has been extensively studied and has been found to vary greatly between species, but much less is known about the somatic mutation rate in multicellular organisms, which remains very difficult to determine. Here, we present data on somatic mutation rates in mice and humans, obtained by sequencing single cells and clones derived from primary fibroblasts, which allows us to make the first direct comparison with germline mutation rates in these two species. The results indicate that the somatic mutation rate is almost two orders of magnitude higher than the germline mutation rate and that both mutation rates are significantly higher in mice than in humans. Our findings demonstrate both the privileged status of germline genome integrity and species-specific differences in genome maintenance. Germline mutation rates are known to vary between species but somatic mutation rates are less well understood. Here the authors compare mice and humans, observing that somatic mutation rates were nearly two orders of magnitude higher in both species, with both mutation rates significantly higher in mice.
Collapse
|
30
|
VarScan2 analysis of de novo variants in monozygotic twins discordant for schizophrenia. Psychiatr Genet 2017; 27:62-70. [DOI: 10.1097/ypg.0000000000000162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
31
|
Saini N, Roberts SA, Klimczak LJ, Chan K, Grimm SA, Dai S, Fargo DC, Boyer JC, Kaufmann WK, Taylor JA, Lee E, Cortes-Ciriano I, Park PJ, Schurman SH, Malc EP, Mieczkowski PA, Gordenin DA. The Impact of Environmental and Endogenous Damage on Somatic Mutation Load in Human Skin Fibroblasts. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1006385. [PMID: 27788131 PMCID: PMC5082821 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of somatic changes, due to environmental and endogenous lesions, in the human genome is associated with aging and cancer. Understanding the impacts of these processes on mutagenesis is fundamental to understanding the etiology, and improving the prognosis and prevention of cancers and other genetic diseases. Previous methods relying on either the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells, or sequencing of single-cell genomes were inherently error-prone and did not allow independent validation of the mutations. In the current study we eliminated these potential sources of error by high coverage genome sequencing of single-cell derived clonal fibroblast lineages, obtained after minimal propagation in culture, prepared from skin biopsies of two healthy adult humans. We report here accurate measurement of genome-wide magnitude and spectra of mutations accrued in skin fibroblasts of healthy adult humans. We found that every cell contains at least one chromosomal rearrangement and 600–13,000 base substitutions. The spectra and correlation of base substitutions with epigenomic features resemble many cancers. Moreover, because biopsies were taken from body parts differing by sun exposure, we can delineate the precise contributions of environmental and endogenous factors to the accrual of genetic changes within the same individual. We show here that UV-induced and endogenous DNA damage can have a comparable impact on the somatic mutation loads in skin fibroblasts. Somatic genomes are constantly accumulating changes caused by endogenous lesions, errors in DNA replication and repair, as well as environmental insults. Despite the importance of somatic genome instability in aging and age-related pathologies, including cancers, accurate measurements of mutation loads in healthy cells is still missing. In this study, we developed an experimental approach to accurately determine the somatic genome changes accrued in cell lineages over the lifetime of healthy humans. We show that the amounts and types of mutations in skin cells resemble many cancers, thus indicating that the mechanisms that lead to carcinogenesis are also functional in healthy cells. Moreover, sun-exposed skin cells have a higher mutation load attributable to ultraviolet radiation (UV) unlike cells from hips that were protected by clothing. Our work provides precise measurements of the mutation loads in single cells in human skin. Furthermore our data allowed defining the mutagenic impacts of environmental and endogenous processes within the same individual and led to conclusion that these processes have a comparable impact on the somatic mutation load.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Saini
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States Of America
| | - Steven A. Roberts
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States Of America
| | - Leszek J. Klimczak
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States Of America
| | - Kin Chan
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States Of America
| | - Sara A. Grimm
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States Of America
| | - Shuangshuang Dai
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States Of America
| | - David C. Fargo
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States Of America
| | - Jayne C. Boyer
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States Of America
| | - William K. Kaufmann
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States Of America
| | - Jack A. Taylor
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States Of America
| | - Eunjung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States Of America
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States Of America
| | - Isidro Cortes-Ciriano
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States Of America
| | - Peter J. Park
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States Of America
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States Of America
| | - Shepherd H. Schurman
- Clinical Research Unit, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States Of America
| | - Ewa P. Malc
- Department of Genetics, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States Of America
| | - Piotr A. Mieczkowski
- Department of Genetics, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States Of America
| | - Dmitry A. Gordenin
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States Of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Freed D, Pevsner J. The Contribution of Mosaic Variants to Autism Spectrum Disorder. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1006245. [PMID: 27632392 PMCID: PMC5024993 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
