Lipopolysaccharide-responsive Beige-like Anchor Research Articles

Lipopolysaccharide-Responsive Beige-Like Anchor Protein Is Essential for Sodium and Water Homeostasis

Lipopolysaccharide-Responsive Beige-Like Anchor Protein Is Essential for Sodium and Water Homeostasis

Arf1-dependent LRBA recruitment to Rab4 endosomes is required for endolysosome homeostasis.

Deleterious mutations in the lipopolysaccharide responsive beige-like anchor protein (LRBA) gene cause severe childhood immune dysregulation. The complexity of the symptoms involving multiple organs and the broad range of unpredictable clinical manifestations of LRBA deficiency complicate the choice of therapeutic interventions. Although LRBA has been linked to Rab11-dependent trafficking of the immune checkpoint protein CTLA-4, its precise cellular role remains elusive. We show that LRBA, however, only slightly colocalizes with Rab11. Instead, LRBA is recruited by members of the small GTPase Arf protein family to the TGN and to Rab4+ endosomes, where it controls intracellular traffic. In patient-derived fibroblasts, loss of LRBA led to defects in the endosomal pathway promoting the accumulation of enlarged endolysosomes and lysosome secretion. Thus, LRBA appears to regulate flow through the endosomal system on Rab4+ endosomes. Our data strongly suggest functions of LRBA beyond CTLA-4 trafficking and provide a conceptual framework to develop new therapies for LRBA deficiency.

Resolving and functional analysis of RNA editing sites in sheep ovaries and associations with litter size

Sheep litter size is a critical trait in mutton production. While litter size regulation in relation to DNA transcription have been rigorously investigated, the function of RNA editing remains less explored. To elucidate the mechanisms controlling sheep fecundity at the RNA editing level and identify pivotal RNA editing sites, this study scrutinised RNA editing sites (RESs) in follicular and luteal phases of ovaries from sheep with high and low fecundity, and the functions of population-specific RESs were subsequently analysed. A total of 2 182 475 RESs, 74.61% of which were A-to-I and C-to-U sites, were identified. These RESs were fairly evenly dispersed over the chromosomes, with 46.8% showing close clustering (inter-site distance < 300 bp). Notably, 93% were primarily situated in intronic and intergenic regions. In the follicular phase, pivotal RESs were found in the introns of genes including LPS responsive beige-like anchor, MCC regulator of Wnt signalling, and RWD domain containing 3, among others, and in the exon region of EvC ciliary complex subunit 2. In the luteal phase, RESs were observed in the introns of genes such as H/ACA ribonucleoprotein assembly factor and SDA1 domain-containing 1, and the exon and 3′UTR regions of polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 15 and ilvB acetolactate synthase-like, respectively. High-fecundity sheep showed RESs in the follicular phase in genes such as fibrillin 1, cyclin−dependent kinase 6, and roundabout 1, and in genes such as autophagy−related 2B and versican in the luteal phase. Thirteen RESs specific to the follicular phase and eight specific to the luteal phase were identified in high-fecundity sheep ovaries. These RESs offer promising molecular targets and enhance understanding of multiple births in sheep from the perspective of posttranscriptional alterations.

An efficient and successful outcome after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a patient with an LPS-responsive beige-like anchor gene mutation.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-responsive beige ankyrin (LRBA) gene mutations were first reported as the cause of immunodeficiency syndromes and autoimmunity in 2012. The majority of LRBA patients have multiple organ system involvement and a complex clinical phenotype. Herein we present a comprehensive account on the disease progression and transplantation procedure in a patient with LRBA deficiency who exhibited progressive autoimmune disease symptoms along with recurrent pulmonary infections since the age of 6 years old. Despite receiving abatacept therapy and immunoglobulin replacement treatments to manage the symptoms, but the symptoms still progressed. Therefore, nine years after disease onset, patients were treated with allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The patient experienced acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and recurrent infections after transplantation. During one and a half years of follow-up, we found that allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation can relieve the symptoms of autoimmune disease in patients with LRBA deficiency, and marked clinical improvement and recovery of immune function were observed following stem cell transplantation.

