A Nonsense Variant in Hephaestin Like 1 (HEPHL1) Is Responsible for Congenital Hypotrichosis in Belted Galloway Cattle

Genodermatosis such as hair disorders mostly follow a monogenic mode of inheritance. Congenital hypotrichosis (HY) belong to this group of disorders and is characterized by abnormally reduced hair since birth. The purpose of this study was to characterize the clinical phenotype of a breed-specific non-syndromic form of HY in Belted Galloway cattle and to identify the causative genetic variant for this recessive disorder. An affected calf born in Switzerland presented with multiple small to large areas of alopecia on the limbs and on the dorsal part of the head, neck, and back. A genome-wide association study using Swiss and US Belted Galloway cattle encompassing 12 cases and 61 controls revealed an association signal on chromosome 29. Homozygosity mapping in a subset of cases refined the HY locus to a 1.5 Mb critical interval and subsequent Sanger sequencing of protein-coding exons of positional candidate genes revealed a stop gain variant in the HEPHL1 gene that encodes a multi-copper ferroxidase protein so-called hephaestin like 1 (c.1684A>T; p.Lys562*). A perfect concordance between the homozygous presence of this most likely pathogenic loss-of-function variant and the HY phenotype was found. Genotyping of more than 700 purebred Swiss and US Belted Galloway cattle showed the global spread of the mutation. This study provides a molecular test that will permit the avoidance of risk matings by systematic genotyping of relevant breeding animals. This rare recessive HEPHL1-related form of hypotrichosis provides a novel large animal model for similar human conditions. The results have been incorporated in the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals (OMIA) database (OMIA 002230-9913).

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An FGA Frameshift Variant Associated with Afibrinogenemia in Dachshunds

Genes ◽

10.3390/genes12071065 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (7) ◽

pp. 1065

Author(s):

Reinhard Mischke ◽

Julia Metzger ◽

Ottmar Distl

Keyword(s):

Protein Sequence ◽

Sanger Sequencing ◽

Selective Breeding ◽

Genome Wide Association Study ◽

Frameshift Mutation ◽

Homozygosity Mapping ◽

Genomic Region ◽

Severe Bleeding ◽

Genome Wide ◽

A Genome

Congenital fibrinogen disorders are very rare in dogs. Cases of afibrinogenemia have been reported in Bernese Mountain, Bichon Frise, Cocker Spaniel, Collie, Lhasa Apso, Viszla, and St. Bernard dogs. In the present study, we examined four miniature wire-haired Dachshunds with afibrinogenemia and ascertained their pedigree. Homozygosity mapping and a genome-wide association study identified a candidate genomic region at 50,188,932–64,187,680 bp on CFA15 harboring FGB (fibrinogen beta chain), FGA (fibrinogen alpha chain), and FGG (fibrinogen gamma-B chain). Sanger sequencing of all three fibrinogen genes in two cases and validation of the FGA-associated mutation (FGA:g.6296delT, NC_006597.3:g.52240694delA, rs1152388481) in pedigree members showed a perfect co-segregation with afibrinogenemia-affected phenotypes, obligate carriers, and healthy animals. In addition, the rs1152388481 variant was validated in 393 Dachshunds and samples from 33 other dog breeds. The rs1152388481 variant is predicted to modify the protein sequence of both FGA transcripts (FGA201:p.Ile486Met and FGA-202:p.Ile555Met) leading to proteins truncated by 306 amino acids. The present data provide evidence for a novel FGA truncating frameshift mutation that is very likely to explain the cases of severe bleeding due to afibrinogenemia in a Dachshund family. This mutation has already been spread in Dachshunds through carriers before cases were ascertained. Genetic testing allows selective breeding to prevent afibrinogenemia-affected puppies in the future.

