scholarly journals Usher Syndrome: Genes, Proteins, Models, Molecular Mechanisms, and Therapies

Hearing Loss ◽  
10.5772/32663 ◽  
2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Yang
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Usher Syndrome

scholarly journals Identification of 13 novel USH2A mutations in Chinese retinitis pigmentosa and Usher syndrome patients by targeted next-generation sequencing

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ling-hui Qu ◽  
Xin Jin ◽  
Yan-ling Long ◽  
Jia-yun Ren ◽  
Chuang-huang Weng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Next Generation Sequencing ◽  
Retinitis Pigmentosa ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Usher Syndrome ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Chinese Families ◽  
Targeted Next Generation Sequencing ◽  
Pathogenic Mutations ◽  
Basement Membrane Protein ◽  
Generation Sequencing

Abstract Background: The USH2A gene encodes usherin, a basement membrane protein that is involved in the development and homeostasis of the inner ear and retina. Mutations in USH2A are linked to Usher syndrome type II (USH II) and non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Molecular diagnosis can provide insight into the pathogenesis of these diseases, facilitate clinical diagnosis, and identify individuals who can most benefit from gene or cell replacement therapy. Here, we report 21 pathogenic mutations in the USH2A gene identified in 11 Chinese families by using the targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Methods: In all, 11 unrelated Chinese families were enrolled, and NGS was performed to identify mutations in the USH2A gene. Variant analysis, Sanger validation, and segregation tests were utilized to validate the disease-causing mutations in these families. Results: We identified 21 pathogenic mutations, of which 13, including 5 associated with non-syndromic RP and 8 with USH II, have not been previously reported. The novel variants segregated with disease phenotype in the affected families and were absent from the control subjects. In general, visual impairment and retinopathy were consistent between the USH II and non-syndromic RP patients with USH2A mutations. Conclusions: These findings provide a basis for investigating genotype–phenotype relationships in Chinese USH II and RP patients and for clarifying the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms of the diseases associated with USH2A mutations.

Whole Exome Sequencing (“mutatome”) Of Deletion 5q

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 656-656
Author(s):  
Naoko Hosono ◽  
Hideki Makishima ◽  
Bartlomiej P Przychodzen ◽  
Andres Jerez ◽  
Chantana Polprasert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exome Sequencing ◽  
Whole Exome Sequencing ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Array ◽  
Usher Syndrome ◽  
Large Deletions ◽  
Myeloid Neoplasms ◽  
Whole Exome ◽  
Patients At Risk