Lipopolysaccharide-responsive beige-like anchor is involved in regulating NF-κB activation in B cells.

Lipopolysaccharide-responsive and beige-like anchor (LRBA) is a scaffolding protein that interacts with proteins such as CTLA-4 and PKA, the importance of which has been determined in various cell types, including T regulatory cells, B cells, and renal cells. LRBA deficiency is associated with an inborn error in immunity characterized by immunodeficiency and autoimmunity. In addition to defects in T regulatory cells, patients with LRBA deficiency also exhibit B cell defects, such as reduced cell number, low memory B cells, hypogammaglobulinemia, impaired B cell proliferation, and increased autophagy. Although Lrba-/- mice do not exhibit the immunodeficiency observed in humans, responses to B cell receptors (BCR) in B cells have not been explored. Therefore, a murine model is for elucidating the mechanism of Lrba mechanism in B cells. To compare and evaluate spleen-derived B cell responses to BCR crosslinking in C57BL6 Lrba-/- and Lrba+/+ mice. Spleen-derived B cells were obtained from 8 to 12-week-old mice. Subpopulations were determined by immunostaining and flow cytometry. BCR crosslinking was assessed by the F(ab')2 anti-μ chain. Activation, proliferation and viability assays were performed using flow cytometry and protein phosphorylation was evaluated by immunoblotting. The nuclear localization of p65 was determined using confocal microscopy. Nur77 expression was evaluated by Western blot. Lrba-/- B cells showed an activated phenotype and a decreased proportion of transitional 1 B cells, and both proliferation and survival were affected after BCR crosslinking in the Lrba-/- mice. The NF-κB pathway exhibited a basal activation status of several components, resulting in increased activation of p50, p65, and IκBα, basal p50 activation was reduced by the Plcγ2 inhibitor U73122. BCR crosslinking in Lrba-/ - B cells resulted in poor p50 phosphorylation and p65 nuclear localization. Increased levels of Nur77 were detected. These results indicate the importance of Lrba in controlling NF-κB activation driven by BCR. Basal activation of NF-κB could impact cellular processes, such as, activation, differentiation, proliferation, and maintenance of B cells after antigen encounter.

Lrba-/- murine B cells show NF-κB overactivation and altered BCR signaling.

Abstract Lipopolysaccharide-Responsive Beige-like anchor (LRBA) is a scaffolding protein whose deficiency is associated with an inborn error of immunity error like common variable immunodeficiency. Patients with LRBA deficiency have a heterogeneous clinical presentation including hypogammaglobulinemia, reduction of B and T regulatory cells, recurrent infections, and autoimmune diseases. Functions of Lrba on T regulatory cells have been described, however, function on B cells remains unknown. This work aims to identify the function of Lrba in B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling. Lrba-deficient mice (Lrba-/-) have a higher number of Transitional 1 B cells in the spleen. Flow cytometry assays showed reduced B cell proliferation and an increased cell death, in response to B-cell Receptor (BCR) crosslinking. Immunoblot and confocal microscopy revealed an increased activation of p50, p65, and IκBα (components of the canonical pathway of NF-κB) in Lrba-/- B cells under basal conditions with a subsequent reduced response after BCR crosslinking. Co-immunoprecipitation assays suggest an interaction between Lrba and components of BCR signaling such as PLC-γ2 and p65. The activated phenotype of Lrba-/- B cells as well as the interaction with p65 and PLC-γ2 indicates that Lrba is involved in the regulation of NF-κB activation driven by BCR signaling, which finally impacts on survival of B cells.

False Negative Next-Generation-Sequencing Analysis in a Lipopolysa ccharide-Responsive Beige-Like Anchor Defect.

