scholarly journals FOXC2 Disease Mutations Identified in Lymphedema Distichiasis Patients Impair Transcriptional Activity and Cell Proliferation

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (14) ◽  
pp. 5112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Tavian ◽  
Sara Missaglia ◽  
Sandro Michelini ◽  
Paolo Enrico Maltese ◽  
Elena Manara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Function ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Missense Mutations ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Autosomal Dominant Disorder ◽  
Mutant Proteins ◽  
Transactivation Activity ◽  
Forkhead Box ◽  
Disease Mutations ◽  
Stop Mutation

FOXC2 is a member of the human forkhead-box gene family and encodes a regulatory transcription factor. Mutations in FOXC2 have been associated with lymphedema distichiasis (LD), an autosomal dominant disorder that primarily affects the limbs. Most patients also show extra eyelashes, a condition known as distichiasis. We previously reported genetic and clinical findings in six unrelated families with LD. Half the patients showed missense mutations, two carried frameshift mutations and a stop mutation was identified in a last patient. Here we analyzed the subcellular localization and transactivation activity of the mutant proteins, showing that all but one (p.Y109*) localized to the nucleus. A significant reduction of transactivation activity was observed in four mutants (p.L80F, p.H199Pfs*264, p.I213Tfs*18, p.Y109*) compared with wild type FOXC2 protein, while only a partial loss of function was associated with p.V228M. The mutant p.I213V showed a very slight increase of transactivation activity. Finally, immunofluorescence analysis revealed that some mutants were sequestered into nuclear aggregates and caused a reduction of cell viability. This study offers new insights into the effect of FOXC2 mutations on protein function and shows the involvement of aberrant aggregation of FOXC2 proteins in cell death.

scholarly journals The association of microcephaly protein WDR62 with CPAP/IFT88 is required for cilia formation and neocortical development

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 248-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Belal Shohayeb ◽  
Uda Ho ◽  
Yvonne Y Yeap ◽  
Robert G Parton ◽  
S Sean Millard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radial Glia ◽  
Single Amino Acid ◽  
Missense Mutations ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Protein Loss ◽  
Mutant Proteins ◽  
Cilia Formation ◽  
Morphological Defects ◽  
Cell Processes ◽  
Radial Glial

Abstract WDR62 mutations that result in protein loss, truncation or single amino-acid substitutions are causative for human microcephaly, indicating critical roles in cell expansion required for brain development. WDR62 missense mutations that retain protein expression represent partial loss-of-function mutants that may therefore provide specific insights into radial glial cell processes critical for brain growth. Here we utilized CRISPR/Cas9 approaches to generate three strains of WDR62 mutant mice; WDR62 V66M/V66M and WDR62R439H/R439H mice recapitulate conserved missense mutations found in humans with microcephaly, with the third strain being a null allele (WDR62stop/stop). Each of these mutations resulted in embryonic lethality to varying degrees and gross morphological defects consistent with ciliopathies (dwarfism, anophthalmia and microcephaly). We find that WDR62 mutant proteins (V66M and R439H) localize to the basal body but fail to recruit CPAP. As a consequence, we observe deficient recruitment of IFT88, a protein that is required for cilia formation. This underpins the maintenance of radial glia as WDR62 mutations caused premature differentiation of radial glia resulting in reduced generation of neurons and cortical thinning. These findings highlight the important role of the primary cilium in neocortical expansion and implicate ciliary dysfunction as underlying the pathology of MCPH2 patients.

scholarly journals Loss-of-Function Piezo1 Mutations Display Altered Stability Driven by Ubiquitination and Proteasomal Degradation

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zijing Zhou ◽  
Jinyuan Vero Li ◽  
Boris Martinac ◽  
Charles D. Cox
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Trafficking ◽  
Proteasome Inhibition ◽  
Proteasomal Degradation ◽  
Missense Mutations ◽  
Turnover Rates ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Mutant Proteins ◽  
Lymphatic Dysplasia ◽  
Therapeutic Avenue

