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Hill SF, Yu W, Ziobro J, Chalasani S, Reger F, Meisler MH. Long-Term Downregulation of the Sodium Channel Gene Scn8a Is Therapeutic in Mouse Models of SCN8A Epilepsy. Ann Neurol 2024; 95:754-759. [PMID: 38113311 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26861] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE De novo mutations of the voltage-gated sodium channel gene SCN8A cause developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). Most pathogenic variants result in gain-of-function changes in activity of the sodium channel Nav1.6, poorly controlled seizures, and significant comorbidities. In previous work, an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) reduced Scn8a transcripts and increased lifespan after neonatal administration to a mouse model. Here, we tested long-term ASO treatment initiated after seizure onset, as required for clinical application. METHODS ASO treatment was initiated after observation of a convulsive seizure and repeated at 4 to 6 week intervals for 1 year. We also tested the long-term efficacy of an AAV10-short hairpin RNA (shRNA) virus administered on P1. RESULTS Repeated treatment with the Scn8a ASO initiated after seizure onset provided long-term survival and reduced seizure frequency during a 12 month observation period. A single treatment with viral shRNA was also protective during 12 months of observation. INTERPRETATION Downregulation of Scn8a expression that is initiated after the onset of seizures is effective for long-term treatment in a model of SCN8A-DEE. Repeated ASO administration or a single dose of viral shRNA prevented seizures and extended survival through 12 months of observation. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:754-759.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie F Hill
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Wenxi Yu
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Julie Ziobro
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Sanjna Chalasani
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Faith Reger
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Miriam H Meisler
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Hill SF, Jafar-Nejad P, Rigo F, Meisler MH. Reduction of Kcnt1 is therapeutic in mouse models of SCN1A and SCN8A epilepsy. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1282201. [PMID: 37901435 PMCID: PMC10603267 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1282201] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are severe seizure disorders with inadequate treatment options. Gain- or loss-of-function mutations of neuronal ion channel genes, including potassium channels and voltage-gated sodium channels, are common causes of DEE. We previously demonstrated that reduced expression of the sodium channel gene Scn8a is therapeutic in mouse models of sodium and potassium channel mutations. In the current study, we tested whether reducing expression of the potassium channel gene Kcnt1 would be therapeutic in mice with mutation of the sodium channel genes Scn1a or Scn8a. A Kcnt1 antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) prolonged survival of both Scn1a and Scn8a mutant mice, suggesting a modulatory effect for KCNT1 on the balance between excitation and inhibition. The cation channel blocker quinidine was not effective in prolonging survival of the Scn8a mutant. Our results implicate KCNT1 as a therapeutic target for treatment of SCN1A and SCN8A epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie F. Hill
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, United States
| | - Miriam H. Meisler
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Hill SF, Ziobro JM, Jafar‐Nejad P, Rigo F, Meisler MH. Genetic interaction between Scn8a and potassium channel genes Kcna1 and Kcnq2. Epilepsia 2022; 63:e125-e131. [PMID: 35892317 PMCID: PMC9804156 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels regulate the initiation and termination of neuronal action potentials. Gain-of-function mutations of sodium channel Scn8a and loss-of-function mutations of potassium channels Kcna1 and Kcnq2 increase neuronal activity and lead to seizure disorders. We tested the hypothesis that reducing the expression of Scn8a would compensate for loss-of-function mutations of Kcna1 or Kcnq2. Scn8a expression was reduced by the administration of an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO). This treatment lengthened the survival of the Kcn1a and Kcnq2 mutants, and reduced the seizure frequency in the Kcnq2 mutant mice. These observations suggest that reduction of SCN8A may be therapeutic for genetic epilepsies resulting from mutations in these potassium channel genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie F. Hill
- Neuroscience Graduate ProgramUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA,Department of Human GeneticsUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Julie M. Ziobro
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis PharmaceuticalsCarlsbadCaliforniaUSA
| | - Miriam H. Meisler
- Neuroscience Graduate ProgramUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA,Department of Human GeneticsUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA,Department of NeurologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