De novo mutation is highly implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the contribution of post-zygotic mutation to ASD is poorly characterized. We performed both exome sequencing of paired samples and analysis of de novo variants from whole-exome sequencing of 2,388 families. While we find little evidence for tissue-specific mosaic mutation, multi-tissue post-zygotic mutation (i.e. mosaicism) is frequent, with detectable mosaic variation comprising 5.4% of all de novo mutations. We identify three mosaic missense and likely-gene disrupting mutations in genes previously implicated in ASD (KMT2C, NCKAP1, and MYH10) in probands but none in siblings. We find a strong ascertainment bias for mosaic mutations in probands relative to their unaffected siblings (p = 0.003). We build a model of de novo variation incorporating mosaic variants and errors in classification of mosaic status and from this model we estimate that 33% of mosaic mutations in probands contribute to 5.1% of simplex ASD diagnoses (95% credible interval 1.3% to 8.9%). Our results indicate a contributory role for multi-tissue mosaic mutation in some individuals with an ASD diagnosis. Recent sequencing experiments have shown that genetic mutations present in children but not their parents contribute to autism diagnoses in a large fraction of affected families. Here we address the question of whether mutations occurring uniquely in the children arise in the parents’ sperm or egg, or as mosaics in the child after conception. Using a dataset of 2,388 families, we find that while these mutations are primarily inherited from parental germ cells, 5.4% of these mutations appear to arise after conception. Mosaic mutations occur more frequently in probands relative to their unaffected siblings and from this enrichment we estimate that mosaic mutations contribute to 5.1% of autism diagnoses. In addition, we show that brain-specific mutations are not frequently detectable in individuals with an autism diagnosis. Our results indicate that some fraction of identical twins is expected to be discordant for an autism diagnosis due to genetic factors (post-zygotic mutation).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donald Freed
- Program in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Pevsner
- Program in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
McNamara HC, Kane SC, Craig JM, Short RV, Umstad MP. A review of the mechanisms and evidence for typical and atypical twinning. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 214:172-191. [PMID: 26548710 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.10.930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Revised: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms responsible for twinning and disorders of twin gestations have been the subject of considerable interest by physicians and scientists, and cases of atypical twinning have called for a reexamination of the fundamental theories invoked to explain twin gestations. This article presents a review of the literature focusing on twinning and atypical twinning with an emphasis on the phenomena of chimeric twins, phenotypically discordant monozygotic twins, mirror-image twins, polar body twins, complete hydatidiform mole with a coexistent twin, vanishing twins, fetus papyraceus, fetus in fetu, superfetation, and superfecundation. The traditional models attributing monozygotic twinning to a fission event, and more recent models describing monozygotic twinning as a fusion event, are critically reviewed. Ethical restrictions on scientific experimentation with human embryos and the rarity of cases of atypical twinning have limited opportunities to elucidate the exact mechanisms by which these phenomena occur. Refinements in the modeling of early embryonic development in twin pregnancies may have significant clinical implications. The article includes a series of figures to illustrate the phenomena described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen C McNamara
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Womens Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stefan C Kane
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Womens Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeffrey M Craig
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Roger V Short
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark P Umstad
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Womens Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Glass TA, Bilal U. Are neighborhoods causal? Complications arising from the 'stickiness' of ZNA. Soc Sci Med 2016; 166:244-253. [PMID: 26830654 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2015] [Revised: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Are neighborhoods causal? The answer remains elusive. Armed with new multilevel methods, enthusiasm for neighborhoods research surged at the turn of the century. However, a wave of skepticism has arisen based on the difficulty of drawing causal inferences from observational studies in which selection to neighborhoods is non-random. Researchers have sought answers from experimental and quasi-experimental studies of movers vs. stayers. We develop two related concepts in this essay in the hopes of shedding light on this problem. First, the inceptive environment into which persons are born (which we term ZNA for Zip code Nativity Area) exerts a potentially powerful causal impact on health. Detecting that causal effect is challenging for reasons similar that obtain in other fields (including genetics). Second, we explicate the problem of neighborhood 'stickiness' in terms of the persistence of neighborhood treatment assignment, and argue that under-appreciation of stickiness has led to systematic bias in causal estimates of neighborhoods proportional to the degree of stickiness. In sticky contexts, failure to account for the lasting influences of ZNA by adjusting for intermediate individual socioeconomic and health variables on the causal pathway can result in neighborhood effects estimates that are biased toward the null. We follow with an example drawn from evidence of neighborhood 'stickiness' and obesity. The stickiness of ZNA cautions us that experimental evidence may be insufficient or misleading as a solution to causal inference problems in neighborhood research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Glass
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, United States.
