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Miao M, Wang J, Guo C, Su X, Sun L, Lu S. Identification of a novel de novo PUF60 variant causing Verheij syndrome in a fetus. Gene 2024; 897:148092. [PMID: 38110042 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.148092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Verheij syndrome (VRJS) is a craniofacial spliceosomopathy with a wide phenotypic spectrum. Haploinsufficiency of the poly-uridine binding splicing factor 60 gene (PUF60) and its loss-of-function (LOF) variants are involved in VRJS. We evaluated a human fetus with congenital heart defects and preaxial polydactyly. Clinical data were obtained from the medical record. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was used to explore the potential genetic etiology, and the detected variant verified using Sanger sequencing. Functional studies were performed to validate the pathogenic effects of the variant. Using trio-WES, we identified a novel PUF60 variant (NM_078480.2; c.1678 T > A, p.*560Argext*204) in the pedigree. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that the variant is potentially pathogenic, and functional studies indicated that it leads to degradation of the elongated protein and subsequently PUF60 LOF, producing some VRJS phenotypes. These findings confirmed the pathogenicity of the variant. This study implicates PUF60 LOF in the etiopathogenesis of VRJS. It not only expands the PUF60 variant spectrum, and also provides a basis for genetic counseling and the diagnosis of VRJS. Although trio-WES is a well-established approach for identifying the genetic etiology of rare multisystemic conditions, functional studies could aid in verifying the pathogenicity of novel variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhu Miao
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Jiangsu Province People's Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing 210036, China
| | - Jue Wang
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Jiangsu Province People's Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing 210036, China
| | - Chenyan Guo
- Department of Obstetrics, Jiangsu Province People's Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing 210036, China
| | - Xiaotian Su
- Department of Bioinformatics, Berry Genomics Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Lizhou Sun
- Department of Obstetrics, Jiangsu Province People's Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing 210036, China.
| | - Shoulian Lu
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Jiangsu Province People's Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing 210036, China.
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Tornini VA. Small protein plays with big networks. Trends Genet 2024; 40:17-19. [PMID: 37879968 PMCID: PMC10847964 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Thousands of small proteins, called microproteins, are encoded in small open reading frames (smORFs) throughout the genome. Despite assumptions that these proteins would be too small to properly fold and function, a recent study by Chen et al. identifies the surprisingly complex roles of one such microprotein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie A Tornini
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Institute for Society and Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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3
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Zhang W, Fu Y, Peng L, Ogawa Y, Ding X, Rasband A, Zhou X, Shelly M, Rasband MN, Zou P. Immunoproximity biotinylation reveals the axon initial segment proteome. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8201. [PMID: 38081810 PMCID: PMC10713531 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44015-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The axon initial segment (AIS) is a specialized neuronal compartment required for action potential generation and neuronal polarity. However, understanding the mechanisms regulating AIS structure and function has been hindered by an incomplete knowledge of its molecular composition. Here, using immuno-proximity biotinylation we further define the AIS proteome and its dynamic changes during neuronal maturation. Among the many AIS proteins identified, we show that SCRIB is highly enriched in the AIS both in vitro and in vivo, and exhibits a periodic architecture like the axonal spectrin-based cytoskeleton. We find that ankyrinG interacts with and recruits SCRIB to the AIS. However, loss of SCRIB has no effect on ankyrinG. This powerful and flexible approach further defines the AIS proteome and provides a rich resource to elucidate the mechanisms regulating AIS structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, PKU-Tsinghua Center for Life Science, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yu Fu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Luxin Peng
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yuki Ogawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaoyun Ding
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anne Rasband
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xinyue Zhou
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, PKU-Tsinghua Center for Life Science, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Maya Shelly
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew N Rasband
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Peng Zou
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, PKU-Tsinghua Center for Life Science, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR), Beijing, 102206, China.
