Recapitulation of premature ageing with iPSCs from Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare and fatal human premature ageing disease, characterized by premature arteriosclerosis and degeneration of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). HGPS is caused by a single point mutation in the lamin A (LMNA) gene, resulting in the generation of progerin, a truncated splicing mutant of lamin A. Accumulation of progerin leads to various ageing-associated nuclear defects including disorganization of nuclear lamina and loss of heterochromatin. Here we report the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from fibroblasts obtained from patients with HGPS. HGPS-iPSCs show absence of progerin, and more importantly, lack the nuclear envelope and epigenetic alterations normally associated with premature ageing. Upon differentiation of HGPS-iPSCs, progerin and its ageing-associated phenotypic consequences are restored. Specifically, directed differentiation of HGPS-iPSCs to SMCs leads to the appearance of premature senescence phenotypes associated with vascular ageing. Additionally, our studies identify DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNAPKcs, also known as PRKDC) as a downstream target of progerin. The absence of nuclear DNAPK holoenzyme correlates with premature as well as physiological ageing. Because progerin also accumulates during physiological ageing, our results provide an in vitro iPSC-based model to study the pathogenesis of human premature and physiological vascular ageing.     

A progeroid syndrome in mice is caused by defects in A-type lamins

Numerous studies of the underlying causes of ageing have been attempted by examining diseases associated with premature ageing, such as Werner's syndrome and Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). HGPS is a rare genetic disorder resulting in phenotypes suggestive of accelerated ageing, including shortened stature, craniofacial disproportion, very thin skin, alopecia and osteoporosis, with death in the early teens predominantly due to atherosclerosis. However, recent reports suggest that developmental abnormalities may also be important in HGPS. Here we describe the derivation of mice carrying an autosomal recessive mutation in the lamin A gene (Lmna) encoding A-type lamins, major components of the nuclear lamina. Homozygous mice display defects consistent with HGPS, including a marked reduction in growth rate and death by 4 weeks of age. Pathologies in bone, muscle and skin are also consistent with progeria. The Lmna mutation resulted in nuclear morphology defects and decreased lifespan of homozygous fibroblasts, suggesting premature cell death. Here we present a mouse model for progeria that may elucidate mechanisms of ageing and development in certain tissue types, especially those developing from the mesenchymal cell lineage.     

Mutations analysis of STK11 ene in Chinese families with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal dominantly inherited disease characterized by multiple gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyps and melanin spots on lips and buccal mucosa, with an increased risk for various cancers. ThePJS gene, a potential tumour suppressor gene, encoding a serine/ threonie kinase (STK11), was mapped to chromosome 19p13.3. To investigate the mutations of STK11 gene in Chinese with PJS, we analyzed its coding sequence in fifteen patientsand twenty unaffected members of six families, including three multigenerational families with PJS and three sporadic families with PJS, by PCR, PCR-DHPLC and DNA sequencing techniques. Ten point mutations were found in the six families, including five missense mutations, one acceptor-splice site mutation, a nonsense mutation and three silent mutations. Our data showed that five missense mutations occurrd at codon 123 (CAG to CAT) in exon 2, codon 161 (ATT to AGT) in exon 4,codon 194 (GAC to GAG) in exon 4, codon 245 (CTC to TTC) in exon 5 and codon 354 (TTC to TTG) in exon 8. One kind of nonsense mutation was detected at codon 37(CAG to TAG) in exon 1. Furthermore, we found an intronic mutation at a splice-acceptor site: a one base substitution from AG to AA in intron 4. These mutations were not detected in 20 normal DNA samples. In three sporadic families, only in one patient, we detected a missense mutation in exon 5. In addition, we found three silent mutations, which may cause polymorphisms of STK11 gene in introns 1(+36), 3(-51) and 5(+27). These results indicated that the point mutation in STK11 might be involved in PJS pathogenesis. Mutation frequency is higher in the families suffering PJS in three or more generations than that of the sporadic cases.     

