Camptodactyly in Sotos syndrome

We describe a girl with Sotos syndrome presenting at two and a half years age with developmental delay. She has camptodactyly which has not previously been reported in Sotos syndrome but is a common finding in Weaver syndrome. Both these conditions have been reported to have NSD1 gene mutations. This report is consistent with the conditions being allelic.     

Molecular basis for the antiandrogen withdrawal syndrome

In patients with prostate cancer who manifest disease progression during combined androgen blockade therapy, discontinuation of antiandrogen treatment might result in prostate-specific antigen decline, often associated with clinical improvement. The response called antiandrogen withdrawal syndrome is thus acknowledged as a general phenomenon. However, molecular mechanisms responsible for this syndrome are not completely understood. This article outlines the proposed mechanisms, including alterations of androgen receptor gene and its coregulatory proteins and activation of the signal transduction pathway, and the potential therapeutic approaches based on the specific mechanisms.     

Generation of the Sotos syndrome deletion in mice

Haploinsufficiency of the human 5q35 region spanning the NSD1 gene results in a rare genomic disorder known as Sotos syndrome (Sotos), with patients displaying a variety of clinical features, including pre- and postnatal overgrowth, intellectual disability, and urinary/renal abnormalities. We used chromosome engineering to generate a segmental monosomy, i.e., mice carrying a heterozygous 1.5-Mb deletion of 36 genes on mouse chromosome 13 (4732471D19Rik-B4galt7), syntenic with 5q35.2?Cq35.3 in humans (Df(13)Ms2Dja ^+/? mice). Surprisingly Df(13)Ms2Dja ^+/? mice were significantly smaller for their gestational age and also showed decreased postnatal growth, in contrast to Sotos patients. Df(13)Ms2Dja ^+/? mice did, however, display deficits in long-term memory retention and dilation of the pelvicalyceal system, which in part may model the learning difficulties and renal abnormalities observed in Sotos patients. Thus, haploinsufficiency of genes within the mouse 4732471D19Rik?CB4galt7 deletion interval play important roles in growth, memory retention, and the development of the renal pelvicalyceal system.     

Generation of the Sotos syndrome deletion in mice

Haploinsufficiency of the human 5q35 region spanning the NSD1 gene results in a rare genomic disorder known as Sotos syndrome (Sotos), with patients displaying a variety of clinical features, including pre- and postnatal overgrowth, intellectual disability, and urinary/renal abnormalities. We used chromosome engineering to generate a segmental monosomy, i.e., mice carrying a heterozygous 1.5-Mb deletion of 36 genes on mouse chromosome 13 (4732471D19Rik-B4galt7), syntenic with 5q35.2–q35.3 in humans (Df(13)Ms2Dja ^+/− mice). Surprisingly Df(13)Ms2Dja ^+/− mice were significantly smaller for their gestational age and also showed decreased postnatal growth, in contrast to Sotos patients. Df(13)Ms2Dja ^+/− mice did, however, display deficits in long-term memory retention and dilation of the pelvicalyceal system, which in part may model the learning difficulties and renal abnormalities observed in Sotos patients. Thus, haploinsufficiency of genes within the mouse 4732471D19Rik–B4galt7 deletion interval play important roles in growth, memory retention, and the development of the renal pelvicalyceal system.

     

Genotype-phenotype correlation in patients suspected of having Sotos syndrome

BACKGROUND: Deletions and mutations in the NSD1 gene are the major cause of Sotos syndrome. We wanted to evaluate the genotype-phenotype correlation in patients suspected of having Sotos syndrome and determine the best discriminating parameters for the presence of a NSD1 gene alteration. METHODS: Mutation and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis was performed on blood samples of 59 patients who were clinically scored into 3 groups. Clinical data were compared between patients with and without NSD1 alterations. With logistic regression analysis the best combination of predictive variables was obtained. RESULTS: In the groups of typical, dubious and atypical Sotos syndrome, 81, 36 and 0% of the patients, respectively, showed NSD1 gene alterations. Four deletions were detected. In 23 patients (2 families) 19 mutations were detected (1 splicing defect, 3 non-sense, 7 frameshift and 8 missense mutations). The best predictive parameters for a NSD1 gene alteration were frontal bossing, down-slanted palpebral fissures, pointed chin and overgrowth. Higher incidences of feeding problems and cardiac anomalies were found. The parameters, delayed development and advanced bone age, did not differ between the 2 subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: In our patients suspected of having Sotos syndrome, facial features and overgrowth were highly predictive of a NSD1 gene aberration, whereas developmental delay and advanced bone age were not.     

Gastric carcinoma in Sotos syndrome (cerebral gigantism).

We report the first case of the association of Sotos syndrome and gastric carcinoma (containing signet ring cells) in a twin patient. The other-probably monozygous-twin is also affected by the Sotos syndrome. The association of malign tumors in Sotos syndrome and other overgrowth syndromes is discussed.     

Investigating cortical features of Sotos syndrome using mice heterozygous for Nsd1

Sotos syndrome is a developmental disorder characterized by a suite of clinical features. In children, the three cardinal features of Sotos syndrome are a characteristic facial appearance, learning disability and overgrowth (height and/or head circumference > 2 SDs above average). These features are also evident in adults with this syndrome. Over 90% of Sotos syndrome patients are haploinsufficient for the gene encoding nuclear receptor‐binding Su(var)3‐9, Enhancer‐of‐zesteand Trithorax domain‐containing protein 1 (NSD1). NSD1 is a histone methyltransferase that catalyzes the methylation of lysine residue 36 on histone H3. However, although the symptomology of Sotos syndrome is well established, many aspects of NSD1 biology remain unknown. Here, we assessed the expression of Nsd1 within the mouse brain, and showed a predominantly neuronal pattern of expression for this histone‐modifying factor. We also generated a mouse strain lacking one allele of Nsd1 and analyzed morphological and behavioral characteristics in these mice, showing behavioral characteristics reminiscent of some of the deficits seen in Sotos syndrome patients.     

Paradoxical NSD1 mutations in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and 11p15 anomalies in Sotos syndrome

Sotos syndrome is an overgrowth syndrome characterized by pre- and postnatal overgrowth, macrocephaly, advanced bone age, variable degrees of mental retardation, and typical facial features. Defects of the NSD1 gene account for >or=60% of cases of Sotos syndrome, whereas the disease-causing mechanism of other cases remains unknown. Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a distinct overgrowth condition characterized by macroglossia, abdominal-wall defects, visceromegaly, embryonic tumors, hemihyperplasia, ear anomalies, renal anomalies, and neonatal hypoglycemia. Deregulation of imprinted growth-regulatory genes within the 11p15 region is the major cause of BWS, whereas the molecular defect underlying a significant proportion of sporadic BWS cases remains unknown. Owing to clinical overlaps between the two syndromes, we investigated whether unexplained cases of Sotos syndrome could be related to 11p15 anomalies and, conversely, whether unexplained BWS cases could be related to NSD1 deletions or mutations. Two 11p15 anomalies were identified in a series of 20 patients with Sotos syndrome, and two NSD1 mutations were identified in a series of 52 patients with BWS. These results suggest that the two disorders may have more similarities than previously thought and that NSD1 could be involved in imprinting of the chromosome 11p15 region.     

Molecular basis of chromosome banding

Silver and mercury ions are known to react with the bases of nucleic acids in solution. At low cation/base ratios Ag+ has an affinity for GC pairs in DNA, whereas Hg++ is preferentially bound to AT-rich nucleic acids. We have used fluorometry to measure the effect of these cations on the fluorescence intensity of preformed complexes of acranil and DNA in solution. The results are: 1) Ag+ enhances the fluorescence intensity presumably by affecting the dye intercalated in the vicinity of GC-pairs. 2) The addition of Hg++ leads to a quenching of the fluorescence intensity of the complex at low ion/base ratios, suggesting an effect on the dye molecules bound to AT pairs. At high GC-content of the nucleic acid, slight enhancement of the fluorescence intensity occurs with Hg++. 3) With both metals there is a correlation between base content of DNA and effect on the intensity of fluorescence indicating base specificity of the dye-polymer interaction.     

Molecular basis of left-right asymmetry

In vertebrates visceral asymmetry is conserved along the left-right axis within the body. Only a small percentage of randomization (situs ambiguus), or complete reversal (situs inversus) of normal internal organ position and structural asymmetry is found in humans. A breakdown in left-right asymmetry is occasionally associated with severe malformations of the organs, clearly indicating that the regulated asymmetric patterning could have an evolutionary advantage over allowing random placement of visceral organs. Genetic, molecular and cell transplantation experiments in humans, mice, zebrafish, chick and Xenopus have advanced our understanding of how initiation and establishment of left-right asymmetry occurs in the vertebrate embryo. In particular, the chick embryo has served as an extraordinary animal model to manipulate genes, cells and tissues. This chick model system has enabled us to reveal the genetic pathways that occur during left-right development. Indeed, genes with asymmetric expression domains have been identified and well characterized using the chick as a model system. The present review summarizes the molecular and experimental studies employed to gain a better understanding of left-right asymmetry pattern formation from the first split of symmetry in embryos, to the exhibition of asymmetric morphologies in organs.     