False Negative Next-Generation-Sequencing Analysis in a Lipopolysa ccharide-Responsive Beige-Like Anchor Defect.

Diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency diseases by flow cytometry: Experience from Bangladesh

Abstract BACKGROUND: Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDDs) are clinically and immunologically diverse and require a wide array of clinical and laboratory modalities to make specific diagnosis. Serum immunoglobulin levels and T cell, B cell and NK (Natural killer) cell immunophenotyping are routine laboratory investigations advised to diagnose the PIDD cases in Bangladesh. Along with T-B-NK markers, use of Naïve (CD45RA+) and memory (CD45RO+) T cell, switched memory B cell (CD27+IgD-) markers, detection of intracellular BTK (Bruton’s tyrosine kinase), LRBA (Lipopolysaccharide-responsive beige-like anchor), DOCK8 (Dedicator of cytokinesis 8) protein expression and DHR123 (Dihydro-rhodamine 123) assay of neutrophil can increase the PIDD cases detection in Bangladesh. METHODS: The study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) during the time period of March, 2021 to February, 2022. Seventy clinically suspected PIDD cases were enrolled in this study on the basis of clinical findings and peripheral venous blood was collected from all patients to perform immunophenotyping. Routine T-B-NK cell, naïve and memory T cell with switched memory B cell markers were detected by flow-cytometry. Serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA &amp; IgE) were estimated by Nephelometry and by Chemiluminescence. Intracellular BTK, LRBA and DOCK8 protein expression was detected by flow-cytometry in suspected X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), LRBA and DOCK8 deficiency patients respectively. DHR123 assay was performed in suspected Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) patients. RESULTS: Among the 70 clinically suspected PIDD cases, 9 (12.9%) were diagnosed as patients of PIDDs on the basis of laboratory evidence. Five (55.55%) cases were diagnosed as predominantly antibody deficiencies (PADs), 3 (33.33%) were patients of combined immunodeficiency (CID) and 1 (11.11%) was CGD patient. Among the diagnosed PIDD cases, 2 (22.22%) were diagnosed by T-B-NK cell immunophenotyping with serum immunoglobulin levels and 7 (77.77%) cases were diagnosed by additional CD45RA+, CD45RO+, CD27+IgD- markers, BTK protein expression detection and DHR123 assay. LRBA and DOCK8 deficiency cases could not found in this study. CONCLUSION: The use of additional markers (CD45RA+, CD45RO+, CD27+IgD-) with BTK, LRBA, DOCK8 intracellular protein expression evaluation and DHR123 assay by flow-cytometry can increase rate of specific diagnosis of the PIDD cases in Bangladeshi paediatric population.

Genome‐wide association meta‐analysis identifies a novel LRBA locus for brain age acceleration in two independent Korean Cohorts

AbstractBackgroundAging is a key risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and has a significant structural impact on the brain. Machine learning approaches have been developed to estimate the biological age of the brain from MRI scans. Here, we performed genome‐wide association (GWA) analysis of accelerated brain aging in two independent Korean AD cohorts.MethodParticipants included 1,738 Korean older adults from two independent cohorts that consisted of preclinical and clinical stages of AD (n = 1,209 from the K‐ROAD cohort (Korea‐Registries to Overcome and Accelerate Dementia Research Project) and n = 529 from the KBASE cohort (Korean Brain Aging Study for the Early Diagnosis and Prediction of Alzheimer’s Disease)). Brain age was estimated from structural MRI scans using brainageR. Brain age acceleration (predicted brain age ‐ chronological age) was calculated for each participant. Genetic variants associated with brain age acceleration were assessed after accounting for age, sex, APOE e4 carrier status, and diagnosis. Meta‐analysis was performed using METAL, followed by transcriptomic analysis. Polygenic risk scores for brain age acceleration were calculated with PRS‐CS using GWAS meta‐analysis summary statistics, followed by molecular imaging analysis.ResultGWA meta‐analysis identified six intronic SNPs in the LRBA (Lipopolysaccharide responsive Beige‐like Anchor) locus on chromosome 4 as significantly associated with brain age acceleration with the most significant signal at rs7699001 (Fig. 1; p&lt;5´10−8). LRBA is highly expressed in the brain, especially in microglia. The LRBA gene is differentially expressed in AD compared to cognitively normal older adults. rs7699001 was associated with expression levels of the LRBA gene in tissue from several organs including brain. rs7690001 has been reported to be associated with inferior parietal cortical thickness in non‐Hispanic whites (p = 5´10−3). Polygenic risk scores of brain age acceleration in the K‐ROAD cohort were significantly associated with amyloid‐β deposition measured from amyloid PET scans (Fig. 2; p = 2.7´10−4).Conclusion LRBA is a novel genetic risk factor for brain aging in the Korean population with relevance for AD. The microglial LRBA protein may be involved in phagocytosis, which has been implicated in aging processes and AD progression. Replication in other populations and mechanistic follow‐up studies are warranted.This work was supported by U01AG072177.

