Linking Gene Fusions to Bone Marrow Failure and Malignant Transformation in Dyskeratosis Congenita.
Int J Mol Sci
; 25(3)2024 Jan 28.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38338888
ABSTRACT
Dyskeratosis Congenita (DC) is a multisystem disorder intrinsically associated with telomere dysfunction, leading to bone marrow failure (BMF). Although the pathology of DC is largely driven by mutations in telomere-associated genes, the implications of gene fusions, which emerge due to telomere-induced genomic instability, remain unexplored. We meticulously analyzed gene fusions in RNA-Seq data from DC patients to provide deeper insights into DC's progression. The most significant DC-specific gene fusions were subsequently put through in silico assessments to ascertain biophysical and structural attributes, including charge patterning, inherent disorder, and propensity for self-association. Selected candidates were then analyzed using deep learning-powered structural predictions and molecular dynamics simulations to gauge their potential for forming higher-order oligomers. Our exploration revealed that genes participating in fusion events play crucial roles in upholding genomic stability, facilitating hematopoiesis, and suppressing tumors. Notably, our analysis spotlighted a particularly disordered polyampholyte fusion protein that exhibits robust higher-order oligomerization dynamics. To conclude, this research underscores the potential significance of several high-confidence gene fusions in the progression of BMF in DC, particularly through the dysregulation of genomic stability, hematopoiesis, and tumor suppression. Additionally, we propose that these fusion proteins might hold a detrimental role, specifically in inducing proteotoxicity-driven hematopoietic disruptions.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Pancitopenia
/
Telomerase
/
Disceratose Congênita
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Mol Sci
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos