Project description:We conceived that the availability of base editors and the possible presence of suboptimal Kozak sequences in the human genome could provide an elegant approach to modulate translational efficiency for the molecular compensation of some haploinsufficient disorders. Moreover, such an approach would be independent of the type of alteration inactivating the defective allele and, therefore, highly suitable for gene therapy protocols. To find base conversions upregulating translational efficiency, we systematically screened 5261 (4621 unique) variants of Kozak sequences for translational strength. We designed these variants in the main AUG context of 230 previously annotated haploinsufficient genes. Analysis of our library of Kozak variants, bearing the conversions that base editors can reproduce, proved that weak Kozak sequences are present at about a 20% frequency in our gene sample. We validated the variants of five genes and base edited one of them in a cell model, providing proof of principle of the approach, which we called BOOST (Base editing cOrrection of haplOinSufficiency by Translational enhancement).
Project description:This is a pathogenic mutation profile of colorectal patients specifically in 5 genes, i.e. APC, TP53, PIK3CA, KRAS, and MLH1. Single nucleotide variants identified were synchronized with patients’ characteristics.
Project description:To discover differentially expressed proteins in somatosensory cortex of Pten haploinsufficient mice at adolescence (P30). Result reveals signatures of perturbation of dendritic spine development, keratinization and hamartoma. These are collectively respresentating molecular perturbation of neuropathology of PTEN Harmatoma Tumor Syndrome (PHTS).
Project description:To identify ARID1B associated genes in development of neural progenitor , we carried out RNA-seq gene expression profiling analysis in primarily cultured neurospheres from ARID1B haploinsufficient and control mice. 3 biological independent sample from ARID1B hi (hGAFPCre+;ARID1B flox/+) mice were compared with 2 independent litermate control (hGAFPCre+; ARID1B +/+) samples.
Project description:Patients suspected of adenomatous polyposis were included. The criteria used were more than 10 polyps observed under colonoscopy, and pathological confirmation of adenoma. Clinical data and pedigree information were collected. The variants of 139 genes associated with different hereditary cancers and polyposis were screened by NGS, which was performed by Genetron Health on the HiSeqX-ten sequencing platform.
Project description:Numerous genetic studies have established a role for rare genomic variants in Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) at the copy number variation (CNV) and de novo variant (DNV) level. To identify novel haploinsufficient CHD disease genes, we performed an integrative analysis of CNVs and DNVs identified in probands with CHD including cases with sporadic thoracic aortic aneurysm. We assembled CNV data from 7,958 cases and 14,082 controls and performed a gene-wise analysis of the burden of rare genomic deletions in cases versus controls. In addition, we performed variation rate testing for DNVs identified in 2,489 parent-offspring trios. Our analysis revealed 21 genes which were significantly affected by rare CNVs and/or DNVs in probands. Fourteen of these genes have previously been associated with CHD while the remaining genes (FEZ1, MYO16, ARID1B, NALCN, WAC, KDM5B and WHSC1) have only been associated in small cases series or show new associations with CHD. In addition, a systems level analysis revealed affected protein-protein interaction networks involved in Notch signaling pathway, heart morphogenesis, DNA repair and cilia/centrosome function. Taken together, this approach highlights the importance of re-analyzing existing datasets to strengthen disease association and identify novel disease genes and pathways.