Abstract Interstitial deletion of chromosome 5q (del(5q)) is one of the most common karyotypic abnormalities in MDS. While a relatively small fraction of patients with del(5q) and 5q- syndrome show a relatively uniform clinical phenotype and a low rate of progression, the majority of del(5q) myeloid neoplasms are more heterogeneous. Prognosis correlates with the size and location of the deletion, with large deletions spanning subtelomeric and/or subcentromeric region correlating with a poor prognosis. Survival differences may relate to still undefined pathogenetic mechanisms underlying del(5q), which may involve hemizygous mutations or haploinsufficiency. With the latter scenario, it is possible that heterozygous mutations of genes located on 5q may phenocopy the deletion. To further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying del(5q), we preformed a comprehensive analysis of myeloid neoplasms using single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-A) and next generation whole exome sequencing (NGS) of paired DNA samples (germline/tumor) from 55 cases characterized by del(5q) among a total 428 patients with MDS and related disorders; we focused on mutations located on 5q in both diploid and deletion cases. In the total cohort, we identified 243 somatic mutations in 158 genes on chr5q, including well-known NPM1 or novel recurrent DDX41 mutations; 147 mutations were heterozygous, 11 hemizygous (in del(5q)). No homozygous mutations were found. Applying SNP-A-based karyotyping, we defined the commonly deleted region (CDR) as between 5q32 and 5q33.2 (145299747-153828955). In patients with 5q- syndrome, the proximal and terminal regions of chr5q were always retained; therefore we defined commonly retained regions (CRR) as CRR1 (proximal, 5q11.1 to 5q14.2, 48400001-81634579) and CRR2 (distal, 5q34 to 5q35.3, 164213764-180915260). The deletions of CRRs consequently contributed to worse prognosis in the aggressive types of MDS with longer del(5q). First we focused our study on the genes located on CRRs. We identified 120 heterozygous alterations in CRRs, including CWC27 (5q12.3), MAP1B (n=2, 5q13.2), NPM (n=50, 5q35.1), C5orf25 (n=4, 5q35.2) and DDX41 (n=4, 5q35.3); these mutations occurred only in a heterozygous configuration. Interestingly, spliceosome-associated gene CWC27 and RNA helicase DDX41 showed haploinsufficient expression in haploid cases without mutation, suggesting that mutated genes located on CRRs can be pathogenic due to both haploinsufficiency of WT genes and heterozygous mutations. Furthermore, patients with decreased expression of these genes had a poor survival (CWC27; HR=2.48, DDX41; HR=1.98). In positions corresponding to CDR and its proximal regions, we found 123 heterozygous alterations in 97 genes (50% of all alterations on 5q found), including recurrently mutated genes (FAT2: n=4; G3BP1: n=2) and hemizygous mutations of KDM3B (n=3, 5q31.2) and MCC (n=1, 5q22.2). In GPR98, associated with Usher syndrome, we detected both recurrent heterozygous and hemizygous mutations (each n=1). Also, minor alleles (frequencies were .002 and .004) of non-synonymous variants of GPR98 were selectively retained and wild-type alleles were deleted in del(5q) cases (n=2). We also searched accessory genetic events observed on other chromosomes in del(5q) cases. By SNP-A, deletions of CRRs (longer del(5q)) were significantly more associated with additional chromosomal defects. Similarly, some specific genes, including the splicing machinery genes and IDH family genes, were uniquely observed in the longer del(5q) cohort. In conclusion, we detected multiple pathogenic mutations in whole chr5q which might stratify del(5q) patients at risk for disease progression, though no single mutations could explain a majority of cases. Decreased expression or mutation of CWC27 and DDX41, located on CRRs, may exemplify the common pathophysiology shared by heterozygous mutations and haploinsufficient expressions on chr5q. Consequently, it is possible that deletion alone, through decreased expression, may be pathogenic. Disclosures: Makishima: AA & MDS international foundation: Research Funding; Scott Hamilton CARES grant: Research Funding. Polprasert:MDS foundation: Research Funding. Maciejewski:NIH: Research Funding; Aplastic anemia&MDS International Foundation: Research Funding.

scholarly journals Usher proteins in inner ear structure and function

2013 ◽  
Vol 45 (21) ◽  
pp. 987-989 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zubair M. Ahmed ◽  
Gregory I. Frolenkov ◽  
Saima Riazuddin
Keyword(s):  
Inner Ear ◽  
Hair Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Usher Syndrome ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Linkage Studies ◽  
And Function ◽  
Insight Into

Usher syndrome (USH) is a neurosensory disorder affecting both hearing and vision in humans. Linkage studies of families of USH patients, studies in animals, and characterization of purified proteins have provided insight into the molecular mechanisms of hearing. To date, 11 USH proteins have been identified, and evidence suggests that all of them are crucial for the function of the mechanosensory cells of the inner ear, the hair cells. Most USH proteins are localized to the stereocilia of the hair cells, where mechano-electrical transduction (MET) of sound-induced vibrations occurs. Therefore, elucidation of the functions of USH proteins in the stereocilia is a prerequisite to understanding the exact mechanisms of MET.

Transcription factor/DNA interactions visualized by electron spectroscopic imaging

1992 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 450-451
Author(s):  
David P. Bazett-Jones ◽  
Mark L. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Phosphorus Content ◽  
Spectroscopic Imaging ◽  
Electron Spectroscopic Imaging ◽  
Dna Backbone ◽  
Two Parameters ◽  
High Level

A multisubunit RNA polymerase enzyme is ultimately responsible for transcription initiation and elongation of RNA, but recognition of the proper start site by the enzyme is regulated by general, temporal and gene-specific trans-factors interacting at promoter and enhancer DNA sequences. To understand the molecular mechanisms which precisely regulate the transcription initiation event, it is crucial to elucidate the structure of the transcription factor/DNA complexes involved. Electron spectroscopic imaging (ESI) provides the opportunity to visualize individual DNA molecules. Enhancement of DNA contrast with ESI is accomplished by imaging with electrons that have interacted with inner shell electrons of phosphorus in the DNA backbone. Phosphorus detection at this intermediately high level of resolution (≈lnm) permits selective imaging of the DNA, to determine whether the protein factors compact, bend or wrap the DNA. Simultaneously, mass analysis and phosphorus content can be measured quantitatively, using adjacent DNA or tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) as mass and phosphorus standards. These two parameters provide stoichiometric information relating the ratios of protein:DNA content.

