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Feng Y, Zhou C, Zhao F, Ma T, Xiao Y, Peng K, Xia R. ZEB2 alleviates Hirschsprung's-associated enterocolitis by promoting the proliferation and differentiation of enteric neural precursor cells via the Notch-1/Jagged-2 pathway. Gene 2024; 912:148365. [PMID: 38485033 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148365] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hirschsprung's-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is a prevalent complication of Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR). Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2) and Notch-1/Jagged-2 are dysregulated in HSCR, but their role in HAEC progression remains poorly understood. We aimed to explore the role and underlying mechanism of enteric neural precursor cells (ENPCs) and the ZEB2/Notch-1/Jagged-2 pathway in HAEC development. METHODS Colon tissues were collected from HSCR and HAEC patients. ENPCs were isolated from the HAEC group and stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The expressions of ZEB2/Notch-1/Jagged-2 were measured using RT-qPCR and Western blot. Immunofluorescence and cell counting kit-8 assays were performed to assess the differentiation and proliferation of ENPCs. Inflammatory factors were measured by ELISA kits. Co-immunoprecipitation and bioinformatic analysis were used to explore the interaction between ZEB2 and Notch-1. Small interfering RNA and overexpression vectors were used to investigate the role and mechanism of ZEB2 and Notch-1 in regulating ENPCs' proliferation and differentiation during HAEC progression. RESULTS We observed increased LPS in the colon tissues of HAEC, with downregulated ZEB2 expression and upregulated Notch-1/Jagged-2 expression. ZEB2 interacts with Notch-1. LPS treatment downregulated ZEB2 expression, upregulated Notch-1/Jagged-2 expression, and induced proliferation and differentiation disorders in ENPCs, which were reversed by the knockdown of Notch-1. Furthermore, overexpression of ZEB2 inhibited Notch-1/Jagged-2 signaling and ameliorated inflammation and dysfunction in LPS-induced ENPCs. Notch-1 overexpression enhanced LPS-induced dysfunction, but this effect was antagonized by the overexpression of ZEB2. CONCLUSION Overexpression of ZEB2 ameliorates LPS-induced ENPCs' dysfunction via the Notch-1/Jagged-2 pathway, thus playing a role in HAEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Feng
- Department of Fetal and Neonatal Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Chonggao Zhou
- Department of Fetal and Neonatal Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Fan Zhao
- Department of Fetal and Neonatal Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Tidong Ma
- Department of Fetal and Neonatal Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Yong Xiao
- Department of Fetal and Neonatal Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Kun Peng
- Department of Fetal and Neonatal Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Renpeng Xia
- Department of Fetal and Neonatal Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha 410007, China.
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2
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Caraffi SG, van der Laan L, Rooney K, Trajkova S, Zuntini R, Relator R, Haghshenas S, Levy MA, Baldo C, Mandrile G, Lauzon C, Cordelli DM, Ivanovski I, Fetta A, Sukarova E, Brusco A, Pavinato L, Pullano V, Zollino M, McConkey H, Tartaglia M, Ferrero GB, Sadikovic B, Garavelli L. Identification of the DNA methylation signature of Mowat-Wilson syndrome. Eur J Hum Genet 2024; 32:619-629. [PMID: 38351292 PMCID: PMC11153515 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-024-01548-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MOWS) is a rare congenital disease caused by haploinsufficiency of ZEB2, encoding a transcription factor required for neurodevelopment. MOWS is characterized by intellectual disability, epilepsy, typical facial phenotype and other anomalies, such as short stature, Hirschsprung disease, brain and heart defects. Despite some recognizable features, MOWS rarity and phenotypic variability may complicate its diagnosis, particularly in the neonatal period. In order to define a novel diagnostic biomarker for MOWS, we determined the genome-wide DNA methylation profile of DNA samples from 29 individuals with confirmed clinical and molecular diagnosis. Through multidimensional scaling and hierarchical clustering analysis, we identified and validated a DNA methylation signature involving 296 differentially methylated probes as part of the broader MOWS DNA methylation profile. The prevalence of hypomethylated CpG sites agrees with the main role of ZEB2 as a transcriptional repressor, while differential methylation within the ZEB2 locus supports the previously proposed autoregulation ability. Correlation studies compared the MOWS cohort with 56 previously described DNA methylation profiles of other neurodevelopmental disorders, further validating the specificity of this biomarker. In conclusion, MOWS DNA methylation signature is highly sensitive and reproducible, providing a useful tool to facilitate diagnosis.