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CUX2 mutations in temporal lobe epilepsy; increased kainate susceptibility and excitatory input to hippocampus in deficient mice

10.1101/2021.09.17.460803 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Toshimitsu Suzuki ◽

Tetsuya Tatsukawa ◽

Genki Sudo ◽

Caroline Delandre ◽

Yun Jin Pai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Synaptic Transmission ◽

Temporal Lobe Epilepsy ◽

Entorhinal Cortex ◽

Temporal Lobe ◽

Genome Wide Association Study ◽

De Novo ◽

Cell Number ◽

Loss Of Function ◽

Genome Wide ◽

A Genome

CUX2 gene encodes a transcription factor that controls neuronal proliferation, dendrite branching and synapse formation, locating at the epilepsy-associated chromosomal region 12q24 that we previously identified by a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in Japanese population. A CUX2 recurrent de novo variant p.E590K has been described in patients with rare epileptic encephalopathies and the gene is a candidate for the locus, however the mutation may not be enough to generate the genome-wide significance in the GWAS and whether CUX2 variants appear in other types of epilepsies and physiopathological mechanisms are remained to be investigated. Here in this study, we conducted targeted sequencings of CUX2, a paralog CUX1 and its short isoform CASP harboring a unique C-terminus on 271 Japanese patients with a variety of epilepsies, and found that multiple CUX2 missense variants, other than the p.E590K, and some CASP variants including a deletion, predominantly appeared in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Human cell culture and fly dendritic arborization analyses revealed loss-of- function properties for the CUX2 variants. Cux2- and Casp-specific knockout mice both showed high susceptibility to kainate, increased excitatory cell number in the entorhinal cortex, and significant enhancement in glutamatergic synaptic transmission to the hippocampus. CASP and CUX2 proteins physiologically bound to each other and co-expressed in excitatory neurons in brain regions including the entorhinal cortex. These results suggest that CUX2 and CASP variants contribute to the TLE pathology through a facilitation of excitatory synaptic transmission from entorhinal cortex to hippocampus.

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Genome-wide sexually antagonistic variants reveal longstanding constraints on sexual dimorphism in the fruitfly

10.1101/117176 ◽

2017 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Filip Ruzicka ◽

Mark S. Hill ◽

Tanya M. Pennell ◽

Ilona Flis ◽

Fiona C. Ingleby ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sexual Dimorphism ◽

Evolutionary Dynamics ◽

Genome Wide Association Study ◽

Balancing Selection ◽

Sexual Antagonism ◽

Protein Coding ◽

Genome Wide ◽

Genomic Location ◽

Classic Theory ◽

A Genome

The evolution of sexual dimorphism is constrained by a shared genome, leading to ‘sexual antagonism’ where different alleles at given loci are favoured by selection in males and females. Despite its wide taxonomic incidence, we know little about the identity, genomic location and evolutionary dynamics of antagonistic genetic variants. To address these deficits, we use sex-specific fitness data from 202 fully sequenced hemiclonal D. melanogaster fly lines to perform a genome-wide association study of sexual antagonism. We identify ~230 chromosomal clusters of candidate antagonistic SNPs. In contradiction to classic theory, we find no clear evidence that the X chromosome is a hotspot for sexually antagonistic variation. Characterising antagonistic SNPs functionally, we find a large excess of missense variants but little enrichment in terms of gene function. We also assess the evolutionary persistence of antagonistic variants by examining extant polymorphism in wild D. melanogaster populations. Remarkably, antagonistic variants are associated with multiple signatures of balancing selection across the D. melanogaster distribution range, indicating widespread and evolutionarily persistent (>10,000 years) genomic constraints. Based on our results, we propose that antagonistic variation accumulates due to constraints on the resolution of sexual conflict over protein coding sequences, thus contributing to the long-term maintenance of heritable fitness variation.

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A genome-wide association study reveals novel genomic regions and positional candidate genes for fat deposition in broiler chickens

BMC Genomics ◽

10.1186/s12864-018-4779-6 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Gabriel Costa Monteiro Moreira ◽

Clarissa Boschiero ◽

Aline Silva Mello Cesar ◽

James M. Reecy ◽

Thaís Fernanda Godoy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Association Study ◽

Candidate Genes ◽

Broiler Chickens ◽

Genome Wide Association Study ◽

Fat Deposition ◽

Genome Wide Association ◽

Positional Candidate ◽

Genome Wide ◽

A Genome ◽

Genomic Regions

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A Missense Variant in ALDH5A1 Associated with Canine Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency (SSADHD) in the Saluki Dog

Genes ◽

10.3390/genes11091033 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 1033

Author(s):

