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1.
Hum Mol Genet ; 2024 May 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38796715

ABSTRACT

The cGAS-STING pathway detects cytosolic DNA and activates a signaling cascade that results in a type I interferon (IFN) response. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated exonuclease TREX1 suppresses cGAS-STING by eliminating DNA from the cytosol. Mutations that compromise TREX1 function are linked to autoinflammatory disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS). Despite key roles in regulating cGAS-STING and suppressing excessive inflammation, the impact of many disease-associated TREX1 mutations-particularly those outside of the core catalytic domains-remains poorly understood. Here, we characterize a recessive AGS-linked TREX1 P61Q mutation occurring within the poorly characterized polyproline helix (PPII) motif. In keeping with its position outside of the catalytic core or ER targeting motifs, neither the P61Q mutation, nor aggregate proline-to-alanine PPII mutation, disrupts TREX1 exonuclease activity, subcellular localization, or cGAS-STING regulation in overexpression systems. Introducing targeted mutations into the endogenous TREX1 locus revealed that PPII mutations destabilize the protein, resulting in impaired exonuclease activity and unrestrained cGAS-STING activation. Overall, these results demonstrate that TREX1 PPII mutations, including P61Q, impair proper immune regulation and lead to autoimmune disease through TREX1 destabilization.

2.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(5)2024 Mar 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38474113

ABSTRACT

NOTCH1-related leukoencephalopathy is a new diagnostic entity linked to heterozygous gain-of-function variants in NOTCH1 that neuroradiologically show some overlap with the inflammatory microangiopathy Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS). To report a 16-year-old boy harbouring a novel NOTCH1 mutation who presented neuroradiological features suggestive of enhanced type I interferon signalling. We describe five years of follow-up and review the current literature on NOTCH1-related leukoencephalopathy. Clinical evaluation, standardised scales (SPRS, SARA, CBCL, CDI-2:P, WISCH-IV and VABS-2) and neuroradiological studies were performed, as well as blood DNA analysis. For the literature review, a search was performed on Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science up to December 2023 using the following text word search strategy: (NOTCH1) AND (leukoencephalopathy). Our patient presents clinical features consistent with other reported cases with NOTCH1 mutations but is among the minority of patients with an onset after infancy. During the five-year follow-up, we observed an increase in the severity of spasticity and ataxia. However, at the age of 16 years, our proband is still ambulatory. As for other reported patients, he manifests psychiatric features ranging from hyperactivity during childhood to anxiety and depression during adolescence. The neuroradiological picture remained essentially stable over five years. In addition to the typical findings of leukoencephalopathy with cysts and calcifications already described, we report the presence of T2-hyperintensity and T1-hypotensity of the transverse pontine fibres, enhancement in the periventricular white matter after gadolinium administration and decreased NAA and Cho peaks in the periventricular white matter on MRS. We identified a novel heterozygous variant in NOTCH1 (c.4788_4799dup), a frame insertion located in extracellular negative regulatory region (NRR)-domain as in previously published cases. Blood interferon signalling was not elevated compared to controls. This case provides further data on a new diagnostic entity, i.e., NOTCH1-related leukoencephalopathy. By describing a standardised five-year follow-up in one case and reviewing the other patients described to date, we outline recommendations relating to monitoring in this illness, emphasising the importance of psychiatric and gastroenterological surveillance alongside neurological and neuropsychological management. Studies are needed to better understand the factors influencing disease onset and severity, which are heterogeneous.


Subject(s)
Cysts , Leukoencephalopathies , Nervous System Malformations , Male , Adolescent , Humans , Brain , Leukoencephalopathies/genetics , Nervous System Malformations/genetics , Mutation , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Receptor, Notch1/genetics
3.
J Clin Immunol ; 44(2): 60, 2024 Feb 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38324161

ABSTRACT

TLR7 recognizes pathogen-derived single-stranded RNA (ssRNA), a function integral to the innate immune response to viral infection. Notably, TLR7 can also recognize self-derived ssRNA, with gain-of-function mutations in human TLR7 recently identified to cause both early-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and neuromyelitis optica. Here, we describe two novel mutations in TLR7, F507S and L528I. While the L528I substitution arose de novo, the F507S mutation was present in three individuals from the same family, including a severely affected male, notably given that the TLR7 gene is situated on the X chromosome and that all other cases so far described have been female. The observation of mutations at residues 507 and 528 of TLR7 indicates the importance of the TLR7 dimerization interface in maintaining immune homeostasis, where we predict that altered homo-dimerization enhances TLR7 signaling. Finally, while mutations in TLR7 can result in SLE-like disease, our data suggest a broader phenotypic spectrum associated with TLR7 gain-of-function, including significant neurological involvement.


Subject(s)
Gain of Function Mutation , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic , Female , Male , Humans , Toll-Like Receptor 7 , Mutation , Dimerization , RNA
4.
Nat Commun ; 14(1): 6770, 2023 11 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37914730

ABSTRACT

Type I interferon (IFN) signalling is tightly controlled. Upon recognition of DNA by cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), stimulator of interferon genes (STING) translocates along the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-Golgi axis to induce IFN signalling. Termination is achieved through autophagic degradation or recycling of STING by retrograde Golgi-to-ER transport. Here, we identify the GTPase ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1) as a crucial negative regulator of cGAS-STING signalling. Heterozygous ARF1 missense mutations cause a previously unrecognized type I interferonopathy associated with enhanced IFN-stimulated gene expression. Disease-associated, GTPase-defective ARF1 increases cGAS-STING dependent type I IFN signalling in cell lines and primary patient cells. Mechanistically, mutated ARF1 perturbs mitochondrial morphology, causing cGAS activation by aberrant mitochondrial DNA release, and leads to accumulation of active STING at the Golgi/ERGIC due to defective retrograde transport. Our data show an unexpected dual role of ARF1 in maintaining cGAS-STING homeostasis, through promotion of mitochondrial integrity and STING recycling.


Subject(s)
Interferon Type I , Humans , ADP-Ribosylation Factor 1/genetics , ADP-Ribosylation Factor 1/metabolism , Interferon Type I/metabolism , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Nucleotidyltransferases/genetics , Nucleotidyltransferases/metabolism , Signal Transduction
5.
Front Neurol ; 14: 1245014, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37799282

ABSTRACT

Leukoencephalopathy with Calcifications and Cysts (LCC) is a rare genetic microangiopathy exclusively affecting the central nervous system caused by biallelic mutations in SNORD118. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often diagnostic due to the highly characteristic triad of leukoencephalopathy, intracranial calcifications, and brain cysts. Age at onset, presentation and disease evolution can all vary, ranging from pauci-symptomatic disease to rapid evolution of signs with loss of motor and cognitive abilities. No specific therapies for LCC are currently licensed. According to the literature, bevacizumab might represent an effective modality to improve the clinical and MRI features of the disease. However, uncertainty remains as to the true efficacy of this approach, when to begin therapy, appropriate dosing, and the consequences of drug withdrawal. According to CARE guidelines, we describe the long-term clinical and neuro-radiological follow-up of a 10-year-old child with LCC. We report disease evolution following repeated cycles of treatment with bevacizumab. Our case report suggests that repeated cycles of bevacizumab might effectively modify disease progression, possibly indicating a time-dependent effect.

6.
J Clin Immunol ; 43(6): 1436-1447, 2023 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37171742

ABSTRACT

The paradigm type I interferonopathy Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) is most typically characterized by severe neurological involvement. AGS is considered an immune-mediated disease, poorly responsive to conventional immunosuppression. Premised on a chronic enhancement of type I interferon signaling, JAK1/2 inhibition has been trialed in AGS, with clear improvements in cutaneous and systemic disease manifestations. Contrastingly, treatment efficacy at the level of the neurological system has been less conclusive. Here, we report our real-word approach study of JAK1/2 inhibition in 11 patients with AGS, providing extensive assessments of clinical and radiological status; interferon signaling, including in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); and drug concentrations in blood and CSF. Over a median follow-up of 17 months, we observed a clear benefit of JAK1/2 inhibition on certain systemic features of AGS, and reproduced results reported using the AGS neurologic severity scale. In contrast, there was no change in other scales assessing neurological status; using the caregiver scale, only patient comfort, but no other domain of everyday-life care, was improved. Serious bacterial infections occurred in 4 out of the 11 patients. Overall, our data lead us to conclude that other approaches to treatment are urgently required for the neurologic features of AGS. We suggest that earlier diagnosis and adequate central nervous system penetration likely remain the major factors determining the efficacy of therapy in preventing irreversible brain damage, implying the importance of early and rapid genetic testing and the consideration of intrathecal drug delivery.