Dissection of the molecular mechanisms of protein targeting to the peroxisome using immunofluorescence and immunocryoelectron microscopies

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 44-45
Author(s):  
G-A. Keller ◽  
S. J. Gould ◽  
S. Subramani ◽  
S. Krisans
Keyword(s):  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Protein Targeting ◽  
Firefly Luciferase ◽  
Peroxisomal Enzyme ◽  
Transfected Cells ◽  
Peroxisomal Targeting ◽  
Targeting Signal ◽  
Series Of Experiments ◽  
Peroxisomal Targeting Signal

Subcellular compartments within eukaryotic cells must each be supplied with unique sets of proteins that must be directed to, and translocated across one or more membranes of the target organelles. This transport is mediated by cis- acting targeting signals present within the imported proteins. The following is a chronological account of a series of experiments designed and carried out in an effort to understand how proteins are targeted to the peroxisomal compartment.-We demonstrated by immunocryoelectron microscopy that the enzyme luciferase is a peroxisomal enzyme in the firefly lantern. -We expressed the cDNA encoding firefly luciferase in mammalian cells and demonstrated by immunofluorescence that the enzyme was transported into the peroxisomes of the transfected cells. -Using deletions, linker insertions, and gene fusion to identify regions of luciferase involved in its transport to the peroxisomes, we demonstrated that luciferase contains a peroxisomal targeting signal (PTS) within its COOH-terminal twelve amino acid.

High resolution mapping of nucleic acid containing complexes in vitro and in situ

1996 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 48-49
Author(s):  
D. P. Bazett-Jones ◽  
M. J. Hendzel
Keyword(s):  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Transcription Initiation ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Heavy Atom ◽  
Regulation Of Transcription ◽  
High Exposure ◽  
Resolution Mapping ◽  
Tata Sequence

Structural analysis of combinations of nucleosomes and transcription factors on promoter and enhancer elements is necessary in order to understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for the regulation of transcription initiation. Such complexes are often not amenable to study by high resolution crystallographic techniques. We have been applying electron spectroscopic imaging (ESI) to specific problems in molecular biology related to transcription regulation. There are several advantages that this technique offers in studies of nucleoprotein complexes. First, an intermediate level of spatial resolution can be achieved because heavy atom contrast agents are not necessary. Second, mass and stoichiometric relationships of protein and nucleic acid can be estimated by phosphorus detection, an element in much higher proportions in nucleic acid than protein. Third, wrapping or bending of the DNA by the protein constituents can be observed by phosphorus mapping of the complexes. Even when ESI is used with high exposure of electrons to the specimen, important macromolecular information may be provided. For example, an image of the TATA binding protein (TBP) bound to DNA is shown in the Figure (top panel). It can be seen that the protein distorts the DNA away from itself and much of its mass sits off the DNA helix axis. Moreover, phosphorus and mass estimates demonstrate whether one or two TBP molecules interact with this particular promoter TATA sequence.

How do histone modifications contribute to transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in C. elegans?

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 1019-1034 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel M. Woodhouse ◽  
Alyson Ashe
Keyword(s):  
Histone Modifications ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Epigenetic Inheritance ◽  
Nematode Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Histone Methyltransferases ◽  
Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Gene Regulatory

Gene regulatory information can be inherited between generations in a phenomenon termed transgenerational epigenetic inheritance (TEI). While examples of TEI in many animals accumulate, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has proven particularly useful in investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms of this phenomenon. In C. elegans and other animals, the modification of histone proteins has emerged as a potential carrier and effector of transgenerational epigenetic information. In this review, we explore the contribution of histone modifications to TEI in C. elegans. We describe the role of repressive histone marks, histone methyltransferases, and associated chromatin factors in heritable gene silencing, and discuss recent developments and unanswered questions in how these factors integrate with other known TEI mechanisms. We also review the transgenerational effects of the manipulation of histone modifications on germline health and longevity.

