scholarly journals Stxbp1/Munc18-1 haploinsufficiency impairs inhibition and mediates key neurological features of STXBP1 encephalopathy

eLife ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wu Chen ◽  
Zhao-Lin Cai ◽  
Eugene S Chao ◽  
Hongmei Chen ◽  
Colleen M Longley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Neurotransmitter Release ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Synaptic Proteins ◽  
Synaptic Dysfunction ◽  
Pathogenic Variants ◽  
Cortical Hyperexcitability ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Neurological Features ◽  
Presynaptic Proteins

Mutations in genes encoding synaptic proteins cause many neurodevelopmental disorders, with the majority affecting postsynaptic apparatuses and much fewer in presynaptic proteins. Syntaxin-binding protein 1 (STXBP1, also known as MUNC18-1) is an essential component of the presynaptic neurotransmitter release machinery. De novo heterozygous pathogenic variants in STXBP1 are among the most frequent causes of neurodevelopmental disorders including intellectual disabilities and epilepsies. These disorders, collectively referred to as STXBP1 encephalopathy, encompass a broad spectrum of neurologic and psychiatric features, but the pathogenesis remains elusive. Here we modeled STXBP1 encephalopathy in mice and found that Stxbp1 haploinsufficiency caused cognitive, psychiatric, and motor dysfunctions, as well as cortical hyperexcitability and seizures. Furthermore, Stxbp1 haploinsufficiency reduced cortical inhibitory neurotransmission via distinct mechanisms from parvalbumin-expressing and somatostatin-expressing interneurons. These results demonstrate that Stxbp1 haploinsufficient mice recapitulate cardinal features of STXBP1 encephalopathy and indicate that GABAergic synaptic dysfunction is likely a crucial contributor to disease pathogenesis.

scholarly journals Stxbp1/Munc18-1 haploinsufficiency in mice recapitulates key features of STXBP1 encephalopathy and impairs cortical inhibition

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wu Chen ◽  
Zhao-Lin Cai ◽  
Eugene S. Chao ◽  
Hongmei Chen ◽  
Shuang Hao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Neurotransmitter Release ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Synaptic Proteins ◽  
Cortical Inhibition ◽  
Null Alleles ◽  
Cortical Hyperexcitability ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Key Features ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractMutations in genes encoding synaptic proteins cause many neurodevelopmental disorders, but the underlying pathogeneses are poorly understood. Syntaxin-binding protein 1 (STXBP1) is an essential component of the neurotransmitter release machinery. Its de novo heterozygous mutations are among the most frequent causes of neurodevelopmental disorders including intellectual disabilities and epilepsies. These disorders, collectively referred to as STXBP1 encephalopathy, affect a broad spectrum of neurological and neuropsychiatric features common among neurodevelopmental disorders. To gain insight into STXBP1 encephalopathy pathogenesis, we generated new Stxbp1 null alleles in mice and found that Stxbp1 haploinsufficiency impaired cognitive, psychiatric, and motor functions and caused cortical hyperexcitability and seizures. Surprisingly, Stxbp1 haploinsufficiency reduced neurotransmission from cortical parvalbumin- and somatostatin-expressing GABAergic interneurons by differentially decreasing the synaptic strength and connectivity, respectively. These results demonstrate that Stxbp1 haploinsufficient mice recapitulate key features of STXBP1 encephalopathy and indicate that inhibitory dysfunction is likely a key contributor to the disease pathogenesis.

scholarly journals Refining the role of de novo protein truncating variants in neurodevelopmental disorders using population reference samples

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack A. Kosmicki ◽  
Kaitlin E. Samocha ◽  
Daniel P. Howrigan ◽  
Stephan J. Sanders ◽  
Kamil Slowikowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Aggregated Data ◽  
Pathogenic Variants ◽  
Standing Variation ◽  
Reference Samples

AbstractRecent research has uncovered an important role for de novo variation in neurodevelopmental disorders. Using aggregated data from 9246 families with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, or developmental delay, we show ~1/3 of de novo variants are independently observed as standing variation in the Exome Aggregation Consortium’s cohort of 60,706 adults, and these de novo variants do not contribute to neurodevelopmental risk. We further use a loss-of-function (LoF)-intolerance metric, pLI, to identify a subset of LoF-intolerant genes that contain the observed signal of associated de novo protein truncating variants (PTVs) in neurodevelopmental disorders. LoF-intolerant genes also carry a modest excess of inherited PTVs; though the strongest de novo impacted genes contribute little to this, suggesting the excess of inherited risk resides lower-penetrant genes. These findings illustrate the importance of population-based reference cohorts for the interpretation of candidate pathogenic variants, even for analyses of complex diseases and de novo variation.

