A role for mutations in AK9 and other genes affecting ependymal cells in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is an enigmatic neurological disorder that develops after age 60 and is characterized by gait difficulty, dementia, and incontinence. Recently, we reported that heterozygous CWH43 deletions may cause iNPH. Here, we identify mutations affecting nine additional genes (AK9, RXFP2, PRKD1, HAVCR1, OTOG, MYO7A, NOTCH1, SPG11, and MYH13) that are statistically enriched among iNPH patients. The encoded proteins are all highly expressed in choroid plexus and ependymal cells, and most have been associated with cilia. Damaging mutations in AK9, which encodes an adenylate kinase, were detected in 9.6% of iNPH patients. Mice homozygous for an iNPH-associated AK9 mutation displayed normal cilia structure and number, but decreased cilia motility and beat frequency, communicating hydrocephalus, and balance impairment. AK9+/- mice displayed normal brain development and behavior until early adulthood, but subsequently developed communicating hydrocephalus. Together, our findings suggest that heterozygous mutations that impair ventricular epithelial function may contribute to iNPH.

Trafficking-defective mutant PROKR2 cycles between endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi to attenuate endoplasmic reticulum stress.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play crucial roles in numerous physiological and pathological processes. Mutations in GPCRs that result in loss of function or alterations in signaling can lead to inherited or acquired diseases. Herein, studying prokineticin receptor 2 (PROKR2), we initially identify distinct interactomes for wild-type (WT) versus a mutant (P290S) PROKR2 that causes hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. We then find that both the WT and mutant PROKR2 are targeted for endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation, but the mutant is degraded to a greater extent. Further analysis revealed that both forms can also leave the ER to reach the Golgi. However, whereas most of the WT is further transported to the cell surface, most of the mutant is retrieved to the ER. Thus, the post-ER itinerary plays an important role in distinguishing the ultimate fate of the WT versus the mutant. We have further discovered that this post-ER itinerary reduces ER stress induced by the mutant PROKR2. Moreover, we extend the core findings to another model GPCR. Our findings advance the understanding of disease pathogenesis induced by a mutation at a key residue that is conserved across many GPCRs and thus contributes to a fundamental understanding of the diverse mechanisms used by cellular quality control to accommodate misfolded proteins.

Increased plasmin-mediated proteolysis of L1CAM in a mouse model of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a common neurological disorder that is characterized by enlarged cerebral ventricles, gait difficulty, incontinence, and dementia. iNPH usually develops after the sixth decade of life in previously asymptomatic individuals. We recently reported that loss-of-function deletions in CWH43 lead to the development of iNPH in a subgroup of patients, but how this occurs is poorly understood. Here, we show that deletions in CWH43 decrease expression of the cell adhesion molecule, L1CAM, in the brains of CWH43 mutant mice and in human HeLa cells harboring a CWH43 deletion. Loss-of-function mutations in L1CAM are a common cause of severe neurodevelopmental defects that include congenital X-linked hydrocephalus. Mechanistically, we find that CWH43 deletion leads to decreased N-glycosylation of L1CAM, decreased association of L1CAM with cell membrane lipid microdomains, increased L1CAM cleavage by plasmin, and increased shedding of cleaved L1CAM in the cerebrospinal fluid. CWH43 deletion also decreased L1CAM nuclear translocation, suggesting decreased L1CAM intracellular signaling. Importantly, the increase in L1CAM cleavage occurred primarily in the ventricular and subventricular zones where brain CWH43 is most highly expressed. Thus, CWH43 deletions may contribute to adult-onset iNPH by selectively downregulating L1CAM in the ventricular and subventricular zone.

Heterozygous FOXJ1 Mutations Cause Incomplete Ependymal Cell Differentiation and Communicating Hydrocephalus.

Heterozygous mutations affecting FOXJ1, a transcription factor governing multiciliated cell development, have been associated with obstructive hydrocephalus in humans. However, factors that disrupt multiciliated ependymal cell function often cause communicating hydrocephalus, raising questions about whether FOXJ1 mutations cause hydrocephalus primarily by blocking cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow or by different mechanisms. Here, we show that heterozygous FOXJ1 mutations are also associated with communicating hydrocephalus in humans and cause communicating hydrocephalus in mice. Disruption of one Foxj1 allele in mice leads to incomplete ependymal cell differentiation and communicating hydrocephalus. Mature ependymal cell number and motile cilia number are decreased, and 12% of motile cilia display abnormal axonemes. We observed decreased microtubule attachment to basal bodies, random localization and orientation of basal body patches, loss of planar cell polarity, and a disruption of unidirectional CSF flow. Thus, heterozygous FOXJ1 mutations impair ventricular multiciliated cell differentiation, thereby causing communicating hydrocephalus. CSF flow obstruction may develop secondarily in some patients harboring FOXJ1 mutations. Heterozygous FOXJ1 mutations impair motile cilia structure and basal body alignment, thereby disrupting CSF flow dynamics and causing communicating hydrocephalus.