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Grants
- MNESYS (PE0000006) Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca (Ministry of Education, University and Research)
- 20203P8C3X Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca (Ministry of Education, University and Research)
- FOE 2020 Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca (Ministry of Education, University and Research)
- RCR-2022-23682289 Ministero della Salute (Ministry of Health, Italy)
- PNRR-MR1-2022-12376811 Ministero della Salute (Ministry of Health, Italy)
- OGI-188 Ontario Genomics Institute (OGI)
- Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca (Ministry of Education, University and Research)
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liselot van der Laan
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kathleen Rooney
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Science Centre, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Slavica Trajkova
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Roberta Zuntini
- Medical Genetics Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Raissa Relator
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Science Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Sadegheh Haghshenas
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Science Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Michael A Levy
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Science Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Chiara Baldo
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Giorgia Mandrile
- Medical Genetics Unit and Thalassemia Center, San Luigi University Hospital, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano (Torino), Italy
| | - Carolyn Lauzon
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Science Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Duccio Maria Cordelli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell'Età Pediatrica, 40139, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ivan Ivanovski
- Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Anna Fetta
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell'Età Pediatrica, 40139, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Sukarova
- Department of Endocrinology and Genetics, University Clinic for Pediatric Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 1000, Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
| | - Alfredo Brusco
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- Medical Genetics Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza University Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Lisa Pavinato
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Verdiana Pullano
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Marcella Zollino
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, 'Sacro Cuore' Catholic University of Rome, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Haley McConkey
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Science Centre, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Marco Tartaglia
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Bekim Sadikovic
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Science Centre, London, ON, Canada.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Livia Garavelli
- Medical Genetics Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
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3
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Gorrieri G, Tamburro S, Baldassari S, Guerrisi S, Zara F, Ricci E, Maria Cordelli D, Scudieri P, Musante I. Generation of two iPSC lines from Mowat-Wilson syndrome patients carrying heterozygous ZEB2 mutations. Stem Cell Res 2024; 76:103333. [PMID: 38350246 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2024.103333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
ZEB2 is a protein-coding gene belonging to a very restricted family of transcription factors. ZEB2 acts mainly as a transcription repressor, is expressed in various tissues and its role is fundamental for the correct development of the nervous system. The best-known clinical picture associated with ZEB2 mutations is Mowat-Wilson syndrome, caused mostly by haploinsufficiency and characterized by possible multi-organ malformations, dysmorphic features, intellectual disability, and epilepsy. In this study we report the generation of IGGi004-A and IGGi005-A, iPSC clones from two patients carrying different heterozygous mutations in ZEB2, which can be used for disease modelling, pathophysiological studies and therapeutics testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gorrieri
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Serena Tamburro
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Baldassari
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sara Guerrisi
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico Zara
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emilia Ricci
- Child Neurology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Epilepsy Center, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Duccio Maria Cordelli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, U.O.C. Neuropsichiatria dell'età Pediatrica, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Scudieri
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Musante
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
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4
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St. Peter C, Hossain WA, Lovell S, Rafi SK, Butler MG. Mowat-Wilson Syndrome: Case Report and Review of ZEB2 Gene Variant Types, Protein Defects and Molecular Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2838. [PMID: 38474085 PMCID: PMC10932183 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MWS) is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental congenital disorder associated with various defects of the zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2) gene. The ZEB2 gene is autosomal dominant and encodes six protein domains including the SMAD-binding protein, which functions as a transcriptional corepressor involved in the conversion of neuroepithelial cells in early brain development and as a mediator of trophoblast differentiation. This review summarizes reported ZEB2 gene variants, their types, and frequencies among the 10 exons of ZEB2. Additionally, we summarized their corresponding encoded protein defects including the most common variant, c.2083 C>T in exon 8, which directly impacts the homeodomain (HD) protein domain. This single defect was found in 11% of the 298 reported patients with MWS. This review demonstrates that exon 8 encodes at least three of the six protein domains and accounts for 66% (198/298) of the variants identified. More than 90% of the defects were due to nonsense or frameshift changes. We show examples of protein modeling changes that occurred as a result of ZEB2 gene defects. We also report a novel pathogenic variant in exon 8 in a 5-year-old female proband with MWS. This review further explores other genes predicted to be interacting with the ZEB2 gene and their predicted gene-gene molecular interactions with protein binding effects on embryonic multi-system development such as craniofacial, spine, brain, kidney, cardiovascular, and hematopoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline St. Peter
- Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd. MS 4015, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (C.S.P.); (W.A.H.); (S.K.R.)
| | - Waheeda A. Hossain
- Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd. MS 4015, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (C.S.P.); (W.A.H.); (S.K.R.)
| | - Scott Lovell
- Protein Structure Laboratory, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA;
| | - Syed K. Rafi
- Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd. MS 4015, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (C.S.P.); (W.A.H.); (S.K.R.)
| | - Merlin G. Butler
- Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd. MS 4015, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (C.S.P.); (W.A.H.); (S.K.R.)
