A novel biallelic 19-bp deletion in the IL10RB gene caused infant-onset inflammatory bowel disease in a consanguineous family: a molecular docking simulation study and literature review

BACKGROUND

Infantile-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IOIBD) is a gastrointestinal inflammatory condition often associated with monogenic disorders and is frequently caused by Interleukin-10 deficiencies. This study aimed to identify the mutation responsible for IBD in an 8-year-old patient from an Iranian family with consanguineous parents.

METHODS

Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was employed to identify disease-causing variations. Furthermore, we utilized integrated experimental data of HADDOCK molecular docking platform, including NMR spectroscopy, to characterize the mutant protein and elucidate the underlying functional mechanism of the identified mutation's pathogenicity.

RESULTS

Our findings revealed a novel 19-bp deletion mutation (c.25_43del, p.Leu9CysfsTer15) in the IL10RB gene. Sanger sequencing confirmed that this variant was inherited in homozygous state within this family, marking the first mutation identified in exon 1 of this gene. Molecular docking simulation demonstrated that the mutant form of IL10RB exhibited reduced affinity for binding to the Interleukin-10 ligand, leading to disruptions in downstream cellular signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

The identification of this novel genetic variant as a causative factor for IOIBD highlights the clinical value of utilizing genetic testing, such as WES, as a reliable diagnostic approach for patients affected by this condition.

Second report of TEDC1-related microcephaly caused by a novel biallelic mutation in an Iranian consanguineous family

BACKGROUND

Primary autosomal recessive microcephaly (MCPH) is a rare developmental disorder characterized by cognitive impairment, delayed neurodevelopment, and reduced brain size. It is a genetically heterogeneous condition, and several genes have been identified as associated with MCPH.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, we utilized whole-exome sequencing (WES) to identify disease-causing variations in two brothers from an Iranian family affected by MCPH, who had consanguineous parents. In the patients, we detected a novel homozygous missense mutation (c.806A > G, p.Gln269Arg) in the TEDC1 gene in one of the patients. Co-segregation analysis using Sanger sequencing confirmed that this variant was inherited from parents. The identified variant was evaluated for its pathogenicity and novelty using various databases. Additionally, bioinformatics tools were employed to predict the three-dimensional structure of the mutant TEDC1 protein.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents the second documented report of a mutation in the TEDC1 gene associated with MCPH. The identification of this novel biallelic mutation as a causative factor for MCPH in the proband further underscores the utility of genetic testing techniques, such as WES, as reliable diagnostic tools for individuals with this condition.

Impact of umbelliprenin-containing niosome nanoparticles on VEGF-A and CTGF genes expression in retinal pigment epithelium cells

AIM

To investigate the impact of niosome nanoparticles carrying umbelliprenin (UMB), an anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory plant compound, on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) genes in a human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-like retina-derived cell line.

METHODS

UMB-containing niosomes were created, optimized, and characterized. RPE-like cells were treated with free UMB and UMB-containing niosomes. The IC50 values of the treatments were determined using an MTT assay. Gene expression of VEGF-A and CTGF was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction after RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. Niosomes' characteristics, including drug entrapment efficiency, size, dispersion index, and zeta potential were assessed. Free UMB had an IC50 of 96.2 µg/mL, while UMB-containing niosomes had an IC50 of 25 µg/mL.

RESULTS

Treatment with UMB-containing niosomes and free UMB resulted in a significant reduction in VEGF-A expression compared to control cells (P=0.001). Additionally, UMB-containing niosomes demonstrated a significant reduction in CTGF expression compared to control cells (P=0.05). However, there was no significant reduction in the expression of both genes in cells treated with free UMB.

CONCLUSION

Both free UMB and niosome-encapsulated UMB inhibits VEGF-A and CTGF genes expression. However, the latter demonstrates significantly greater efficacy, potentially due to the lower UMB dosage and gradual delivery. These findings have implications for anti-angiogenesis therapeutic approaches targeting age-related macular degeneration.

Hearing Loss Among Families with 2 and More Affected Members in Golestan Province, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study of 320 Families

BACKGROUND

Our study centers on various aspects of families who have 2 or more members with hearing loss (HL) and are living in Golestan province in Iran. We aimed to identify those families with the highest probability of hereditary HL and also to examine the impact of consanguinity among them.

