scholarly journals PRDM15 loss of function links NOTCH and WNT/PCP signaling to patterning defects in holoprosencephaly

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. eaax9852 ◽  
Author(s):  
Slim Mzoughi ◽  
Federico Di Tullio ◽  
Diana H. P. Low ◽  
Corina-Mihaela Motofeanu ◽  
Sheena L. M. Ong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candidate Genes ◽  
Transcriptional Activity ◽  
Embryonic Lethality ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
New Mutation ◽  
Brain Malformations ◽  
Pcp Signaling ◽  
Genetic Deletion ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Anterior Posterior

Holoprosencephaly (HPE) is a congenital forebrain defect often associated with embryonic lethality and lifelong disabilities. Currently, therapeutic and diagnostic options are limited by lack of knowledge of potential disease-causing mutations. We have identified a new mutation in the PRDM15 gene (C844Y) associated with a syndromic form of HPE in multiple families. We demonstrate that C844Y is a loss-of-function mutation impairing PRDM15 transcriptional activity. Genetic deletion of murine Prdm15 causes anterior/posterior (A/P) patterning defects and recapitulates the brain malformations observed in patients. Mechanistically, PRDM15 regulates the transcription of key effectors of the NOTCH and WNT/PCP pathways to preserve early midline structures in the developing embryo. Analysis of a large cohort of patients with HPE revealed potentially damaging mutations in several regulators of both pathways. Our findings uncover an unexpected link between NOTCH and WNT/PCP signaling and A/P patterning and set the stage for the identification of new HPE candidate genes.

scholarly journals Molecular characterisation of rare loss-of-function NPAS3 and NPAS4 variants identified in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph J. Rossi ◽  
Jill A. Rosenfeld ◽  
Katie M. Chan ◽  
Haley Streff ◽  
Victoria Nankivell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Protein Function ◽  
Transcriptional Activity ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Complete Loss ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Targeted Disruption ◽  
Clinical Exome Sequencing ◽  
Partner Protein ◽  
The Brain

AbstractAberrations in the excitatory/inhibitory balance within the brain have been associated with both intellectual disability (ID) and schizophrenia (SZ). The bHLH-PAS transcription factors NPAS3 and NPAS4 have been implicated in controlling the excitatory/inhibitory balance, and targeted disruption of either gene in mice results in a phenotype resembling ID and SZ. However, there are few human variants in NPAS3 and none in NPAS4 that have been associated with schizophrenia or neurodevelopmental disorders. From a clinical exome sequencing database we identified three NPAS3 variants and four NPAS4 variants that could potentially disrupt protein function in individuals with either developmental delay or ID. The transcriptional activity of the variants when partnered with either ARNT or ARNT2 was assessed by reporter gene activity and it was found that variants which truncated the NPAS3/4 protein resulted in a complete loss of transcriptional activity. The ability of loss-of-function variants to heterodimerise with neuronally enriched partner protein ARNT2 was then determined by co-immunoprecipitation experiments. It was determined that the mechanism for the observed loss of function was the inability of the truncated NPAS3/4 protein to heterodimerise with ARNT2. This further establishes NPAS3 and NPAS4 as candidate neurodevelopmental disorder genes.

Metallic prions

2004 ◽  
Vol 71 ◽  
pp. 193-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
David R Brown
Keyword(s):  
Prion Protein ◽  
Binding Capacity ◽  
Normal Function ◽  
Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Normal Brain ◽  
Copper Binding ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Spongiform Encephalopathies ◽  
The Brain

Prion diseases, also referred to as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, are characterized by the deposition of an abnormal isoform of the prion protein in the brain. However, this aggregated, fibrillar, amyloid protein, termed PrPSc, is an altered conformer of a normal brain glycoprotein, PrPc. Understanding the nature of the normal cellular isoform of the prion protein is considered essential to understanding the conversion process that generates PrPSc. To this end much work has focused on elucidation of the normal function and activity of PrPc. Substantial evidence supports the notion that PrPc is a copper-binding protein. In conversion to the abnormal isoform, this Cu-binding activity is lost. Instead, there are some suggestions that the protein might bind other metals such as Mn or Zn. PrPc functions currently under investigation include the possibility that the protein is involved in signal transduction, cell adhesion, Cu transport and resistance to oxidative stress. Of these possibilities, only a role in Cu transport and its action as an antioxidant take into consideration PrPc's Cu-binding capacity. There are also more published data supporting these two functions. There is strong evidence that during the course of prion disease, there is a loss of function of the prion protein. This manifests as a change in metal balance in the brain and other organs and substantial oxidative damage throughout the brain. Thus prions and metals have become tightly linked in the quest to understand the nature of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.

