scholarly journals Pathogenic MAST3 variants in the STK domain are associated with epilepsy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Egidio Spinelli ◽  
Kyle R Christensen ◽  
Emily Bryant ◽  
Amy Schneider ◽  
Jennifer Rakotomamonjy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
De Novo ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Prenatal Development ◽  
Epileptic Encephalopathy ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Gain Of Function ◽  
Missense Variants ◽  
Excitatory Neurons

AbstractObjectiveThe MAST family of microtubule-associated serine-threonine kinases (STK) have distinct expression patterns in the developing and mature human and mouse brain. To date, only MAST1 has been associated with neurological disease, with de novo variants in individuals with a neurodevelopmental disorder, including a mega corpus callosum.MethodsUsing exome sequencing we identify MAST3 missense variants in individuals with epilepsy. We also assess the effect of these variants on the ability of MAST3 to phosphorylate the target gene product ARPP-16 in HEK293T cells.ResultsWe identify de novo missense variants in the STK domain in 11 individuals, including two recurrent variants p.G510S (n=5) and p.G515S (n=3). All 11 individuals had Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, with 8 having normal development prior to seizure onset at < 2 years of age. All patients developed multiple seizures types, while 9/11 had seizures triggered by fever and 9/11 had drug-resistant seizures. In vitro analysis of HEK293T cells transfected with MAST3 cDNA carrying a subset of these patient-specific missense variants demonstrated variable but generally lower expression, with concomitant increased phosphorylation of the MAST3 target, ARPP-16, compared to wildtype. These findings suggest the patient-specific variants may confer MAST3 gain-of-function. Moreover, single-nuclei RNA sequencing and immunohistochemistry shows that MAST3 expression is restricted to excitatory neurons in the cortex late in prenatal development and postnatally.InterpretationIn summary, we describe MAST3 as a novel epilepsy-associated gene with a potential gain-of-function pathogenic mechanism that may be primarily restricted to excitatory neurons in the cortex.

scholarly journals Variants in PRKAR1B cause a neurodevelopmental disorder with autism spectrum disorder, apraxia, and insensitivity to pain

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felix Marbach ◽  
◽  
Georgi Stoyanov ◽  
Florian Erger ◽  
Constantine A. Stratakis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Global Developmental Delay ◽  
Missense Variants ◽  
Large Patient ◽  
Significant Enrichment

Abstract Purpose We characterize the clinical and molecular phenotypes of six unrelated individuals with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder who carry heterozygous missense variants of the PRKAR1B gene, which encodes the R1β subunit of the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA). Methods Variants of PRKAR1B were identified by single- or trio-exome analysis. We contacted the families and physicians of the six individuals to collect phenotypic information, performed in vitro analyses of the identified PRKAR1B-variants, and investigated PRKAR1B expression during embryonic development. Results Recent studies of large patient cohorts with neurodevelopmental disorders found significant enrichment of de novo missense variants in PRKAR1B. In our cohort, de novo origin of the PRKAR1B variants could be confirmed in five of six individuals, and four carried the same heterozygous de novo variant c.1003C>T (p.Arg335Trp; NM_001164760). Global developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, and apraxia/dyspraxia have been reported in all six, and reduced pain sensitivity was found in three individuals carrying the c.1003C>T variant. PRKAR1B expression in the brain was demonstrated during human embryonal development. Additionally, in vitro analyses revealed altered basal PKA activity in cells transfected with variant-harboring PRKAR1B expression constructs. Conclusion Our study provides strong evidence for a PRKAR1B-related neurodevelopmental disorder.

scholarly journals Heterozygous variants in KMT2E cause a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders and epilepsy

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne H O'Donnell-Luria ◽  
Lynn S Pais ◽  
Victor Faundes ◽  
Jordan C Wood ◽  
Abigail Sveden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
De Novo ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Epileptic Encephalopathy ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Mild Intellectual Disability ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Missense Variants ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Abnormalities ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Gastrointestinal Abnormalities

