Chromodomain Helicase DNA-binding Protein 7 Research Articles

InVivo CRISPR Screening Reveals CHD7 as a Positive Regulator of Short-lived Effector Cells.

CD8+ T cells differentiate into two subpopulations in response to acute viral infection: memory precursor effector cells (MPECs) and short-lived effector cells (SLECs). MPECs and SLECs are epigenetically distinct; however, the epigenetic regulators required for formation of these subpopulations are mostly unknown. In this study, we performed an invivo CRISPR screen in murine naive CD8+ T cells to identify the epigenetic regulators required for MPEC and SLEC formation, using the acute lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus Armstrong infection model. We identified the ATP-dependent chromatin remodeler CHD7 (chromodomain-helicase DNA-binding protein 7) as a positive regulator of SLEC formation, as knockout (KO) of Chd7 reduced SLECs numerically. In contrast, KO of Chd7 increased the formation of central memory T cells following pathogen clearance yet attenuated memory cell expansion following a rechallenge. These findings establish CHD7 as a novel positive regulator of SLEC and a negative regulator of central memory T cell formation.

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease is associated with variants in filaggrin, epithelial integrity, and cellular interactions

BackgroundPrevious studies identified upto 6% of patients with Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD) have family history of AERD indicating a possible link with genetic polymorphisms. However, whole exome sequencing (WES) studies of such associations are currently lacking. ObjectivesWe sought to examine whether WES can identify pathogenic variants associated with AERD. MethodsAERD diagnosis was confirmed in patients with nasal polyps and asthma. WES was performed using an Illumina sequencing platform. Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) terms were used to define the patients’ phenotypes. Exomiser was used to annotate, filter, and prioritize possible disease-causing genetic variants. ResultsAmong thirty-nine patients with AERD, 41% reported a family history of asthma and 5% a family history of AERD. Pathogenic exome variants in the filaggrin gene (FLG) were found in two patients (5%). Other variants not known to be pathogenic were detected in an additional 16 patients (41%) in genes related to epithelial integrity and cellular interactions, including genes encoding desmoglein 3 (DSG3), dynein axonemal heavy chain 9 (DNAH9), collagen type VII alpha 1 chain (COL7A1), collagen type XVII alpha 1 chain (COL17A1), chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein-7 (CHD7), TSC complex subunit 2/tuberous sclerosis-2 protein (TSC2), P-selectin (SELP), and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha (PDGFRA). ConclusionWES identified a monogenic susceptibility to AERD in 5% of patients with FLG pathogenic variants. Other variants, not previously identified as pathogenic, were found in genes relevant to epithelial integrity and cellular interactions and may further reveal genetic factors that contribute to this condition.

Concurrent Developmental Regression and Neurocognitive Decline in a Child With De Novo CHD8 Gene Mutation

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder. Unique ASD subtypes have been proposed based on specific genotype-phenotype combinations. The ASD subtype associated with various chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 8 (CHD8) mutations has been associated with an incidence of autistic regression greater than that of all-cause ASD, but the mean age of onset of this subtype remains unknown. MethodsHere we describe a patient with a known de novo CHD8 gene mutation (heterozygous c.2565del) who experienced a profound developmental regression and neurocognitive decline at age 13 years following periods of acute viral illness. ResultsThe patient developed treatment-refractory catatonia and self-injurious behaviors leading to marked facial disfigurement. Unfortunately, interventions with immunomodulatory medications, psychotropic medications, and electroconvulsive therapy did not lead to sustained symptom improvement or a full return to baseline. ConclusionsOur case demonstrates a clinical scenario in which a devastating developmental regression and neurocognitive decline occurred with profound accentuation of previously identified autistic features at an age atypical for autistic regression, following sequential viral infections, thereby raising the question of whether immune dysregulation may be a contributing factor. Regression in patients with monogenic mutations in the CHD8 gene warrants further study to elucidate the mechanisms of illness and the anticipated developmental trajectory.