Missense mutations in the gene that encodes for the mechanically-gated ion channel Piezo1 have been linked to a number of diseases. Gain-of-function variants are linked to a hereditary anaemia and loss-of-function variants have been linked to generalized lymphatic dysplasia and bicuspid aortic valve. Two previously characterized mutations, S217L and G2029R, both exhibit reduced plasma membrane trafficking. Here we show that both mutations also display reduced stability and higher turnover rates than wild-type Piezo1 channels. This occurs through increased ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation. Congruent with this, proteasome inhibition using N-acetyl-l-leucyl-l-leucyl-l-norleucinal (ALLN) reduced the degradation of both mutant proteins. While ALLN treatment could not rescue the function of S217L we show via multiple complementary methodologies that proteasome inhibition via ALLN treatment can not only prevent G2029R turnover but increase the membrane localized pool of this variant and the functional Piezo1 mechanosensitive currents. This data in combination with a precision medicine approach provides a new potential therapeutic avenue for the treatment of Piezo1 mediated channelopathies.

scholarly journals Disease-associated missense mutations in the EVH1 domain disrupt intrinsic WASp function causing dysregulated actin dynamics and impaired dendritic cell migration

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 121 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Austen J. J. Worth ◽  
Joao Metelo ◽  
Gerben Bouma ◽  
Dale Moulding ◽  
Marco Fritzsche ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Missense Mutations ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Interacting Protein ◽  
Mutant Proteins ◽  
Dendritic Cell Migration ◽  
Biologic Function

Abstract Wiskott Aldrich syndrome (WAS), an X-linked immunodeficiency, results from loss-of-function mutations in the human hematopoietic cytoskeletal regulator gene WAS. Many missense mutations in the Ena Vasp homology1 (EVH1) domain preserve low-level WAS protein (WASp) expression and confer a milder clinical phenotype. Although disrupted binding to WASp-interacting protein (WIP) leads to enhanced WASp degradation in vivo, the intrinsic function of EVH1-mutated WASp is poorly understood. In the present study, we show that, despite mediating enhanced actin polymerization compared with wild-type WASp in vitro, EVH1 missense mutated proteins did not support full biologic function in cells, even when levels were restored by forced overexpression. Podosome assembly was aberrant and associated with dysregulated lamellipodia formation and impaired persistence of migration. At sites of residual podosome-associated actin polymerization, localization of EVH1-mutated proteins was preserved even after deletion of the entire domain, implying that WIP-WASp complex formation is not absolutely required for WASp localization. However, retention of mutant proteins in podosomes was significantly impaired and associated with reduced levels of WASp tyrosine phosphorylation. Our results indicate that the EVH1 domain is important not only for WASp stability, but also for intrinsic biologic activity in vivo.

scholarly journals Isolation and Characterization of Nonchemotactic CheZ Mutants of Escherichia coli

2000 ◽  
Vol 182 (12) ◽  
pp. 3544-3552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin C. Boesch ◽  
Ruth E. Silversmith ◽  
Robert B. Bourret
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Response Regulator ◽  
Random Mutagenesis ◽  
Signal Transduction Pathway ◽  
Missense Mutations ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Functional Impairments ◽  
Biophysical Characterization ◽  
Mutant Proteins ◽  
Isolation And Characterization

ABSTRACT The Escherichia coli CheZ protein stimulates dephosphorylation of CheY, a response regulator in the chemotaxis signal transduction pathway, by an unknown mechanism. Genetic analysis of CheZ has lagged behind biochemical and biophysical characterization. To identify putative regions of functional importance in CheZ, we subjected cheZ to random mutagenesis and isolated 107 nonchemotactic CheZ mutants. Missense mutations clustered in six regions of cheZ, whereas nonsense and frameshift mutations were scattered reasonably uniformly across the gene. Intragenic complementation experiments showed restoration of swarming activity when compatible plasmids containing genes for the truncated CheZ1–189 peptide and either CheZA65V, CheZL90S, or CheZD143G were both present, implying the existence of at least two independent functional domains in each chain of the CheZ dimer. Six mutant CheZ proteins, one from each cluster of loss-of-function missense mutations, were purified and characterized biochemically. All of the tested mutant proteins were defective in their ability to dephosphorylate CheY-P, with activities ranging from 0.45 to 16% of that of wild-type CheZ. There was good correlation between the phosphatase activity of CheZ and the ability to form large chemically cross-linked complexes with CheY in the presence of the CheY phosphodonor acetyl phosphate. In consideration of both the genetic and biochemical data, the most severe functional impairments in this set of CheZ mutants seemed to be concentrated in regions which are located in a proposed large N-terminal domain of the CheZ protein.