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Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are short oligonucleotides that can modify gene expression and mRNA splicing in the nervous system. The FDA has approved ASOs for treatment of ten genetic disorders, with many applications currently in the pipeline. We describe the molecular mechanisms of ASO treatment for four neurodevelopmental and neuromuscular disorders. The ASO nusinersen is a general treatment for mutations of SMN1 in spinal muscular atrophy that corrects the splicing defect in the SMN2 gene. Milasen is a patient-specific ASO that rescues splicing of CNL7 in Batten's disease. STK-001 is an ASO that increases expression of the sodium channel gene SCN1A by exclusion of a poison exon. An ASO that reduces the abundance of the SCN8A mRNA is therapeutic in mouse models of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. These examples demonstrate the variety of mechanisms and range of applications of ASOs for treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie F Hill
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Miriam H Meisler
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Yu W, Smolen CE, Hill SF, Meisler MH. Spontaneous seizures and elevated seizure susceptibility in response to somatic mutation of sodium channel Scn8a in the mouse. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:902-907. [PMID: 33822038 PMCID: PMC8165645 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
De novo mutations of neuronal sodium channels are responsible for ~5% of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, but the role of somatic mutation of these genes in adult-onset epilepsy is not known. We evaluated the role of post-zygotic somatic mutation by adult activation of a conditional allele of the pathogenic variant Scn8aR1872W in the mouse. After activation of CAG-Cre-ER by tamoxifen, the mutant transcript was expressed throughout the brain at a level proportional to tamoxifen dose. The threshold for generation of spontaneous seizures was reached when the proportion of mutant transcript reached 8% of total Scn8a transcript, equivalent to expression of the epileptogenic variant in 16% of heterozygous neurons. Expression below this level did not result in spontaneous seizures, but did increase susceptibility to seizure induction by kainate or auditory stimulation. The relatively high threshold for spontaneous seizures indicates that somatic mutation of sodium channels is unlikely to contribute to the elevated incidence of epilepsy in the elderly population. However, somatic mutation could increase susceptibility to other seizure stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxi Yu
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Corrine E Smolen
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Sophie F Hill
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Miriam H Meisler
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
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Yu W, Hill SF, Xenakis JG, Pardo-Manuel de Villena F, Wagnon JL, Meisler MH. Gabra2 is a genetic modifier of Scn8a encephalopathy in the mouse. Epilepsia 2020; 61:2847-2856. [PMID: 33140451 PMCID: PMC7756374 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective SCN8A encephalopathy is a developmental epileptic encephalopathy typically caused by de novo gain‐of‐function mutations in Nav1.6. Severely affected individuals exhibit refractory seizures, developmental delay, cognitive disabilities, movement disorders, and elevated risk of sudden death. Patients with the identical SCN8A variant can differ in clinical course, suggesting a role for modifier genes in determining disease severity. The identification of genetic modifiers contributes to understanding disease pathogenesis and suggesting therapeutic interventions. Methods We generated F1 and F2 crosses between inbred mouse strains and mice carrying the human pathogenic variants SCN8A‐R1872W and SCN8A‐N1768D. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of seizure‐related phenotypes was used for chromosomal mapping of modifier loci. Results In an F2 cross between strain SJL/J and C57BL/6J mice carrying the patient mutation R1872W, we identified a major QTL on chromosome 5 containing the Gabra2 gene. Strain C57BL/6J carries a splice site mutation that reduces expression of Gabra2, encoding the α2 subunit of the aminobutyric acid type A receptor. The protective wild‐type allele of Gabra2 from strain SJL/J delays the age at seizure onset and extends life span of the Scn8a mutant mice. Additional Scn8a modifiers were observed in the F2 cross and in an F1 cross with strain C3HeB/FeJ. Significance These studies demonstrate that the SJL/J strain carries multiple modifiers with protective effects against seizures induced by gain‐of‐function mutations in Scn8a. Homozygosity for the hypomorphic variant of Gabra2 in strain C57BL/6J is associated with early seizure onset and short life span. GABRA2 is a potential therapeutic target for SCN8A encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxi Yu
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sophie F Hill
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - James G Xenakis
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Jacy L Wagnon
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Miriam H Meisler