LRBA signalosomes activate vasopressin-induced AQP2 trafficking at recycling endosomes.

Aquaporin-2 (AQP2) water channels are proteins that are recycled between intracellular vesicles and the apical plasma membrane in renal collecting ducts. Lipopolysaccharide-responsive beige-like anchor protein (LRBA) is a protein kinase A (PKA) anchoring protein that creates compartmentalized PKA signalling responsible for AQP2 phosphorylation. In response to increased plasma osmolality, vasopressin/cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/PKA signalling phosphorylates AQP2, promoting AQP2 trafficking into the apical plasma membrane and increasing water reabsorption from urine. However, the molecular mechanisms by which LRBA mediates vasopressin-induced AQP2 phosphorylation remain unknown. To investigate AQP2 intracellular localization and phosphorylation status in vivo, a density gradient ultracentrifugation technique was combined with an in situ proximity ligation assay, super-resolution structured illumination microscopy and immunoelectron microscopy. Most of the AQP2 was localized on the recycling endosome in the presence of tolvaptan, a vasopressin type 2 receptor (V2R) antagonist. Desmopressin, a V2R agonist, phosphorylated AQP2, translocating it from the recycling endosome to the apical plasma membrane. In contrast, LRBA was constitutively localized at the recycling endosome. Therefore, LRBA and AQP2 were well colocalized in the absence of vasopressin stimulation. The loss of LRBA/PKA signalling by Lrba knockout impaired vasopressin-induced AQP2 phosphorylation, resulting in AQP2 retention at the recycling endosome. Defective AQP2 trafficking caused low urinary concentrating ability in Lrba-/- mice. The LRBA-PKA complex created compartmentalized PKA signalling at the recycling endosome, which facilitated AQP2 phosphorylation in response to vasopressin. KEY POINTS: Membrane proteins are continuously internalized into the endosomal system via endocytosis, after which they are either recycled back to the plasma membrane or degraded at the lysosome. In T cells, lipopolysaccharide-responsive beige-like anchor protein (LRBA) binds directly to the cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), a checkpoint immune molecule, to prevent CTLA-4 lysosomal degradation and promote its vesicle recycling. LRBA has different physiological functions in renal collecting ducts. LRBA and aquaporin-2 (AQP2) water channels were colocalized on the recycling endosome in vivo in the absence of the anti-diuretic hormone vasopressin. LRBA promoted vasopressin-induced AQP2 trafficking, increasing water reabsorption from urine via AQP2. LRBA determined renal responsiveness to vasopressin at recycling endosomes. LRBA is a ubiquitously expressed anchor protein. LRBA signalosomes might regulate membrane trafficking of several constitutively recycled proteins at recycling endosomes.