scholarly journals Investigation of monogenic causes of familial breast cancer: data from the BEACCON case-control study

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Na Li ◽  
Belle W. X. Lim ◽  
Ella R. Thompson ◽  
Simone McInerny ◽  
Magnus Zethoven ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Candidate Genes ◽  
Familial Aggregation ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Cancer Data ◽  
Pathogenic Variants ◽  
New Genes ◽  
Predisposing Genes ◽  
Predisposition Genes

AbstractBreast cancer (BC) has a significant heritable component but the genetic contribution remains unresolved in the majority of high-risk BC families. This study aims to investigate the monogenic causes underlying the familial aggregation of BC beyond BRCA1 and BRCA2, including the identification of new predisposing genes. A total of 11,511 non-BRCA familial BC cases and population-matched cancer-free female controls in the BEACCON study were investigated in two sequencing phases: 1303 candidate genes in up to 3892 cases and controls, followed by validation of 145 shortlisted genes in an additional 7619 subjects. The coding regions and exon–intron boundaries of all candidate genes and 14 previously proposed BC genes were sequenced using custom designed sequencing panels. Pedigree and pathology data were analysed to identify genotype-specific associations. The contribution of ATM, PALB2 and CHEK2 to BC predisposition was confirmed, but not RAD50 and NBN. An overall excess of loss-of-function (LoF) (OR 1.27, p = 9.05 × 10−9) and missense (OR 1.27, p = 3.96 × 10−73) variants was observed in the cases for the 145 candidate genes. Leading candidates harbored LoF variants with observed ORs of 2–4 and individually accounted for no more than 0.79% of the cases. New genes proposed by this study include NTHL1, WRN, PARP2, CTH and CDK9. The new candidate BC predisposition genes identified in BEACCON indicate that much of the remaining genetic causes of high-risk BC families are due to genes in which pathogenic variants are both very rare and convey only low to moderate risk.

scholarly journals The Mutation masculinizer (man) Defines a Sex-Determining Gene With Maternal and Zygotic Functions in Musca domestica L.

Genetics ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 145 (1) ◽  
pp. 173-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Schmidt ◽  
M Hediger ◽  
R Nöthiger ◽  
A Dübendorfer
Keyword(s):  
Musca Domestica ◽  
Maternal Effect ◽  
Dominant Factor ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
New Mutation ◽  
Yolk Proteins ◽  
Hypomorphic Allele ◽  
Internal Structures ◽  
Primary Signal ◽  
Pole Cells

In Musca domestica, the primary signal for sex determination is the dominant factor M, which is assumed to regulate a postulated female-determining gene F. Presence of M prevents expression of F so that male development ensues. In the absence of M, F can become active, which dictates the female pathway. The existence of F is inferred from FD, a dominant factor that is epistatic to M. We describe a new mutation masculinizer, which has all the properties expected for a null or strongly hypomorphic allele of F: (1) it maps to the same chromosomal location as FD, (2) homozygous man/man animals develop as males, (3) homozygous man/man clones generated in man/+ female larvae differentiate male structures, (4) man has a sex-determining maternal effect. About a third of the morphological males synthesize yolk proteins, which indicates that they are intersexual in internal structures. The maternal effect of man is complete in offspring that derive from homozygous man/man pole cells transplanted into female hosts. In this case, all man/+ progeny become fertile males that do not produce yolk proteins. A sex-determining maternal effect has previously been demonstrated for FD. Like F, maternal man  + is needed for zygotic man  + to become active, providing further evidence that man is a loss-of-function allele of F.

scholarly journals Brain mast cells link the immune system to anxiety-like behavior

2008 ◽  
Vol 105 (46) ◽  
pp. 18053-18057 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine M. Nautiyal ◽  
Ana C. Ribeiro ◽  
Donald W. Pfaff ◽  
Rae Silver
Keyword(s):  
Mast Cell ◽  
Mast Cells ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Mast Cell Activation ◽  
Neural Systems ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Littermate Control ◽  
Cytokines And Chemokines ◽  
Function Models ◽  
The Brain

Mast cells are resident in the brain and contain numerous mediators, including neurotransmitters, cytokines, and chemokines, that are released in response to a variety of natural and pharmacological triggers. The number of mast cells in the brain fluctuates with stress and various behavioral and endocrine states. These properties suggest that mast cells are poised to influence neural systems underlying behavior. Using genetic and pharmacological loss-of-function models we performed a behavioral screen for arousal responses including emotionality, locomotor, and sensory components. We found that mast cell deficient KitW−sh/W−sh (sash−/−) mice had a greater anxiety-like phenotype than WT and heterozygote littermate control animals in the open field arena and elevated plus maze. Second, we show that blockade of brain, but not peripheral, mast cell activation increased anxiety-like behavior. Taken together, the data implicate brain mast cells in the modulation of anxiety-like behavior and provide evidence for the behavioral importance of neuroimmune links.