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Yao H, Hannum DF, Zhai Y, Hill SF, Albanus RD'O, Lou W, Skidmore JM, Sanchez G, Saiakhova A, Bielas SL, Scacheri P, Ljungman M, Parker SCJ, Martin DM. CHD7 promotes neural progenitor differentiation in embryonic stem cells via altered chromatin accessibility and nascent gene expression. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17445. [PMID: 33060836 PMCID: PMC7562747 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74537-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
CHARGE syndrome, a rare multiple congenital anomaly condition, is caused by haploinsufficiency of the chromatin remodeling protein gene CHD7 (Chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 7). Brain abnormalities and intellectual disability are commonly observed in individuals with CHARGE, and neuronal differentiation is reduced in CHARGE patient-derived iPSCs and conditional knockout mouse brains. However, the mechanisms of CHD7 function in nervous system development are not well understood. In this study, we asked whether CHD7 promotes gene transcription in neural progenitor cells via changes in chromatin accessibility. We used Chd7 null embryonic stem cells (ESCs) derived from Chd7 mutant mouse blastocysts as a tool to investigate roles of CHD7 in neuronal and glial differentiation. Loss of Chd7 significantly reduced neuronal and glial differentiation. Sholl analysis showed that loss of Chd7 impaired neuronal complexity and neurite length in differentiated neurons. Genome-wide studies demonstrated that loss of Chd7 leads to modified chromatin accessibility (ATAC-seq) and differential nascent expression (Bru-Seq) of neural-specific genes. These results suggest that CHD7 acts preferentially to alter chromatin accessibility of key genes during the transition of NPCs to neurons to promote differentiation. Our results form a basis for understanding the cell stage-specific roles for CHD7-mediated chromatin remodeling during cell lineage acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, 8220C MSRB III, 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5652, USA
| | - Douglas F Hannum
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yiwen Zhai
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, 8220C MSRB III, 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5652, USA.,Center of Genetic and Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sophie F Hill
- College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Wenjia Lou
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, 8220C MSRB III, 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5652, USA
| | - Jennifer M Skidmore
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, 8220C MSRB III, 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5652, USA
| | - Gilson Sanchez
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, 8220C MSRB III, 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5652, USA
| | - Alina Saiakhova
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Stephanie L Bielas
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Peter Scacheri
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mats Ljungman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Stephen C J Parker
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Donna M Martin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, 8220C MSRB III, 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5652, USA. .,Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Lenk GM, Jafar-Nejad P, Hill SF, Huffman LD, Smolen CE, Wagnon JL, Petit H, Yu W, Ziobro J, Bhatia K, Parent J, Giger RJ, Rigo F, Meisler MH. Scn8a Antisense Oligonucleotide Is Protective in Mouse Models of SCN8A Encephalopathy and Dravet Syndrome. Ann Neurol 2020; 87:339-346. [PMID: 31943325 PMCID: PMC7064908 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Objective SCN8A encephalopathy is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) caused by de novo gain‐of‐function mutations of sodium channel Nav1.6 that result in neuronal hyperactivity. Affected individuals exhibit early onset drug‐resistant seizures, developmental delay, and cognitive impairment. This study was carried out to determine whether reducing the abundance of the Scn8a transcript with an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) would delay seizure onset and prolong survival in a mouse model of SCN8A encephalopathy. Methods ASO treatment was tested in a conditional mouse model with Cre‐dependent expression of the pathogenic patient SCN8A mutation p.Arg1872Trp (R1872W). This model exhibits early onset of seizures, rapid progression, and 100% penetrance. An Scn1a+/− haploinsufficient mouse model of Dravet syndrome was also treated. ASO was administered by intracerebroventricular injection at postnatal day 2, followed in some cases by stereotactic injection at postnatal day 30. Results We observed a dose‐dependent increase in length of survival from 15 to 65 days in the Scn8a‐R1872W/+ mice treated with ASO. Electroencephalographic recordings were normal prior to seizure onset. Weight gain and activity in an open field were unaffected, but treated mice were less active in a wheel running assay. A single treatment with Scn8a ASO extended survival of Dravet syndrome mice from 3 weeks to >5 months. Interpretation Reduction of Scn8a transcript by 25 to 50% delayed seizure onset and lethality in mouse models of SCN8A encephalopathy and Dravet syndrome. Reduction of SCN8A transcript is a promising approach to treatment of intractable childhood epilepsies. Ann Neurol 2020;87:339–346