Karen M. Vernau ◽

Eduard Struys ◽

Anna Letko ◽

Kevin D. Woolard ◽

Miriam Aguilar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Missense Variant ◽

Cortical Atrophy ◽

Large Animal Model ◽

Large Animal ◽

Succinic Semialdehyde ◽

Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase ◽

Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase ◽

Genome Wide ◽

A Genome ◽

Ssadh Deficiency

Dogs provide highly valuable models of human disease due to the similarity in phenotype presentation and the ease of genetic analysis. Seven Saluki puppies were investigated for neurological abnormalities including seizures and altered behavior. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a diffuse, marked reduction in cerebral cortical thickness, and symmetrical T2 hyperintensity in specific brain regions. Cerebral cortical atrophy with vacuolation (status spongiosus) was noted on necropsy. Genome-wide association study of 7 affected and 28 normal Salukis revealed a genome-wide significantly associated region on CFA 35. Whole-genome sequencing of three confirmed cases from three different litters revealed a homozygous missense variant within the aldehyde dehydrogenase 5 family member A1 (ALDH5A1) gene (XM_014110599.2: c.866G>A; XP_013966074.2: p.(Gly288Asp). ALDH5A1 encodes a succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) enzyme critical in the gamma-aminobutyric acid neurotransmitter (GABA) metabolic pathway. Metabolic screening of affected dogs showed markedly elevated gamma-hydroxybutyric acid in serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain, and elevated succinate semialdehyde in urine, CSF and brain. SSADH activity in the brain of affected dogs was low. Affected Saluki dogs had striking similarities to SSADH deficiency in humans although hydroxybutyric aciduria was absent in affected dogs. ALDH5A1-related SSADH deficiency in Salukis provides a unique translational large animal model for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

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A KRT71 Loss-of-Function Variant Results in Inner Root Sheath Dysplasia and Recessive Congenital Hypotrichosis of Hereford Cattle

Genes ◽

10.3390/genes12071038 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (7) ◽

pp. 1038

Author(s):

Joana G. P. Jacinto ◽

Alysta D. Markey ◽

Inês M. B. Veiga ◽

Julia M. Paris ◽

Monika Welle ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hair Follicle ◽

The Body ◽

Large Animal ◽

Type Ii ◽

Loss Of Function ◽

Positional Candidate ◽

Root Sheath ◽

Hereford Cattle ◽

A Genome ◽

Inner Root Sheath

Genodermatoses, such as heritable skin disorders, mostly represent Mendelian conditions. Congenital hypotrichosis (HY) characterize a condition of being born with less hair than normal. The purpose of this study was to characterize the clinicopathological phenotype of a breed-specific non-syndromic form of HY in Hereford cattle and to identify the causative genetic variant for this recessive disorder. Affected calves showed a very short, fine, wooly, kinky and curly coat over all parts of the body, with a major expression in the ears, the inner part of the limbs, and in the thoracic-abdominal region. Histopathology showed a severely altered morphology of the inner root sheath (IRS) of the hair follicle with abnormal Huxley and Henle’s layers and severely dysplastic hair shafts. A genome-wide association study revealed an association signal on chromosome 5. Homozygosity mapping in a subset of cases refined the HY locus to a 690 kb critical interval encompassing a cluster of type II keratin encoding genes. Protein-coding exons of six positional candidate genes with known hair or hair follicle function were re-sequenced. This revealed a protein-changing variant in the KRT71 gene that encodes a type II keratin specifically expressed in the IRS of the hair follicle (c.281delTGTGCCCA; p.Met94AsnfsX14). Besides obvious phenocopies, a perfect concordance between the presence of this most likely pathogenic loss-of-function variant located in the head domain of KRT71 and the HY phenotype was found. This recessive KRT71-related form of hypotrichosis provides a novel large animal model for similar human conditions. The results have been incorporated in the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals (OMIA) database (OMIA 002114-9913).