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5
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Ouyang D, Huang C, Liu H, Xie W, Chen C, Su B, Guo L. Comprehensive analysis of genetic associations and single-cell expression profiles reveals potential links between migraine and multiple diseases: a phenome-wide association study. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1301208. [PMID: 38385040 PMCID: PMC10879407 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1301208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Migraine is a common neurological disorder that affects more than one billion people worldwide. Recent genome-wide association studies have identified 123 genetic loci associated with migraine risk. However, the biological mechanisms underlying migraine and its relationships with other complex diseases remain unclear. We performed a phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) using UK Biobank data to investigate associations between migraine and 416 phenotypes. Mendelian randomization was employed using the IVW method. For loci associated with multiple diseases, pleiotropy was tested using MR-Egger. Single-cell RNA sequencing data was analyzed to profile the expression of 73 migraine susceptibility genes across brain cell types. qPCR was used to validate the expression of selected genes in microglia. PheWAS identified 15 disorders significantly associated with migraine, with one association detecting potential pleiotropy. Single-cell analysis revealed elevated expression of seven susceptibility genes (including ZEB2, RUNX1, SLC24A3, ANKDD1B, etc.) in brain glial cells. And qPCR confirmed the upregulation of these genes in LPS-treated microglia. This multimodal analysis provides novel insights into the link between migraine and other diseases. The single-cell profiling suggests the involvement of specific brain cells and molecular pathways. Validation of gene expression in microglia supports their potential role in migraine pathology. Overall, this study uncovers pleiotropic relationships and the biological underpinnings of migraine susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Ouyang
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Yulin, Yulin, China
| | - Chunying Huang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Yulin, Yulin, China
| | - Huihua Liu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Yulin, Yulin, China
| | | | | | - Ben Su
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lizhong Guo
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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6
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Drastichova Z, Trubacova R, Novotny J. Regulation of phosphosignaling pathways involved in transcription of cell cycle target genes by TRH receptor activation in GH1 cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115830. [PMID: 37931515 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115830] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is known to activate several cellular signaling pathway, but the activation of the TRH receptor (TRH-R) has not been reported to regulate gene transcription. The aim of this study was to identify phosphosignaling pathways and phosphoprotein complexes associated with gene transcription in GH1 pituitary cells treated with TRH or its analog, taltirelin (TAL), using label-free bottom-up mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Our detailed analysis provided insight into the mechanism through which TRH-R activation may regulate the transcription of genes related to the cell cycle and proliferation. It involves control of the signaling pathways for β-catenin/Tcf, Notch/RBPJ, p53/p21/Rbl2/E2F, Myc, and YY1/Rb1/E2F through phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of their key components. In many instances, the phosphorylation patterns of differentially phosphorylated phosphoproteins in TRH- or TAL-treated cells were identical or displayed a similar trend in phosphorylation. However, some phosphoproteins, especially components of the Wnt/β-catenin/Tcf and YY1/Rb1/E2F pathways, exhibited different phosphorylation patterns in TRH- and TAL-treated cells. This supports the notion that TRH and TAL may act, at least in part, as biased agonists. Additionally, the deficiency of β-arrestin2 resulted in a reduced number of alterations in phosphorylation, highlighting the critical role of β-arrestin2 in the signal transduction from TRH-R in the plasma membrane to transcription factors in the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdenka Drastichova
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czechia
| | - Radka Trubacova
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czechia; Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czechia
| | - Jiri Novotny
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czechia.
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Suzuki Y, Nomura N, Yamada K, Yamada Y, Fukuda A, Hoshino K, Abe S, Kurosawa K, Inaba M, Mizuno S, Wakamatsu N, Hayashi S. Pathogenicity evaluation of variants of uncertain significance at exon-intron junction by splicing assay in patients with Mowat-Wilson syndrome. Eur J Med Genet 2023; 66:104882. [PMID: 37944854 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2023.104882] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
High-throughput sequencing has identified vast numbers of variants in genetic disorders. However, the significance of variants at the exon-intron junction remains controversial. Even though most cases of Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MOWS) are caused by heterozygous loss-of-function variants in ZEB2, the pathogenicity of variants at exon-intron junction is often indeterminable. We identified four intronic variants in 5/173 patients with clinical suspicion for MOWS, and evaluated their pathogenicity by in vitro analyses. The minigene analysis showed that c.73+2T>G caused most of the transcripts skipping exon 2, while c.916+6T>G led to partial skipping of exon 7. No splicing abnormalities were detected in both c.917-21T>C and c.3067+6A>T. The minigene analysis reproduced the splicing observed in the blood cells of the patient with c.73+2T>G. The degree of the exon skipping was concordant with the severity of MOWS; while the patient with c.73+2T>G was typical MOWS, the patient with c.916+6T>G showed milder phenotype which has been seldom reported. Our results demonstrate that mRNA splicing assays using the minigenes are valuable for determining the clinical significance of intronic variants in patients with not only MOWS but also other genetic diseases with splicing aberrations and may explain atypical or milder cases, such as the current patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyo Suzuki
- Department of Genetics, Institute for Developmental Research, Aichi Developmental Disability Center, Kasugai, Aichi, Japan
| | - Noriko Nomura
- Department of Genetics, Institute for Developmental Research, Aichi Developmental Disability Center, Kasugai, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Yamada
- Department of Genetics, Institute for Developmental Research, Aichi Developmental Disability Center, Kasugai, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yasukazu Yamada
- Department of Genetics, Institute for Developmental Research, Aichi Developmental Disability Center, Kasugai, Aichi, Japan
| | - Ayumi Fukuda
- Department of Pediatrics, Nihon University Itabashi Hospital, Itabashi, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kyoko Hoshino
- Segawa Memorial Neurological Clinic for Children, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinpei Abe
- Department of Pediatrics, Juntendo University, Faculty of Medicine, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Kurosawa
- Division of Medical Genetics, Kanagawa Children's Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Mie Inaba
- Department of Pediatrics, Central Hospital, Aichi Developmental Disability Center, Kasugai, Aichi, Japan
| | - Seiji Mizuno
- Department of Pediatrics, Central Hospital, Aichi Developmental Disability Center, Kasugai, Aichi, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Wakamatsu
- Department of Genetics, Institute for Developmental Research, Aichi Developmental Disability Center, Kasugai, Aichi, Japan; Department of Pathology and Host Defense, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Takamatsu, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Shin Hayashi
- Department of Genetics, Institute for Developmental Research, Aichi Developmental Disability Center, Kasugai, Aichi, Japan.