We delineate a KMT2E gene-related neurodevelopmental disorder based on 38 individuals in 36 families. This includes 31 distinct heterozygous variants in the KMT2E gene (28 ascertained from Matchmaker Exchange and 3 previously reported), and 4 individuals with chromosome 7q22.2-22.23 microdeletions encompassing the KMT2E gene (1 previously reported). Almost all variants occurred de novo, and most were truncating. Most affected individuals with protein-truncating variants presented with mild intellectual disability. One-quarter of individuals met criteria for autism. Additional common features include macrocephaly, hypotonia, functional gastrointestinal abnormalities, and a subtle facial gestalt. Epilepsy was present in about one-fifth of individuals with truncating variants, and was responsive to treatment with anti-epileptic medications in almost all. Over 70% of the individuals were male and expressivity was variable by sex, with epilepsy more common in females and autism more common in males. The four individuals with microdeletions encompassing KMT2E generally presented similarly to those with truncating variants, but the degree of developmental delay was greater. The group of four individuals with missense variants in KMT2E presented with the most severe developmental delays. Epilepsy was present in all individuals with missense variants, often manifesting as treatment-resistant infantile epileptic encephalopathy. Microcephaly was also common in this group. Haploinsufficiency versus gain-of-function or dominant negative effects specific to these missense variants in KMT2E may explain this divergence in phenotype, but requires independent validation. Disruptive variants in KMT2E are an under-recognized cause of neurodevelopmental abnormalities.

MYCN de novo gain-of-function mutation in a patient with a novel megalencephaly syndrome

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (6) ◽  
pp. 388-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kohji Kato ◽  
Fuyuki Miya ◽  
Nanako Hamada ◽  
Yutaka Negishi ◽  
Yoko Narumi-Kishimoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Mutation ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Phosphorylation Site ◽  
Neuronal Cell ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Gain Of Function ◽  
Neuronal Progenitor

BackgroundIn this study, we aimed to identify the gene abnormality responsible for pathogenicity in an individual with an undiagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder with megalencephaly, ventriculomegaly, hypoplastic corpus callosum, intellectual disability, polydactyly and neuroblastoma. We then explored the underlying molecular mechanism.MethodsTrio-based, whole-exome sequencing was performed to identify disease-causing gene mutation. Biochemical and cell biological analyses were carried out to elucidate the pathophysiological significance of the identified gene mutation.ResultsWe identified a heterozygous missense mutation (c.173C>T; p.Thr58Met) in the MYCN gene, at the Thr58 phosphorylation site essential for ubiquitination and subsequent MYCN degradation. The mutant MYCN (MYCN-T58M) was non-phosphorylatable at Thr58 and subsequently accumulated in cells and appeared to induce CCND1 and CCND2 expression in neuronal progenitor and stem cells in vitro. Overexpression of Mycn mimicking the p.Thr58Met mutation also promoted neuronal cell proliferation, and affected neuronal cell migration during corticogenesis in mouse embryos.ConclusionsWe identified a de novo c.173C>T mutation in MYCN which leads to stabilisation and accumulation of the MYCN protein, leading to prolonged CCND1 and CCND2 expression. This may promote neurogenesis in the developing cerebral cortex, leading to megalencephaly. While loss-of-function mutations in MYCN are known to cause Feingold syndrome, this is the first report of a germline gain-of-function mutation in MYCN identified in a patient with a novel megalencephaly syndrome similar to, but distinct from, CCND2-related megalencephaly-polymicrogyria-polydactyly-hydrocephalus syndrome. The data obtained here provide new insight into the critical role of MYCN in brain development, as well as the consequences of MYCN defects.

A novel nonsense and inactivating variant of ST3GAL3 in two infant siblings suffering severe epilepsy and expressing circulating CA19.9

Glycobiology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rossella Indellicato ◽  
Ruben Domenighini ◽  
Nadia Malagolini ◽  
Anna Cereda ◽  
Daniela Mamoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Epileptic Encephalopathy ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Knock Out ◽  
Missense Variants ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
Sialyl Lewis ◽  
Sialyl Lewis A ◽  
Lewis A