Subject(s)
Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System , Nervous System Malformations , Humans , Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System/diagnosis , Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System/drug therapy , Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System/genetics , Nervous System Malformations/diagnosis , Nervous System Malformations/drug therapy , Nervous System Malformations/genetics , Signal Transduction , Genetic Testing
7.
Eur J Med Genet ; 66(4): 104731, 2023 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36775013

ABSTRACT

Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) is a progressive multisystem disorder including encephalopathy with significant impacts on intellectual and physical abilities. An early diagnosis is becoming ever more crucial, as targeted therapies are emerging. A deep understanding of the molecular heterogeneity of AGS can help guide the early diagnosis and clinical management of patients, and inform recurrence risks. Here, we detail the diagnostic odyssey of a patient with an early presentation of AGS. Exome and genome sequencing detected an intronic RNASEH2B variant missed in a conventional leukodystrophy NGS gene panel. RNA studies demonstrated that a c.322-17 A > G variant affected splicing and caused 16-nucleotide intronic retention in the RNASEH2B transcript, introducing an out-of-frame early termination codon. RNASEH2B expression in the patient's blood was reduced when compared to controls. Our study highlights the pathogenicity of this intronic variant and the importance of its inclusion in variant assessment.


Subject(s)
Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System , Nervous System Malformations , Humans , Mutation , Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System/genetics , Nervous System Malformations/genetics , Exome
8.
J Clin Immunol ; 43(4): 808-818, 2023 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36753016

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: STAT2 is both an effector and negative regulator of type I interferon (IFN-I) signalling. We describe the characterization of a novel homozygous missense STAT2 substitution in a patient with a type I interferonopathy. METHODS: Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to identify the genetic basis of disease in a patient with features of enhanced IFN-I signalling. After stable lentiviral reconstitution of STAT2-null human fibrosarcoma U6A cells with STAT2 wild type or p.(A219V), we performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, immunofluorescence, and co-immunoprecipitation to functionally characterize the p.(A219V) variant. RESULTS: WGS identified a rare homozygous single nucleotide transition in STAT2 (c.656C > T), resulting in a p.(A219V) substitution, in a patient displaying developmental delay, intracranial calcification, and up-regulation of interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression in blood. In vitro studies revealed that the STAT2 p.(A219V) variant retained the ability to transduce an IFN-I stimulus. Notably, STAT2 p.(A219V) failed to support receptor desensitization, resulting in sustained STAT2 phosphorylation and ISG up-regulation. Mechanistically, STAT2 p.(A219V) showed defective binding to ubiquitin specific protease 18 (USP18), providing a possible explanation for the chronic IFN-I pathway activation seen in the patient. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate an impaired negative regulatory role of STAT2 p.(A219V) in IFN-I signalling and that mutations in STAT2 resulting in a type I interferonopathy state are not limited to the previously reported R148 residue. Indeed, structural modelling highlights at least 3 further residues critical to mediating a STAT2-USP18 interaction, in which mutations might be expected to result in defective negative feedback regulation of IFN-I signalling.