| | - Usama Bilal
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, United States; Social and Cardiovascular Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Alcala, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Nunney L. Commentary: The multistage model of carcinogenesis, Peto's paradox and evolution. Int J Epidemiol 2015; 45:649-53. [PMID: 26659656 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyv201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Nunney
- Department of Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kim K, Lee K, Bang H, Kim JY, Choi JK. Intersection of genetics and epigenetics in monozygotic twin genomes. Methods 2015; 102:50-6. [PMID: 26548893 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2015.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
As a final function of various epigenetic mechanisms, chromatin regulation is a transcription control process that especially demonstrates active interaction with genetic elements. Thus, chromatin structure has become a principal focus in recent genomics researches that strive to characterize regulatory functions of DNA variants related to diseases or other traits. Although researchers have been focusing on DNA methylation when studying monozygotic (MZ) twins, a great model in epigenetics research, interactions between genetics and epigenetics in chromatin level are expected to be an imperative research trend in the future. In this review, we discuss how the genome, epigenome, and transcriptome of MZ twins can be studied in an integrative manner from this perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kwoneel Kim
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Kibaick Lee
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoeun Bang
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Yeon Kim
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Kyoon Choi
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Hussain S. A new conceptual framework for investigating complex genetic disease. Front Genet 2015; 6:327. [PMID: 26583033 PMCID: PMC4631989 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2015.00327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Some common diseases are known to have an inherited component, however, their population- and familial-incidence patterns do not conform to any known monogenic Mendelian pattern of inheritance and instead they are currently much better explained if an underlying polygenic architecture is posited. Studies that have attempted to identify the causative genetic factors have been designed on this polygenic framework, but so far the yield has been largely unsatisfactory. Based on accumulating recent observations concerning the roles of somatic mosaicism in disease, in this article a second framework which posits a single gene-two hit model which can be modulated by a mutator/anti-mutator genetic background is suggested. I discuss whether such a model can be considered a viable alternative based on current knowledge, its advantages over the current polygenic framework, and describe practical routes via which the new framework can be investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shobbir Hussain
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of BathBath, UK
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Genetic mosaics and the germ line lineage. Genes (Basel) 2015; 6:216-37. [PMID: 25898403 PMCID: PMC4488662 DOI: 10.3390/genes6020216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic mosaics provide information about cellular lineages that is otherwise difficult to obtain, especially in humans. De novo mutations act as cell markers, allowing the tracing of developmental trajectories of all descendants of the cell in which the new mutation arises. De novo mutations may arise at any time during development but are relatively rare. They have usually been observed through medical ascertainment, when the mutation causes unusual clinical signs or symptoms. Mutational events can include aneuploidies, large chromosomal rearrangements, copy number variants, or point mutations. In this review we focus primarily on the analysis of point mutations and their utility in addressing questions of germ line versus somatic lineages. Genetic mosaics demonstrate that the germ line and soma diverge early in development, since there are many examples of combined somatic and germ line mosaicism for de novo mutations. The occurrence of simultaneous mosaicism in both the germ line and soma also shows that the germ line is not strictly clonal but arises from at least two, and possibly multiple, cells in the embryo with different ancestries. Whole genome or exome DNA sequencing technologies promise to expand the range of studies of genetic mosaics, as de novo mutations can now be identified through sequencing alone in the absence of a medical ascertainment. These technologies have been used to study mutation patterns in nuclear families and in monozygotic twins, and in animal model developmental studies, but not yet for extensive cell lineage studies in humans.
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
All same-sex dizygotic (DZ) twins and approximately one-third of monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs have separate placentas, making it impossible to use the number of placentas to determine zygosity. Zygosity determination is further complicated because incorrect assumptions are often made, such as that only DZ pairs have two placentas and that all MZ pairs are phenotypically identical. These assumptions, by twins, their families and health professionals, along with the lack of universal zygosity testing for same-sex twins, has led to confusion within the twin community, yet little research has been conducted with twins about their understanding and assumptions about zygosity. We aimed to explore and quantify understanding and assumptions about zygosity using twins attending an Australian twin festival. We recruited 91 twin pairs younger than 18 years of age and their parents, and 30 adult twin pairs who were all uncertain of their zygosity, to complete one pen and paper questionnaire and one online questionnaire about their assumed zygosity, reasons for their assumptions and the importance of accurate zygosity knowledge. Responses were compared with their true zygosity measured using a genetic test. We found a substantial proportion of parents and twins had been misinformed by their own parents or medical professionals, and that knowledge of their true zygosity status provided peace of mind and positive emotional responses. For these reasons we propose universal zygosity testing of same-sex twins as early in life as possible and an increase in education of medical professionals, twins and families of twins about zygosity issues.