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Han X, Zhang Q, Wang C, Han B. Clinical Characteristics and Novel ZEB2 Gene Mutation Analysis of Three Chinese Patients with Mowat-Wilson Syndrome. Pharmgenomics Pers Med 2023; 16:777-783. [PMID: 37641719 PMCID: PMC10460601 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s414161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MWS) is an autosomal dominant disease caused by a pathogenic variant of the ZEB2 gene. The main clinical manifestations include special facial features, Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), global developmental delay and other congenital malformations. Here, we summarize the clinical characteristics and genetic mutation analysis of three Chinese patients with MWS. Patients and Methods The clinical characteristics of the patients were monitored and the treatment effect was followed up. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and analyzed by sequencing. Whole exome sequencing was then performed. Results Three novel ZEB2 gene mutations were identified in 3 patients (c.1147_1150dupGAAC, p.Q384Rfs*7, c.1137_1146del TAGTATGTCT, p.S380Nfs *13 and c.2718delT, p.A907Lfs*23). They all had special facial features, intellectual disability, developmental delay, microcephaly, structural brain abnormalities and other symptoms. After long-term regular rehabilitation treatment, the development quotient of each functional area of the patient was slightly improved. Conclusion Our study expanded the mutation spectrum of ZEB2 and enriched our understanding of the clinical features of MWS. It also shows that long-term standardized treatment is of great significance for the prognosis of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining, Shandong, 272011, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qianjuan Zhang
- Department of Children’s Medical Rehabilitation Center, Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chengcheng Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining, Shandong, 272011, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bingjuan Han
- Department of Children’s Health Prevention, The Second Children & Women’s Healthcare of Jinan City, Jinan, Shandong, 271100, People’s Republic of China
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Birkhoff JC, Korporaal AL, Brouwer RWW, Nowosad K, Milazzo C, Mouratidou L, van den Hout MCGN, van IJcken WFJ, Huylebroeck D, Conidi A. Zeb2 DNA-Binding Sites in Neuroprogenitor Cells Reveal Autoregulation and Affirm Neurodevelopmental Defects, Including in Mowat-Wilson Syndrome. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030629. [PMID: 36980900 PMCID: PMC10048071 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional perturbation and action mechanism studies have shown that the transcription factor Zeb2 controls cell fate decisions, differentiation, and/or maturation in multiple cell lineages in embryos and after birth. In cultured embryonic stem cells (ESCs), Zeb2’s mRNA/protein upregulation is necessary for the exit from primed pluripotency and for entering general and neural differentiation. We edited mouse ESCs to produce Flag-V5 epitope-tagged Zeb2 protein from one endogenous allele. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with sequencing (ChIP-seq), we mapped 2432 DNA-binding sites for this tagged Zeb2 in ESC-derived neuroprogenitor cells (NPCs). A new, major binding site maps promoter-proximal to Zeb2 itself. The homozygous deletion of this site demonstrates that autoregulation of Zeb2 is necessary to elicit the appropriate Zeb2-dependent effects in ESC-to-NPC differentiation. We have also cross-referenced all the mapped Zeb2 binding sites with previously obtained transcriptome data from Zeb2 perturbations in ESC-derived NPCs, GABAergic interneurons from the ventral forebrain of mouse embryos, and stem/progenitor cells from the post-natal ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) in mouse forebrain, respectively. Despite the different characteristics of each of these neurogenic systems, we found interesting target gene overlaps. In addition, our study also contributes to explaining developmental disorders, including Mowat-Wilson syndrome caused by ZEB2 deficiency, and also other monogenic syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith C. Birkhoff
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anne L. Korporaal
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rutger W. W. Brouwer
- Center for Biomics-Genomics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karol Nowosad
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- The Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Claudia Milazzo
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lidia Mouratidou
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Wilfred F. J. van IJcken
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Center for Biomics-Genomics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Danny Huylebroeck
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Andrea Conidi
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-10-7043169
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10
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He S, Wang J, Huang Y, Kong F, Yang R, Zhan Y, Li Z, Ye C, Meng L, Ren Y, Zhou Y, Chen G, Shen Z, Sun S, Zheng S, Dong R. Intestinal fibrosis in aganglionic segment of Hirschsprung's disease revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1193. [PMID: 36738110 PMCID: PMC9898741 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a relatively common congenital disability. Accumulating extracellular matrix (ECM) prompts intestinal fibrosis remodelling in the aganglionic segments of HSCR. The contributions of various cellular subsets in the fibrogenesis of HSCR segments are poorly understood. METHODS Single-cell transcriptomics from 8 aganglionic segments and 5 normal segments of 7 HSCR subjects and 26 healthy segments of seven healthy donors were analysed. Fibrotic phenotype and alterations were explored using differential expression analysis and single-cell trajectory analysis. Fibrosis-related transcription factors were inferred through single-cell regulatory network inference. Bulk transcriptomic data, proteomic data, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to validate the alterations in the HSCR intestine. RESULTS Various collagen, fibronectin and laminin protein-coding genes expression were up-regulated in the stromal and glial cells of the HSCR intestine. The number of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the aganglionic segments increased, and more myofibroblasts were activated at an earlier stage in HSCR segments, which infers that there is an intestinal fibrosis phenotype in HSCR segments. The fibrotic regulators POSTN, ANXA1 and HSP70 were highly expressed in the ECM-related cellular subsets in the transitional segments and aganglionic segments. The transcription factor regulatory network revealed that fibrosis-related and megacolon-related NR2F1 in the fibroblasts and glial subsets was up-regulated in the aganglionic segment. CONCLUSIONS This work identifies intestinal fibrosis and related regulators in aganglionic segments of HSCR; hence, anti-fibrotic therapy may be considered to prevent HSCR-associated enterocolitis (HAEC), relieve intestinal stricture and improve cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei He
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Junfeng Wang
