scholarly journals Truncating Mutation in FOXC2 Gene in Familial Hemorrhoids and Varicose Veins

Hemorrhoids and varicose veins are conditions resulting from loss of vascular integrity and, despite being worldwide health concerns, their pathogenesis has not been clearly defined. Many risk factors have been linked to the development of these complications including diet, defecating habits, alcohol consumption and other physiological factors. There are limited studies involving the possible role of genetic mutations in the development of hemorrhoids and varicose veins. FoxC2 is an important transcription factor that plays many roles in a variety of embryonic developmental processes, including angiogenesis. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the role of the FOXC2 gene variations in the development of familial hemorrhoids and varicose veins in the Jordanian population. Thirty-two samples were collected from eight families manifested hemorrhoids and/or varicose veins conditions. DNA sequencing was performed to screen variation in the FOXC2 gene. Two individuals with severe and early onset of hemorrhoids and varicose veins from the same family showed a frameshift mutation (881'inT) in the coding exon of the FOXC2 gene resulting in a premature stop codon at position +1386 (294 residues truncated peptide). In conclusion, our results support a possible role of genetic predisposition in the development of hemorrhoids and varicose veins with a frequency of 6% in the selected population

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 411
Author(s):  
María Lachgar ◽  
Matías Morín ◽  
Manuela Villamar ◽  
Ignacio del Castillo ◽  
Miguel Ángel Moreno-Pelayo

Nonsyndromic hereditary hearing loss is a common sensory defect in humans that is clinically and genetically highly heterogeneous. So far, 122 genes have been associated with this disorder and 50 of them have been linked to autosomal dominant (DFNA) forms like DFNA68, a rare subtype of hearing impairment caused by disruption of a stereociliary scaffolding protein (HOMER2) that is essential for normal hearing in humans and mice. In this study, we report a novel HOMER2 variant (c.832_836delCCTCA) identified in a Spanish family by using a custom NGS targeted gene panel (OTO-NGS-v2). This frameshift mutation produces a premature stop codon that may lead in the absence of NMD to a shorter variant (p.Pro278Alafs*10) that truncates HOMER2 at the CDC42 binding domain (CBD) of the coiled-coil structure, a region that is essential for protein multimerization and HOMER2-CDC42 interaction. c.832_836delCCTCA mutation is placed close to the previously identified c.840_840dup mutation found in a Chinese family that truncates the protein (p.Met281Hisfs*9) at the CBD. Functional assessment of the Chinese mutant revealed decreased protein stability, reduced ability to multimerize, and altered distribution pattern in transfected cells when compared with wild-type HOMER2. Interestingly, the Spanish and Chinese frameshift mutations might exert a similar effect at the protein level, leading to truncated mutants with the same Ct aberrant protein tail, thus suggesting that they can share a common mechanism of pathogenesis. Indeed, age-matched patients in both families display quite similar hearing loss phenotypes consisting of early-onset, moderate-to-profound progressive hearing loss. In summary, we have identified the third variant in HOMER2, which is the first one identified in the Spanish population, thus contributing to expanding the mutational spectrum of this gene in other populations, and also to clarifying the genotype–phenotype correlations of DFNA68 hearing loss.


Reproduction ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 152 (6) ◽  
pp. 665-672 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha A M Young ◽  
Haruhiko Miyata ◽  
Yuhkoh Satouh ◽  
Masanaga Muto ◽  
Martin R Larsen ◽  
...  

IZUMO1 is a protein found in the head of spermatozoa that has been identified as essential for sperm–egg fusion. Its binding partner in the egg has been discovered (JUNO); however, the roles of several domains within IZUMO1 remain unexplored. One such domain is the C-terminus, which undergoes major phosphorylation changes in the cytoplasmic portion of the protein during rat epididymal transit. However, the cytoplasmic tail of IZUMO1 in many species is highly variable, ranging from 55 to one amino acid. Therefore, to understand the role of the cytoplasmic tail of IZUMO1 in mouse, we utilised the gene manipulation system of CRISPR/Cas9 to generate a point mutation resulting in a premature stop codon, producing mice with truncated IZUMO1. Mice without the cytoplasmic tail of IZUMO1 showed normal fertility but decreased the amount of protein, indicating that whilst this region is important for the expression level of IZUMO1, it is dispensable for fertilisation in the mouse.


