scholarly journals PsyMuKB: A De Novo Variant Knowledge Base Integrating Transcriptional and Translational Information to Identify Isoform-specific Mutations in Developmental Disorders

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guan Ning Lin ◽  
Sijia Guo ◽  
Xian Tan ◽  
Weidi Wang ◽  
Wei Qian ◽  
...  

AbstractDe novo variants (DNVs) are one of the most significant contributors to severe early-onset genetic disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and other developmental and neuropsychiatric (DNP) disorders. Currently, a plethora of DNVs have being identified through the use of next-generation sequencing and much effort has been made to understand their impact at the gene level; however, there has been little exploration of the impact at the isoform level. The brain contains a high level of alternative splicing and regulation, and exhibits a more divergent splicing program than other tissues; therefore, it is crucial to explore variants at the transcriptional regulation level to better interpret the mechanisms underlying DNP disorders. To facilitate better usage and improve the isoform-level interpretation of variants, we developed the PsyMuKB (NeuroPsychiatric Mutation Knowledge Base), a knowledge base containing a comprehensive, carefully curated list of DNVs with transcriptional and translational annotations to enable identification of isoform-specific mutations. PsyMuKB allows a flexible search of genes or variants and provides both table-based descriptions and associated visualizations, such as expression, transcript genomic structures, protein interactions, and the mutation sites mapped on the protein structures. It also provides an easy-to-use web interface, allowing users to rapidly visualize the locations and characteristics of mutations and the expression patterns of the impacted genes and isoforms. PsyMuKB thus constitutes a valuable resource for identifying tissue-specific de novo mutations for further functional studies of related disorders. PsyMuKB is freely accessible at http://psymukb.net.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack M. Fu ◽  
F. Kyle Satterstrom ◽  
Minshi Peng ◽  
Harrison Brand ◽  
Ryan L. Collins ◽  
...  

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or related neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) often carry disruptive mutations in genes that are depleted of functional variation in the broader population. We build upon this observation and exome sequencing from 154,842 individuals to explore the allelic diversity of rare protein-coding variation contributing risk for ASD and related NDDs. Using an integrative statistical model, we jointly analyzed rare protein-truncating variants (PTVs), damaging missense variants, and copy number variants (CNVs) derived from exome sequencing of 63,237 individuals from ASD cohorts. We discovered 71 genes associated with ASD at a false discovery rate (FDR) ≤ 0.001, a threshold approximately equivalent to exome-wide significance, and 183 genes at FDR ≤ 0.05. Associations were predominantly driven by de novo PTVs, damaging missense variants, and CNVs: 57.4%, 21.2%, and 8.32% of evidence, respectively. Though fewer in number, CNVs conferred greater relative risk than PTVs, and repeat-mediated de novo CNVs exhibited strong maternal bias in parent-of-origin (e.g., 92.3% of 16p11.2 CNVs), whereas all other CNVs showed a paternal bias. To explore how genes associated with ASD and NDD overlap or differ, we analyzed our ASD cohort alongside a developmental delay (DD) cohort from the deciphering developmental disorders study (DDD; n=91,605 samples). We first reanalyzed the DDD dataset using the same models as the ASD cohorts, then performed joint analyses of both cohorts and identified 373 genes contributing to NDD risk at FDR ≤ 0.001 and 662 NDD risk genes at FDR ≤ 0.05. Of these NDD risk genes, 54 genes (125 genes at FDR ≤ 0.05) were unique to the joint analyses and not significant in either cohort alone. Our results confirm overlap of most ASD and DD risk genes, although many differ significantly in frequency of mutation. Analyses of single-cell transcriptome datasets showed that genes associated predominantly with DD were strongly enriched for earlier neurodevelopmental cell types, whereas genes displaying stronger evidence for association in ASD cohorts were more enriched for maturing neurons. The ASD risk genes were also enriched for genes associated with schizophrenia from a separate rare coding variant analysis of 121,570 individuals, emphasizing that these neuropsychiatric disorders share common pathways to risk.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tianyun Wang ◽  
Chang Kim ◽  
Trygve E. Bakken ◽  
Madelyn A. Gillentine ◽  
Barbara Henning ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTMost genetic studies consider autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental disorder (DD) separately despite overwhelming comorbidity and shared genetic etiology. Here we analyzed de novo mutations (DNMs) from 15,560 ASD (6,557 are new) and 31,052 DD trios independently and combined as broader neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) using three models. We identify 615 candidate genes (FDR 5%, 189 potentially novel) by one or more models, including 138 reaching exome-wide significance (p < 3.64e-07) in all models. We find no evidence for ASD-specific genes in contrast to 18 genes significantly enriched for DD. There are 53 genes show particular mutational-bias including enrichments for missense (n=41) or truncating DNM (n=12). We find 22 genes with evidence of sex-bias including five X chromosome genes also with significant female burden (DDX3X, MECP2, SMC1A, WDR45, and HDAC8). NDD risk genes group into five functional networks associating with different brain developmental lineages based on single-cell nuclei transcriptomic data, which provides important insights into disease subtypes and future functional studies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tao Fan ◽  
Yu-Zhen Zhao ◽  
Jing-Fang Yang ◽  
Qin-Lai Liu ◽  
Yuan Tian ◽  
...  