Subject(s)
Interferon Type I , Humans , Antibodies/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation , Interferon Type I/genetics , Mutation/genetics , Signal Transduction/physiology , STAT1 Transcription Factor/genetics , STAT1 Transcription Factor/metabolism , STAT2 Transcription Factor/genetics , STAT2 Transcription Factor/chemistry , Transcriptional Activation , Ubiquitin Thiolesterase/genetics , Ubiquitin Thiolesterase/metabolism , Homozygote
12.
J Clin Immunol ; 43(3): 615-624, 2023 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36469191

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (j-SLE) is a rare chronic autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs. Ranging from minor features, such as headache or mild cognitive impairment, to serious and life-threatening presentations, j-neuropsychiatric SLE (j-NPSLE) is a therapeutic challenge. Thus, the diagnosis of NPSLE remains difficult, especially in pediatrics, with no specific biomarker of the disease yet validated. OBJECTIVES: To identify central nervous system (CNS) disease biomarkers of j-NPSLE. METHODS: A 5-year retrospective tertiary reference monocentric j-SLE study. A combination of standardized diagnostic criteria and multidisciplinary pediatric clinical expertise was combined to attribute NP involvement in the context of j-SLE. Neopterin and interferon-alpha (IFN-α) protein levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were assessed, together with routine biological and radiological investigations. RESULTS: Among 51 patients with j-SLE included, 39% presented with j-NPSLE. J-NPSLE was diagnosed at onset of j-SLE in 65% of patients. No specific routine biological or radiological marker of j-NPSLE was identified. However, CSF neopterin levels were significantly higher in active j-NPSLE with CNS involvement than in j-SLE alone (p = 0.0008). Neopterin and IFN-α protein levels in CSF were significantly higher at diagnosis of j-NPSLE with CNS involvement than after resolution of NP features (respectively p = 0.0015 and p = 0.0010) upon immunosuppressive treatment in all patients tested (n = 10). Both biomarkers correlated strongly with each other (Rs = 0.832, p < 0.0001, n = 23 paired samples). CONCLUSION: CSF IFN-α and neopterin constitute promising biomarkers useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of activity in j-NPSLE.


Subject(s)
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic , Lupus Vasculitis, Central Nervous System , Humans , Child , Retrospective Studies , Neopterin , Neuroinflammatory Diseases , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/diagnosis , Biomarkers
13.
Seizure ; 100: 15-20, 2022 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35716448

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Negative regulator of reactive oxygen species (NRROS) related microgliopathy, a rare and recently recognized neurodegenerative condition, is caused by pathogenic variants in the NRROS gene, which plays a major role in the regulation of transforming growth factor-beta 1. METHODS: We report a child presenting with infantile spasms syndrome (ISS) with subsequent progressive neurodegeneration who was identified to harbour a novel likely pathogenic NRROS variant (c.1359del; p.Ser454Alafs*11). The previously published reports of patients with this disorder were also reviewed systematically. RESULTS: Including our index patient, 11 children (6 girls) were identified in total. Early development was normal in seven of these eleven children. All had a history of drug-resistant epilepsy, with 3 having epileptic spasms. The median age at seizure onset and developmental regression was 12 months, and the median age at death was 36 months. Intracranial calcifications were described in eight of eleven children. Neuroimaging revealed progressive cerebral atrophy and white matter loss in all children. The most common reported genetic variation was c.1981delC; (p.Leu661Serfs*97) observed in two families (likely due to a founder effect). CONCLUSIONS: Pathogenic variants in NRROS should be suspected in children with neuro-regression and drug-resistant epilepsy including ISS with onset in the first two years of life. Punctate or serpiginous calcifications at the grey-white matter junction and acquired microcephaly are further clues towards the diagnosis.


Subject(s)
Calcinosis , Epilepsy , Neurodegenerative Diseases , Spasms, Infantile , Calcinosis/complications , Epilepsy/diagnosis , Humans , Neurodegenerative Diseases/complications , Neuroimaging , Phenotype , Seizures/complications , Spasms, Infantile/diagnosis
14.
J Clin Immunol ; 42(6): 1310-1320, 2022 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35670985