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Yanlei Huang
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Fanyang Kong
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Ran Yang
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Yong Zhan
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Zifeng Li
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Chunjing Ye
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Lingdu Meng
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Yankang Ren
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Gong Chen
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Zhen Shen
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Song Sun
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Shan Zheng
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Rui Dong
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
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11
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Kumar S, Fan X, Rasouly HM, Sharma R, Salant DJ, Lu W. ZEB2 controls kidney stromal progenitor differentiation and inhibits abnormal myofibroblast expansion and kidney fibrosis. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e158418. [PMID: 36445780 PMCID: PMC9870089 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.158418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXD1+ cell-derived stromal cells give rise to pericytes and fibroblasts that support the kidney vasculature and interstitium but are also major precursors of myofibroblasts. ZEB2 is a SMAD-interacting transcription factor that is expressed in developing kidney stromal progenitors. Here we show that Zeb2 is essential for normal FOXD1+ stromal progenitor development. Specific conditional knockout of mouse Zeb2 in FOXD1+ stromal progenitors (Zeb2 cKO) leads to abnormal interstitial stromal cell development, differentiation, and kidney fibrosis. Immunofluorescent staining analyses revealed abnormal expression of interstitial stromal cell markers MEIS1/2/3, CDKN1C, and CSPG4 (NG2) in newborn and 3-week-old Zeb2-cKO mouse kidneys. Zeb2-deficient FOXD1+ stromal progenitors also took on a myofibroblast fate that led to kidney fibrosis and kidney failure. Cell marker studies further confirmed that these myofibroblasts expressed pericyte and resident fibroblast markers, including PDGFRβ, CSPG4, desmin, GLI1, and NT5E. Notably, increased interstitial collagen deposition associated with loss of Zeb2 in FOXD1+ stromal progenitors was accompanied by increased expression of activated SMAD1/5/8, SMAD2/3, SMAD4, and AXIN2. Thus, our study identifies a key role of ZEB2 in maintaining the cell fate of FOXD1+ stromal progenitors during kidney development, whereas loss of ZEB2 leads to differentiation of FOXD1+ stromal progenitors into myofibroblasts and kidney fibrosis.
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12
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Winningham AH, Camper SA. Pituitary Stem Cell Regulation by Zeb2 and BMP Signaling. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad016. [PMID: 36683433 PMCID: PMC10091485 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is important for many developing organs, and for wound healing, fibrosis, and cancer. Pituitary stem cells undergo an EMT-like process as they migrate and initiate differentiation, but little is known about the input of signaling pathways or the genetic hierarchy of the transcriptional cascade. Prop1 mutant stem cells fail to undergo changes in cellular morphology, migration, and transition to the Pou1f1 lineage. We used Prop1 mutant mice to identify the changes in gene expression that are affiliated with EMT-like processes. BMP and TGF-β family gene expression was reduced in Prop1 mutants and Elf5, a transcription factor that characteristically suppresses EMT, had elevated expression. Genes involved in cell-cell contact such as cadherins and claudins were elevated in Prop1 mutants. To establish the genetic hierarchy of control, we manipulated gene expression in pituitary stem cell colonies. We determined that the EMT inducer, Zeb2, is necessary for robust BMP signaling and repression of Elf5. We demonstrated that inhibition of BMP signaling affects expression of target genes in the Id family, but it does not affect expression of other EMT genes. Zeb2 is necessary for expression of the SHH effector gene Gli2. However, knock down of Gli2 has little effect on the EMT-related genes, suggesting that it acts through a separate pathway. Thus, we have established the genetic hierarchy involved in the transition of pituitary stem cells to differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda H Winningham
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5618, USA
| | - Sally A Camper
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5618, USA
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13
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Sun Y, Kumar SR, Wong CED, Tian Z, Bai H, Crump JG, Bajpai R, Lien CL. Craniofacial and cardiac defects in chd7 zebrafish mutants mimic CHARGE syndrome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1030587. [PMID: 36568983 PMCID: PMC9768498 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1030587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart defects occur in almost 80% of patients with CHARGE syndrome, a sporadically occurring disease causing craniofacial and other abnormalities due to mutations in the CHD7 gene. Animal models have been generated to mimic CHARGE syndrome; however, heart defects are not extensively described in zebrafish disease models of CHARGE using morpholino injections or genetic mutants. Here, we describe the co-occurrence of craniofacial abnormalities and heart defects in zebrafish chd7 mutants. These mutant phenotypes are enhanced in the maternal zygotic mutant background. In the chd7 mutant fish, we found shortened craniofacial cartilages and extra cartilage formation. Furthermore, the length of the ventral aorta is altered in chd7 mutants. Many CHARGE patients have aortic arch anomalies. It should be noted that the aberrant branching of the first branchial arch artery is observed for the first time in chd7 fish mutants. To understand the cellular mechanism of CHARGE syndrome, neural crest cells (NCCs), that contribute to craniofacial and cardiovascular tissues, are examined using sox10:Cre lineage tracing. In contrast to its function in cranial NCCs, we found that the cardiac NCC-derived mural cells along the ventral aorta and aortic arch arteries are not affected in chd7 mutant fish. The chd7 fish mutants we generated recapitulate some of the craniofacial and cardiovascular phenotypes found in CHARGE patients and can be used to further determine the roles of CHD7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Sun
- Saban Research Institute and Heart Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States,Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - S. Ram Kumar
- Saban Research Institute and Heart Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States,Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Chee Ern David Wong
- Saban Research Institute and Heart Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Zhiyu Tian
- Saban Research Institute and Heart Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Haipeng Bai