Mutations analysis of STK_(11) gene in Chinese families with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal dominant disease that is characterized by multiple gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyps and melanin spots on lips and buccal mucosa at young age[1,2]. Previous studies have demonstrated that PJS predisposes carriers to cancers of gastrointestinal tract, uterus, ovary, testis, breast and other extragastrointestinal organs[3—5]. The STK11 gene, encoding a serine/threonine kinase at chro-mosome 19p13.3, was identified in 1998 as the main causativ…     

Identification of an altered splice site in Ashkenazi Tay-Sachs disease

Tay-Sachs disease is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder resulting from mutation of the HEXA gene encoding the alpha-subunit of the lysosomal enzyme, beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase A (ref. 1). A relatively high frequency of carriers (1/27) of a lethal, infantile form of the disease is found in the Ashkenazi Jewish population, but it is not yet evident whether this has resulted from a founder effect and random genetic drift or from a selective advantage of heterozygotes. We have identified a single-base mutation in a cloned fragment of the HEXA gene from an Ashkenazi Jewish patient. This change, the substitution of a C for G in the first nucleotide of intron 12 is expected to result in defective splicing of the messenger RNA. A test for the mutant allele based on amplification of DNA by the 'polymerase chain rection and cleavage of a DdeI restriction site generated by the mutation revealed that this case and two other cases of the Ashkenazi, infantile form of Tay-Sachs disease are heterozygous for two different mutations. The occurrence of multiple mutant alleles warrants further examination of the selective advantage hypothesis.     

Recurrent mutations in haemophilia A give evidence for CpG mutation hotspots

Haemophilia A is a common disorder of blood coagulation caused by a deficiency of factor VIII. It is inherited as an X-linked recessive trait, and one-third of all cases are thought to result from de novo mutations. The clinical severity of haemophilia A varies markedly among different families and a subset of the patients with severe disease develop antibodies against factor VIII, called inhibitors. Because of this heterogeneity, it is likely that many different molecular lesions result in haemophilia A. Indeed, of the nine mutations described to date, all appear to be unique changes. However in this study of 83 patients with haemophilia A we have identified two different point mutations, one in exon 18 and one in exon 22, that have recurred independently in unrelated families. Each mutation produces a nonsense codon by a change of CG to TG, and each occurred de novo on the X-chromosome donated by the maternal grandfather. These observations strongly support the view that CpG dinucleotides are mutation hotspots.     

Mutations in the profilin 1 gene cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a late-onset neurodegenerative disorder resulting from motor neuron death. Approximately 10% of cases are familial (FALS), typically with a dominant inheritance mode. Despite numerous advances in recent years, nearly 50% of FALS cases have unknown genetic aetiology. Here we show that mutations within the profilin 1 (PFN1) gene can cause FALS. PFN1 is crucial for the conversion of monomeric (G)-actin to filamentous (F)-actin. Exome sequencing of two large ALS families showed different mutations within the PFN1 gene. Further sequence analysis identified 4 mutations in 7 out of 274 FALS cases. Cells expressing PFN1 mutants contain ubiquitinated, insoluble aggregates that in many cases contain the ALS-associated protein TDP-43. PFN1 mutants also display decreased bound actin levels and can inhibit axon outgrowth. Furthermore, primary motor neurons expressing mutant PFN1 display smaller growth cones with a reduced F/G-actin ratio. These observations further document that cytoskeletal pathway alterations contribute to ALS pathogenesis.     

Cpf1 和 Cas9核酸酶靶向EGFR-L858R突变的研究

表皮生长因子受体(EGFR)单核苷酸突变(2573TG,L858R)占所有EGFR突变的90%.使突变的EGFR失活对有此突变的病人非常有利.这里,应用双荧光报告分析的方法分析规律成簇间隔短回文重复(CRISPR)系统中Cpf1和Cas9在靶向EGFR-L858R突变的编辑效率.在EGFR-L858R突变位点的附近,有两个Cpf1前间区序列邻近基序(PAMs)——TTTN.并且,2573TG突变形成了一个Cas9的PAM——NGG.因此本文通过构建两条AsCpf1的gRNAs(gRNA1和gRNA2)和一条SpCas9的gRNA(gRNA3)在体外通过双荧光蛋白分析系统去评估SpCas9和AsCpf1特异性靶向等位基因的能力.结果证实了AsCpf1和SpCas9都能够特异性的编辑突变的EGFR(2573TG).     