scholarly journals Charcot-Marie-Tooth 2B mutations in rab7 cause dosage-dependent neurodegeneration due to partial loss of function

eLife ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Smita Cherry ◽  
Eugene Jennifer Jin ◽  
Mehmet Neset Özel ◽  
Zhiyuan Lu ◽  
Egemen Agi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Neurons ◽  
Protein Function ◽  
Quantitative Imaging ◽  
Small Gtpase ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Gain Of Function ◽  
Mutant Proteins ◽  
Charcot Marie Tooth ◽  
Function Mechanism

The small GTPase Rab7 is a key regulator of endosomal maturation in eukaryotic cells. Mutations in rab7 are thought to cause the dominant neuropathy Charcot-Marie-Tooth 2B (CMT2B) by a gain-of-function mechanism. Here we show that loss of rab7, but not overexpression of rab7 CMT2B mutants, causes adult-onset neurodegeneration in a Drosophila model. All CMT2B mutant proteins retain 10–50% function based on quantitative imaging, electrophysiology, and rescue experiments in sensory and motor neurons in vivo. Consequently, expression of CMT2B mutants at levels between 0.5 and 10-fold their endogenous levels fully rescues the neuropathy-like phenotypes of the rab7 mutant. Live imaging reveals that CMT2B proteins are inefficiently recruited to endosomes, but do not impair endosomal maturation. These findings are not consistent with a gain-of-function mechanism. Instead, they indicate a dosage-dependent sensitivity of neurons to rab7-dependent degradation. Our results suggest a therapeutic approach opposite to the currently proposed reduction of mutant protein function.

scholarly journals Novel Mutations in GJA1 Cause Oculodentodigital syndrome

2008 ◽  
Vol 87 (11) ◽  
pp. 1021-1026 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Fenwick ◽  
R.J. Richardson ◽  
J. Butterworth ◽  
M.J. Barron ◽  
M.J. Dixon
Keyword(s):  
Gap Junction ◽  
Connexin 43 ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Missense Mutations ◽  
Coding Region ◽  
Autosomal Dominant Disorder ◽  
Developmental Abnormalities ◽  
Gap Junction Communication ◽  
Junction Protein ◽  
The Face

Oculodentodigital syndrome (ODD) is a rare, usually autosomal-dominant disorder that is characterized by developmental abnormalities of the face, eyes, teeth, and limbs. The most common clinical findings include a long, narrow nose, short palpebral fissures, type III syndactyly, and dental abnormalities including generalized microdontia and enamel hypoplasia. Recently, it has been shown that mutations in the gene GJA1, which encodes the gap junction protein connexin 43, underlie oculodentodigital syndrome. Gap junction communication between adjacent cells is known to be vital during embryogenesis and subsequently for normal tissue homeostasis. Here, we report 8 missense mutations in the coding region of GJA1, 6 of which have not been described previously, in ten unrelated families diagnosed with ODD. In addition, immunofluorescence analyses of a developmental series of mouse embryos and adult tissue demonstrates a strong correlation between the sites of connexin 43 expression and the clinical phenotype displayed by individuals affected by ODD.

scholarly journals A structure of substrate-bound Synaptojanin1 provides new insights in its mechanism and the effect of disease mutations

eLife ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jone Paesmans ◽  
Ella Martin ◽  
Babette Deckers ◽  
Marjolijn Berghmans ◽  
Ritika Sethi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Active Site ◽  
Drug Target ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Potential Drug Target ◽  
Missense Mutations ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Phosphatase Domain ◽  
Phosphoinositide Phosphatase ◽  
Disease Mutations ◽  
Phosphate Groups

Synaptojanin1 (Synj1) is a phosphoinositide phosphatase, important in clathrin uncoating during endocytosis of presynaptic vesicles. It was identified as a potential drug target for Alzheimer’s disease, Down syndrome, and TBC1D24-associated epilepsy, while also loss-of-function mutations in Synj1 are associated with epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. Despite its involvement in a range of disorders, structural, and detailed mechanistic information regarding the enzyme is lacking. Here, we report the crystal structure of the 5-phosphatase domain of Synj1. Moreover, we also present a structure of this domain bound to the substrate diC8-PI(3,4,5)P3, providing the first image of a 5-phosphatase with a trapped substrate in its active site. Together with an analysis of the contribution of the different inositide phosphate groups to catalysis, these structures provide new insights in the Synj1 mechanism. Finally, we analysed the effect of three clinical missense mutations (Y793C, R800C, Y849C) on catalysis, unveiling the molecular mechanisms underlying Synj1-associated disease.

