Assessment of small in-frame indels and C-terminal nonsense variants of BRCA1 using a validated functional assay.

BRCA1 (Breast Cancer 1, early onset) is linked to breast and ovarian cancer predisposition. Still, the risks conferred by a significant portion of BRCA1 variants identified in the population remains unknown. Most of these variants of uncertain significance are missense alterations. However, the functional implications of small in-frame deletions and/or insertions (indels) are also difficult to predict. Our group has previously evaluated the functional impact of 347 missense variants using an extensively validated transcriptional activity assay. Here we show a systematic assessment of 30 naturally occurring in-frame indels located at the C-terminal region of BRCA1. We identified positions sensitive and tolerant to alterations, expanding the knowledge of structural determinants of BRCA1 function. We further designed and assessed the impact of four single codon deletions in the tBRCT linker region and six nonsense variants at the C-terminus end of BRCA1. Amino acid substitutions, deletions or insertions in the disordered region do not significantly impact activity and are not likely to constitute pathogenic alleles. On the other hand, a sizeable fraction of in-frame indels at the BRCT domain significantly impact function. We then use a Bayesian integrative statistical model to derive the probability of pathogenicity for each variant. Our data highlights the importance of assessing the impact of small in-frame indels in BRCA1 to improve risk assessment and clinical decisions for carriers.

Genomic imbalances in craniofacial microsomia.

The aim of this study was to perform 22q11.2 deletion screening and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in individuals clinically diagnosed with craniofacial microsomia (CFM) and review previously published cases of CFM with genomic imbalances. It included 54 individuals who were evaluated by a clinical geneticist. Copy number variants (CNVs) in the 22q11.2 region were investigated by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for all individuals. The CMA was performed only for individuals with additional major features. MLPA revealed pathogenic CNVs at the 22q11 region in 3/54 (5.6%) individuals. CMA revealed pathogenic CNVs in 4/17 (23.5%) individuals, including the three CNVs at the 22q11 region also detected by MLPA, and CNVs classified as variants of unknown significance (VOUS) in 4/17 (23.5%) individuals. Pathogenic alterations were found at the 2p12, 5p15, 13q13, and 22q11 regions. VOUS were found at 3q29, 5q22.2, 5q22.1, and 9p22 regions. All individuals with pathogenic alterations presented additional major features, including congenital heart disease (CHD). The literature review revealed pathogenic CNVs in 17/193 (8.8%) individuals and most of them also presented additional major features, such as CHD, renal anomalies, or developmental delay. In conclusion, CNVs should be investigated in patients with CFM and additional major features.

Nanoparticles Functionalized with Venom-Derived Peptides and Toxins for Pharmaceutical Applications.

Venom-derived peptides display diverse biological and pharmacological activities, making them useful in drug discovery platforms and for a wide range of applications in medicine and pharmaceutical biotechnology. Due to their target specificities, venom peptides have the potential to be developed into biopharmaceuticals to treat various health conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and chronic pain. Despite the high potential for drug development, several limitations preclude the direct use of peptides as therapeutics and hamper the process of converting venom peptides into pharmaceuticals. These limitations include, for instance, chemical instability, poor oral absorption, short halflife, and off-target cytotoxicity. One strategy to overcome these disadvantages relies on the formulation of bioactive peptides with nanocarriers. A range of biocompatible materials are now available that can serve as nanocarriers and can improve the bioavailability of therapeutic and venom-derived peptides for clinical and diagnostic application. Examples of isolated venom peptides and crude animal venoms that have been encapsulated and formulated with different types of nanomaterials with promising results are increasingly reported. Based on the current data, a wealth of information can be collected regarding the utilization of nanocarriers to encapsulate venom peptides and render them bioavailable for pharmaceutical use. Overall, nanomaterials arise as essential components in the preparation of biopharmaceuticals that are based on biological and pharmacological active venom-derived peptides.

Association between Down Syndrome and Disorders of Sex Development: Report of Three Cases and Review of 188 Cases in the Literature.