scholarly journals The GSK3-NRF2 Axis in Suicide

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-119
Author(s):  
Hans O. Kalkman
Keyword(s):  
Transcriptional Activity ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
Glycogen Synthase ◽  
Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 ◽  
Related Factor ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Inflammatory Proteins ◽  
Genetic Deletion ◽  
Bear Witness

Mutations in the genes coding for tryptophan-hydrolase-2 and the scaffold protein FKBP5 are associated with an increased risk of suicide. The mutation in both cases enhances the enzymatic activity of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3). Conversely, anti-suicidal medications, such as lithium, clozapine, and ketamine, indirectly inhibit the activity of GSK3. When GSK3 is active, it promotes the metabolic removal of the transcription factor NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2), which suppresses the transcription of multiple genes that encode anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory proteins. Notably, several suicide-biomarkers bear witness to an ongoing inflammatory process. Moreover, alterations in serum lipid levels measured in suicidal individuals are mirrored by data obtained in mice with genetic deletion of the NRF2 gene. Inflammation is presumably causally related to both dysphoria and anger, two factors relevant for suicide ideation and attempt. Preventing the catabolism of NRF2 could be a strategy to obtain novel suicide-prophylactic medications. Possible candidates are minocycline and nicotinic-α7 agonists. The antibiotic minocycline indirectly activates NRF2-transcriptional activity, whereas the activation of nicotinic-α7 receptors indirectly inhibits GSK3.

scholarly journals Altered Expression of Peroxiredoxins in Mouse Model of Progressive Myoclonus Epilepsy upon LPS-Induced Neuroinflammation

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 357
Author(s):  
Mojca Trstenjak Prebanda ◽  
Petra Matjan-Štefin ◽  
Boris Turk ◽  
Nataša Kopitar-Jerala
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Model ◽  
Redox Homeostasis ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Altered Expression ◽  
Lps Challenge ◽  
Progressive Myoclonus Epilepsy ◽  
Myoclonus Epilepsy ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Deficient Mice

Stefin B (cystatin B) is an inhibitor of endo-lysosomal cysteine cathepsin, and the loss-of-function mutations in the stefin B gene were reported in patients with Unverricht–Lundborg disease (EPM1), a form of progressive myoclonus epilepsy. Stefin B-deficient mice, a mouse model of the disease, display key features of EPM1, including myoclonic seizures. Although the underlying mechanism is not yet completely clear, it was reported that the impaired redox homeostasis and inflammation in the brain contribute to the progression of the disease. In the present study, we investigated if lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-triggered neuroinflammation affected the protein levels of redox-sensitive proteins: thioredoxin (Trx1), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), peroxiredoxins (Prxs) in brain and cerebella of stefin B-deficient mice. LPS challenge was found to result in a marked elevation of Trx1 and TrxR in the brain and cerebella of stefin B deficient mice, while Prx1 was upregulated only in cerebella after LPS challenge. Mitochondrial peroxiredoxin 3 (Prx3), was upregulated also in the cerebellar tissue lysates prepared from unchallenged stefin B deficient mice, while after LPS challenge Prx3 was upregulated in stefin B deficient brain and cerebella. Our results imply the role of oxidative stress in the progression of the disease.

scholarly journals A Novel Mutation of ATP7B Gene in a Case of Wilson Disease

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 123
Author(s):  
Cigdem Yuce Kahraman ◽  
Ali Islek ◽  
Abdulgani Tatar ◽  
Özlem Özdemir ◽  
Adil Mardinglu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wilson Disease ◽  
Novel Mutation ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Molecular Genetic Analysis ◽  
Compound Heterozygous ◽  
Atp7b Gene ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Clinical Presentations ◽  
The Family ◽  
The Brain

Wilson disease (WD) (OMIM# 277900) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder characterized by excess copper (Cu) storage in different human tissues, such as the brain, liver, and the corneas of the eyes. It is a rare disorder that occurs in approximately 1 in 30,000 individuals. The clinical presentations of WD are highly varied, primarily consisting of hepatic and neurological conditions. WD is caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in the ATP7B gene. The diagnosis of the disease is complicated because of its heterogeneous phenotypes. The molecular genetic analysis encourages early diagnosis, treatment, and the opportunity to screen individuals at risk in the family. In this paper, we reported a case with a novel, hotspot-located mutation in WD. We have suggested that this mutation in the ATP7B gene might contribute to liver findings, progressing to liver failure with a loss of function effect. Besides this, if patients have liver symptoms in childhood and/or are children of consanguineous parents, WD should be considered during the evaluation of the patients.