Heterozygous deletion of the autism-associated gene CHD8 impairs synaptic function through widespread changes in gene expression and chromatin compaction

Whole-exome sequencing of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) probands and unaffected family members has identified many genes harboring de novo variants suspected to play a causal role in the disorder. Of these, chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 8 (CHD8) is the most recurrently mutated. Despite the prevalence of CHD8 mutations, we have little insight into how CHD8 loss affects genome organization or the functional consequences of these molecular alterations in neurons. Here, we engineered two isogenic human embryonic stem cell lines with CHD8 loss-of-function mutations and characterized differences in differentiated human cortical neurons. We identified hundreds of genes with altered expression, including many involved in neural development and excitatory synaptic transmission. Field recordings and single-cell electrophysiology revealed a 3-fold decrease in firing rates and synaptic activity in CHD8+/- neurons, as well as a similar firing-rate deficit in primary cortical neurons from Chd8+/- mice. These alterations in neuron and synapse function can be reversed by CHD8 overexpression. Moreover, CHD8+/- neurons displayed a large increase in open chromatin across the genome, where the greatest change in compaction was near autism susceptibility candidate 2 (AUTS2), which encodes a transcriptional regulator implicated in ASD. Genes with changes in chromatin accessibility and expression in CHD8+/- neurons have significant overlap with genes mutated in probands for ASD, intellectual disability, and schizophrenia but not with genes mutated in healthy controls or other disease cohorts. Overall, this study characterizes key molecular alterations in genome structure and expression in CHD8+/- neurons and links these changes to impaired neuronal and synaptic function.

Combined pituitary hormone deficiency harboring CHD7 gene missense mutation without CHARGE syndrome: a case report

BackgroundHeterozygous loss-of-function mutations in the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 7 (CHD7) gene cause CHARGE syndrome characterized by various congenital anomalies. A majority of patients with CHARGE syndrome present with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH), and combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) can also be present. Whereas CHD7 mutations have been identified in some patients with isolated HH without a diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome, it remains unclear whether CHD7 mutations can be identified in patients with CPHD who do not fulfill the criteria for CHARGE syndrome.Case presentationA 33-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital. She had primary amenorrhea and was at Tanner stage 2 for both pubic hair and breast development. She was diagnosed with CPHD (HH, growth hormone deficiency, and central hypothyroidism), and a heterozygous rare missense mutation (c.6745G > A, p.Asp2249Asn) in the CHD7 gene was identified. Our conservation analysis and numerous in silico analyses suggested that this mutation had pathogenic potential. She had mild intellectual disability, a minor feature of CHARGE syndrome, but did not fulfill the criteria for CHARGE syndrome.ConclusionsWe report a rare case of CPHD harboring CHD7 mutation without CHARGE syndrome. This case provides valuable insights into phenotypes caused by CHD7 mutations. CHD7 mutations can have a continuous phenotypic spectrum depending on the severity of hypopituitarism and CHARGE features. Therefore, we would like to propose a novel concept of CHD7-associated syndrome.

Phox2ba: The Potential Genetic Link behind the Overlap in the Symptomatology between CHARGE and Central Congenital Hypoventilation Syndromes.

CHARGE syndrome typically results from mutations in the gene encoding chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 7 (CHD7). CHD7 is involved in regulating neural crest development, which gives rise to tissues of the skull/face and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Individuals with CHARGE syndrome are frequently born with anomalies requiring multiple surgeries and often experience adverse events post-anesthesia, including oxygen desaturations, decreased respiratory rates, and heart rate abnormalities. Central congenital hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) affects ANS components that regulate breathing. Its hallmark feature is hypoventilation during sleep, clinically resembling observations in anesthetized CHARGE patients. Loss of PHOX2B (paired-like homeobox 2b) underlies CCHS. Employing a chd7-null zebrafish model, we investigated physiologic responses to anesthesia and compared these to loss of phox2b. Heart rates were lower in chd7 mutants compared to the wild-type. Exposure to tricaine, a zebrafish anesthetic/muscle relaxant, revealed that chd7 mutants took longer to become anesthetized, with higher respiratory rates during recovery. chd7 mutant larvae demonstrated unique phox2ba expression patterns. The knockdown of phox2ba reduced larval heart rates similar to chd7 mutants. chd7 mutant fish are a valuable preclinical model to investigate anesthesia in CHARGE syndrome and reveal a novel functional link between CHARGE syndrome and CCHS.