In vivo somatic mutations in human lymphocytes frequently result from major gene alterations

Somatic mutations, either spontaneous or produced by identifiable mutagens, are thought to be important in the aetiology of cancer and in the ageing process. The study of somatic mutations in human cells in vivo has recently been made possible by the development of techniques for enumeration and clonal expansion of lymphocytes mutated at the chromosome X-linked hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase (HPRT) locus. We have studied the molecular basis of in vivo hprt mutations in human lymphocytes and report here that a surprisingly high proportion (57%) involve substantial gene alterations which are not evident cytogenetically. These major gene alterations include deletions, exon amplifications and novel, sometimes amplified, bands on Southern analysis. Such changes emphasize the fluid nature of information in DNA and may be indicative of general mechanisms by which functional gene loss is involved in the aetiology of cancer and the homeostatic failure of ageing.     

阿尔茨海默病PS-1基因突变的研究

采用聚合酶链反应及基因测序技术探讨阿尔茨海默病（Alzheimer病，AD）早老素-1（Presenilin-1，PS-1）基因第3、4、5、8外显子的突变特点，对13例散发性Alzheimer病（sporadic Alzheimer＇s disease，SAD）患者、12例血管性痴呆（vascular demendia，VD）患者及31名正常老年人的PS-1基因第3、4、5、8外显子片段进行扩增与序列分析．编号为SAD5的患者PS-1基因第3外显子扩增片段上存在1个缺失突变位点，编号为SAD3的患者PS-1基因第8外显子扩增片段的近3’端处发现2个插入突变位点．12例VD患者与31名正常老年人的PS-1基因第3、4、5、8外显子均未发现突变．实验结果表明，SAD患者PS-1基因中存在第3、第8外显子的突变．     

Early-onset Alzheimer's disease caused by mutations at codon 717 of the beta-amyloid precursor protein gene

A mutation at codon 717 of the beta-amyloid precursor protein gene has been found to cosegregate with familial Alzheimer's disease in a single family. This mutation has been reported in a further five out of approximately 100 families multiply affected by Alzheimer's disease. We have identified another family, F19, in which we have detected linkage between the beta-amyloid precursor protein gene and Alzheimer's disease. Direct sequencing of exon 17 in affected individuals from this family has revealed a base change producing a Val----Gly substitution, also at codon 717. The occurrence of a second allelic variant at codon 717 linked to the Alzheimer's phenotype supports the hypothesis that they are pathogenic mutations.     

黑白花奶牛“白细胞粘附缺陷症”（LAD）的分子生物学分析与诊断

从一患白细胞粘附缺陷症（ＬＡＤ）的黑白花奶牛犊的核苷酸顺序分析中，发现牛的抗原分子分化群１８（ＣＤ１８）的基因密码有二处发生了点突变；一处在第３８３核苷酸上，在此处原有的腺瞟吟已被鸟嘌呤取代；另一处在第７７５核苷酸上，在此处原有的胞嘧啶被胸腺嘧啶取代了。在第７７５核苷酸的突变是静止的，因为它并没有使其相应的氨基酸顺序发生改变。在第３８３核苷酸的突变，使其在相应的氨基酸顺序中第１２８位氨基酸位置上的天门冬氨酸被甘氨酸（Ｄ１２８Ｇ）所替代。一种用于牛的Ｄ１２８Ｇ等位基因的快速筛选诊断方法已作了说明。在美国，在黑白花奶牛中Ｄ１２８Ｇ等位基因的携带率在公牛中占１４．１％，在母牛中占５．８％。这一突变基因已流行于世界各地的黑白花奶牛之中。     

Mutations in kelch-like 3 and cullin 3 cause hypertension and electrolyte abnormalities