2016 ◽  
Vol 119 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Y Barefield ◽  
Megan J Puckelwartz ◽  
Lisa Dellefave-Castillo ◽  
Elizabeth M McNally

Background: Cardiomyopathy is a leading cause of heart failure and is highly heritable. One common form of cardiomyopathy is dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which currently has over 70 identified genes that have been described as causative for the disease. Genetic testing for DCM employs gene panels and has a sensitivity of mutation detection less than 50%, indicating that additional genes contribute to DCM. Here, we employed whole genome sequencing (WGS) in a family with DCM and heart block who had previously undergone unrevealing genetic testing. We identified a premature stop codon in the MYBPHL gene, a gene that has not previously been linked to DCM as a likely cause of DCM in this family. Myosin binding protein H Like (MyBP-HL) is a muscle-expressed protein bearing structural similarity to myosin binding protein C (MyBP-C), which is commonly mutated gene in cardiomyopathies. Objective: Determine the physiological and pathophysiological role of Mybphl . Results: RNA-seq and qPCR from mouse hearts revealed that Mybphl is highly expressed in the right and left atria with lower expression in the ventricle and virtually no expression in skeletal muscle. As MyBP-HL shares a high homology with the myofilament proteins cardiac myosin binding protein-C and H, we investigated if MyBP-HL is also myofilament-associated. We determined that MyBP-HL protein is myofilament-associated in the atria although not clearly so in ventricle. To assess the requirement of MyBP-HL in cardiac function, we used a mouse model with an insertional disruption of the Mybphl gene. These mice have deficits in in vivo cardiac function, with reduced fractional shortening. In addition, ECG recordings from the Mybphl null mice show conduction system abnormalities affecting atrioventricular conduction. Conclusions: WGS identified a premature stop codon in MYBPHL in human DCM. A mouse model with a disrupted Mybphl gene showed similar pathophysiological features as the humans with reduced ventricular function and cardiac conduction system abnormalities. MyBP-HL is an important protein for normal cardiac function.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (13) ◽  
pp. 2953-2961 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdolna Nagy ◽  
Gina Perrella ◽  
Amanda Dalby ◽  
M. Francisca Becerra ◽  
Lourdes Garcia Quintanilla ◽  
...  

Abstract The role of glycoprotein VI (GPVI) in platelets was investigated in 3 families bearing an insertion within the GP6 gene that introduces a premature stop codon prior to the transmembrane domain, leading to expression of a truncated protein in the cytoplasm devoid of the transmembrane region. Western blotting and flow cytometry of GP6hom (homozygous) platelets confirmed loss of the full protein. The level of the Fc receptor γ-chain, which associates with GPVI in the membrane, was partially reduced, but expression of other receptors and signaling proteins was not altered. Spreading of platelets on collagen and von Willebrand factor (which supports partial spreading) was abolished in GP6hom platelets, and spreading on uncoated glass was reduced. Anticoagulated whole blood flowed over immobilized collagen or a mixture of von Willebrand factor, laminin, and rhodocytin (noncollagen surface) generated stable platelet aggregates that express phosphatidylserine (PS). Both responses were blocked on the 2 surfaces in GP6hom individuals, but adhesion was not altered. Thrombin generation was partially reduced in GP6hom blood. The frequency of the GP6het (heterozygous) variant in a representative sample of the Chilean population (1212 donors) is 2.9%, indicating that there are ∼4000 GP6hom individuals in Chile. These results demonstrate that GPVI supports aggregation and PS exposure under flow on collagen and noncollagen surfaces, but not adhesion. The retention of adhesion may contribute to the mild bleeding diathesis of GP6hom patients and account for why so few of the estimated 4000 GP6hom individuals in Chile have been identified.


2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 153
Author(s):  
K. Uh ◽  
J. Ryu ◽  
C. Ray ◽  
K. Lee

Ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes catalyse oxidation of 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethyl cytosine. This TET-mediated conversion of 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethyl cytosine is implicated in initiating the DNA demethylation process, observed post-fertilization. Three members (TET1–3) of the TET family are differentially expressed during embryo development and appear to have different roles. Previous studies in mice suggest that TET1 is a key regulator in maintaining pluripotency in embryonic stem cells by managing epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation. This would imply that TET1 should be a regulator of epigenetic marks during embryo development, although this has not been demonstrated. Previously, we have cloned porcine TET1 from blastocysts (GenBank accession number KC137683) and demonstrated that the level of TET1 (mRNA and protein) was high in blastocysts. The protein level was greater in the inner cell mass compared with the trophectoderm. In this study, we generated TET1 knockout porcine embryos using CRISPR/Cas9 system to study the role of TET1 in controlling epigenetic marks during porcine embryo development. First, 2 sgRNA, immediately downstream of the presumable translation initiation site, were designed and synthesised; location of the sgRNA were nucleotide position at 2 to 21 bp and 23 to 42 bp, respectively (KC137683). Then, sgRNA (10 ng μL−1 each) and Cas9 mRNA (20 ng μL−1) were injected into the cytoplasm of IVF zygotes, and Day 7 blastocysts were genotyped. All embryos carried mutations on both alleles of TET1 (10/10), one homozygous and 9 biallelic mutations. However, immunocytochemistry analysis of other CRISPR/Cas9 injected embryos revealed that TET1 was not removed (10/10), indicating that the sgRNA may have not introduced a premature stop codon 3′ to the presumable translation initiation site. Therefore, 2 new sgRNA were designed to generate a premature stop codon at the 5′ side of a key functional domain, the 2-oxoglutarate-Fe(II)-dependent oxygenase domain (4690 to 5160 bp); the locations of the 2 sgRNA were 4450 to 4469 bp and 4501 to 4520 bp, respectively. Similarly, all of the embryos carried mutations in TET1 (7/7), 2 homozygous and 5 biallelic mutations. In addition, TET1 proteins were not detected in 11 of 16 blastocysts, confirmed by immunocytochemistry. In this study, we successfully generated embryos lacking TET1 by introducing designed CRISPR/Cas9 system during embryogenesis. Presence of TET1 from the first injection experiment suggests that the presumable translation initiation site is not accurate. Discrepancy between genotyping and immunocytochemistry results from the second injection experiment indicates that embryos possessing TET1 protein probably have mutations in triplets, thus no premature stop codon was synthesised. Further studies will focus on identifying the role of TET1 in maintaining pluripotency and epigenetic modification during pre-implantation stage using these embryos.


2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 752-758
Author(s):  
Peng Fan ◽  
Yu-Mo Zhao ◽  
Di Zhang ◽  
Ying Liao ◽  
Kun-Qi Yang ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND Liddle syndrome (LS) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by single-gene mutations of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). It is characterized by early-onset hypertension, spontaneous hypokalemia and low plasma renin and aldosterone concentrations. In this study, we reported an LS pedigree with normokalemia resulting from a novel SCNN1G frameshift mutation. METHODS Peripheral blood samples were collected from the proband and eight family members for DNA extraction. Next-generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed to identify the SCNN1G mutation. Clinical examinations were used to comprehensively evaluate the phenotypes of two patients. RESULTS Genetic analysis identified a novel SCNN1G frameshift mutation, p.Arg586Valfs*598, in the proband with LS. This heterozygous frameshift mutation generated a premature stop codon and deleted the vital PY motif of ENaC. The same mutation was present in his elder brother with LS, and his mother without any LS symptoms. Biochemical examination showed normokalemia in the three mutation carriers. The mutation identified was not found in any other family members, 100 hypertensives, or 100 healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified a novel SCNN1G frameshift mutation in a Chinese family with LS, expanding the genetic spectrum of SCNN1G. Genetic testing helped us identify LS with a pathogenic mutation when the genotypes and phenotype were not completely consistent because of the hypokalemia. This case emphasizes that once a proband is diagnosed with LS by genetic testing, family genetic sequencing is necessary for early diagnosis and intervention for other family members, to protect against severe cardiovascular complications.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danilo Augusto Lopes da Silva ◽  
Rafaela de Melo Tavares ◽  
Anderson Carlos Camargo ◽  
Ricardo Seiti Yamatogi ◽  
Elaine Cristina Pereira De Martinis ◽  
...  

Abstract This research was carried out to assess the ability of L. monocytogenes for adhesion and growth in biofilm on stainless steel coupons under different stressing conditions (NaCl, curing salts and quaternary ammonium compounds - QAC), besides determining the expression of different genes involved in biofilm formation and stress response. Results from crystal violet assay revealed that one isolate carrying a premature stop codon (PMSC) in agrC gene formed high-density biofilms in the presence of QAC or cure salts (7.5% and 10%). Reverse Transcriptase-qPCR results revealed that isolates of L. monocytogenes lineages I and II presented differences in transcriptional profile of genes related to biofilm formation and adaptation to environmental conditions. In conclusion, our results demonstrated how L. monocytogenes can survive, multiply and form biofilm under adverse conditions related to food processing environments. Differences in transcriptional expression were observed, highlighting the role of regulatory gene networks for particular serotypes under different stress responses.