CHD8 mutations increase gliogenesis to enlarge brain size in the nonhuman primate

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects social interaction and behavior. Mutations in the gene encoding chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 8 (CHD8) lead to autism symptoms and macrocephaly by a haploinsufficiency mechanism. However, studies of small animal models showed inconsistent findings about the mechanisms for CHD8 deficiency-mediated autism symptoms and macrocephaly. Using the nonhuman primate as a model system, we found that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated CHD8 mutations in the embryos of cynomolgus monkeys led to increased gliogenesis to cause macrocephaly in cynomolgus monkeys. Disrupting CHD8 in the fetal monkey brain prior to gliogenesis increased the number of glial cells in newborn monkeys. Moreover, knocking down CHD8 via CRISPR/Cas9 in organotypic monkey brain slices from newborn monkeys also enhanced the proliferation of glial cells. Our findings suggest that gliogenesis is critical for brain size in primates and that abnormal gliogenesis may contribute to ASD.

Morphological and sensorimotor phenotypes in a zebrafish CHARGE syndrome model are domain-dependent.

CHARGE syndrome is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by a spectrum of defects affecting multiple tissues and behavioral difficulties such as autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and sensory deficits. Most CHARGE cases arise from de novo, loss-of-function mutations in chromodomain-helicase-DNA-binding-protein-7 (CHD7). CHD7 is required for processes such as neuronal differentiation and neural crest cell migration, but how CHD7 affects neural circuit function to regulate behavior is unclear. To investigate the pathophysiology of behavioral symptoms in CHARGE, we established a mutant chd7 zebrafish line that recapitulates multiple CHARGE phenotypes including ear, cardiac, and craniofacial defects. Using a panel of behavioral assays, we found that chd7 mutants have specific auditory and visual behavior deficits that are independent of defects in sensory structures. Mauthner cell-dependent short-latency acoustic startle responses are normal in chd7 mutants, while Mauthner-independent long-latency responses are reduced. Responses to sudden decreases in light are also reduced in mutants, while responses to sudden increases in light are normal, suggesting that the retinal OFF pathway may be affected. Furthermore, by analyzing multiple chd7 alleles we observed that the penetrance of morphological and behavioral phenotypes is influenced by genetic background but that it also depends on the mutation location, with a chromodomain mutation causing the highest penetrance. This pattern is consistent with analysis of a CHARGE patient dataset in which symptom penetrance was highest in subjects with mutations in the CHD7 chromodomains. These results provide new insight into the heterogeneity of CHARGE and will inform future work to define CHD7-dependent neurobehavioral mechanisms.

Two novel CHD7 variants in patients with typical and mild features of CHARGE syndrome co-occurring with esophageal atresia

CHARGE syndrome ( C oloboma, H eart defect, A tresia of the choanae, growth R etardation, G enital abnormalities, E ar anomalies/deafness) is a rare genetic autosomal dominant disease with a prevalence of 1/10,000 live births. It is associated with pathogenic variants in the chromodomain-helicase-DNA-binding protein 7 ( CHD7 ) gene. Although CHARGE syndrome is known to be associated with esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistulas in 15–20% of cases, there are only a few clinical and molecular case descriptions of CHARGE syndrome in the context of EA. We present two individuals with novel CHD7 variants with variable clinical expression of CHARGE syndrome co-occurring with EA. Individual 1 had typical CHARGE syndrome, and a rare type D EA that required direct anastomosis repair. Genetic testing revealed a likely pathogenic essential splice site variant, c.4644+1G > T. Individual 2 had a mild CHARGE phenotype and a type A EA that required complex repair via the Foker process. The described expression of previously unreported typical CHD7 variants expands the current knowledge of CHARGE syndrome co-occurring with EA that could help with future patient care and genetic counseling. We hope that the description of the previously unreported variant of uncertain significance with a mild CHARGE phenotype will assist future classification efforts of this variant. • Novel report of two variants in CHD7 gene with wide clinical symptom variability. • Two clinical cases of CHARGE syndrome co-occurring with esophageal atresia. • Call to attention for genetic studies in infants born with esophageal atresia. • Call for innovations to public database of locus specific CHD7 variants.