scholarly journals Multi-model functionalization of disease-associated PTEN missense mutations identifies multiple molecular mechanisms underlying protein dysfunction

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn L. Post ◽  
Manuel Belmadani ◽  
Payel Ganguly ◽  
Fabian Meili ◽  
Riki Dingwall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Function ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Missense Mutations ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Neuronal Morphogenesis ◽  
Full Characterization ◽  
Protein Functions ◽  
Mutation Impact

ABSTRACTFunctional variomics provides the foundation for personalized medicine by linking genetic variation to disease expression, outcome and treatment, yet its utility is dependent on appropriate assays to evaluate mutation impact on protein function. To fully assess the effects of 106 missense and nonsense variants of PTEN associated with autism spectrum disorder, somatic cancer and PHTS, we take a deep phenotypic profiling approach using 18 assays in 5 model systems spanning diverse cellular environments ranging from molecular function to neuronal morphogenesis and behavior. Variants inducing instability occurred across the protein, resulting in partial to complete loss of function (LoF), which was well correlated across models. However, assays were selectively sensitive to variants located in substrate binding and catalytic domains, which exhibited complete LoF or dominant negativity independent of effects on stability. Our results indicate that full characterization of variant impact requires assays sensitive to instability and a range of protein functions.

scholarly journals Loss-of-function mutations in Lysyl-tRNA synthetase cause various leukoencephalopathy phenotypes

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. e565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chong Sun ◽  
Jie Song ◽  
Yanjun Jiang ◽  
Chongbo Zhao ◽  
Jiahong Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Missense Mutation ◽  
Protein Function ◽  
Trna Synthetase ◽  
Insertion Mutation ◽  
Compound Heterozygous ◽  
Missense Mutations ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Charcot Marie Tooth Disease ◽  
Pathogenic Variants ◽  
Whole Exome

ObjectiveTo expand the clinical spectrum of lysyl-tRNA synthetase (KARS) gene–related diseases, which so far includes Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, congenital visual impairment and microcephaly, and nonsyndromic hearing impairment.MethodsWhole-exome sequencing was performed on index patients from 4 unrelated families with leukoencephalopathy. Candidate pathogenic variants and their cosegregation were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Effects of mutations on KARS protein function were examined by aminoacylation assays and yeast complementation assays.ResultsCommon clinical features of the patients in this study included impaired cognitive ability, seizure, hypotonia, ataxia, and abnormal brain imaging, suggesting that the CNS involvement is the main clinical presentation. Six previously unreported and 1 known KARS mutations were identified and cosegregated in these families. Two patients are compound heterozygous for missense mutations, 1 patient is homozygous for a missense mutation, and 1 patient harbored an insertion mutation and a missense mutation. Functional and structural analyses revealed that these mutations impair aminoacylation activity of lysyl-tRNA synthetase, indicating that defective KARS function is responsible for the phenotypes in these individuals.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that patients with loss-of-function KARS mutations can manifest CNS disorders, thus broadening the phenotypic spectrum associated with KARS-related disease.

Disruption of protein function by pathogenic mutations: common and uncommon mechanisms

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikko Taipale
Keyword(s):  
Protein Function ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Protein Coding ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Coding Regions ◽  
Mendelian Disorders ◽  
Pathogenic Variants ◽  
Disease Mutations ◽  
Protein Folding Pathways ◽  
Almost All

Mutations in protein-coding regions underlie almost all Mendelian disorders, drive tumorigenesis, and contribute to susceptibility to common diseases. Despite the great diversity of diseases that are caused by coding mutations, the cellular processes that affect, and are affected by, pathogenic variants at the molecular level are fundamentally conserved. Experimental and computational approaches have revealed that a substantial fraction of disease mutations are not simple loss-of-function alleles. Rather, these pathogenic variants disrupt protein function in more subtle ways by tuning protein folding pathways, altering subcellular trafficking, interrupting signaling cascades, and rewiring highly connected interaction networks. Focusing mainly on Mendelian disorders, this review discusses the common mechanisms by which deleterious mutations disrupt protein function and how these disruptions can be exploited in the development of novel therapies.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document