- Saban Research Institute and Heart Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States,State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - J. Gage Crump
- Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ruchi Bajpai
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ching Ling Lien
- Saban Research Institute and Heart Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States,Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Ching Ling Lien,
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14
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Wu L, Wang J, Wang L, Xu Q, Zhou B, Zhang Z, Li Q, Wang H, Han L, Jiang Q, Wang L. Physical, language, neurodevelopment and phenotype-genotype correlation of Chinese patients with Mowat-Wilson syndrome. Front Genet 2022; 13:1016677. [PMID: 36406119 PMCID: PMC9669270 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1016677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: To report detailed knowledge about the clinical manifestations, genetic spectrum as well as physical, language, neurodevelopment features and genotype-phenotype correlations of Chinese patients with Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MWS). Methods: We retrospectively collected and analyzed clinical data for twenty-two patients with molecularly confirmed diagnoses. We used Gesell Developmental Schedules (GDS) to assess their neurodevelopment and the Diagnostic Receptive and Expressive Assessment of Mandarin-Infant & Toddler (DREAM-IT) to evaluate their language ability and compared the data with the two types of underlying pathogenic variations. Results: The height and weight of all patients were below the 75th percentile, and microcephaly was observed in 16 of 22 patients (72.7%). Four patients carrying chromosome deletions encompassing the ZEB2 gene were more severely affected. All MWS patients exhibited better performance in cognitive play and social communication than in receptive and expressive language. In the receptive language area, the types of words that children with MWS understood most were nouns, followed by adjectives and verbs. Conclusion: This study delineated the phenotypic spectrum of the largest MWS cohort in China and provided comprehensive profiling of their physical, language, neurodevelopment features and genotype-phenotype correlations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Wu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhong Wang
- Department of Child Health Care, Children’s Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Child Health Care, Children’s Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Xu
- Department of Child Health Care, Children’s Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Zhou
- Department of Child Health Care, Children’s Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Children’s Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of General Surgery, Children’s Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Han
- Department of Medical Genetics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Jiang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qian Jiang, ; Lin Wang,
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Child Health Care, Children’s Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qian Jiang, ; Lin Wang,
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15
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Schuster J, Klar J, Khalfallah A, Laan L, Hoeber J, Fatima A, Sequeira VM, Jin Z, Korol SV, Huss M, Nordgren A, Anderlid BM, Gallant C, Birnir B, Dahl N. ZEB2 haploinsufficient Mowat-Wilson syndrome induced pluripotent stem cells show disrupted GABAergic transcriptional regulation and function. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:988993. [PMID: 36353360 PMCID: PMC9637781 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.988993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MWS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by heterozygous variants in the gene encoding transcription factor ZEB2. Affected individuals present with structural brain abnormalities, speech delay and epilepsy. In mice, conditional loss of Zeb2 causes hippocampal degeneration, altered migration and differentiation of GABAergic interneurons, a heterogeneous population of mainly inhibitory neurons of importance for maintaining normal excitability. To get insights into GABAergic development and function in MWS we investigated ZEB2 haploinsufficient induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) of MWS subjects together with iPSC of healthy donors. Analysis of RNA-sequencing data at two time points of GABAergic development revealed an attenuated interneuronal identity in MWS subject derived iPSC with enrichment of differentially expressed genes required for transcriptional regulation, cell fate transition and forebrain patterning. The ZEB2 haploinsufficient neural stem cells (NSCs) showed downregulation of genes required for ventral telencephalon specification, such as FOXG1, accompanied by an impaired migratory capacity. Further differentiation into GABAergic interneuronal cells uncovered upregulation of transcription factors promoting pallial and excitatory neurons whereas cortical markers were downregulated. The differentially expressed genes formed a neural protein-protein network with extensive connections to well-established epilepsy genes. Analysis of electrophysiological properties in ZEB2 haploinsufficient GABAergic cells revealed overt perturbations manifested as impaired firing of repeated action potentials. Our iPSC model of ZEB2 haploinsufficient GABAergic development thus uncovers a dysregulated gene network leading to immature interneurons with mixed identity and altered electrophysiological properties, suggesting mechanisms contributing to the neuropathogenesis and seizures in MWS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Schuster
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Joakim Klar
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ayda Khalfallah
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Loora Laan
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jan Hoeber
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ambrin Fatima
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Velin Marita Sequeira
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Zhe Jin
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sergiy V. Korol
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mikael Huss
- Wallenberg Long-Term Bioinformatics Support, Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ann Nordgren
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Britt Marie Anderlid
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Caroline Gallant
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bryndis Birnir
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Niklas Dahl
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
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16
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Fan Y, Wu X, Li Y, Han H, Zhang Y, Yang J, Liu Y. Effect of polymorphisms in the 5’-flanking sequence of MC1R on feather color in Taihang chickens. Poult Sci 2022; 101:102192. [PMID: 36283141 PMCID: PMC9593195 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