Collapse
|
40
|
Milsom SR, Ogilvie CM, Jefferies C, Cree L. Discordant Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome in identical twins - a case report and implications for reproduction in MRKH women. Gynecol Endocrinol 2015; 31:684-7. [PMID: 26291808 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2015.1032928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility has previously been considered as an inevitable consequence of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome. With modern assisted reproductive technology (ART) techniques becoming increasingly accessible, MRKH women have the opportunity for their own genetic offspring. The availability of such technology, however, increases the importance of understanding the aetiology of this complex condition. The literature debating the relevance of genetic versus post-zygotic events in the aetiology of MRKH syndrome is reviewed in the context of this report of monozygotic twins discordant for MRKH syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stella Ruth Milsom
- a Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Womens' Health Division , Auckland District Health Board , Auckland , New Zealand
- b Department of Endocrinology , Fertility Associates Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
- c Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , University of Auckland University , Auckland , New Zealand , and
| | - Cara Megan Ogilvie
- a Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Womens' Health Division , Auckland District Health Board , Auckland , New Zealand
- b Department of Endocrinology , Fertility Associates Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Craig Jefferies
- d Department of Paediatric Endocrinology , Auckland District Health Board , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Lynsey Cree
- b Department of Endocrinology , Fertility Associates Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
- c Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , University of Auckland University , Auckland , New Zealand , and
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Magne F, Serpa R, Van Vliet G, Samuels ME, Deladoëy J. Somatic mutations are not observed by exome sequencing of lymphocyte DNA from monozygotic twins discordant for congenital hypothyroidism due to thyroid dysgenesis. Horm Res Paediatr 2015; 83:79-85. [PMID: 25277881 PMCID: PMC5050031 DOI: 10.1159/000365393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Congenital primary hypothyroidism (CH) is a rare pediatric disorder estimated to occur in about 1:2,500 live births. Approximately half of these cases entail ectopic thyroid tissue, which is believed to result from a migration defect during embryogenesis. Approximately 3% of CH cases are explained by mutation(s) in known genes, most of which are transcription factors implicated in the embryology of the thyroid gland. Surprisingly, monozygotic (MZ) twins are usually discordant for CH due to thyroid dysgenesis, suggesting that most cases are not caused by transmitted genetic variation. One possible explanation is somatic mutation in genes involved in thyroid migration occurring after zygotic twinning. Such mutations should be observed only in the affected twin. METHODS To test the hypothesis of somatic mutation, we performed whole exome sequencing of DNA from three pairs of MZ twins discordant for CH with ectopic glands. RESULTS We found no somatic mutations exclusive to any of the three affected twins or in any of the unaffected twins. CONCLUSION Either somatic mutations are not significant for the etiology of CH or else such mutations lie outside regions of the genome accessible by exome sequencing technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Magne
- Endocrinology Service and Research Center, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Montreal, Montreal, Que., Canada,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Montreal, Montreal, Que., Canada
| | - Roman Serpa
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Montreal, Montreal, Que., Canada
| | - Guy Van Vliet
- Endocrinology Service and Research Center, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Montreal, Montreal, Que., Canada
| | - Mark E. Samuels
- Endocrinology Service and Research Center, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Montreal, Montreal, Que., Canada,Department of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Que., Canada
| | - Johnny Deladoëy
- Endocrinology Service and Research Center, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Montreal, Montreal, Que., Canada,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Montreal, Montreal, Que., Canada,Department of Biochemistry, University of Montreal, Montreal, Que., Canada
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Cohen ASA, Wilson SL, Trinh J, Ye XC. Detecting somatic mosaicism: considerations and clinical implications. Clin Genet 2014; 87:554-62. [PMID: 25223253 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Revised: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Human disease is rarely a matter of all or nothing; variable expressivity is generally observed. Part of this variability is explained by somatic mosaicism, which can arise by a myriad of genetic alterations. These can take place at any stage of development, possibly leading to unusual features visible at birth, but can also occur later in life, conceivably leading to cancer. Previously, detection of somatic mosaicism was extremely challenging, as many gold standard tests lacked the necessary resolution. However, with the advances in high-throughput sequencing, mosaicism is being detected more frequently and at lower levels. This raises the issue of normal variation within each individual vs mosaicism leading to disease, and how to distinguish between the two. In this article, we will define somatic mosaicism with a brief overview of its main mechanisms in concrete clinical examples, discuss the impact of next-generation sequencing technologies in its detection, and expand on the clinical implications associated with a discovery of somatic mosaicism in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A S A Cohen