AbstractEukaryotic cells can expand their coding ability by using their splicing machinery, spliceosome, to process precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) into mature messenger RNA. The mega-macromolecular spliceosome contains multiple subcomplexes, referred to as small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs). Among these, U1 snRNP and its central component, U1-70K, are crucial for splice site recognition during early spliceosome assembly. The human U1-70K has been linked to several types of human autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases. However, its phylogenetic relationship has been seldom reported. To this end, we carried out a systemic analysis of 95 animal U1-70K genes and compare these proteins to their yeast and plant counterparts. Analysis of their gene and protein structures, expression patterns and splicing conservation suggest that animal U1-70Ks are conserved in their molecular function, and may play essential role in cancers and juvenile development. In particular, animal U1-70Ks display unique characteristics of single copy number and a splicing isoform with truncated C-terminal, suggesting the specific role of these U1-70Ks in animal kingdom. In summary, our results provide phylogenetic overview of U1-70K gene family in vertebrates. In silico analyses conducted in this work will act as a reference for future functional studies of this crucial U1 splicing factor in animal kingdom.


Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 663
Author(s):  
Stijn van de Plassche ◽  
Arjan PM de Brouwer

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leon Harrington ◽  
Jordan M. Fletcher ◽  
Tamara Heermann ◽  
Derek N. Woolfson ◽  
Petra Schwille

AbstractModules that switch protein-protein interactions on and off are essential to develop synthetic biology; for example, to construct orthogonal signaling pathways, to control artificial protein structures dynamically, and for protein localization in cells or protocells. In nature, the E. coli MinCDE system couples nucleotide-dependent switching of MinD dimerization to membrane targeting to trigger spatiotemporal pattern formation. Here we present a de novo peptide-based molecular switch that toggles reversibly between monomer and dimer in response to phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. In combination with other modules, we construct fusion proteins that couple switching to lipid-membrane targeting by: (i) tethering a ‘cargo’ molecule reversibly to a permanent membrane ‘anchor’; and (ii) creating a ‘membrane-avidity switch’ that mimics the MinD system but operates by reversible phosphorylation. These minimal, de novo molecular switches have potential applications for introducing dynamic processes into designed and engineered proteins to augment functions in living cells and add functionality to protocells.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 1358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatiana V. Tatarinova ◽  
Trina Deiss ◽  
Lorri Franckle ◽  
Susan Beaven ◽  
Jeffrey Davis

The neurotransmitter levels of representatives from five different diagnosis groups were tested before and after participation in the MNRI®—Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Intervention. The purpose of this study was to ascertain neurological impact on (1) Developmental disorders, (2) Anxiety disorders/OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress disorder), (3) Palsy/Seizure disorders, (4) ADD/ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Disorder Hyperactive Disorder), and (5) ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) disorders. Each participant had a form of neurological dysregulation and typical symptoms respective to their diagnosis. These diagnoses have a severe negative impact on the quality of life, immunity, stress coping, cognitive skills, and social assimilation. This study showed a trend towards optimization and normalization of neurological and immunological functioning, thus supporting the claim that the MNRI method is an effective non-pharmacological neuromodulation treatment of neurological disorders. The effects of MNRI on inflammation have not yet been assessed. The resulting post-MNRI changes in participants’ neurotransmitters show significant adjustments in the regulation of the neurotransmitter resulting in being calmer, a decrease of hypervigilance, an increase in stress resilience, behavioral and emotional regulation improvements, a more positive emotional state, and greater control of cognitive processes. In this paper, we demonstrate that the MNRI approach is an intervention that reduces inflammation. It is also likely to reduce oxidative stress and encourage homeostasis of excitatory neurotransmitters. MNRI may facilitate neurodevelopment, build stress resiliency, neuroplasticity, and optimal learning opportunity. There have been no reported side effects of MNRI treatments.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xianru Jiao ◽  
Manuela Morleo ◽  
Vincenzo Nigro ◽  
Annalaura Torella ◽  
Stefano D’Arrigo ◽  
...  