scholarly journals Role of a Heat Shock Transcription Factor and the Major Heat Shock Protein Hsp70 in Memory Formation and Neuroprotection

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1638
Author(s):  
Olga G. Zatsepina ◽  
Michael B. Evgen’ev ◽  
David G. Garbuz
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Heat Shock ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Memory Formation ◽  
Synaptic Proteins ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Universal System ◽  
Behavioral Studies ◽  
Genes Encoding

Heat shock proteins (Hsps) represent the most evolutionarily ancient, conserved, and universal system for protecting cells and the whole body from various types of stress. Among Hsps, the group of proteins with a molecular weight of 70 kDa (Hsp70) plays a particularly important role. These proteins are molecular chaperones that restore the native conformation of partially denatured proteins after exposure to proteotoxic forms of stress and are critical for the folding and intracellular trafficking of de novo synthesized proteins under normal conditions. Hsp70s are expressed at high levels in the central nervous system (CNS) of various animals and protect neurons from various types of stress, including heat shock, hypoxia, and toxins. Numerous molecular and behavioral studies have indicated that Hsp70s expressed in the CNS are important for memory formation. These proteins contribute to the folding and transport of synaptic proteins, modulate signaling cascades associated with synaptic activation, and participate in mechanisms of neurotransmitter release. In addition, HSF1, a transcription factor that is activated under stress conditions and mediates Hsps transcription, is also involved in the transcription of genes encoding many synaptic proteins, whose levels are increased in neurons under stress and during memory formation. Thus, stress activates the molecular mechanisms of memory formation, thereby allowing animals to better remember and later avoid potentially dangerous stimuli. Finally, Hsp70 has significant protective potential in neurodegenerative diseases. Increasing the level of endogenous Hsp70 synthesis or injecting exogenous Hsp70 reduces neurodegeneration, stimulates neurogenesis, and restores memory in animal models of ischemia and Alzheimer’s disease. These findings allow us to consider recombinant Hsp70 and/or Hsp70 pharmacological inducers as potential drugs for use in the treatment of ischemic injury and neurodegenerative disorders.

scholarly journals Whole-exome sequencing with targeted analysis and epilepsy after acute symptomatic neonatal seizures

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam L. Numis ◽  
Gilberto da Gente ◽  
Elliott H. Sherr ◽  
Hannah C. Glass
Keyword(s):  
Exome Sequencing ◽  
Whole Exome Sequencing ◽  
De Novo ◽  
List Type ◽  
Sequencing Analysis ◽  
Neonatal Seizures ◽  
Pathogenic Variants ◽  
Targeted Analysis ◽  
Whole Exome ◽  
Epilepsy Gene

Abstract Background The contribution of pathogenic gene variants with development of epilepsy after acute symptomatic neonatal seizures is not known. Methods Case–control study of 20 trios in children with a history of acute symptomatic neonatal seizures: 10 with and 10 without post-neonatal epilepsy. We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) and identified pathogenic de novo, transmitted, and non-transmitted variants from established and candidate epilepsy association genes and correlated prevalence of these variants with epilepsy outcomes. We performed a sensitivity analysis with genes associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). We analyzed variants throughout the exome to evaluate for differential enrichment of functional properties using exploratory KEGG searches. Results Querying 200 established and candidate epilepsy genes, pathogenic variants were identified in 5 children with post-neonatal epilepsy yet in only 1 child without subsequent epilepsy. There was no difference in the number of trios with non-transmitted pathogenic variants in epilepsy or CAD genes. An exploratory KEGG analysis demonstrated a relative enrichment in cell death pathways in children without subsequent epilepsy. Conclusions In this pilot study, children with epilepsy after acute symptomatic neonatal seizures had a higher prevalence of coding variants with a targeted epilepsy gene sequencing analysis compared to those patients without subsequent epilepsy. Impact We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) in 20 trios, including 10 children with epilepsy and 10 without epilepsy, both after acute symptomatic neonatal seizures. Children with post-neonatal epilepsy had a higher burden of pathogenic variants in epilepsy-associated genes compared to those without post-neonatal epilepsy. Future studies evaluating this association may lead to a better understanding of the risk of epilepsy after acute symptomatic neonatal seizures and elucidate molecular pathways that are dysregulated after brain injury and implicated in epileptogenesis.

scholarly journals A unified resource and configurable model of the synapse proteome and its role in disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oksana Sorokina ◽  
Colin Mclean ◽  
Mike D. R. Croning ◽  
Katharina F. Heil ◽  
Emilia Wysocka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Synaptic Proteins ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Network Resource ◽  
Unique Protein ◽  
Co Morbidity ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Protein Components ◽  
Accessible Format ◽  
Neuronal Disorders