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Wang W, Wang Z, Cao J, Dong Y, Chen Y. Roles of Rac1-Dependent Intrinsic Forgetting in Memory-Related Brain Disorders: Demon or Angel. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10736. [PMID: 37445914 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals are required to handle daily massive amounts of information in an ever-changing environment, and the resulting memories and experiences determine their survival and development, which is critical for adaptive evolution. However, intrinsic forgetting, which actively deletes irrelevant information, is equally important for memory acquisition and consolidation. Recently, it has been shown that Rac1 activity plays a key role in intrinsic forgetting, maintaining the balance of the brain's memory management system in a controlled manner. In addition, dysfunctions of Rac1-dependent intrinsic forgetting may contribute to memory deficits in neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Here, these new findings will provide insights into the neurobiology of memory and forgetting, pathological mechanisms and potential therapies for brain disorders that alter intrinsic forgetting mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Neurobiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zixu Wang
- Neurobiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Neurobiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yulan Dong
- Neurobiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yaoxing Chen
- Neurobiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
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Alkailani MI, Aittaleb M, Tissir F. WNT signaling at the intersection between neurogenesis and brain tumorigenesis. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1017568. [PMID: 36267699 PMCID: PMC9577257 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1017568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurogenesis and tumorigenesis share signaling molecules/pathways involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and death. Self-renewal of neural stem cells is a tightly regulated process that secures the accuracy of cell division and eliminates cells that undergo mitotic errors. Abnormalities in the molecular mechanisms controlling this process can trigger aneuploidy and genome instability, leading to neoplastic transformation. Mutations that affect cell adhesion, polarity, or migration enhance the invasive potential and favor the progression of tumors. Here, we review recent evidence of the WNT pathway’s involvement in both neurogenesis and tumorigenesis and discuss the experimental progress on therapeutic opportunities targeting components of this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maisa I. Alkailani
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamed Aittaleb
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fadel Tissir
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Fadel Tissir,
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Ezan J, Moreau MM, Mamo TM, Shimbo M, Decroo M, Sans N, Montcouquiol M. Neuron-Specific Deletion of Scrib in Mice Leads to Neuroanatomical and Locomotor Deficits. Front Genet 2022; 13:872700. [PMID: 35692812 PMCID: PMC9174639 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.872700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Scribble (Scrib) is a conserved polarity protein acting as a scaffold involved in multiple cellular and developmental processes. Recent evidence from our group indicates that Scrib is also essential for brain development as early global deletion of Scrib in the dorsal telencephalon induced cortical thickness reduction and alteration of interhemispheric connectivity. In addition, Scrib conditional knockout (cKO) mice have behavioral deficits such as locomotor activity impairment and memory alterations. Given Scrib broad expression in multiple cell types in the brain, we decided to determine the neuronal contribution of Scrib for these phenotypes. In the present study, we further investigate the function of Scrib specifically in excitatory neurons on the forebrain formation and the control of locomotor behavior. To do so, we generated a novel neuronal glutamatergic specific Scrib cKO mouse line called Nex-Scrib−/− cKO. Remarkably, cortical layering and commissures were impaired in these mice and reproduced to some extent the previously described phenotype in global Scrib cKO. In addition and in contrast to our previous results using Emx1-Scrib−/− cKO, the Nex-Scrib−/− cKO mutant mice exhibited significantly reduced locomotion. Altogether, the novel cKO model described in this study further highlights an essential role for Scrib in forebrain development and locomotor behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Ezan
- INSERM U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, INSERM U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
- *Correspondence: Jerome Ezan,
| | - Maité M. Moreau
- INSERM U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, INSERM U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Tamrat M. Mamo
- INSERM U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, INSERM U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Miki Shimbo
- INSERM U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, INSERM U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Maureen Decroo
- INSERM U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, INSERM U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Nathalie Sans
- INSERM U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, INSERM U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Mireille Montcouquiol
- INSERM U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, INSERM U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
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