In this study, we present 3 cases of Down syndrome (DS) associated with disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) and review the literature on this topic. Case 1: 1-year-old child with male genitalia and DS phenotype, 47,XX,+21 karyotype and testicular DSD. Case 2: 11-month-old child with male genitalia and few DS dysmorphisms, 45,X/47,XY,+21 karyotype, and mixed gonadal dysgenesis. Case 3: 4-month-old child with female genitalia and DS phenotype, 47,XY,+21 karyotype and XY complete gonadal dysgenesis. In the literature, among 188 patients, 107 (57%) had Klinefelter syndrome and 61 (33%) Turner syndrome, 12 (6%) had mixed gonadal dysgenesis, 2 (1%) had partial androgen insensitivity, 2 (1%) ovotesticular DSD, and the others had congenital adrenal hyperplasia, XY partial gonadal dysgenesis, XY complete gonadal dysgenesis, and complete androgen insensitivity (1 case each). A typical DS phenotype was found in all individuals of the revision, with the exception of one case, but DSD features were not always reported. In conclusion, the association of DS with sex chromosome DSD is the most frequently observed, whereas associations with 46,XX and 46,XY DSD is extremely rare.

Clinical Findings and Follow-Up of 46,XY and 45,X/46,XY Testicular Dysgenesis.

Historically, the terms partial (PGD) and mixed gonadal dysgenesis (MGD) have been used to describe incomplete testicular differentiation in individuals with 46,XY or 45,X/46,XY karyotypes, respectively. However, it is currently unclear to what extent clinical features actually differ between these individuals. The aim of this study was to compare clinical, laboratory, and histological findings in these 2 groups. Patients with testicular dysgenesis seen in our service between 1989 and 2013 were selected. Sixty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. Individuals with 46,XY and 45,X/46,XY karyotypes were compared regarding genital features, gonadal histology and function, growth, and associated conditions. Twenty-five had mosaicism with a 45,X cell line (MGD), while a 46,XY karyotype (PGD) was found in 36 cases belonging to 32 families. Mutations in NR5A1, WT1, and SRY genes associated with testicular dysgenesis were found in 12 families. There were no significant differences regarding parental consanguinity, degree of external androgenization, gonadal location, histology, and function, and associated conditions. However, in the MGD group, the presence of a uterus, lower birth weight and length, and short stature were more often observed. Therefore, the use of histological features to classify PDG and MGD should be abandoned and replaced by classification based on karyotype.

Corrigendum to "Biochemical and Biological Profile of Parotoid Secretion of the Amazonian Rhinella marina (Anura: Bufonidae)".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2019/2492315.].

Biochemical and Biological Profile of Parotoid Secretion of the Amazonian Rhinella marina (Anura: Bufonidae).

Skin secretions of frogs have a high chemical complexity. They have diverse types of biomolecules, such as proteins, peptides, biogenic amines, and alkaloids. These compounds protect amphibians' skin against growth of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa and participate in defense system against attack from predators. Therewith, this work performed biochemical and biological profile of macroglands parotoid secretion from cane toad. For poison analysis, we performed molecular exclusion and reverse phase chromatography, electrophoresis, and mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, leishmanicidal, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and inflammatory activity of crude and/or fractions of R. marina secretion were also evaluated. Fractionation prior to filtration from poison showed separation of low mass content (steroids and alkaloids) and high molecular mass (protein). Material below 10 kDa two steroids, marinobufagin and desacetylcinobufagin, was detected. Crude extract and fractions were active against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania guyanensis, and Leishmania braziliensis. Crude extract was also active against cancer cells although it was not cytotoxic for normal cells. This extract did not show significant DNA damage but it showed an important inflammatory effect in vivo. The information obtained in this work contributes to the understanding of the constituents of R. marina secretion as well as the bioactive potential of these molecules.

A Rare Case of Concomitant Deletions in 15q11.2 and 19p13.3.

A female individual with concomitant deletions in 15q11.2 and 19p13.3 is reported. She presents facial dysmorphisms, motor delay, learning difficulties, and mild behavioral impairment. After chromosomal microarray analysis, the final karyotype was established as 46,XX.arr[GRCh37] 15q11.2 (22770421_23282798)×1,19p13.3(3793904_4816330)×1. The deletion in 15q11.2 is 507 kb in size involving 7 non-imprinted genes, 4 of which are registered in the OMIM database and are implicated in neuropsychiatric or neurodevelopmental disorders. The deletion in 19p13.3 is 1,022 kb in size and encompasses 47 genes, most of which do not have a well-known function. The genotype-phenotype correlation is discussed, and most of the features could be related to the 19p13.3 deletion, except for velopharyngeal insufficiency. Other genes encompassed in the deleted region, as well as unrecognized epistatic factors could also be involved. Nevertheless, the two-hit model related to the 15q11.2 deletion would be an important hypothesis to be considered.