MC1R plays an important role in the regulation of the formation, transfer, and deposition of melanin in animals and is important for determining coat color. Many studies have reported on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding sequence of MC1R. However, few studies have investigated the polymorphisms in the 5’-flanking sequence of MC1R. In this study, we sequenced 2000 bp of the 5’-flanking sequence of MC1R in 300 Taihang chickens with brown feathers (MTH) and 300 Taihang chickens with black feathers (HTH). The sequencing results showed that 4 SNPs (MC1R g.18838722 G > C, g.18838624 T > C, g.18838694 G > A, and g.18838624 C > T) were located in the 5’-flanking sequence of MC1R between the MTH and HTH groups. Association analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between the 4 SNPs and feather color in Taihang chickens. The correlation between MC1R g.18838624 T >C and feather color of Taihang chicken was 100%, of which the CC (E1) genotype is MTH and the TT (E2) genotype is HTH. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between MC1R g.18838624 T > C and egg production at 302 d. E1 (184.14 ± 0.674) was significantly higher than that in E2 (181.75 ± 0.577) (P < 0.05). Luciferase reporter assays were used to detect the transcriptional activity of MC1R with different SNP genotypes. The results showed that the luciferase activity of E2 was significantly higher than that of E1 (P < 0.05). In addition, transcription factor-binding site predictions showed that E2 creates a new binding site for ZEB1. RT‒qPCR results revealed that the expression of MC1R in E2 was significantly lower than that in E1 (P < 0.05), and the expression of ZEB1 in E2 was significantly higher than that in E1 (P < 0.05). Overexpression and shRNA experiments demonstrated that ZEB1 regulates the expression of MC1R in DF1 cells. ZEB1 has a negative regulatory effect on the transcriptional activity of MC1R; it inhibits the expression of MC1R and affects the feather color of Taihang chickens. This study provides new insight into the molecular mechanism of feather color formation and the transcriptional regulation of MC1R in Taihang chickens.
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17
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Liu F, Wu Y, Li Z, Wan R. Identification of MMACHC and ZEB2 mutations causing coexistent cobalamin C disease and Mowat-Wilson syndrome in a 2-year-old girl. Clin Chim Acta 2022; 533:31-39. [PMID: 35709987 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cobalamin C (cblC) disease and Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MWS) are rare hereditary diseases. To date, there have been no reports of people suffering from these two genetic diseases, or whether there is any correlation between the two diseases. We reported a 2-year-old girl with both cblC disease and MWS. The patient initially manifested as slow weight gain, hypotonia, broad nasal bridge, high forehead, high palate arch, ear crease, patent ductus arteriosus, atrial and ventricular septal defect and bilateral mild ventriculomegaly in the neonatal period. However, as the baby grew older, the typical facial features became more prominent, and overall developmental delays were noted at the subsequent follow-up, with the motor and cognitive development significantly lagging behind that of other children of the same age. At 26 days old, laboratory tests revealed remarkably elevated levels of serum homocysteine, C3/C2 and urine organic acid. Whole-exome sequencing detected compound heterozygous variants in MMACHC, including one previously reported mutation [c.609G > A (p.W203X) and a novel missense mutation[ c.643 T > C (p.Y215H)]. The computer simulations of the protein structure analysis of the novel missense mutation showed the variant p.Y215H replaced a neutral amino acid with a strongly basic lysine, which broken the local structure by changing the carbon chain skeleton and decreasing the interaction with adjacent amino acid. This is expected to damage the utilization of vitamin B12 and influence the synthesis of AdoCbl and MeCbl, contributing to its pathogenicity. Thus, clinical and genetic examinations confirmed the cblC disease. Another heterozygous variant in ZEB2 [NM_014795; loss1(exon:2-10)(all); 127901 bp] was detected by whole-exome sequencing. The heterozygous 3.04 Mb deletion in EB2 [GRCH37]del(2)(q22.2q22.3) (chr2:142237964-145274917) was also confirmed by genome-wide copy number variations (CNVs) scan, which was pathogenic and led to the diagnosis of Mowat-Wilson syndrome. The biochemical indicators associated with cblC disease in the patient were well controlled after treatment with vitamin B12 and betaine. Here, a patient with coexisting cblC disease and MWS caused by different pathogenic genes was reported, which enriched the clinical research on these two rare genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, the 980th Hospital of the People's Liberation Army Joint Service Support Force (Bethune International Peace Hospital), Shijiazhuang 050082, Hebei, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Department of Genetics and Reproduction, the 980th Hospital of the People's Liberation Army Joint Service Support Force (Bethune International Peace Hospital), Shijiazhuang 050082, Hebei, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Pediatrics, the 980th Hospital of the People's Liberation Army Joint Service Support Force (Bethune International Peace Hospital), Shijiazhuang 050082, Hebei, China
| | - Ruihua Wan
- Department of Pediatrics, the 980th Hospital of the People's Liberation Army Joint Service Support Force (Bethune International Peace Hospital), Shijiazhuang 050082, Hebei, China
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18
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The Emerging Roles of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Intellectual Disability and Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116118. [PMID: 35682796 PMCID: PMC9181295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116118] [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: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In the human brain, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are widely expressed in an exquisitely temporally and spatially regulated manner, thus suggesting their contribution to normal brain development and their probable involvement in the molecular pathology of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). Bypassing the classic protein-centric conception of disease mechanisms, some studies have been conducted to identify and characterize the putative roles of non-coding sequences in the genetic pathogenesis and diagnosis of complex diseases. However, their involvement in NDD, and more specifically in intellectual disability (ID), is still poorly documented and only a few genomic alterations affecting the lncRNAs function and/or expression have been causally linked to the disease endophenotype. Considering that a significant fraction of patients still lacks a genetic or molecular explanation, we expect that a deeper investigation of the non-coding genome will unravel novel pathogenic mechanisms, opening new translational opportunities. Here, we present evidence of the possible involvement of many lncRNAs in the etiology of different forms of ID and NDD, grouping the candidate disease-genes in the most frequently affected cellular processes in which ID-risk genes were previously collected. We also illustrate new approaches for the identification and prioritization of NDD-risk lncRNAs, together with the current strategies to exploit them in diagnosis.