METHODS

The families included in the study underwent a comprehensive screening process that involved their prenatal and postnatal histories as well as family medical histories. Additionally, each patient received a thorough clinical ear examination. The evaluation also took into account factors such as patterns of inheritance, consanguinity, a 3-generation pedigree, and physical examination. Following this initial assessment, patients were referred for a complete hearing evaluation, which included pure-tone audiometry, speech recognition threshold, otoacoustic emission, and auditory brainstem response tests.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 8553 individuals living in Golestan province who are hearing impaired. Among those, our records indicate that 320 families had at least 2 affected members. The rate of consanguinity marriage in non-syndromic families was 64.43%. Also, a significant number (88.12%, or n=282) of the families exhibited hereditary HL, among which a substantial proportion (89.72%, or n=253) presented with nonsyndromic forms of HL. Furthermore, bilateral, stable, and prelingual HL were the most frequently observed types, and a majority of the patients were diagnosed with sensorineural and profound HL.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed a correlation between consanguinity and the incidence of familial HL, with more probability of bilateral, prelingual, sensorineural, and profound forms.

Whole exome sequencing identifies a novel variant in the COL12A1 gene in a family with Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy 2

BACKGROUND

Mutations within the COL12A1 gene have been linked with the onset of congenital Ullrich muscular dystrophy 2 (UCMD2) and Bethlem myopathy. The severity of the symptoms exhibited is dependent on the mutation's type and whether it is heterozygous or homozygous.

METHODS

We used whole-exome sequencing to identify disease-causing variants in a nine-year-old Iranian patient who had weakness, joint contractures, delayed motor development, and other symptoms. We confirmed the pathogenicity of the identified variant using in silico tools and verified its novelty using various databases. We also performed a co-segregation study and confirmed the presence of the variant in the patient's parents by Sanger sequencing.

RESULTS

Our analysis identified a novel homozygous missense variant in the affected patient in COL12A1 (c.8828 C > T; p.Pro2943Leu). This is the second reported family with UCMD2 caused by a mutation in COL12A1. Our findings confirm that this mutation results in significantly more severe symptoms than Bethlem myopathy.

CONCLUSION

Our investigation contributes to the expanding body of evidence that links mutations in COL12A1 with UCMD2. Our findings confirm that the homozygous mutation in COL12A1 caused this condition and suggest that genetic testing for this mutation may be useful for diagnosing patients with this disease.

The role of miRNAs and lncRNAs in neurofibromatosis type 1

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is a frequent cancer predisposition syndrome. The common hallmark of patients with this multisystemic genetic disorder is the formation of peripheral nerve sheath tumors, which can be seen as either dermal, plexiform, and malignant forms. MicroRNA (miRNA) is an essential gene regulation factor and consists of 22-25 nucleotides. MiRNAs are identified to act as both tumor suppressors and oncogenes (oncomirs) in a wide variety of human cancers. They play multiple roles in molecular pathways responsible for tumor homing, progression, and invasion. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) also has a key role in cancer transcriptomics. Altered lncRNA expression levels have been found in various malignancies. This review aims to summarize the role of two noncoding RNA groups, miRNAs and lncRNAs, in NF1 establishment, development, and progression. We also highlight their potential for future clinical interventions and devising new diagnostic tools.

Comparison of vermicompost characteristics produced from sewage sludge of wood and paper industry and household solid wastes

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the potential of produced compost from the sludge of wastewater treatment plant using earthworms and compare it with the vermicompost produced from household solid waste.

METHODS

In the current study, three treatments with the same conditions in terms of organic wastes type were prepared to produce vermicompost from household solid waste and sewage sludges using earthworms. The standard methods were used to determine the physical and chemical parameters in the different produced vermicomposts.

RESULTS

The mean of C/N in the household solid waste, raw biological and chemical sludges was 32, 22.5, and 26.5, respectively. These levels were 16.5, 14.5, and 15 in the vermicomposts. The mean of nitrogen and phosphorus percentages in the vermicompost of solid waste, biological and chemical sludges was 2.2%, 2.6%, 2.3% and 0.72%, 0.54%, and 0.56%, respectively. The mean percentages of organic matters in the initial substrates and vermicomposts of solid waste, biological and chemical sludges were 97.2%, 90%, 80.5% and 65.8%, 67.8% and 63% respectively. The concentrations of heavy metals decreased in all vermicomposts. The EC levels in solid waste, biological and chemical sludges were 1459, 1041, and 1487 μs/cm, respectively. These levels were 544, 385 and 635 μs/cm in the produced compost.

CONCLUSION

Eisenia fetida can convert household solid waste, and biological and chemical sludges produced from wastewater treatment plant into a high-quality and acceptable compost.