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy M Lenk
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Sophie F Hill
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Neuroscience Program, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Lucas D Huffman
- Neuroscience Program, Ann Arbor, MI.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Corrine E Smolen
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Jacy L Wagnon
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Hayley Petit
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Wenxi Yu
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Julie Ziobro
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Kritika Bhatia
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Jack Parent
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Roman J Giger
- Neuroscience Program, Ann Arbor, MI.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Ann Arbor, MI.,Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Miriam H Meisler
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Neuroscience Program, Ann Arbor, MI.,Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Yao H, Hill SF, Skidmore JM, Sperry ED, Swiderski DL, Sanchez GJ, Bartels CF, Raphael Y, Scacheri PC, Iwase S, Martin DM. CHD7 represses the retinoic acid synthesis enzyme ALDH1A3 during inner ear development. JCI Insight 2018; 3:97440. [PMID: 29467333 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.97440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CHD7, an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeler, is disrupted in CHARGE syndrome, an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by variably penetrant abnormalities in craniofacial, cardiac, and nervous system tissues. The inner ear is uniquely sensitive to CHD7 levels and is the most commonly affected organ in individuals with CHARGE. Interestingly, upregulation or downregulation of retinoic acid (RA) signaling during embryogenesis also leads to developmental defects similar to those in CHARGE syndrome, suggesting that CHD7 and RA may have common target genes or signaling pathways. Here, we tested three separate potential mechanisms for CHD7 and RA interaction: (a) direct binding of CHD7 with RA receptors, (b) regulation of CHD7 levels by RA, and (c) CHD7 binding and regulation of RA-related genes. We show that CHD7 directly regulates expression of Aldh1a3, the gene encoding the RA synthetic enzyme ALDH1A3 and that loss of Aldh1a3 partially rescues Chd7 mutant mouse inner ear defects. Together, these studies indicate that ALDH1A3 acts with CHD7 in a common genetic pathway to regulate inner ear development, providing insights into how CHD7 and RA regulate gene expression and morphogenesis in the developing embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yao
- Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases
| | | | | | - Ethan D Sperry
- Department of Human Genetics.,Medical Scientist Training Program, and
| | - Donald L Swiderski
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Cynthia F Bartels
- Department of Genetics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Yehoash Raphael
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Peter C Scacheri
- Department of Genetics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Donna M Martin
- Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases.,Department of Human Genetics.,Medical Scientist Training Program, and
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Wong V, Hill SF, Kim M, Tran K, Murrell DF. Cover Image: The many faces of sarcoidosis. Br J Dermatol 2016; 175:1111-1112. [PMID: 27790672 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.14981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- V Wong
- Department of Dermatology, St George Hospital, Gray St, Kogarah, Sydney, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - S F Hill
- Department of Dermatology, St George Hospital, Gray St, Kogarah, Sydney, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - M Kim
- Department of Dermatology, St George Hospital, Gray St, Kogarah, Sydney, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - K Tran
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Anatomical Pathology, South Eastern Area Laboratory Service, St George Hospital, Gray St, Kogarah, Sydney, Australia
| | - D F Murrell
- Department of Dermatology, St George Hospital, Gray St, Kogarah, Sydney, Australia. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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Hill SF, Bourne NT. CO2-dependent meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: implications for screening. J Hosp Infect 2011; 79:277. [PMID: 21784549 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2011.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2011] [Accepted: 05/24/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Hill SF. Should healthcare workers be screened routinely for meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus? J Hosp Infect 2011; 79:275. [PMID: 21767895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2011.