scholarly journals DJ-1 regulates the integrity and function of ER-mitochondria association through interaction with IP3R3-Grp75-VDAC1

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (50) ◽  
pp. 25322-25328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Liu ◽  
Xiaopin Ma ◽  
Hisashi Fujioka ◽  
Jun Liu ◽  
Shengdi Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autosomal Recessive ◽  
Cellular Mechanism ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Calcium Efflux ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Early Onset Parkinson’S Disease

Loss-of-function mutations in DJ-1 are associated with autosomal recessive early onset Parkinson’s disease (PD), yet the underlying pathogenic mechanism remains elusive. Here we demonstrate that DJ-1 localized to the mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM) both in vitro and in vivo. In fact, DJ-1 physically interacts with and is an essential component of the IP3R3-Grp75-VDAC1 complexes at MAM. Loss of DJ-1 disrupted the IP3R3-Grp75-VDAC1 complex and led to reduced endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-mitochondria association and disturbed function of MAM and mitochondria in vitro. These deficits could be rescued by wild-type DJ-1 but not by the familial PD-associated L166P mutant which had demonstrated reduced interaction with IP3R3-Grp75. Furthermore, DJ-1 ablation disturbed calcium efflux-induced IP3R3 degradation after carbachol treatment and caused IP3R3 accumulation at the MAM in vitro. Importantly, similar deficits in IP3R3-Grp75-VDAC1 complexes and MAM were found in the brain of DJ-1 knockout mice in vivo. The DJ-1 level was reduced in the substantia nigra of sporadic PD patients, which was associated with reduced IP3R3-DJ-1 interaction and ER-mitochondria association. Together, these findings offer insights into the cellular mechanism in the involvement of DJ-1 in the regulation of the integrity and calcium cross-talk between ER and mitochondria and suggests that impaired ER-mitochondria association could contribute to the pathogenesis of PD.

scholarly journals The manifold actions of the protein inhibitor of activated STAT proteins on the transcriptional activity of mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors in neural cells

2004 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 825-841 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Tirard ◽  
J Jasbinsek ◽  
OF Almeida ◽  
TM Michaelidis
Keyword(s):  
Transcriptional Activity ◽  
Glucocorticoid Receptors ◽  
Specific Interaction ◽  
Human Neuroblastoma Cell ◽  
Physical Interaction ◽  
Neural Cells ◽  
Protein Inhibitor ◽  
Human Neuroblastoma ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Two Hybrid

Corticosteroid actions in the brain are exerted via the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR). These receptors share several structural and functional similarities but their activation in the brain triggers distinct biological actions, for instance on neuronal survival or the regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. Like other hormone-activated receptors, the transcriptional properties of the MR and GR depend on their ability to recruit a variety of co-regulators, which modulate their activity on target promoters, in a specific manner. The N-terminal regions of the MR and GR share the smallest degree of sequence conservation, whereas they display opposite effects on the transactivation properties of these receptors; thus, they may provide surfaces suitable for receptorspecific interactions with co-regulatory proteins. Here, we employed a yeast two-hybrid system to identify molecules interacting with the N-terminal part of the MR (amino acids 170-433). This approach resulted in the isolation of representative cDNAs from all members of the protein inhibitor of activated STAT (PIAS) family of proteins as potential MR-interacting partners. In neural cells, PIAS3 exhibited a strong and specific interaction with MR, but not GR, as indicated by mammalian two-hybrid assays and co-immunoprecipitation experiments in vivo. The interaction with MR was enhanced in the presence of aldosterone, an MR agonist, and was found to occur through a conserved, serine- and acidic amino acid residue-rich domain of PIAS3. To compare the modulatory properties of PIAS proteins on MR and GR transcriptional activity in a neural environment, MMTV reporter gene assays were performed in the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-MC. This analysis revealed that PIAS3 can inhibit MR, but not GR, transactivation in response to their corresponding ligands. Further, it showed that PIAS1 and PIASxbeta, but not PIASy, could also inhibit MR-mediated transcription despite the lack of detected physical interaction with MR. Interestingly, PIASxbeta and PIASy dose-dependently co-activated GR, whereas PIAS1 impaired GR-induced transcription. Taken together the results reveal differential modulatory roles of the PIAS proteins on the transcriptional properties of MR and GR, thus providing new insights into the bifurcating actions of these two receptors in neural cells where they are frequently co-localized.

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