Abstract Three missense variants of ST3GAL3 are known to be responsible for a congenital disorder of glycosylation determining a neurodevelopmental disorder (intellectual disability/epileptic encephalopathy). Here we report a novel nonsense variant, p.Y220*, in two dichorionic infant twins presenting a picture of epileptic encephalopathy with impaired neuromotor development. Upon expression in HEK-293T cells, the variant appears totally devoid of enzymatic activity in vitro, apparently accumulated with respect to the wild-type or the missense variants, as detected by western blot, and in large part properly localized in the Golgi apparatus, as assessed by confocal microscopy. Both patients were found to efficiently express the CA19.9 antigen in the serum despite the total loss of ST3GAL3 activity, which thus appears replaceable from other ST3GALs in the synthesis of the sialyl-Lewis a epitope. Kinetic studies of ST3GAL3 revealed a strong preference for lactotetraosylceramide as acceptor and gangliotetraosylceramide was also efficiently utilized in vitro. Moreover, the p.A13D missense variant, the one maintaining residual sialyltransferase activity, was found to have much lower affinity for all suitable substrates than the wild-type enzyme with an overall catalytic efficiency almost negligible. Altogether the present data suggest that the apparent redundancy of ST3GALs deduced from knock-out mouse models only partially exists in humans. In fact, our patients lacking ST3GAL3 activity synthesize the CA19.9 epitope sialyl-Lewis a, but not all glycans necessary for fine brain functions, where the role of minor gangliosides deserves further attention.

scholarly journals MED12-Related (Neuro)Developmental Disorders: A Question of Causality

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 663
Author(s):  
Stijn van de Plassche ◽  
Arjan PM de Brouwer
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Disorders ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Mediator Complex ◽  
Gene Expression Patterns ◽  
Facial Dysmorphism ◽  
Regulation Of Transcription ◽  
Feeding Difficulties ◽  
Missense Variants ◽  
Pathogenic Variants

MED12 is a member of the Mediator complex that is involved in the regulation of transcription. Missense variants in MED12 cause FG syndrome, Lujan-Fryns syndrome, and Ohdo syndrome, as well as non-syndromic intellectual disability (ID) in hemizygous males. Recently, female patients with de novo missense variants and de novo protein truncating variants in MED12 were described, resulting in a clinical spectrum centered around ID and Hardikar syndrome without ID. The missense variants are found throughout MED12, whether they are inherited in hemizygous males or de novo in females. They can result in syndromic or nonsyndromic ID. The de novo nonsense variants resulting in Hardikar syndrome that is characterized by facial clefting, pigmentary retinopathy, biliary anomalies, and intestinal malrotation, are found more N-terminally, whereas the more C-terminally positioned variants are de novo protein truncating variants that cause a severe, syndromic phenotype consisting of ID, facial dysmorphism, short stature, skeletal abnormalities, feeding difficulties, and variable other abnormalities. This broad range of distinct phenotypes calls for a method to distinguish between pathogenic and non-pathogenic variants in MED12. We propose an isogenic iNeuron model to establish the unique gene expression patterns that are associated with the specific MED12 variants. The discovery of these patterns would help in future diagnostics and determine the causality of the MED12 variants.

scholarly journals Genotype–phenotype correlations and novel molecular insights into the DHX30-associated neurodevelopmental disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilaria Mannucci ◽  
Nghi D. P. Dang ◽  
Hannes Huber ◽  
Jaclyn B. Murry ◽  
Jeff Abramson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
De Novo ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Global Developmental Delay ◽  
Helicase Activity ◽  
Speech Impairment ◽  
Human Phenotype ◽  
Missense Variants ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Global Translation