Therapeutic modalities and clinical outcomes in a large cohort with LRBA deficiency and CTLA4 insufficiency

LPS-responsive beige-like anchor (LRBA) deficiency (LRBA-/-) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA4) insufficiency (CTLA4+/-) are mechanistically overlapped diseases presenting with recurrent infections and autoimmunity. The effectiveness of different treatment regimens remains unknown. Our aim was to determine the comparative efficacy and long-term outcome of therapy with immunosuppressants, CTLA4-immunoglobulin (abatacept), and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in a single-country multicenter cohort of 98 patients with a 5-year median follow-up. The 98 patients (63 LRBA-/- and 35 CTLA4+/-) were followed and evaluated at baseline and every 6 months for clinical manifestations and response to the respective therapies. The LRBA-/- patients exhibited a more severe disease course than did the CTLA4+/- patients, requiring more immunosuppressants, abatacept, and HSCT to control their symptoms. Among the 58 patients who received abatacept as either a primary or rescue therapy, sustained complete control was achieved in 46 (79.3%) without severe side effects. In contrast, most patients who received immunosuppressants as primary therapy (n= 61) showed either partial or no disease control (72.1%), necessitating additional immunosuppressants, abatacept, or transplantation. Patients with partial or no response to abatacept (n= 12) had longer disease activity before abatacept therapy, with higher organ involvement and poorer disease outcomes than those with a complete response. HSCT was performed in 14 LRBA-/- patients; 9 patients (64.2%) showed complete remission, and 3 (21.3%) continued to receive immunosuppressants after transplantation. HSCT and abatacept therapy gave rise to similar probabilities of survival. Abatacept is superior to immunosuppressants in controlling disease manifestations over the long term, especially when started early, and it may provide a safe and effective therapeutic alternative to transplantation.

A circular RNA produced by LRBA promotes cirrhotic mouse liver regeneration through facilitating the ubiquitination degradation of p27.

Accumulating circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in tissue repair and organ regeneration. However, the biological effects of circRNAs on liver regeneration remain largely unknown. This study aims to systematically elucidate the functions and mechanisms of circRNAs derived from lipopolysaccharide-responsive beige-like anchor protein (LRBA) in regulating liver regeneration. CircRNAs derived from mouse LRBA gene were identified using CircBase. In vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted to confirm the effects of circLRBA on liver regeneration. RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Clinical samples and cirrhotic mouse models were used to evaluate the clinical significance and transitional value of circLRBA. Eight circRNAs derived from LRBA were registered in CircBase. The circRNA mmu_circ_0018031 (circLRBA) was significantly upregulated in the liver tissues after 2/3 partial hepatectomy (PHx). Adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8)-mediated knockdown of circLRBA markedly inhibited mouse liver regeneration after 2/3 PHx. In vitro experiments confirmed that circLRBA exerted its growth-promoting function mainly through liver parenchymal cells. Mechanistically, circLRBA acted as a scaffold for the interaction between E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase ring finger protein 123 and p27, facilitating the ubiquitination degradation of p27. Clinically, circLRBA was lowly expressed in cirrhotic liver tissues and negatively correlated with perioperative levels of total bilirubin. Furthermore, overexpression of circLRBA enhanced cirrhotic mouse liver regeneration after 2/3 PHx. We conclude that circLRBA is a novel growth promoter in liver regeneration and a potential therapeutic target related to deficiency of cirrhotic liver regeneration.

An Unreported homozygous variant within Lipopolysaccharide responsive beige-like anchor (LRBA) gene in a child exhibiting with infantile type 1 diabetes mellitus

We report a patient who was born at term as the first son of consanguineous Saudi parents. He developed IDDM at the age of 7 months; the initial symptoms included fever and vomiting. The laboratory findings indicated pronounced ketoacidosis, initial fluid replacement with normal saline, followed by continuous IV insulin infusion. After a while, the baby was out of DKA. Our endocrinologist advised us to start administering S/C insulin NPH 1 unit BID. Fortunately, we suspected a primary immune deficiency acer a few days from the first presentation. The WES revealed A homozygous likely pathogenic variant was identified in the LRBA gene. The result is consistent with a genetic diagnosis of autosomal recessive CVID type 8 with autoimmunity. The LRBA protein regulates the expression of CTLA-4, which is a potent immune checkpoint receptor expressed by activated and regulatory by the T-cells. CTLA-4 blocks the stimulation/proliferation of T-cells and modulates immune responses.