N6-methyladenosine reader YTHDF3 regulates melanoma metastasis via its 'executor'LOXL3.

A number of studies have demonstrated that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays a vital role in the pathological process of various tumours. Recently, it was found that m6A writers or erasers affect the tumourigenesis of melanoma. However, the relationship between m6A readers such as YTH domain family (YTHDF) proteins and melanoma was still elusive. RT-qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry were conducted to measure the expression level of YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 3 (YTHDF3) and lysyl oxidase-like 3 (LOXL3) in melanoma tissues and cells. The effects of YTHDF3 and LOXL3 on melanoma were verified in vitro and in vivo. Multi-omics analysis including RNA-seq, MeRIP-seq, RIP-seq and mass spectrometry analyses was performed to identify the target. The interaction between YTHDF3 and LOXL3 was verified by RT-PCR, Western blot, MeRIP-qPCR, RIP-qPCR and CRISPR-Cas13b-based epitranscriptome engineering. In this study, we found that m6A reader YTHDF3 could affect the metastasis of melanoma both in vitro and in vivo. The downstream targets of YTHDF3, such as LOXL3, phosphodiesterase 3A (PDE3A) and chromodomain helicase DNA-bindingprotein7(CHD7) were identified by means of RNA-seq, MeRIP-seq, RIP-seq and mass spectrometry analyses. Besides, RT-qPCR, Western blot, RIP-qPCR and MeRIP-qPCR were performed for subsequent validation. Among various targets of YTHDF3, LOXL3 was found to be the optimal target of YTHDF3. With the application of CRISPR-Cas13b-based epitranscriptome engineering, we further confirmed that the transcript of LOXL3 was captured and regulated by YTHDF3 via m6A binding sites. YTHDF3 augmented the protein expression of LOXL3 without affecting its mRNA level via the enrichment of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit A (eIF3A) on the transcript of LOXL3. LOXL3 downregulation inhibited the metastatic ability of melanoma cells, and overexpression of LOXL3 ameliorated the inhibition of melanoma metastasis caused by YTHDF3 downregulation. The YTHDF3-LOXL3 axis could serve as a promising target to be interfered with to inhibit the metastasis of melanoma.

Characterization of Two Mouse Chd7 Heterozygous Loss-of-Function Models Shows Dysgenesis of the Corpus Callosum and Previously Unreported Features of CHARGE Syndrome.

CHARGE syndrome is a rare congenital disorder frequently caused by mutations in the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein-7 CHD7. Here, we developed and systematically characterized two genetic mouse models with identical, heterozygous loss-of-function mutation of the Chd7 gene engineered on inbred and outbred genetic backgrounds. We found that both models showed consistent phenotypes with the core clinical manifestations seen in CHARGE syndrome, but the phenotypes in the inbred Chd7 model were more severe, sometimes having reduced penetrance and included dysgenesis of the corpus callosum, hypoplasia of the hippocampus, abnormal retrosplenial granular cortex, ventriculomegaly, hyperactivity, growth delays, impaired grip strength and repetitive behaviors. Interestingly, we also identified previously unreported features including reduced levels of basal insulin and reduced blood lipids. We suggest that the phenotypic variation reported in individuals diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome is likely due to the genetic background and modifiers. Finally, our study provides a valuable resource, making it possible for mouse biologists interested in Chd7 to make informed choices on which mouse model they should use to study phenotypes of interest and investigate in more depth the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms.