Abstract Background We aimed to define the clinical and variant spectrum and to provide novel molecular insights into the DHX30-associated neurodevelopmental disorder. Methods Clinical and genetic data from affected individuals were collected through Facebook-based family support group, GeneMatcher, and our network of collaborators. We investigated the impact of novel missense variants with respect to ATPase and helicase activity, stress granule (SG) formation, global translation, and their effect on embryonic development in zebrafish. SG formation was additionally analyzed in CRISPR/Cas9-mediated DHX30-deficient HEK293T and zebrafish models, along with in vivo behavioral assays. Results We identified 25 previously unreported individuals, ten of whom carry novel variants, two of which are recurrent, and provide evidence of gonadal mosaicism in one family. All 19 individuals harboring heterozygous missense variants within helicase core motifs (HCMs) have global developmental delay, intellectual disability, severe speech impairment, and gait abnormalities. These variants impair the ATPase and helicase activity of DHX30, trigger SG formation, interfere with global translation, and cause developmental defects in a zebrafish model. Notably, 4 individuals harboring heterozygous variants resulting either in haploinsufficiency or truncated proteins presented with a milder clinical course, similar to an individual harboring a de novo mosaic HCM missense variant. Functionally, we established DHX30 as an ATP-dependent RNA helicase and as an evolutionary conserved factor in SG assembly. Based on the clinical course, the variant location, and type we establish two distinct clinical subtypes. DHX30 loss-of-function variants cause a milder phenotype whereas a severe phenotype is caused by HCM missense variants that, in addition to the loss of ATPase and helicase activity, lead to a detrimental gain-of-function with respect to SG formation. Behavioral characterization of dhx30-deficient zebrafish revealed altered sleep-wake activity and social interaction, partially resembling the human phenotype. Conclusions Our study highlights the usefulness of social media to define novel Mendelian disorders and exemplifies how functional analyses accompanied by clinical and genetic findings can define clinically distinct subtypes for ultra-rare disorders. Such approaches require close interdisciplinary collaboration between families/legal representatives of the affected individuals, clinicians, molecular genetics diagnostic laboratories, and research laboratories.

CDK19-related disorder results from both loss-of-function and gain-of-function de novo missense variants

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuri A. Zarate ◽  
Tomoko Uehara ◽  
Kota Abe ◽  
Masayuki Oginuma ◽  
Sora Harako ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
De Novo ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Gain Of Function ◽  
Related Disorder ◽  
Missense Variants

Recurrent de novo missense variants in GNB2 can cause syndromic intellectual disability

2021 ◽  
pp. jmedgenet-2020-107462
Author(s):  
Natalie B Tan ◽  
Alistair T Pagnamenta ◽  
Matteo P Ferla ◽  
Jonathan Gadian ◽  
Brian HY Chung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
G Proteins ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Missense Variant ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Missense Variants ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disease ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
International Data

PurposeBinding proteins (G-proteins) mediate signalling pathways involved in diverse cellular functions and comprise Gα and Gβγ units. Human diseases have been reported for all five Gβ proteins. A de novo missense variant in GNB2 was recently reported in one individual with developmental delay/intellectual disability (DD/ID) and dysmorphism. We aim to confirm GNB2 as a neurodevelopmental disease gene, and elucidate the GNB2-associated neurodevelopmental phenotype in a patient cohort.MethodsWe discovered a GNB2 variant in the index case via exome sequencing and sought individuals with GNB2 variants via international data-sharing initiatives. In silico modelling of the variants was assessed, along with multiple lines of evidence in keeping with American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines for interpretation of sequence variants.ResultsWe identified 12 unrelated individuals with five de novo missense variants in GNB2, four of which are recurrent: p.(Ala73Thr), p.(Gly77Arg), p.(Lys89Glu) and p.(Lys89Thr). All individuals have DD/ID with variable dysmorphism and extraneurologic features. The variants are located at the universally conserved shared interface with the Gα subunit, which modelling suggests weaken this interaction.ConclusionMissense variants in GNB2 cause a congenital neurodevelopmental disorder with variable syndromic features, broadening the spectrum of multisystem phenotypes associated with variants in genes encoding G-proteins.

scholarly journals A39 NOVEL GAIN OF FUNCTION NON-RECEPTOR TYROSINE KINASE MUTATIONS ARE LINKED TO THE PATHOGENESIS OF VEOIBD

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 46-48
Author(s):  
M Mehta ◽  
L Wang ◽  
C Guo ◽  
N Warner ◽  
Q Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tyrosine Kinase ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Receptor Tyrosine Kinase ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Intestinal Inflammation ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Single Gene ◽  
Gain Of Function