Delivering Therapeutics to Glioblastoma: Overcoming Biological Constraints.

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most lethal intrinsic brain tumor. Even with the existing treatment regimen of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, the median survival time is only 15-23 months. The invasive nature of this tumor makes its complete removal very difficult, leading to a high recurrence rate of over 90%. Drug delivery to glioblastoma is challenging because of the molecular and cellular heterogeneity of the tumor, its infiltrative nature, and the blood-brain barrier. Understanding the critical characteristics that restrict drug delivery to the tumor is necessary to develop platforms for the enhanced delivery of effective treatments. In this review, we address the impact of tumor invasion, the molecular and cellular heterogeneity of the tumor, and the blood-brain barrier on the delivery and distribution of drugs using potential therapeutic delivery options such as convection-enhanced delivery, controlled release systems, nanomaterial systems, peptide-based systems, and focused ultrasound.

S-Nitrosoglutathione Reductase (GSNOR) Deficiency Results in Secondary Hypogonadism.

BACKGROUND: Excess reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species are implicated in male infertility and impaired spermatogenesis. AIM: To investigate the effect of excess reactive nitrogen species and nitrosative stress on testicular function and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis using the S-nitrosoglutathione reductase-null (Gsnor-/-) mouse model. METHODS: Testis size, pup number, and epididymal sperm concentration and motility of Gsnor-/- mice were compared with those of age-matched wild-type (WT) mice. Reproductive hormones testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone were compared in Gsnor-/- and WT mice. Immunofluorescence for Gsnor-/- and WT testis was performed for 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) and compared. Human chorionic gonadotropin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation tests were performed to assess and compare testicular and pituitary functions of Gsnor-/- and WT mice. OUTCOMES: Evaluation of fertility and reproductive hormones in Gsnor-/- vs WT mice. Response of Gsnor-/- and WT mice to human chorionic gonadotropin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone to evaluate LH and T production. RESULTS: Gsnor-/- mice had smaller litters (4.2 vs 8.0 pups per litter; P < .01), smaller testes (0.08 vs 0.09 g; P < .01), and decreased epididymal sperm concentration (69 vs 98 × 106; P < .05) and motility (39% vs 65%; P < .05) compared with WT mice. Serum T (44.8 vs 292.2 ng/dL; P < .05) and LH (0.03 vs 0.74 ng/mL; P = .04) were lower in Gsnor-/- than in WT mice despite similar follicle-stimulating hormone levels (63.98 vs 77.93 ng/mL; P = .20). Immunofluorescence of Gsnor-/- and WT testes showed similar staining of 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and LHR. Human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation of Gsnor-/- mice increased serum T (>1,680 vs >1,680 ng/dL) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation increased serum LH (6.3 vs 8.9 ng/mL; P = .20) similar to WT mice. CLINICAL TRANSLATION: These findings provide novel insight to a possible mechanism of secondary hypogonadism from increased reactive nitrogen species and excess nitrosative stress. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Limitations of this study are its small samples and variability in hormone levels. CONCLUSION: Deficiency of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase results in secondary hypogonadism, suggesting that excess nitrosative stress can affect LH production from the pituitary gland. Masterson TA, Arora H, Kulandavelu S, et al. S-Nitrosoglutathione Reductase (GSNOR) Deficiency Results in Secondary Hypogonadism. J Sex Med 2018;15:654-661.

GnRH Neuron-Specific Ablation of Gαq/11 Results in Only Partial Inactivation of the Neuroendocrine-Reproductive Axis in Both Male and Female Mice: In Vivo Evidence for Kiss1r-Coupled Gαq/11-Independent GnRH Secretion.