Improving the differentiation potential of pluripotent stem cells by optimizing culture conditions

Embryoid cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). They retain differentiation and self-renewal potential. However, the differentiation potential of PSCs can be changed by the culture medium. PSCs retain their differentiation potential when cultured with medium that supports the glycolytic pathway, showing high expression of chromodomain-helicase-DNA-binding protein 7 (CHD7), but lose their differentiation potential with medium that supports mitochondrial function, showing reduced levels of CHD7. Labeling cells by their copy number variant profile revealed that genetically different PSC populations can be cultured by medium selection. Another factor that defines the self-renewal potential of PSCs is culture condition. PSCs form colonies as they grow, and spontaneous differentiation inevitably occurs along the rim of these colonies in areas that lack cell-to-cell contact; because of this, undifferentiated cell populations would diminish if differentiated cells are not removed properly. Seeding cells on a less potent cell-binding material may minimize the inclusion of differentiated cells, exploiting the reduced adhesive properties of differentiated cells. Culturing cells with medium that supports the glycolytic pathway, using CHD7 as a biomarker for differentiation potential, and culturing cells on less sticky material can improve the differentiation potential of already established PSC clones.

Discovery of Novel Variants on the CHD7 Gene: A Case Series of CHARGE Syndrome.

Background: CHARGE syndrome (CS) is a single-gene genetic disorder with multiple organ malformations caused by a variant of the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 7 (CHD7) gene on chromosome 8q12.1. In this study, we aimed to investigate new variants that have emerged in these cases compared with typical CS and the relationship between the genes and phenotypes. Methods: Patients with suspected genetic diseases were subjected to Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) at a genetics laboratory in Guangzhou. The average sequencing coverage depth was >200 ×, and 96% was >20 ×. The variant interpretation was manipulated according to the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) guidelines. Molecular data on databases for ClinVar and CHD7 were also collected and collated. We reviewed the currently described CHD7 variants and analyzed the genetic variation and phenotypic heterogeneity. Results: Data of 12 patients with CS from four hospitals in China were collected. According to gestational age, most of them (8/12) were near-term babies with a lower birth weight than their peers, averaging 2.62 kg. In this study, the most common phenotypes were respiratory tract malformations (11/12), heart malformations (10/12), and central nervous system malformations (9/12). Two fetuses were confirmed to have brain or heart abnormalities during prenatal testing, while 10/12 were found to have abnormalities during prenatal testing. The maximum Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score at admission was 19, and the average was 11.58. Five variants in the CHD7 gene c.7012C > T (p.Q2338*), c.7868delC (p.P2623Rfs*16), c.5405-3C > G, c.6936 + 2T > C, and c.8077-2A > G) were novel and were located in exons 33, 36, and introns 25, 32, and 37, respectively. There may be a positive correlation between exon location and phenotype. Conclusion: Five novel variants were discovered. These expanded the mutational spectrum of the CHD7 gene and the phenotype of CS. There may be a correlation between the new mutation sites and the phenotype, which has some reference value for the evaluation of mutation sites.

Integrated analysis of genes encoding ATP‐dependent chromatin remodellers identifies CHD7 as a potential target for colorectal cancer therapy

BackgroundGenes participating in chromatin organization and regulation are frequently mutated or dysregulated in cancers. ATP‐dependent chromatin remodelers (ATPCRs) play a key role in organizing genomic DNA within chromatin, therefore regulating gene expression. The oncogenic role of ATPCRs and the mechanism involved remains unclear.MethodsWe analyzed the genomic and transcriptional aberrations of the genes encoding ATPCRs in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. A series of cellular experiments and mouse tumor‐bearing experiments were conducted to reveal the regulatory function of CHD7 on the growth of colorectal cancer cells. RNA‐seq and ATAC‐seq approaches together with ChIP assays were performed to elucidate the downstream targets and the molecular mechanisms.ResultsOur data showed that many ATPCRs represented a high frequency of somatic copy number alterations, widespread somatic mutations, remarkable expression abnormalities, and significant correlation with overall survival, suggesting several somatic driver candidates including chromodomain helicase DNA‐binding protein 7 (CHD7) in colorectal cancer. We experimentally demonstrated that CHD7 promotes the growth of colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. CHD7 can bind to the promoters of target genes to maintain chromatin accessibility and facilitate transcription. We found that CHD7 knockdown downregulates AK4 expression and activates AMPK phosphorylation, thereby promoting the phosphorylation and stability of p53 and leading to the inhibition of the colorectal cancer growth. Our muti‐omics analyses of ATPCRs across large‐scale cancer specimens identified potential therapeutic targets and our experimental studies revealed a novel CHD7‐AK4‐AMPK‐p53 axis that plays an oncogenic role in colorectal cancer.