2010 ◽  
Vol 109 (2) ◽  
pp. 564-573 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Vincent ◽  
An Windelinckx ◽  
Henri Nielens ◽  
Monique Ramaekers ◽  
Marc Van Leemputte ◽  
...  

The ACTN3 gene encodes for the α-actinin-3 protein, which has an important structural function in the Z line of the sarcomere in fast muscle fibers. A premature stop codon (R577X) polymorphism in the ACTN3 gene causes a complete loss of the protein in XX homozygotes. This study investigates a possible role for the α-actinin-3 protein in protecting the fast fiber from eccentric damage and studies repair mechanisms after a single eccentric exercise bout. Nineteen healthy young men (10 XX, 9 RR) performed 4 series of 20 maximal eccentric knee extensions with both legs. Blood (creatine kinase; CK) and muscle biopsy samples were taken to study differential expression of several anabolic (MyoD1, myogenin, MRF4, Myf5, IGF-1), catabolic (myostatin, MAFbx, and MURF-1), and contraction-induced muscle damage marker genes [cysteine- and glycine-rich protein 3 (CSRP3), CARP, HSP70, and IL-6] as well as a calcineurin signaling pathway marker (RCAN1). Baseline mRNA content of CSRP3 and MyoD1 was 49 ± 12 and 67 ± 25% higher in the XX compared with the RR group ( P = 0.01–0.045). However, satellite cell number was not different between XX and RR individuals. After eccentric exercise, XX individuals tended to have higher serum CK activity ( P = 0.10) and had higher pain scores than RR individuals. However, CSRP3 ( P = 0.058) and MyoD1 ( P = 0.08) mRNA expression tended to be higher after training in RR individuals compared with XX α-actinin-3-deficient subjects. This study suggests a protective role of α-actinin-3 protein in muscle damage after eccentric training and an improved stress-sensor signaling, although effects are small.


2018 ◽  
Vol 71 (9) ◽  
pp. 821-824 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nasrollah Saleh-Gohari ◽  
Kolsoum Saeidi ◽  
Roya Zeighaminejad

AimsFucosidosis is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by α-L-fucosidase deficiency as a result of FUCA1 gene mutations. Here, we studied clinical features and the molecular basis of fucosidosis in a family from Iran, including two probands and nine family members.MethodsDNA sample of two probands were screened for gene defects using a next generation sequencing technique. The sequencing processes were performed on an Illumina Hiseq 4000 platform. Sequence reads were analysed using BWA-GATK.ResultsNext generation sequencing revealed a frameshift mutation caused by 2 bp deletion (c.837_838 delTG; p.Cys279) in the FUCA1 gene. The identified mutation was tested in all participants. Homozygous patients had almost all the complications associated with fucosidosis, while heterozygous carriers were unaffected.ConclusionsThe variant c.837_838 delTG; p.Cys279 has not been reported previously and is predicted to be pathogenic due to a premature stop codon.


Genetics ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 158 (2) ◽  
pp. 779-785 ◽  
Author(s):  
J M H Kijas ◽  
M Moller ◽  
G Plastow ◽  
L Andersson

Abstract Black spotting on a red or white background in pigs is determined by the EP allele at the MC1R/Extension locus. A previous comparison of partial MC1R sequences revealed that EP shares a missense mutation (D121N) with the ED2 allele for dominant black color. Sequence analysis of the entire coding region now reveals a second mutation in the form of a 2-bp insertion at codon 23 (nt67insCC). This mutation expands a tract of six C nucleotides to eight and introduces a premature stop codon at position 56. This frameshift mutation is expected to cause a recessive red color, which was in fact observed in some breeds with the EP allele present (Tamworth and Hereford). RT-PCR analyses were conducted using skin samples taken from both spotted and background areas of spotted pigs. The background red area had transcript only from the mutant nt67insCC MC1R allele, whereas the black spot also contained a transcript without the 2-bp insertion. This indicates that black spots are due to somatic reversion events that restore the frame and MC1R function. The phenotypic expression of the EP allele is highly variable and the associated coat color ranges from red, red with black spots, white with black spots, to almost completely solid black. In several breeds of pigs the phenotypic manifestation of this allele has been modified by selection for or against black spots.


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