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Deoxyribonuclease 1 like 3 (DNASE1L3) is a secreted enzyme that has been shown to digest the extracellular chromatin derived from apoptotic bodies, and DNASE1L3 pathogenic variants have been associated with a lupus phenotype. It is unclear whether interferon signaling is sustained in DNASE1L3 deficiency in humans. OBJECTIVES: To explore interferon signaling in DNASE1L3 deficient patients. To depict the characteristic features of DNASE1L3 deficiencies in human. METHODS: We identified, characterized, and analyzed five new patients carrying biallelic DNASE1L3 variations. Whole or targeted exome and/or Sanger sequencing was performed to detect pathogenic variations in five juvenile systemic erythematosus lupus (jSLE) patients. We measured interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression in all patients. We performed a systematic review of all published cases available from its first description in 2011 to March 24th 2022. RESULTS: We identified five new patients carrying biallelic DNASE1L3 pathogenic variations, including three previously unreported mutations. Contrary to canonical type I interferonopathies, we noticed a transient increase of ISGs in blood, which returned to normal with disease remission. Disease in one patient was characterized by lupus nephritis and skin lesions, while four others exhibited hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome. The fourth patient presented also with early-onset inflammatory bowel disease. Reviewing previous reports, we identified 35 additional patients with DNASE1L3 deficiency which was associated with a significant risk of lupus nephritis and a poor outcome together with the presence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). Lung lesions were reported in 6/35 patients. CONCLUSIONS: DNASE1L3 deficiencies are associated with a broad phenotype including frequently lupus nephritis and hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis with positive ANCA and rarely, alveolar hemorrhages and inflammatory bowel disease. This report shows that interferon production is transient contrary to anomalies of intracellular DNA sensing and signaling observed in Aicardi-Goutières syndrome or STING-associated vasculitis in infancy (SAVI).


Subject(s)
Endodeoxyribonucleases , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases , Interferon Type I , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic , Lupus Nephritis , Vasculitis , Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic/genetics , Chromatin , DNA , Endodeoxyribonucleases/genetics , Endodeoxyribonucleases/metabolism , Humans , Interferon Type I/genetics , Interferons , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/genetics , Lupus Nephritis/diagnosis , Lupus Nephritis/genetics , Phenotype , Vasculitis/diagnosis
15.
Kidney Int ; 101(6): 1142-1159, 2022 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35339535

ABSTRACT

Type I interferon (IFN-I) mediates tissue damage in a wide range of kidney disorders, directly affecting the biology and function of several renal cell types including podocytes, mesangial, endothelial, and parietal epithelial cells. Enhanced IFN-I signaling is observed in the context of viral infections, autoimmunity (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus), and type 1 interferonopathies, rare monogenic disorders characterized by constitutive activation of the IFN-I pathway. All these IFN-I-related disorders can cause renal dysfunction and share pathogenic and histopathological features. Collapsing glomerulopathy, a histopathological lesion characterized by podocyte loss, collapse of the vascular tuft, and parietal epithelial cell proliferation, is commonly associated with viral infections, has been described in type 1 interferonopathies such as Aicardi-Goutières syndrome and stimulator of IFN genes-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy, and can also be induced by recombinant IFN therapy. In all these conditions, podocytes and parietal epithelial cells seem to be the primary target of IFN-I-mediated damage. Additionally, immune-mediated glomerular injury is common to viral infections, systemic lupus erythematosus, and type 1 interferonopathies such as coatomer subunit-α syndrome (COPA) and DNASE1L3 deficiency, diseases in which IFN-I apparently promotes immune-mediated kidney injury. Finally, kidney pathology primarily characterized by vascular lesions (e.g., thrombotic microangiopathy and vasculitis) is a hallmark of type 1 interferonopathy adenosine deaminase 2 deficiency as well as of systemic lupus erythematosus, viral infections, and IFN therapy. Defining the nosology, pathogenic mechanisms, and histopathological patterns of IFN-I-related kidney disorders has diagnostic and therapeutic implications, especially considering the likely near-term availability of novel drugs targeting the IFN-I pathway.