CHD7 regulates bone-fat balance by suppressing PPAR-\u03b3 signaling

Chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 7 (CHD7), an ATP-dependent eukaryotic chromatin remodeling enzyme, is essential for the development of organs. The mutation of CHD7 is the main cause of CHARGE syndrome, but its function and mechanism in skeletal system remain unclear. Here, we show conditional knockout of Chd7 in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and preosteoblasts leads to a pathological phenotype manifested as low bone mass and severely high marrow adiposity. Mechanistically, we identify enhancement of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling in Chd7-deficient MSCs. Loss of Chd7 reduces the restriction of PPAR-γ and then PPAR-γ associates with trimethylated histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me3), which subsequently activates the transcription of downstream adipogenic genes and disrupts the balance between osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. Our data illustrate the pathological manifestations of Chd7 mutation in MSCs and reveal an epigenetic mechanism in skeletal health and diseases.

The CHARGE syndrome ortholog CHD-7 regulates TGF-β pathways in Caenorhabditis elegans

CHARGE syndrome is a complex developmental disorder caused by mutations in the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein-7 (CHD7) and characterized by retarded growth and malformations in the heart and nervous system. Despite the public health relevance of this disorder, relevant cellular pathways and targets of CHD7 that relate to disease pathology are still poorly understood. Here we report that chd-7, the nematode ortholog of Chd7, is required for dauer morphogenesis, lifespan determination, stress response, and body size determination. Consistent with our discoveries, we found chd-7 to be allelic to scd-3, a previously identified dauer suppressor from the DAF-7/ tumor growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway. Epistatic analysis places CHD-7 at the level of the DAF-3/DAF-5 complex, but we found that CHD-7 also directly impacts the expression of multiple components of this pathway. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that chd-7 mutants fail to repress daf-9 for execution of the dauer program. In addition, CHD-7 regulates the DBL-1/BMP pathway components and shares roles in male tail development and cuticle synthesis. To explore a potential conserved function for chd-7 in vertebrates, we used Xenopus laevis embryos, an established model to study craniofacial development. Morpholino-mediated knockdown of Chd7 led to a reduction in col2a1 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels, a collagen whose expression depends on TGF-β signaling. Both embryonic lethality and craniofacial defects in Chd7-depleted tadpoles were partially rescued by overexpression of col2a1 mRNA. We suggest that Chd7 has conserved roles in regulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway and pathogenic Chd7 could lead to a defective extracellular matrix deposition.

Changes to gut amino acid transporters and microbiome associated with increased E/I ratio in Chd8+/\u2212 mouse model of ASD-like behavior

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social communication deficits and stereotyped behaviors, may be associated with changes to the gut microbiota. However, how gut commensal bacteria modulate brain function in ASD remains unclear. Here, we used chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 8 (CHD8) haploinsufficient mice as a model of ASD to elucidate the pathways through which the host and gut microbiota interact with each other. We found that increased levels of amino acid transporters in the intestines of the mouse model of ASD contribute to the high level of serum glutamine and the increased excitation/inhibition (E/I) ratio in the brain. In addition, elevated α-defensin levels in the haploinsufficient mice resulted in dysregulation of the gut microbiota characterized by a reduced abundance of Bacteroides. Furthermore, supplementation with Bacteroides uniformis improved the ASD-like behaviors and restored the E/I ratio in the brain by decreasing intestinal amino acid transport and the serum glutamine levels. Our study demonstrates associations between changes in the gut microbiota and amino acid transporters, and ASD-like behavioral and electrophysiology phenotypes, in a mouse model.

CHD7 in oocytes is essential for female fertility.

BackgroundChromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 7 (CHD7), which is associated with CHARGE (Coloboma, Heart defect, Atresia choanae, Restricted growth, Genital hypoplasia and Ear abnormality) syndrome is an important regulator in many vital developmental processes. However, its role during oocyte development remains unknown.MethodsWe screened the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for expression levels of CHD7 during folliculogenesis. We generated a conditional knockout (cKO) mouse strain with oocyte-specific deletion of CHD7 (Gdf9-Cre:Chd7f/f) using the Cre-loxP approach. Evaluation of follicle numbers and reproductive ability was then conducted. In addition, granulosa cell (GC) apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay and cleaved caspase-3, using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF). GC proliferation was measured by Ki67 staining as evaluated by IHC.ResultsIn our study, we demonstrated that CHD7 has high expression throughout all developmental stages of the oocyte. We found that deletion of Chd7 in oocytes can cause infertility or sub-fertility in female mice and is associated with decreased follicle numbers at all stages. In addition, we found that GC apoptosis was significantly higher in cKO mice.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, our study has been the first to show that CHD7 plays a specific role during oogenesis. Our findings provide new insights into CHD7-related infertility.

De novo Splice Site Mutation of the CHD7 Gene in a Chinese Patient with Typical CHARGE Syndrome

Introduction: CHARGE syndrome (CS, OMIM 214800) is a rare genetic disease characterized by multiple congenital abnormalities, including coloboma, heart defect, atresia of the choanae, retardation of development, genital anomalies, and ear anomalies/deafness. The syndrome is mainly caused by a heterozygous variant in the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 7 (CHD7) gene that encodes the CHD7 protein, involved in the ATP-dependent remodeling of chromatin. Methods: In this study, the next-generation sequencing targeted panel was used to detect a de novo variant c.3523-2A>G in the CHD7 gene in a patient with severe CS, congenital heart disease, left coloboma of the choroid, cryptorchidism, and congenital deafness. The Sanger sequencing confirmed the variant and clarified it as de novo variant by short tandem repeat analysis in the patient family. We analyzed the effect of a variant by Minigene assay to evaluate the pathogenicity of the variant. Results: In summary, cDNA analysis confirmed that c.3523-2A>G variant activates a cryptic splice site, resulting in 172 base pair missing in exon 15, leading to the premature truncation of the CHD7 protein (p.V1175Afs*11). Conclusion: The present study functionally characterized the novel c.3523-2A>G variant in CHD7, providing further confirmatory evidence that it is associated with CS.

The eye - the window to the soul of the diagnosis: CHARGE Syndrome, a case report

The modality of inheritance in CHARGE syndrome is autosomal dominant, classically triggered by mutations in the chromo-domain helicase DNA binding protein-7 (CHD7) gene. CHARGE syndrome is characterized by the variable occurrence of coloboma, heart defects, atresia of the choanae, retarded growth and development, genital hypoplasia, ear anomalies and deafness. In this report, we describe an infant with a typical phenotype characterized by severe psychomotor retardation, facial asymmetry, coloboma, cortical blindness, unilateral choanal atresia, congenital heart anomalies, genital hypoplasia, cranial nerve IX/X dysfunction and global developmental delay that was diagnosed clinically. Following clinical diagnosis a complete sequencing of the CHD7 gene was carried out at the Institute for Medical Diagnostics GmbH in Ingelheim, Germany. Genomic DNA was screened for mutations in the CD7 gene (OMMIM 608892) on chromosome 8q12.1 The codon exon 2-38 and the respective exon-intron boundaries were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and analysed by direct sequencing. Resulting sequence data were compared with the reference sequence NM_017880.3 No mutation in CHD7 gene was detected as a genetic cause for the clinical phenotype of the patient. The MPLA multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis showed no copy number variation in the CHD7 gene. This case report underscores the importance of a detailed family history and physical examination in the diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome. Additionally, it provides valuable insight into the pathogenesis and clinical presentation of the syndrome as well as highlighting the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach. With supportive nurturing care, children with CHARGE syndrome can overcome the associated disabilities and develop necessary motor skills and a life-style enhancing level of fitness.