Objective: To establish and broaden the phenotypic spectrum of secretory carrier membrane protein (SCAMP5) associated with epilepsy and neurodevelopmental delay.Methods: A Chinese patient was identified at the First Hospital of Peking University, and the three unrelated patients were recruited from two different countries (Italy and United States) through GeneMatcher. SCAMP5 pathogenic variants were identified by whole exome sequencing; clinical data of the patients were retrospectively collected and analyzed.Result: The onset age of seizures was ranged from 6 to 15 months. Patients had different types of seizures, including focal seizures, generalized tonic-clonic seizures and tonic seizure. One patient showed typical autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms. Electroencephalogram (EEG) findings presented as focal or multifocal discharges, sometimes spreading to generalization. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities were present in each patient. Severe intellectual disability and language and motor developmental disorders were found in our patients, with all patients having poor language development and were nonverbal at last follow-up. All but one of the patients could walk independently in childhood, but the ability to walk independently in one patient had deteriorated with age. All patients had abnormal neurological exam findings, mostly signs of extrapyramidal system involvement. Dysmorphic features were found in 2/4 patients, mainly in the face and trunk. All four unrelated patients were found to have the same heterozygous pathogenic SCAMP5 de novo variant (p. Gly180Trp).Conclusion: Epilepsy, severe developmental delay, abnormal neurological exam findings, with or without ASD or variably dysmorphic features and were common in patients with SCAMP5 variant. The onset time and type of seizure varied greatly. The EEG and brain MRI findings were not consistent, but diverse and nonspecific. The motor ability of patients with heterozygous SCAMP5 variant might have a regressive course; language development was more severely affected.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugene J. Gardner ◽  
Elena Prigmore ◽  
Giuseppe Gallone ◽  
Petr Danecek ◽  
Kaitlin E. Samocha ◽  
...  

Abstract Mobile genetic Elements (MEs) are segments of DNA which can copy themselves and other transcribed sequences through the process of retrotransposition (RT). In humans several disorders have been attributed to RT, but the role of RT in severe developmental disorders (DD) has not yet been explored. Here we identify RT-derived events in 9738 exome sequenced trios with DD-affected probands. We ascertain 9 de novo MEs, 4 of which are likely causative of the patient’s symptoms (0.04%), as well as 2 de novo gene retroduplications. Beyond identifying likely diagnostic RT events, we estimate genome-wide germline ME mutation rate and selective constraint and demonstrate that coding RT events have signatures of purifying selection equivalent to those of truncating mutations. Overall, our analysis represents a comprehensive interrogation of the impact of retrotransposition on protein coding genes and a framework for future evolutionary and disease studies.


Author(s):  
Nina McTiernan ◽  
◽  
Harinder Gill ◽  
Carlos E. Prada ◽  
Harry Pachajoa ◽  
...  

Abstract Nearly half of all human proteins are acetylated at their N-termini by the NatA N-terminal acetyltransferase complex. NAA10 is evolutionarily conserved as the catalytic subunit of NatA in complex with NAA15, but may also have NatA-independent functions. Several NAA10 variants are associated with genetic disorders. The phenotypic spectrum includes developmental delay, intellectual disability, and cardiac abnormalities. Here, we have identified the previously undescribed NAA10 c.303C>A and c.303C>G p.(N101K) variants in two unrelated girls. These girls have developmental delay, but they both also display hemihypertrophy a feature normally not observed or registered among these cases. Functional studies revealed that NAA10 p.(N101K) is completely impaired in its ability to bind NAA15 and to form an enzymatically active NatA complex. In contrast, the integrity of NAA10 p.(N101K) as a monomeric acetyltransferase is intact. Thus, this NAA10 variant may represent the best example of the impact of NatA mediated N-terminal acetylation, isolated from other potential NAA10-mediated cellular functions and may provide important insights into the phenotypes observed in individuals expressing pathogenic NAA10 variants.


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