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2011] [Accepted: 05/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Hearn SC, Jones PM, Ghatei MA, Byrne J, Hill SF, Bloom SR. The presence, characterisation and synthesis of neuromedin B in the human pituitary gland. Neuroendocrinology 1992; 56:729-34. [PMID: 1488105 DOI: 10.1159/000126300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Neuromedin B is a 10-amino-acid mammalian peptide of the bombesin family. We have used a specific radioimmunoassay and Northern blot hybridisation to investigate the possible synthesis of neuromedin-B-like immunoreactivity in the human pituitary gland. The concentration of immunoreactive neuromedin B in whole human pituitary was 15.2 +/- 4.2 pmol/g wet weight in males and 12.8 +/- 2.7 pmol/g wet weight in females (mean +/- SEM, n = 10). In pituitary tumour extracts, neuromedin B immunoreactivity was 9.1 +/- 1.7 pmol/g wet weight (mean +/- SEM, n = 14) in inactive tumours, 18.4 +/- 6.9 pmol/g wet weight (mean +/- SEM, n = 4) in somatotrophs and 10.4 +/- 2.7 pmol/g wet weight (mean +/- SEM, n = 2) in prolactinomas, with no apparent significant difference between the groups. Gel permeation chromatography of pituitary extracts revealed two immunoreactive peaks, the major one of which corresponded in position to that of neuromedin B-32 and a later minor peak to the position of the neuromedin B-10 standard. On fast protein liquid chromatography, neuromedin-B-like immunoreactivity again eluted in two peaks, a minor peak corresponding to the synthetic neuromedin B standard, and a major more hydrophobic peak which was the big neuromedin B form. Northern blot analysis of poly(A)+RNA from human pituitaries revealed the presence of a hybridising band of between 750 and 850 base pairs. These results suggest that neuromedin B is synthesised in the human pituitary gland where it may be of importance in the regulation of pituitary function. Furthermore, the adenomatous condition is not associated with abnormal levels of this peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Hearn
- Department of Medicine, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London, UK
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Byrne JM, Jones PM, Hill SF, Bennet WM, Ghatei MA, Bloom SR. Expression of messenger ribonucleic acids encoding neuropeptide-Y, substance-P, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in human pituitary. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1992; 75:983-7. [PMID: 1383256 DOI: 10.1210/jcem.75.4.1383256] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The local production of autocrine or paracrine agents in endocrine tissues represents an important level of hormonal regulation. The synthesis of neuropeptide-Y (NPY), substance-P (SP), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the rat anterior pituitary gland has been well demonstrated. We have now studied their expression in human postmortem pituitary tissue. Northern blot analysis of poly(A)+ RNA from whole human pituitaries revealed mRNA encoding the precursors for NPY, SP, and VIP whose hybridization characteristics were indistinguishable from those of the same mRNAs described in previously characterized human tissues. VIP mRNA was detectable in all samples tested, with NPY and preprotachykinin-A mRNA (which encodes SP) detectable in a subset of the pituitaries. The concentration of immunoreactive NPY in whole human pituitary was 3.8 +/- 1.1 pmol/g wet wt in males and 2.9 +/- 0.5 pmol/g wet wt in females (mean +/- SEM; n = 10), that of SP was 3.1 +/- 0.4 pmol/g wet wt in males and 5.2 +/- 1.3 pmol/g wet wt in females (n = 10), and that of VIP was 8.1 +/- 2.9 pmol/g wet wt in males and 5.3 +/- 1.6 pmol/g wet wt in females (n = 10). Size-fractionation of pituitary extracts by gel permeation chromatography revealed single peaks of NPY and VIP-like immunoreactivity in the positions of the standards, while SP-like immunoreactivity mostly eluted in the position of synthetic SP, with two minor immunoreactive peaks eluting earlier. The low levels of NPY, SP, and VIP and their mRNAs in the human pituitary are consistent with peptides having an autocrine/paracrine, rather than endocrine, mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Byrne
- Department of Medicine, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Galanin-like immunoreactivity (IR) was measured by radioimmunoassay in extracts of non-tumorous and tumorous human pituitaries and in multiple sites in the human brain. Galanin-IR was present in considerable quantities in the non-tumorous pituitaries (21.4 +/- 1.2 pmol/g wet weight; mean +/- S.E.M., n = 30). In 25 pituitary tumours, galanin-IR was detectable in extracts of only nine, with a mean concentration of 11.5 +/- 4.4 pmol/g. Galanin-IR was undetectable in the remaining 16. Of ten brain sites, galanin-IR was detected only in the hypothalamus, where the concentration was 9.1 +/- 1.8 pmol/g (n = 5). On fast protein liquid chromatography of the non-tumorous pituitary extracts, galanin-IR mostly eluted in a peak with a retention time similar to that of synthetic porcine galanin. On gel permeation chromatography, galanin-IR eluted as a peak with an elution coefficient (Kav) of 0.72, also similar to that of porcine galanin, with additional preceding (Kav 0.62) and following (Kav 0.77) peaks of galanin-IR. These results show that healthy human pituitary and hypothalamus contain substantial amounts of galanin, whereas it is present in variable amounts or not at all in pituitary tumours. Chromatographic analysis suggests that pituitary galanin is present in three molecular forms, with the majority corresponding to synthetic porcine galanin.