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19
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Meng T, Lan Z, Zhao X, Niu L, Chen C, Zhang W. Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of functional molecules in colorectal cancer. J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 13:231-245. [PMID: 35284121 PMCID: PMC8899732 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-21-921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the 3rd most common cancer and the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related death. Numerous studies have found that aberrations in cellular molecules play an important role in the development of tumors. Studying and determining the interactions between these molecules can contribute to the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of tumors. METHODS The GSE151021, GSE156720, and GSE156719 data sets were analyzed to screen the differentially expressed messenger RNAs (DEmRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (DElncRNAs), and microRNAs (DEmiRNAs) in CRC. Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) and the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins software were used to examine gene enrichment and the hub genes. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA2) and UALCAN was used to verify the expression of the hub genes. To analyze the overall survival (OS) of the hub genes, Kaplan-Meier plotter (KM plotter) was performed. Finally, the miRCancer database, TargetScan, and GSE156719 were used to identify the targets of the identified miRNAs. To predict the lncRNA-miRNA interactions, we used DIANA-LncBase v2 and GSE156720. Finally, the visualization protein‑protein interaction (PPI), competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed using Cytoscape v3.1. RESULTS By analyzing GSE151021 and GSE156720, 23 upregulated mRNAs and 10 downregulated mRNAs were identified as sharing the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between CRC and adjacent tissues. Furthermore, nucleolar protein 14 (NOP14), the sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling molecule, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-induced protein 1 (PMAIP1), the BCL2 apoptosis regulator (BCL2), and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2) were considered hub genes. The constructed lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network revealed 7 intersecting miRNAs (4 upregulated and 3 downregulated), 79 lncRNAs (40 upregulated and 39 downregulated), and 5 mRNAs (3 upregulated and 2 downregulated). Finally, we determined that the dysregulation of lncRNAs, such as HCG16, CASC9, SNHG16, HAND2-AS1, and NR2F1-AS1, secluded altered the expression of several miRNAs, such as hsa-miR-193a-5p, hsa-miR-485-5p, hsa-miR-17-5p, and hsa-miR-92a-3p, and affected the occurrence and development of CRC. CONCLUSIONS We identified a series of DElncRNAs, DEmRNAs, and DEmiRNAs in CRC that might be considered potential biomarkers in understanding the complex molecular pathways leading to CRC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Meng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Xinjiang Medical University Tumor Hospital, Urumqi, China
| | - Zhangzhang Lan
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhao
- CheerLand Clinical Laboratory Co., Ltd., Peking University Medical Industrial Park, Zhongguancun Life Science Park, Beijing, China
| | - Li Niu
- CheerLand Clinical Laboratory Co., Ltd., Peking University Medical Industrial Park, Zhongguancun Life Science Park, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Cheerland Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Cheerland-Watson Center for Life Sciences and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chuan Chen
- Shenzhen Cheerland Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Cheerland-Watson Center for Life Sciences and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenyong Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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Panov J, Kaphzan H. Angelman Syndrome and Angelman-like Syndromes Share the Same Calcium-Related Gene Signatures. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9870. [PMID: 34576033 PMCID: PMC8469403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Angelman-like syndromes are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that entail clinical presentation similar to Angelman Syndrome (AS). In our previous study, we showed that calcium signaling is disrupted in AS, and we identified calcium-target and calcium-regulating gene signatures that are able to differentiate between AS and their controls in different models. In the herein study, we evaluated these sets of calcium-target and calcium-regulating genes as signatures of AS-like and non-AS-like syndromes. We collected a number of RNA-seq datasets of various AS-like and non-AS-like syndromes and performed Principle Component Analysis (PCA) separately on the two sets of signature genes to visualize the distribution of samples on the PC1-PC2 plane. In addition to the evaluation of calcium signature genes, we performed differential gene expression analyses to identify calcium-related genes dysregulated in each of the studied syndromes. These analyses showed that the calcium-target and calcium-regulating signatures differentiate well between AS-like syndromes and their controls. However, in spite of the fact that many of the non-AS-like syndromes have multiple differentially expressed calcium-related genes, the calcium signatures were not efficient classifiers for non-AS-like neurodevelopmental disorders. These results show that features based on clinical presentation are reflected in signatures derived from bioinformatics analyses and suggest the use of bioinformatics as a tool for classification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hanoch Kaphzan
- Laboratory for Neurobiology of Psychiatric Disorders, Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
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