Hypertension affects one billion people and is a principal reversible risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Pseudohypoaldosteronism type II (PHAII), a rare Mendelian syndrome featuring hypertension, hyperkalaemia and metabolic acidosis, has revealed previously unrecognized physiology orchestrating the balance between renal salt reabsorption and K(+) and H(+) excretion. Here we used exome sequencing to identify mutations in kelch-like 3 (KLHL3) or cullin 3 (CUL3) in PHAII patients from 41 unrelated families. KLHL3 mutations are either recessive or dominant, whereas CUL3 mutations are dominant and predominantly de novo. CUL3 and BTB-domain-containing kelch proteins such as KLHL3 are components of cullin-RING E3 ligase complexes that ubiquitinate substrates bound to kelch propeller domains. Dominant KLHL3 mutations are clustered in short segments within the kelch propeller and BTB domains implicated in substrate and cullin binding, respectively. Diverse CUL3 mutations all result in skipping of exon 9, producing an in-frame deletion. Because dominant KLHL3 and CUL3 mutations both phenocopy recessive loss-of-function KLHL3 mutations, they may abrogate ubiquitination of KLHL3 substrates. Disease features are reversed by thiazide diuretics, which inhibit the Na-Cl cotransporter in the distal nephron of the kidney; KLHL3 and CUL3 are expressed in this location, suggesting a mechanistic link between KLHL3 and CUL3 mutations, increased Na-Cl reabsorption, and disease pathogenesis. These findings demonstrate the utility of exome sequencing in disease gene identification despite the combined complexities of locus heterogeneity, mixed models of transmission and frequent de novo mutation, and establish a fundamental role for KLHL3 and CUL3 in blood pressure, K(+) and pH homeostasis.     

Driver mutations in histone H3.3 and chromatin remodelling genes in paediatric glioblastoma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a lethal brain tumour in adults and children. However, DNA copy number and gene expression signatures indicate differences between adult and paediatric cases. To explore the genetic events underlying this distinction, we sequenced the exomes of 48 paediatric GBM samples. Somatic mutations in the H3.3-ATRX-DAXX chromatin remodelling pathway were identified in 44% of tumours (21/48). Recurrent mutations in H3F3A, which encodes the replication-independent histone 3 variant H3.3, were observed in 31% of tumours, and led to amino acid substitutions at two critical positions within the histone tail (K27M, G34R/G34V) involved in key regulatory post-translational modifications. Mutations in ATRX (α-thalassaemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked) and DAXX (death-domain associated protein), encoding two subunits of a chromatin remodelling complex required for H3.3 incorporation at pericentric heterochromatin and telomeres, were identified in 31% of samples overall, and in 100% of tumours harbouring a G34R or G34V H3.3 mutation. Somatic TP53 mutations were identified in 54% of all cases, and in 86% of samples with H3F3A and/or ATRX mutations. Screening of a large cohort of gliomas of various grades and histologies (n = 784) showed H3F3A mutations to be specific to GBM and highly prevalent in children and young adults. Furthermore, the presence of H3F3A/ATRX-DAXX/TP53 mutations was strongly associated with alternative lengthening of telomeres and specific gene expression profiles. This is, to our knowledge, the first report to highlight recurrent mutations in a regulatory histone in humans, and our data suggest that defects of the chromatin architecture underlie paediatric and young adult GBM pathogenesis.     

Premature ageing in mice expressing defective mitochondrial DNA polymerase

Point mutations and deletions of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) accumulate in a variety of tissues during ageing in humans, monkeys and rodents. These mutations are unevenly distributed and can accumulate clonally in certain cells, causing a mosaic pattern of respiratory chain deficiency in tissues such as heart, skeletal muscle and brain. In terms of the ageing process, their possible causative effects have been intensely debated because of their low abundance and purely correlative connection with ageing. We have now addressed this question experimentally by creating homozygous knock-in mice that express a proof-reading-deficient version of PolgA, the nucleus-encoded catalytic subunit of mtDNA polymerase. Here we show that the knock-in mice develop an mtDNA mutator phenotype with a threefold to fivefold increase in the levels of point mutations, as well as increased amounts of deleted mtDNA. This increase in somatic mtDNA mutations is associated with reduced lifespan and premature onset of ageing-related phenotypes such as weight loss, reduced subcutaneous fat, alopecia (hair loss), kyphosis (curvature of the spine), osteoporosis, anaemia, reduced fertility and heart enlargement. Our results thus provide a causative link between mtDNA mutations and ageing phenotypes in mammals.     