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Affiliation(s)
- W M Bennet
- Department of Medicine, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London
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Blackett RL, Hill SF, Bowler I, Morgan JR, Heard GE. Mycotic aneurysm of the aorta due to group B streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae). Eur J Vasc Surg 1989; 3:177-9. [PMID: 2653878 DOI: 10.1016/s0950-821x(89)80015-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
This report describes the successful treatment by excision and primary anatomic graft of a mycotic aortic aneurysm infected with a Group B Streptococcus.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Blackett
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, U.K
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Sink KR, Thomas TR, Araujo J, Hill SF. Fat energy use and plasma lipid changes associated with exercise intensity and temperature. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol 1989; 58:508-13. [PMID: 2759077 DOI: 10.1007/bf02330705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The effect of 60 min of exercise at two intensities (50 and 60% VO2max) and temperatures (0 and 22 degrees C) on changes (delta) in plasma lipids [triglycerides (TG), glycerol (GLY), total cholesterol (TC), and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C)] was examined. Subjects were 10 men aged 27 +/- 7 years (VO2max = 3.81 +/- 0.45 1 min, % fat = 12.2% +/- 7.1%). VO2 and respiratory exchange ratio results indicated that total energy and fat energy use were similar at the two temperatures. Changes in plasma volume (%delta PV) were different (P less than 0.05) at the two temperatures (22 degrees C: -2.3% vs 0 degrees C: 1.1%). Combining the data at each temperature revealed that the increases in concentrations were greater (P less than 0.05) at 22 degrees C (delta TG = 0.22, delta GLY = 0.20, delta TC = 0.14, delta HDL-C = 0.05 mmol l-1) vs 0 degrees C (delta TG = 0.10, delta GLY = 0.12, delta TC = 0.05, delta HDL-C = 0.02 mmol l-1). Combining the data for each intensity revealed that the increases in concentration were greater (P less than 0.05) at 60% VO2max for delta TG and delta HDL-C. The 60% VO2max/22 degrees C bout produced greater changes (P less than 0.05) than all other bouts for delta TC and delta HDL-C (0.21 and 0.08 mmol l-1, respectively). Only delta TG and delta GLY were greater at 22 degrees C when adjusted for %delta PV. These metabolic and plasma lipid results indicate that cold exposure does not act synergistically with exercise to further stimulate fat metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- K R Sink
- Exercise Physiology Laboratory, University of Kansas, Lawrence 66045
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Hill SF. Multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. J Hosp Infect 1987; 10:212-3. [PMID: 2889778 DOI: 10.1016/0195-6701(87)90151-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Hill SF, Haldane DJ, Ngui-Yen JH, Smith JA. In vitro susceptibility of Pseudomonas species to carbenicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. J Clin Microbiol 1985; 22:465-6. [PMID: 3930567 PMCID: PMC268438 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.22.3.465-466.1985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We compared susceptibility tests of 47 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates and 40 Pseudomonas species to carbenicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole by the MS-2 and Sceptor systems and agar dilution. The major and very major errors encountered in these tests in the MS-2 and Sceptor systems raise doubts about the accuracy of these methods for testing P. aeruginosa and confirm that they should not be used for testing the susceptibility of Pseudomonas species to the two drugs tested.
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Abstract
An outbreak of infection in a special care baby unit due to a multiply-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is described. Although the organism was isolated from 35 babies over 1 year, only two were clinically infected, one of whom died of infection. New measures to prevent cross-infection were introduced but colonized babies continued to be detected. The unit was closed for several weeks but babies became colonized again after reopening. The route of cross-infection remained uncertain.
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Hill SF, Lewis AM, Paull A. Detection of bacteraemia by an automated blood culture system. J Clin Pathol 1983; 36:1412. [PMID: 6361075 PMCID: PMC498579 DOI: 10.1136/jcp.36.12.1412-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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