Interstitial cystitis caused by immune dysregulation in LRBA deficiency: one among the rare urological manifestations in inborn errors of immunity

Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) rarely present with associated urological manifestations. Chronic cystitis and urethritis caused by ureaplasma and mycoplasma infection in hypogammaglobulinemia may result in bladder fibrosis. Papovaviridae such as BK or JC, can cause hemorrhagic cystitis in patients with T cell defects. Bladder granulomtata and urethral strictures can occur in chronic granulomatous disease. This is the first reported case of severe lymphocytic interstitial cystitis in a patient with lipopolysaccharide-responsive beige-like anchor protein (LRBA) deficiency. LRBA deficiency is known to impair CTLA-4 recycling, leading to decreased Treg cell function. A 13 year old male refugee presented with chronic recurrent debilitating suprapubic pain and dysuria, which progressed to extreme urinary frequency. He had a prior history of recurrent aseptic urinary tract infections, and one episode of gross hematuria. Extensive infectious investigations of urine (bacterial, mycobacterial cultures; viral PCRs), blood, and stool (Schistosoma) failed to isolate a pathogen. Bladder biopsy was positive for EBV by PCR but blood remained EBV-negative. Urinalysis showed microscopic hematuria while urodynamic studies were normal, and cystoscopy showed bladder and urethral irritation. Pathology confirmed lymphocytic interstitial cystitis, with primarily T cell infiltration. Immunological investigations revealed low IgG, IgA and IgM levels, B lymphopenia (1%), with low class-switched memory B cell development (3%) and absent response to protein and polysaccharide vaccine antigens. There were no signs of autoimmunity. Parents are consanguineous, and a sibling was likewise diagnosed with LRBA deficiency. Sanger sequencing of DNA confirmed the same homozygous family mutation in the LRBA gene, a likely pathogenic splice donor variant, c.2258+2T>G. The patient was started on immunoglobulin replacement. Trials of analgesics including NSAIDs, gabapentin, and morphine, and immunosuppression with corticosteroids and sirolimus, were unsuccessful in reducing urinary symptoms. Physiotherapy and antispasmodics were introduced when pelvic-floor dyssynergia with rectal pain developed. Subsequently-presenting enteropathy was managed with Abatacept (CTLA-4 IgG1 fusion protein), ultimately improving bladder symptoms after several months of therapy. Patient has since undergone HSCT and is now free of urinary tract symptoms. LRBA deficiency presents with hypogammaglobulinemia, infections, and immune dysregulation presenting with lymphocytic infiltration of non-lymphoid organs. This report highlights the phenotypic diversity of this disease.

Identification of novel compound heterozygous LRBA mutations associated with recurrent hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and CNS manifestations