Molecular basis of bitter taste

The sense of taste responds to a large variety of stimuli through specific transduction mechanisms. The molecular events in the perception of bitter taste are believed to start with the binding of specific water-soluble molecules to G-protein-coupled receptors encoded by the type 2 family of taste receptor genes and expressed at the surface of taste receptor cells. Recent advances in the identification and cloning of the complete repertoire of genes of this family in humans and rodents provide an opportunity to address unresolved questions in bitter taste. The functional characterization of some of the receptors that these genes encode suggests that it will be possible to understand more precisely their specific functions.     

花粉——雌蕊相互作用的分子基础

显花植物授粉过程包含了花粉与雌蕊一系列复杂的细胞间相互作用。花粉在柱头上必须发生粘附与水合作用后才能萌发,花粉胞被蛋白可能在粘附机制中起主要作用,而水孔蛋白调节了花粉的水合过程;花粉管在花柱引导组织中定向生长,受引导组织胞间质、向化性物质及细胞粘附机制等因素的影响,也与花粉受体及子房有关。在植物的自交不亲和性反应中,配子体型自交不亲和性反应主要是由自交不亲和基因蛋白产物降解花粉RNA或以Ca^2 介导的信号级联反应实现的;孢子体型自交不亲和性反应则依赖于干性柱头以及雌蕊的S受体激酶及S位点糖蛋白与花粉S基因配体之间的相互作用。     

Molecular basis of IgA nephropathy

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common glomerulonephritis worldwide and remains an important cause of end-stage renal failure. However, the basic molecular mechanism(s) underlying abnormal IgA synthesis, selective mesangial deposition with ensuing mesangial cell proliferation and extracellular matrix expansion remains poorly understood. Notably, the severity of tubulointerstitial lesions better predicts the renal progression than the degree of glomerular lesions. The task of elucidating the molecular basis of IgAN is made especially challenging by the fact that both environmental and genetic components likely contribute to the development and progression of IgAN. This review will summarize the earlier works on the structure of the IgA molecule, mechanisms of mesangial IgA deposition and pathophysiologic effects of IgA on mesangial cells following mesangial deposition. Recently, a series of important advances in the area of communication between the glomerular mesangium and renal tubular cells have emerged. These novel findings regarding the molecular pathogenesis of IgAN will be helpful in designing future directions for therapy.     

Molecular basis of Brucella persistence

This review focuses on Brucella persistence. Data on Brucella--macrophage interaction and the role of molecular-genetic systems including homologues of Mos operon Rhizobium, a type IV secretion system, a flagellum apparatus and a "quorum sensing"--virulence factors using signal or effector molecules are updated. Brucella enters macrophages through lipid raft microdomains, avoids its bactericidal attacks, phagolysosome fusion, expressing a set of virulence genes and inhibits TNF-alpha secretion and apoptosis for persistence in macroorganisms. Comparative whole-genome microarray analyses reveal genomic islands, limited genome diversity in Brucella species and also alterations and deletions of genes responsible for virulence.     

Molecular basis of bilirubin-induced neurotoxicity

Unconjugated bilirubin (UCB), at slightly elevated unbound concentrations, is toxic to astrocytes and neurons, damaging mitochondria (causing impaired energy metabolism and apoptosis) and plasma membranes (causing oxidative damage and disrupting transport of neurotransmitters). Accumulation of UCB in the CSF and CNS is limited by its active export, probably mediated by MRP1/Mrp1 present in choroid plexus epithelia, capillary endothelia, astrocytes and neurons. Upregulation of MRP1/Mrp1 protein levels by UCB might represent an important adaptive mechanism that protects the CNS from UCB toxicity. These concepts could explain the varied susceptibility of newborns to bilirubin neurotoxicity and the occurrence of neurological damage at plasma UCB concentrations well below therapeutic guidelines, and are relevant to the increasing prevalence of bilirubin encephalopathy in newborns.