Diagnostic Approach to Microdeletion Syndromes Based on 22q11.2 Investigation: Challenges in Four Cases.

In the last few decades, different methods for the detection of genomic imbalances, such as the microdeletion syndromes, were developed. The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is the most common microdeletion syndrome and presents wide clinical heterogeneity. The aim of this study was to describe 4 unusual cases of genomic imbalances found in individuals with suspected microdeletion syndromes. Different methods were necessary to complete the diagnosis and to obtain information for genetic counseling. The study was retrospective and descriptive. From August 2014 to December 2015, 39 individuals were assessed using FISH and/or MLPA; in 15 cases, chromosomal microarray (CMA) analysis was carried out. Of 39 registered individuals, we found deletions in the 22q11.2 region in 10 individuals (8 individuals with 22q11.2DS and 2 individuals presenting with atypical deletions in the 22q11.2 region: 1 distal deletion and 1 central deletion). In one case with a typical 22q11.2 deletion, a familial balanced translocation was detected. In another case without a 22q11.2 deletion, a 6p duplication concomitant with a 9p deletion was detected by CMA. Clinical data are reported and diagnostic investigations are discussed. Essential aspects for the understanding of different diagnostic techniques of genomic imbalances are considered, and the 4 cases described underline the complexity and the difficulties involved in the diagnostic process. The approach is informative for clinical practice and may be applied in other contexts of genomic imbalance investigation in microdeletion syndromes.

ADULT Phenotype and rs16864880 in the TP63 Gene: Two New Cases and Review of the Literature.

The TP63 gene has been described in 5 overlapping limb malformation disorders, including a rare autosomal dominant ectodermal disorder named acro-dermato-ungual-lacrimal-tooth (ADULT) syndrome. This article describes 2 patients with ectrodactyly and variable features related to ectodermal dysplasia/ADULT syndrome, and the polymorphism rs16864880 in the TP63 gene, which was not present in their parents. The role of this variant in the genesis of this condition is discussed, based upon a review of 40 cases. The results suggested that rs16864880 may not be directly related to ADULT syndrome. However, it is not possible to exclude its participation in gene interactions in the limb development pathway.

17p13.3 Microdeletion: Insights on Genotype-Phenotype Correlation.

Microdeletions in the chromosomal region 17p13.3 are associated with neuronal migration disorders, and PAFAB1H1 is the main gene involved. The largest genomic imbalances, including the YWHAE and CRK genes, cause more severe structural abnormalities of the brain and other associated dysmorphic features. Here, we describe a 3-year-old boy with a microdeletion in 17p13.3 presenting with minor facial dysmorphisms, a cleft palate, neurodevelopmental delay, and behavioral disorder with no structural malformation of the brain. The patient was evaluated by a clinician using a standard protocol. Laboratory investigation included GTG-banding, whole-genome AGH, and array-CGH. Whole-genome AGH and array-CGH analysis identified an estimated 2.1-Mb deletion in the 17p13.3 region showing haploinsufficiency of the YWHAE, CRK, H1C1, and OVCA1 genes and no deletion of PAFAH1B1. The complex gene interaction on brain development and function is illustrated in the genotype-phenotype correlation described here. This report reinforces the importance of the 17p13.3 region in developmental abnormalities and highlights the weak implication of the HIC1 and OVCA1 genes in palatogenesis.

Comparison between 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and para-aminosalicylic acid (4-PAS) as potential protectors against Mn-induced neurotoxicity.