Segregation of a missense mutation in the amyloid precursor protein gene with familial Alzheimer's disease.

A locus segregating with familial Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been mapped to chromosome 21, close to the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene. Recombinants between the APP gene and the AD locus have been reported which seemed to exclude it as the site of the mutation causing familial AD. But recent genetic analysis of a large number of AD families has demonstrated that the disease is heterogeneous. Families with late-onset AD do not show linkage to chromosome 21 markers. Some families with early-onset AD show linkage to chromosome 21 markers, but some do not. This has led to the suggestion that there is non-allelic genetic heterogeneity even within early onset familial AD. To avoid the problems that heterogeneity poses for genetic analysis, we have examined the cosegregation of AD and markers along the long arm of chromosome 21 in a single family with AD confirmed by autopsy. Here we demonstrate that in this kindred, which shows linkage to chromosome 21 markers, there is a point mutation in the APP gene. This mutation causes an amino-acid substitution (Val----Ile) close to the carboxy terminus of the beta-amyloid peptide. Screening other cases of familial AD revealed a second unrelated family in which this variant occurs. This suggests that some cases of AD could be caused by mutations in the APP gene.     

Paternal origin of new mutations in von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis

Von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis (NF-1) is a common autosomal dominant disorder. The estimated new mutation rate (1 x 10(-4] is one of the highest for a human disorder. Here we report that in 12 of 14 families we have analysed, the new mutation is of paternal origin. This result is similar to that recently obtained for retinoblastoma. In other genetic disorders that show a bias towards paternal origin of new mutations, there is a marked increase in the incidence of mutations with paternal age, consistent with the mutations arising from replication errors in mitosis of spermatogonial stem cells. In retinoblastoma and NF-1, however, such paternal age effects are slight or absent. The mechanism or timing of germline mutation could therefore be different in the two cases.     

Phenotypic analysis of the medullary-type CD4-CD8+ thymocytes in mice

Phenotypic analysis of the medullary-type CD4-CD8+ (CD8SP) thymocytes has revealed phenotypic heterogeneity within this cell population. The phenotype of mature peripheral CD8+T cells is TCRαβ+CD3+Qa-2+HSA-3G11-6C10-, whereas in the medullary-type CD8SP thymocytes, 20% are Qa-2+; 33%, HAS-; 30%, 3G11-; and 70% are 6C10-. The disparate expression patterns of these four cell surface markers suggest that medullary-type CD8SP thymocytes may undergo phenotypic maturation process. According to the distribution of these four cell surface markers, six subgroups of CD8SP thymocytes have been identified. The precursor-progeny relationship along with developmental pathway is postulated as follows: 6C10+HSA+3G11-Qa-2-(r) 6C10+HSA+ 3G11+Qa-2-(r) 6C10-HSA+3G11+Qa-2-(r) 6C10-HSA-3G11+Qa-2-(r) 6C10-HSA-3G11Qa-2-(r) 6C10-HAS-3G11-Qa-2+, the cells in the last subgroup exit the thymus and home into periphery.     

广东汉族人群TLR9基因单核苷酸多态性及其单倍型(英文)

采用PCR扩增和直接测序法对191例健康且无血缘关系的广东汉族人群筛查了TLR9全基因序列,包括调控区、5′非翻译区、第1,2外显子、内含子及3′非翻译区上所有的单核苷酸多态性(SNP)位点.共检出五个SNP位点,分别为调控区的-1 486 T/C和-1 421 C/T、内含子区的+1174 A/G、第2外显子的+1 387 T/C和+2848 G/A,其中-1421 C/T和+1 387 T/C为首次发现的新位点.连锁不平衡分析表明-486 T/C,1174 A/G以及2848 G/A之间存在紧密连锁,并且涵盖了整个基因区域,形成了一个单倍域.在此基础上运用Hhase软件构建了TLR9基因的单倍型,共得到七种单倍型并模拟了它们可能的分布频率.进一步的中性检验表明TLR9基因在广东汉族人群中符合中性进化模式.