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Budowle B. Molecular genetic investigative leads to differentiate monozygotic twins. INVESTIGATIVE GENETICS 2014; 5:11. [PMID: 25177480 PMCID: PMC4148680 DOI: 10.1186/2041-2223-5-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Budowle
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Institute of AppliedGenetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA ; Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Castillo-Fernandez JE, Spector TD, Bell JT. Epigenetics of discordant monozygotic twins: implications for disease. Genome Med 2014; 6:60. [PMID: 25484923 PMCID: PMC4254430 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-014-0060-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Monozygotic (MZ) twins share nearly all of their genetic variants and many similar environments before and after birth. However, they can also show phenotypic discordance for a wide range of traits. Differences at the epigenetic level may account for such discordances. It is well established that epigenetic states can contribute to phenotypic variation, including disease. Epigenetic states are dynamic and potentially reversible marks involved in gene regulation, which can be influenced by genetics, environment, and stochastic events. Here, we review advances in epigenetic studies of discordant MZ twins, focusing on disease. The study of epigenetics and disease using discordant MZ twins offers the opportunity to control for many potential confounders encountered in general population studies, such as differences in genetic background, early-life environmental exposure, age, gender, and cohort effects. Recently, analysis of disease-discordant MZ twins has been successfully used to study epigenetic mechanisms in aging, cancer, autoimmune disease, psychiatric, neurological, and multiple other traits. Epigenetic aberrations have been found in a range of phenotypes, and challenges have been identified, including sampling time, tissue specificity, validation, and replication. The results have relevance for personalized medicine approaches, including the identification of prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic targets. The findings also help to identify epigenetic markers of environmental risk and molecular mechanisms involved in disease and disease progression, which have implications both for understanding disease and for future medical research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tim D Spector
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, Kings College London, London, SE1 7EH UK
| | - Jordana T Bell
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, Kings College London, London, SE1 7EH UK
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Erickson RP. Recent advances in the study of somatic mosaicism and diseases other than cancer. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2014; 26:73-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2014.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
46
|
Vaccari CM, Romanini MV, Musante I, Tassano E, Gimelli S, Divizia MT, Torre M, Morovic CG, Lerone M, Ravazzolo R, Puliti A. De novo deletion of chromosome 11q12.3 in monozygotic twins affected by Poland Syndrome. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2014; 15:63. [PMID: 24885342 PMCID: PMC4051386 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2350-15-63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Poland Syndrome (PS) is a rare disorder characterized by hypoplasia/aplasia of the pectoralis major muscle, variably associated with thoracic and upper limb anomalies. Familial recurrence has been reported indicating that PS could have a genetic basis, though the genetic mechanisms underlying PS development are still unknown. Case presentation Here we describe a couple of monozygotic (MZ) twin girls, both presenting with Poland Syndrome. They carry a de novo heterozygous 126 Kbp deletion at chromosome 11q12.3 involving 5 genes, four of which, namely HRASLS5, RARRES3, HRASLS2, and PLA2G16, encode proteins that regulate cellular growth, differentiation, and apoptosis, mainly through Ras-mediated signaling pathways. Conclusions Phenotype concordance between the monozygotic twin probands provides evidence supporting the genetic control of PS. As genes controlling cell growth and differentiation may be related to morphological defects originating during development, we postulate that the observed chromosome deletion could be causative of the phenotype observed in the twin girls and the deleted genes could play a role in PS development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Aldamaria Puliti
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Dal GM, Ergüner B, Sağıroğlu MS, Yüksel B, Onat OE, Alkan C, Özçelik T. Early postzygotic mutations contribute to de novo variation in a healthy monozygotic twin pair. J Med Genet 2014; 51:455-9. [DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2013-102197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
48
|
Odorisio T, Di Salvio M, Orecchia A, Di Zenzo G, Piccinni E, Cianfarani F, Travaglione A, Uva P, Bellei B, Conti A, Zambruno G, Castiglia D. Monozygotic twins discordant for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa phenotype highlight the role of TGF-β signalling in modifying disease severity. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 23:3907-22. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
|