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Identification of susceptibility loci for cardiovascular disease in adults with hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia

Journal of Translational Medicine ◽

10.1186/s12967-021-02751-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Youhyun Song ◽

Ja-Eun Choi ◽

Yu-Jin Kwon ◽

Hyuk-Jae Chang ◽

Jung Oh Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Disease ◽

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Genome Wide Association Study ◽

Metabolic Diseases ◽

Case Control ◽

Control Group ◽

Susceptibility Loci ◽

Positional Candidate ◽

Genome Wide ◽

A Genome

Abstract Background Hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), and dyslipidemia (DL) are well-known risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but not all patients develop CVDs. Studies have been limited investigating genetic risk of CVDs specific to individuals with metabolic diseases. This study aimed to identify disease-specific and/or common genetic loci associated with CVD susceptibility in chronic metabolic disease patients. Methods We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of a multiple case–control design with data from the City Cohort within Health EXAminees subcohort of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES_HEXA). KoGES_HEXA is a population-based prospective cohort of 173,357 urban Korean adults that had health examinations at medical centers. 42,393 participants (16,309 HTN; 5,314 DM; 20,770 DL) were analyzed, and each metabolic disease group was divided into three CVD case-controls: coronary artery disease (CAD), ischemic stroke (IS), and cardio-cerebrovascular disease (CCD). GWASs were conducted for each case–control group with 7,975,321 imputed single nucleotide polymorphisms using the Phase 3 Asian panel from 1000 Genomes Project, by logistic regression and controlled for confounding variables. Genome-wide significant levels were implemented to identify important susceptibility loci. Results Totaling 42,393 individuals, this study included 16,309 HTN (mean age [SD], 57.28 [7.45]; 816 CAD, 398 IS, and 1,185 CCD cases), 5,314 DM (57.79 [7.39]; 361 CAD, 153 IS, and 497 CCD cases), and 20,770 DL patients (55.34 [7.63]; 768 CAD, 295 IS, and 1,039 CCD cases). Six genome-wide significant CVD risk loci were identified, with relatively large effect sizes: 1 locus in HTN (HTN-CAD: 17q25.3/CBX8-CBX4 [OR, 2.607; P = 6.37 × 10−9]), 2 in DM (DM-IS: 4q32.3/MARCH1-LINC01207 [OR, 5.587; P = 1.34 × 10−8], and DM-CCD: 17q25.3/RPTOR [OR, 3.511; P = 1.99 × 10−8]), and 3 in DL (DL-CAD: 9q22.2/UNQ6494-LOC101927847 [OR, 2.282; P = 7.78 × 10−9], DL-IS: 3p22.1/ULK4 [OR, 2.162; P = 2.97 × 10−8], and DL-CCD: 2p22.2/CYP1B1-CYP1B1-AS1 [OR, 2.027; P = 4.24 × 10−8]). Conclusions This study identified 6 susceptibility loci and positional candidate genes for CVDs in HTN, DM, and DL patients using an unprecedented study design. 1 locus (17q25.3) was commonly associated with CAD. These associations warrant validation in additional studies for potential therapeutic applications.

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SVRare: discovering disease-causing structural variants in the 100K Genomes Project

10.1101/2021.10.15.21265069 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jing Yu ◽

Anita Szabo ◽

Alistair T Pagnamenta ◽

Ahmed Shalaby ◽

Edoardo Giacopuzzi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genome Wide Association Study ◽

Kidney Diseases ◽

Cystic Kidney ◽

Whole Genome Sequencing Data ◽

Structural Variants ◽

Sequencing Data ◽

Protein Coding ◽

Genome Wide ◽

A Genome ◽

Cystic Kidney Diseases

Discovery of disease-causing structural variants (dcSV) from whole genome sequencing data is difficult due to high number of false positives and a lack of efficient way to estimate allele frequency. Here we introduce SVRare, an application that aggregates structural variants (SV) called by other tools, and efficiently annotates rare SVs to aid dcSVs discovery. Applied in the Genomics England (GEL) research environment to data from the 100K Genomes Project, SVRare aggregated 554,060,126 SVs called by Manta and Canvas in all the 71,408 participants in the rare-disease arm. From a pilot study of 4313 families, SVRare identified 36 novel protein-coding disrupting SVs on diagnostic grade genes that may explain proband's phenotype. It is estimated that SVRare can increase SV-based diagnosis yield by at least 4-fold. We also performed a genome-wide association study, and uncovered clusters of dcSVs in genes with known pathogenicity, such as PKD1/2 - cystic kidney diseases and LDLR - familial hypercholesterolaemia.

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