Abstract Background Very early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEOIBD) is an emerging global disease, that results in inflammation of the digestive tract. Severe forms of VEOIBD can be caused by mutations in a single gene (monogenic variants) and, can result in death. A candidate gene which codes for a non-receptor tyrosine kinase (nRTK) has recently been implicated as a monogenic cause of IBD (unpublished). Whole exome sequencing was performed in two unrelated children who presented with symptoms of IBD identifying two distinct de novo gain of function mutations (S550Y and P342T). Both mutations are located in the highly conserved region of the nRTK, and were predicted to have similar downstream effects. Furthermore, four other patients with a variety of adult-onset immune disorders have recently been identified with rare variants in the same gene (M450I, R42P, A353T, V433M, S550F) but, their potential gain of function status remains to be determined. Studies show that this nRTK is an essential mediator in inflammation. It is expressed in both intestinal epithelial and immune cells however, its role in infantile IBD is unclear. This protein is first activated by phosphorylation and is linked to activating downstream transcription factors such as ERK and JNK. All these target proteins play a meaningful role in intestinal inflammation in patients with IBD. Aims Since we identified P342T and S550Y to be gain of function, we wanted to determine if the new variants exhibit a similar downstream impact on target protein expression levels when compared with S550Y and P342T. We also wanted to identify if all variants can be rescued with a known nRTK inhibitor. It is hypothesized that the new variants are gain of function and that all variants can be rescued with the inhibitor. Methods Using western blot analysis, the activation of ERK, JNK and nRTK was compared between wildtype (WT) and mutants. This in vitro method helped identify the degree of activation. For the second part of the study, HEK293T cells were treated with inhibitor to test for a rescue of phenotypes via western blot analysis. Results Results show an increased activation of nRTK, ERK and JNK in all variants with S550Y and S550F having the highest activation. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition using small molecular kinase inhibitors resulted in decreased activation of nRTK, ERK and JNK suggesting a rescue of phenotypes. Conclusions Characterizing the downstream functional impact of these nRTK variants is an important first step to determine if gain of function nRTK mutations drive IBD. With a rising prevalence of IBD worldwide, these findings may lead to the development of pharmacological nRTK inhibitors as a novel personalized therapeutic approach for these patients and possibly for the broader IBD population. Funding Agencies CIHR

scholarly journals SOX2 Plays a Critical Role in the Pituitary, Forebrain, and Eye during Human Embryonic Development

2008 ◽  
Vol 93 (5) ◽  
pp. 1865-1873 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Kelberman ◽  
Sandra C. P. de Castro ◽  
Shuwen Huang ◽  
John A. Crolla ◽  
Rodger Palmer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryonic Development ◽  
Anterior Pituitary ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
De Novo Mutations ◽  
Direct Role

Abstract Context: Heterozygous, de novo mutations in the transcription factor SOX2 are associated with bilateral anophthalmia or severe microphthalmia and hypopituitarism. Variable additional abnormalities include defects of the corpus callosum and hippocampus. Objective: We have ascertained a further three patients with severe eye defects and pituitary abnormalities who were screened for mutations in SOX2. To provide further evidence of a direct role for SOX2 in hypothalamo-pituitary development, we have studied the expression of the gene in human embryonic tissues. Results: All three patients harbored heterozygous SOX2 mutations: a deletion encompassing the entire gene, an intragenic deletion (c.70_89del), and a novel nonsense mutation (p.Q61X) within the DNA binding domain that results in impaired transactivation. We also show that human SOX2 can inhibit β-catenin-driven reporter gene expression in vitro, whereas mutant SOX2 proteins are unable to repress efficiently this activity. Furthermore, we show that SOX2 is expressed throughout the human brain, including the developing hypothalamus, as well as Rathke’s pouch, the developing anterior pituitary, and the eye. Conclusions: Patients with SOX2 mutations often manifest the unusual phenotype of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, with sparing of other pituitary hormones despite anterior pituitary hypoplasia. SOX2 expression patterns in human embryonic development support a direct involvement of the protein during development of tissues affected in these individuals. Given the critical role of Wnt-signaling in the development of most of these tissues, our data suggest that a failure to repress the Wnt-β-catenin pathway could be one of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms associated with loss-of-function mutations in SOX2.

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