Subject(s)
Interferon Type I , Kidney Diseases , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic , Antiviral Agents , Humans , Interferon Type I/adverse effects , Interferon Type I/metabolism , Kidney/metabolism , Kidney Diseases/chemically induced , Kidney Diseases/genetics , Kidney Glomerulus/metabolism , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/drug therapy , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/genetics
16.
J Clin Immunol ; 42(5): 962-974, 2022 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35320431

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) is a type I interferonopathy usually characterized by early-onset neurologic regression. Biallelic mutations in LSM11 and RNU7-1, components of the U7 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) complex, have been identified in a limited number of genetically unexplained AGS cases. Impairment of U7 snRNP function results in misprocessing of replication-dependent histone (RDH) pre-mRNA and disturbance of histone occupancy of nuclear DNA, ultimately driving cGAS-dependent type I interferon (IFN-I) release. OBJECTIVE: We performed a clinical, genetic, and immunological workup of 3 unrelated patients with uncharacterized AGS. METHODS: Whole exome sequencing (WES) and targeted Sanger sequencing of RNU7-1 were performed. Primary fibroblasts were used for mechanistic studies. IFN-I signature and STAT1/2 phosphorylation were assessed in peripheral blood. Cytokines were profiled on serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Histopathology was examined on brain and kidney tissue. RESULTS: Sequencing revealed compound heterozygous RNU7-1 mutations, resulting in impaired RDH pre-mRNA processing. The 3' stem-loop mutations reduced stability of the secondary U7 snRNA structure. A discrete IFN-I signature in peripheral blood was paralleled by MCP-1 (CCL2) and CXCL10 upregulation in CSF. Histopathological analysis of the kidney showed thrombotic microangiopathy. We observed dysregulated STAT phosphorylation upon cytokine stimulation. Clinical overview of all reported patients with RNU7-1-related disease revealed high mortality and high incidence of organ involvement compared to other AGS genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted RNU7-1 sequencing is recommended in genetically unexplained AGS cases. CSF cytokine profiling represents an additional diagnostic tool to identify aberrant IFN-I signaling. Clinical follow-up of RNU7-1-mutated patients should include screening for severe end-organ involvement including liver disease and nephropathy.


Subject(s)
Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System , Nervous System Malformations , RNA, Small Nuclear/genetics , Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System/diagnosis , Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System/genetics , Chemokine CXCL10/genetics , Histones , Humans , Interferons , Mutation , Nervous System Malformations/diagnosis , Nervous System Malformations/genetics , RNA , RNA Precursors/chemistry , RNA Precursors/genetics , RNA Precursors/metabolism , RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
17.
Genome Res ; 32(5): 956-967, 2022 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35332098

ABSTRACT

RNA homodimerization is important for various physiological processes, including the assembly of membraneless organelles, RNA subcellular localization, and packaging of viral genomes. However, understanding RNA dimerization has been hampered by the lack of systematic in vivo detection methods. Here, we show that CLASH, PARIS, and other RNA proximity ligation methods detect RNA homodimers transcriptome-wide as "overlapping" chimeric reads that contain more than one copy of the same sequence. Analyzing published proximity ligation data sets, we show that RNA:RNA homodimers mediated by direct base-pairing are rare across the human transcriptome, but highly enriched in specific transcripts, including U8 snoRNA, U2 snRNA, and a subset of tRNAs. Mutations in the homodimerization domain of U8 snoRNA impede dimerization in vitro and disrupt zebrafish development in vivo, suggesting an evolutionarily conserved role of this domain. Analysis of virus-infected cells reveals homodimerization of SARS-CoV-2 and Zika genomes, mediated by specific palindromic sequences located within protein-coding regions of N gene in SARS-CoV-2 and NS2A gene in Zika. We speculate that regions of viral genomes involved in homodimerization may constitute effective targets for antiviral therapies.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Zika Virus Infection , Zika Virus , Animals , Base Sequence , RNA, Small Nucleolar/genetics , RNA, Viral/genetics , SARS-CoV-2/genetics , Zebrafish/genetics , Zika Virus/genetics , Zika Virus Infection/genetics
18.
Arthritis Rheumatol ; 74(5): 735-751, 2022 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35315249