Mesophyll conductance: the leaf corridors for photosynthesis

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 429-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Gago ◽  
Danilo M. Daloso ◽  
Marc Carriquí ◽  
Miquel Nadal ◽  
Melanie Morales ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Mesophyll Conductance ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Cell Structures ◽  
Leaf Tissues ◽  
Change Framework ◽  
Chloroplast Stroma

Besides stomata, the photosynthetic CO2 pathway also involves the transport of CO2 from the sub-stomatal air spaces inside to the carboxylation sites in the chloroplast stroma, where Rubisco is located. This pathway is far to be a simple and direct way, formed by series of consecutive barriers that the CO2 should cross to be finally assimilated in photosynthesis, known as the mesophyll conductance (gm). Therefore, the gm reflects the pathway through different air, water and biophysical barriers within the leaf tissues and cell structures. Currently, it is known that gm can impose the same level of limitation (or even higher depending of the conditions) to photosynthesis than the wider known stomata or biochemistry. In this mini-review, we are focused on each of the gm determinants to summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms driving gm from anatomical to metabolic and biochemical perspectives. Special attention deserve the latest studies demonstrating the importance of the molecular mechanisms driving anatomical traits as cell wall and the chloroplast surface exposed to the mesophyll airspaces (Sc/S) that significantly constrain gm. However, even considering these recent discoveries, still is poorly understood the mechanisms about signaling pathways linking the environment a/biotic stressors with gm responses. Thus, considering the main role of gm as a major driver of the CO2 availability at the carboxylation sites, future studies into these aspects will help us to understand photosynthesis responses in a global change framework.

Inflammageing in the cardiovascular system: mechanisms, emerging targets, and novel therapeutic strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol 134 (17) ◽  
pp. 2243-2262
Author(s):  
Danlin Liu ◽  
Gavin Richardson ◽  
Fehmi M. Benli ◽  
Catherine Park ◽  
João V. de Souza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Cardiovascular System ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Molecular Targets ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Cardiovascular Research ◽  
Inflammatory Processes ◽  
Ach Receptors

Abstract In the elderly population, pathological inflammation has been associated with ageing-associated diseases. The term ‘inflammageing’, which was used for the first time by Franceschi and co-workers in 2000, is associated with the chronic, low-grade, subclinical inflammatory processes coupled to biological ageing. The source of these inflammatory processes is debated. The senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) has been proposed as the main origin of inflammageing. The SASP is characterised by the release of inflammatory cytokines, elevated activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, altered regulation of acetylcholine (ACh) nicotinic receptors, and abnormal NAD+ metabolism. Therefore, SASP may be ‘druggable’ by small molecule therapeutics targeting those emerging molecular targets. It has been shown that inflammageing is a hallmark of various cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and adverse cardiac remodelling. Therefore, the pathomechanism involving SASP activation via the NLRP3 inflammasome; modulation of NLRP3 via α7 nicotinic ACh receptors; and modulation by senolytics targeting other proteins have gained a lot of interest within cardiovascular research and drug development communities. In this review, which offers a unique view from both clinical and preclinical target-based drug discovery perspectives, we have focused on cardiovascular inflammageing and its molecular mechanisms. We have outlined the mechanistic links between inflammageing, SASP, interleukin (IL)-1β, NLRP3 inflammasome, nicotinic ACh receptors, and molecular targets of senolytic drugs in the context of cardiovascular diseases. We have addressed the ‘druggability’ of NLRP3 and nicotinic α7 receptors by small molecules, as these proteins represent novel and exciting targets for therapeutic interventions targeting inflammageing in the cardiovascular system and beyond.

Molecular mechanisms behind light-induced inhibition of photosystem II electron transport and degradation of reaction centre polypeptides

1992 ◽  
Vol 1101 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
I VIRGIN ◽  
A SALTER ◽  
A HAGMAN ◽  
I VASS ◽  
S STYRING ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Transport ◽  
Photosystem Ii ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Reaction Centre
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