Manganese (Mn) is an essential metal for biological systems; however, occupational or clinical exposure to high levels of Mn can produce a neurological disorder called manganism. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation play major roles in the Mn-induced neurodegeneration leading to dysfunction of the basal ganglia. We investigated the toxic effects of MnCl2 in an immortalized rat brain endothelial cell line (RBE4) and the protective effects of the radical scavenging aminosalicylic acids, 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and 4-aminosalicylic acid (4-PAS). Mn cytotoxicity was determined with 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. A significant decrease in MTT reduction concomitant with increased LDH release was noted in RBE4 cells exposed for 24 h to MnCl2 (600 and 800 µM; p < 0.0001). Our results establish that compared to 4-PAS, 5-ASA has greater efficacy in protecting RBE4 cells from Mn-induced neurotoxicity after preexposure to MnCl2 800 µM (p < 0.0001).

Biomarkers of exposure and effect as indicators of the interference of selenomethionine on methylmercury toxicity.

The present study was conducted to clarify the interference of selenomethionine (SeMet) on methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity through the evaluation of changes in biomarkers of exposure and effect in rats exposed to MeHg and co-exposed to MeHg and SeMet. Male Wistar rats received two intraperitoneally (i.p.) administrations, either MeHg (1.5mg/kg body weight), SeMet alone (1mg/kg body weight) or combined MeHg and SeMet, followed by 3 weeks of rat urine collection and neurobehavioural assays. The effects of different administrations were investigated by the quantification of total mercury in kidney and brain, analysis of urinary porphyrins, determination of hepatic GSH and evaluation of motor activity functions (rearing and ambulation). MeHg exposure resulted in a significant increase of urinary porphyrins during the 3 weeks of rat urine collection, where as it caused a significant decrease in motor activity only at the first day after cessation of rat exposure. Additionally, SeMet co-exposure was able to normalize the porphyrins excretion, and a tendency to restore rat motor activity was observed, on the first day after cessation of exposure. Brain and kidney mercury levels increased significantly in rats exposed to MeHg; however, in co-exposed rats to SeMet no significant changes in Hg levels were found as compared to rats exposed to MeHg alone. Hence, the present study shows that urinary porphyrins are sensitive and persistent indicators of MeHg toxicity and demonstrates for the first time that SeMet reduces its formation. Finally, these results confirm that the mechanism of interaction between SeMet and MeHg cannot be explained by the reduction of Hg levels in target organs and suggestions are made to clarify the interference of SeMet on MeHg toxicity.

Evidence of zinc protection against 2,5-hexanedione neurotoxicity: correlation of neurobehavioral testing with biomarkers of excretion.

Risk prevention of human exposure against n-hexane neurotoxicity is relevant towards the protective measures to be proposed in occupational toxicology. Metabolic studies have identified 2,5-hexanedione (2,5-HD) as the main neurotoxic metabolite of n-hexane, which reacts with amino groups of lysine in axonal neurofilaments forming 2,5-dimethylpyrrole adducts, which are responsible for n-hexane neurotoxicity. In the present study, we have investigated the interaction of zinc with 2,5-HD, by correlating the decrease of pyrrole derivatives excretion with changes of neurobehavioral effects. Two subchronic experiments (11 and 8 weeks of exposure) were performed in Wistar rats exposed to different doses of 2,5-HD (200, 400 mg/kg per day) and to the mixture of 2,5-HD + zinc acetate (200 + 300 mg/kg per day) and (400 + 500 mg/kg per day). The results obtained show a significant increase in the excretion of pyrroles in the groups exposed to 2,5-HD alone as compared to controls, and a significant decrease in the excretion of pyrrole derivatives in the groups of rats co-exposed to 2,5-HD + zinc acetate when compared to the rats exposed to 2,5-HD alone. These biochemical changes were immediately evident after the first day of exposure. Simultaneously, neurobehavioral testing (rearing and ambulation in open field) was performed weekly in the same groups of rats. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in neurobehavioral dysfunction in rats co-exposed to 2,5-HD and zinc acetate. At the end of the exposure period, pyrroles levels returned to control values progressively, and the recovery of the neurotoxic effects was gradually established depending on the dose of exposure. The results suggest that zinc is a potential chemo-protector against 2,5-HD neurotoxicity which was identified by neurobehavioral testing. Moreover, pyrrole derivatives are good predictive biochemical biomarkers of 2,5-HD exposure and could be used as a complementary tool to characterize its neurotoxic effects.