AbstractGenes encoding synaptic proteins are highly associated with neuronal disorders many of which show clinical co-morbidity. We integrated 58 published synaptic proteomic datasets that describe over 8000 proteins and combined them with direct protein–protein interactions and functional metadata to build a network resource that reveals the shared and unique protein components that underpin multiple disorders. All the data are provided in a flexible and accessible format to encourage custom use.

scholarly journals nanotatoR: a tool for enhanced annotation of genomic structural variants

BMC Genomics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Surajit Bhattacharya ◽  
Hayk Barseghyan ◽  
Emmanuèle C. Délot ◽  
Eric Vilain
Keyword(s):  
De Novo ◽  
Genome Mapping ◽  
Gene List ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Structural Variants ◽  
De Novo Genome Assembly ◽  
Pathogenic Variants ◽  
Increased Sensitivity

Abstract Background Whole genome sequencing is effective at identification of small variants, but because it is based on short reads, assessment of structural variants (SVs) is limited. The advent of Optical Genome Mapping (OGM), which utilizes long fluorescently labeled DNA molecules for de novo genome assembly and SV calling, has allowed for increased sensitivity and specificity in SV detection. However, compared to small variant annotation tools, OGM-based SV annotation software has seen little development, and currently available SV annotation tools do not provide sufficient information for determination of variant pathogenicity. Results We developed an R-based package, nanotatoR, which provides comprehensive annotation as a tool for SV classification. nanotatoR uses both external (DGV; DECIPHER; Bionano Genomics BNDB) and internal (user-defined) databases to estimate SV frequency. Human genome reference GRCh37/38-based BED files are used to annotate SVs with overlapping, upstream, and downstream genes. Overlap percentages and distances for nearest genes are calculated and can be used for filtration. A primary gene list is extracted from public databases based on the patient’s phenotype and used to filter genes overlapping SVs, providing the analyst with an easy way to prioritize variants. If available, expression of overlapping or nearby genes of interest is extracted (e.g. from an RNA-Seq dataset, allowing the user to assess the effects of SVs on the transcriptome). Most quality-control filtration parameters are customizable by the user. The output is given in an Excel file format, subdivided into multiple sheets based on SV type and inheritance pattern (INDELs, inversions, translocations, de novo, etc.). nanotatoR passed all quality and run time criteria of Bioconductor, where it was accepted in the April 2019 release. We evaluated nanotatoR’s annotation capabilities using publicly available reference datasets: the singleton sample NA12878, mapped with two types of enzyme labeling, and the NA24143 trio. nanotatoR was also able to accurately filter the known pathogenic variants in a cohort of patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy for which we had previously demonstrated the diagnostic ability of OGM. Conclusions The extensive annotation enables users to rapidly identify potential pathogenic SVs, a critical step toward use of OGM in the clinical setting.

scholarly journals A novel de novo DDX3X missense variant in a female with brachycephaly and intellectual disability: a case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giada Moresco ◽  
Jole Costanza ◽  
Carlo Santaniello ◽  
Ornella Rondinone ◽  
Federico Grilli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Missense Variant ◽  
Psychomotor Development ◽  
Helicase Domain ◽  
Protein Activity ◽  
Mrna Metabolism ◽  
Pathogenic Variants

Abstract Background De novo pathogenic variants in the DDX3X gene are reported to account for 1–3% of unexplained intellectual disability (ID) in females, leading to the rare disease known as DDX3X syndrome (MRXSSB, OMIM #300958). Besides ID, these patients manifest a variable clinical presentation, which includes neurological and behavioral defects, and abnormal brain MRIs. Case presentation We report a 10-year-old girl affected by delayed psychomotor development, delayed myelination, and polymicrogyria (PMG). We identified a novel de novo missense mutation in the DDX3X gene (c.625C > G) by whole exome sequencing (WES). The DDX3X gene encodes a DEAD-box ATP-dependent RNA-helicase broadly implicated in gene expression through regulation of mRNA metabolism. The identified mutation is located just upstream the helicase domain and is suggested to impair the protein activity, thus resulting in the altered translation of DDX3X-dependent mRNAs. The proband, presenting with the typical PMG phenotype related to the syndrome, does not show other clinical signs frequently reported in presence of missense DDX3X mutations that are associated with a most severe clinical presentation. In addition, she has brachycephaly, never described in female DDX3X patients, and macroglossia, that has never been associated with the syndrome. Conclusions This case expands the knowledge of DDX3X pathogenic variants and the associated DDX3X syndrome phenotypic spectrum.

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