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Autoinflammatory type I interferonopathies, chronic atypical neutrophilic dermatosis with lipodystrophy and elevated temperature/proteasome-associated autoinflammatory syndrome (CANDLE/PRAAS), stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy (SAVI), and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) are rare and clinically complex immunodysregulatory diseases. With emerging knowledge of genetic causes and targeted treatments, a Task Force was charged with the development of "points to consider" to improve diagnosis, treatment, and long-term monitoring of patients with these rare diseases. METHODS: Members of a Task Force consisting of rheumatologists, neurologists, an immunologist, geneticists, patient advocates, and an allied health care professional formulated research questions for a systematic literature review. Then, based on literature, Delphi questionnaires, and consensus methodology, "points to consider" to guide patient management were developed. RESULTS: The Task Force devised consensus and evidence-based guidance of 4 overarching principles and 17 points to consider regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term monitoring of patients with the autoinflammatory interferonopathies, CANDLE/PRAAS, SAVI, and AGS. CONCLUSION: These points to consider represent state-of-the-art knowledge to guide diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and management of patients with CANDLE/PRAAS, SAVI, and AGS and aim to standardize and improve care, quality of life, and disease outcomes.


Subject(s)
Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System , Nervous System Malformations , Rheumatology , Skin Diseases , Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System/genetics , Erythema Nodosum , Fingers/abnormalities , Humans , Quality of Life
19.
J Exp Med ; 219(4)2022 04 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35258551

ABSTRACT

Human USP18 is an interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene product and a negative regulator of type I IFN (IFN-I) signaling. It also removes covalently linked ISG15 from proteins, in a process called deISGylation. In turn, ISG15 prevents USP18 from being degraded by the proteasome. Autosomal recessive complete USP18 deficiency is life-threatening in infancy owing to uncontrolled IFN-I-mediated autoinflammation. We report three Moroccan siblings with autoinflammation and mycobacterial disease who are homozygous for a new USP18 variant. We demonstrate that the mutant USP18 (p.I60N) is normally stabilized by ISG15 and efficient for deISGylation but interacts poorly with the receptor-anchoring STAT2 and is impaired in negative regulation of IFN-I signaling. We also show that IFN-γ-dependent induction of IL-12 and IL-23 is reduced owing to IFN-I-mediated impairment of myeloid cells to produce both cytokines. Thus, insufficient negative regulation of IFN-I signaling by USP18-I60N underlies a specific type I interferonopathy, which impairs IL-12 and IL-23 production by myeloid cells, thereby explaining predisposition to mycobacterial disease.


Subject(s)
Ubiquitin Thiolesterase , Ubiquitins , Cytokines/metabolism , Humans , Inflammation/genetics , Interleukin-12 , Interleukin-23 , Ubiquitin Thiolesterase/metabolism , Ubiquitins/genetics , Ubiquitins/metabolism
20.
Ann Rheum Dis ; 81(5): 601-613, 2022 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35086813

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Autoinflammatory type I interferonopathies, chronic atypical neutrophilic dermatosis with lipodystrophy and elevated temperature/proteasome-associated autoinflammatory syndrome (CANDLE/PRAAS), stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy (SAVI) and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) are rare and clinically complex immunodysregulatory diseases. With emerging knowledge of genetic causes and targeted treatments, a Task Force was charged with the development of 'points to consider' to improve diagnosis, treatment and long-term monitoring of patients with these rare diseases. METHODS: Members of a Task Force consisting of rheumatologists, neurologists, an immunologist, geneticists, patient advocates and an allied healthcare professional formulated research questions for a systematic literature review. Then, based on literature, Delphi questionnaires and consensus methodology, 'points to consider' to guide patient management were developed. RESULTS: The Task Force devised consensus and evidence-based guidance of 4 overarching principles and 17 points to consider regarding the diagnosis, treatment and long-term monitoring of patients with the autoinflammatory interferonopathies, CANDLE/PRAAS, SAVI and AGS. CONCLUSION: These points to consider represent state-of-the-art knowledge to guide diagnostic evaluation, treatment and management of patients with CANDLE/PRAAS, SAVI and AGS and aim to standardise and improve care, quality of life and disease outcomes.


Subject(s)
Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System , Nervous System Malformations , Rheumatology , Skin Diseases , Erythema Nodosum , Fingers/abnormalities , Humans , Quality of Life
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