Background: Lipopolysaccharide-responsive beige-like anchor (LRBA) is an intracellular protein that regulates the recycling of cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4), an immune checkpoint molecule which prevents ongoing activation of T cells. Deficiency of LRBA results in increased trafficking and degradation of CTLA4, and consequently, uncontrolled T cell responses. The phenotypic spectrum of LRBA deficiency arising from biallelic loss-of-function typically includes recurrent infections, autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, chronic diarrhea, hypogammaglobulinemia, and cytopenia. Aim: To report an atypical presentation of LRBA deficiency arising from a set of compound heterozygous LRBA variants, encompassing recurrent hemophagocytic lymphocytosis (HLH) and neurological manifestations. Methods: Clinical data was gathered through retrospective chart review. Expanded genetic analysis including whole exome sequencing was performed. Results: Our patient initially presented at age 15 months with fever, seizures, and encephalopathy. HLH-work-up showed bicytopenia, elevated ferritin and triglyceride, and low fibrinogen, however, he did not yet meet the diagnostic criteria for HLH. MRI brain and EEG at diagnosis was suggestive of acute necrotizing encephalopathy of childhood. He responded to pulsed IV methylprednisolone treatment with minimal residual neurological deficit on follow-up. At 36 months of age, he had a repeat presentation and rapidly deteriorated. He developed severe encephalopathy with fixed dilated pupils. Whole exome sequencing revealed a set of compound heterozygous missense variants in the LRBA gene, a novel c.2206A&gt;T (p.R736W) and c.5989C&gt;T (p.R1997C) variant. Conclusion: Compound heterozygous mutations in the LRBA gene caused an atypical presentation of recurrent HLH with central nervous system (CNS) manifestations in our patient. Statement of Novelty: We herein report a novel set of compound heterozygous mutations in LRBA with atypical presentation of recurrent HLH with CNS manifestations, thus expanding the known phenotypic spectrum of LRBA deficiency.

P-Element-Induced Wimpy Testis Proteins and P-Element-Induced Wimpy Testis-Interacting RNAs Expression in Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells.

Background: P-element-induced wimpy testis (PIWI)-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a type of noncoding RNA and are predominantly expressed in germline cells. piRNAs function as gene regulators and potential biomarkers for the development of a number of malignancies. The biological importance of piRNAs in ovarian cancer is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the expression of piRNAs in ovarian cancer stem cells and compared it with that in adherent cells. Methods: To assess changes in the expression levels of PIWIL1/HIWI, PIWIL2/HILI, PIWIL3, and PIWIL4/HIWI2, we used quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis. Changes in piRNA expression levels in ovarian cancer stem cells were analyzed using Arraystar piRNA microarray screening. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was conducted to determine the potential functions of piRNAs. Results: Using microarray analysis, we identified a cohort of differentially expressed piRNAs. Fifteen piRNAs, including DQ570763 and DQ597396, were downregulated, and 58 piRNAs were upregulated when compared with those in adherent A2780 and SKOV3 cells (p > 0.05, >2.0, respectively). GO functions of the downregulated piRNAs (DQ570763 and DQ570797) suggest that their roles are commonly associated with the Golgi apparatus. In addition, A2780-SP and SKOV3-SP cells had higher PIWIL3 and PIWIL4 mRNA levels than adherent cells (A2780 and SKOV3). Moreover, we determined, using receiver operating characteristic plot, that the expression level of PIWIL4 was lower in responders than in nonresponders after treatment with platins in patients with ovarian cancer. Finally, in ovarian cancer, PIWIL4 expression was associated with somatic mutations of dynein axonemal heavy chain 2, signal induced proliferation associated 1 like 2, YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA-binding protein 1, TBC1 domain family member 8, and LPS responsive Beige-like anchor protein. Conclusion: Our study showed that PIWI proteins and piRNAs are potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for ovarian cancer.

Case Report: An Unreported Homozygous Variant within Lipopolysaccharide Responsive Beige-Like Anchor (LRBA) Gene in a Child Exhibiting with Infantile Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Case Report: An Unreported Homozygous Variant within Lipopolysaccharide Responsive Beige-Like Anchor (LRBA) Gene in a Child Exhibiting with Infantile Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

AN ATYPICAL PRESENTATION OF LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE-RESPONSIVE BEIGE-LIKE ANCHOR PROTEIN DEFICIENCY

<h3>Introduction</h3> Lipopolysaccharide-responsive beige-like anchor (LRBA) protein deficiency is associated with diarrhea, autoimmune disorders, organomegaly, recurrent infections, hypogammaglobulinemia, chronic lung manifestations, and growth retardation. However, LRBA mutations show a wide range of phenotypic variability. We present a case of a sixteen-year-old girl with a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) in the LRBA gene with atypical symptoms of LRBA deficiency. <h3>Case Description</h3> The patient is a sixteen-year-old female with type one diabetes mellitus, chronic urticaria, and idiopathic anaphylaxis requiring admission. Her complete blood count with differential, B and T cell phenotyping, and immunoglobulin levels were normal. She failed high dose antihistamines and omalizumab. Due to atypical symptoms, including soft tissue swelling, joint pains, recurrent abdominal pain, and elevated interleukin 10, interleukin 6, and S100 during an episode, we obtained an auto-inflammatory panel that showed a heterozygous VUS mutation in the LRBA gene. Parental LRBA testing showed the variants were trans-acting, increasing the likelihood that the variants contribute to her phenotype. She was started on abatacept with hydroxychloroquine, which improved her symptoms. <h3>Discussion</h3> This case highlights an atypical presentation of LRBA deficiency presenting with chronic urticaria and idiopathic anaphylaxis with a normal immune work up, symptoms of which are responsive to abatacept and hydroxychloroquine.

NOVEL HETEROZYGOTE MUTATION OF LRBA ASSOCIATED WITH CVID

<h3>Introduction</h3> Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a clinically heterogeneous disorder with a growing list of genetic causes. The LPS Responsive Beige-Like Anchor (LRBA) gene encodes for a protein that is part of the CTLA-4 pathway important in immune regulation. Heterozygote mutations of this gene have been described in the literature in patients with CVID. We present a novel undescribed heterozygote LRBA mutation in the setting of CVID. <h3>Case Description</h3> We present a 69-year-old white male with diagnosed CVID. He was first diagnosed in his teenage years after frequent upper and lower respiratory tract infections. He has received intravenous immunoglobulin therapy since his diagnosis. His comorbidities include asthma, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, sciatica, and Hashimoto Thyroiditis. Recently genetic testing was done through Invitae^TM genomic DNA hybridization-based protocol with Illumina sequencing technology. The results showed a heterozygous LRBA c.6352del(p.11e2118Serfs*46) mutation. <h3>Discussion</h3> LRBA deficiency is seen in many different autoimmune conditions due to its importance in the regulation of immune responses. This heterozygous mutated gene has been seen in the setting of CVID in the literature. We present a novel heterozygous LRBA mutation in the clinical setting of CVID. The relationship between genotyping and the differing CVID phenotypes has not been widely explored. The discovery of this mutation will aid in establishing a more stable relationship between mutations and clinical signs and symptoms of CVID.

Clinically Complex LRBA Deficiency Due to a Founder Allele in the Georgian Jewish Population.

Pathogenic variants in LRBA, encoding the LPS Responsive Beige-Like Anchor (LRBA) protein, are responsible for recessive, early-onset hypogammaglobulinemia, severe multi-organ autoimmunity, and lymphoproliferation, with increased risk for malignancy. LRBA deficiency has a wide clinical spectrum with variable age of onset and disease severity. Three apparently unrelated patients with LRBA deficiency, of Georgian Jewish descent, were homozygous for LRBA c.6640C > T, p.R2214*, leading to a stop upstream of the LRBA BEACH domain. Despite carrying the same LRBA genotype, the three patients differed in clinical course: the first patient was asymptomatic until age 25years; the second presented with failure to thrive at age 3months; and the third presented at age 7years with immune cytopenias and severe infections. Two of the patients developed malignancies: the first patient was diagnosed with recurrent Hodgkin's disease at age 36years, and the second patient developed aggressive gastric cancer at age 15years. Among Georgian Jews, the carrier frequency of the LRBA p.R2214* allele was 1.6% (4 of 236 Georgian Jewish controls). The allele was absent from other populations. Haplotype analysis showed a shared origin of the mutation. These three patients revealed a pathogenic LRBA founder allele in the Georgian Jewish population, support the diverse and complex clinical spectrum of LRBA deficiency, and support the possibility that LRBA deficiency predisposes to malignancy.