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is the master regulator of fertility and kisspeptin (KP) is a potent trigger of GnRH secretion from GnRH neurons. KP signals via KISS1R, a Gαq/11-coupled receptor, and mice bearing a global deletion of Kiss1r (Kiss1r(-/-)) or a GnRH neuron-specific deletion of Kiss1r (Kiss1r(d/d)) display hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and infertility. KISS1R also signals via ß-arrestin, and in mice lacking ß-arrestin-1 or -2, KP-triggered GnRH secretion is significantly diminished. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that ablation of Gαq/11 in GnRH neurons would diminish but not completely block KP-triggered GnRH secretion and that Gαq/11-independent GnRH secretion would be sufficient to maintain fertility. To test this, Gnaq (encodes Gαq) was selectively inactivated in the GnRH neurons of global Gna11 (encodes Gα11)-null mice by crossing Gnrh-Cre and Gnaq(fl/fl);Gna11(-/-) mice. Experimental Gnaq(fl/fl);Gna11(-/-);Gnrh-Cre (Gnaq(d/d)) and control Gnaq(fl/fl);Gna11(-/-) (Gnaq(fl/fl)) littermate mice were generated and subjected to reproductive profiling. This process revealed that testicular development and spermatogenesis, preputial separation, and anogenital distance in males and day of vaginal opening and of first estrus in females were significantly less affected in Gnaq(d/d) mice than in previously characterized Kiss1r(-/-) or Kiss1r(d/d) mice. Additionally, Gnaq(d/d) males were subfertile, and although Gnaq(d/d) females did not ovulate spontaneously, they responded efficiently to a single dose of gonadotropins. Finally, KP stimulation triggered a significant increase in gonadotropins and testosterone levels in Gnaq(d/d) mice. We therefore conclude that the milder reproductive phenotypes and maintained responsiveness to KP and gonadotropins reflect Gαq/11-independent GnRH secretion and activation of the neuroendocrine-reproductive axis in Gnaq(d/d) mice. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is the master regulator of fertility. Over the last decade, several studies have established that the KISS1 receptor, KISS1R, is a potent trigger of GnRH secretion and inactivation of KISS1R on the GnRH neuron results in infertility. While KISS1R is best understood as a Gαq/11-coupled receptor, we previously demonstrated that it could couple to and signal via non-Gαq/11-coupled pathways. The present study confirms these findings and, more importantly, while it establishes Gαq/11-coupled signaling as a major conduit of GnRH secretion, it also uncovers a significant role for non-Gαq/11-coupled signaling in potentiating reproductive development and function. This study further suggests that by augmenting signaling via these pathways, GnRH secretion can be enhanced to treat some forms of infertility.

Central precocious puberty caused by mutations in the imprinted gene MKRN3.

BACKGROUND: The onset of puberty is first detected as an increase in pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Early activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis results in central precocious puberty. The timing of pubertal development is driven in part by genetic factors, but only a few, rare molecular defects associated with central precocious puberty have been identified. METHODS: We performed whole-exome sequencing in 40 members of 15 families with central precocious puberty. Candidate variants were confirmed with Sanger sequencing. We also performed quantitative real-time polymerase-chain-reaction assays to determine levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) in the hypothalami of mice at different ages. RESULTS: We identified four novel heterozygous mutations in MKRN3, the gene encoding makorin RING-finger protein 3, in 5 of the 15 families; both sexes were affected. The mutations included three frameshift mutations, predicted to encode truncated proteins, and one missense mutation, predicted to disrupt protein function. MKRN3 is a paternally expressed, imprinted gene located in the Prader-Willi syndrome critical region (chromosome 15q11-q13). All affected persons inherited the mutations from their fathers, a finding that indicates perfect segregation with the mode of inheritance expected for an imprinted gene. Levels of Mkrn3 mRNA were high in the arcuate nucleus of prepubertal mice, decreased immediately before puberty, and remained low after puberty. CONCLUSIONS: Deficiency of MKRN3 causes central precocious puberty in humans. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health and others.).

Computational Analysis of Missense Variants of G Protein-Coupled Receptors Involved in the Neuroendocrine Regulation of Reproduction.

INTRODUCTION: Many missense variants in G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) involved in the neuroendocrine regulation of reproduction have been identified by phenotype-driven or large-scale exome sequencing. Computational functional prediction analysis is commonly performed to evaluate their impact on receptor function. METHODS: To assess the performance and outcome of functional prediction analyses for these GPCRs, we performed a statistical analysis of the prediction performance of SIFT and PolyPhen-2 for variants with documented biological function as well as variants retrieved from Ensembl. We obtained missense variants with documented biological function testing from patients with reproductive disorders from a comprehensive literature search. Missense variants from individuals with known reproductive disorders were retrieved from the Human Gene Mutation Database. Missense variants from the general population were retrieved from the Ensembl genome database. RESULTS: The accuracies of SIFT and PolyPhen-2 were 83 and 85%, respectively. The performance of both prediction tools was greater in predicting loss-of-function variants (SIFT: 92%; PolyPhen-2: 95%) than in predicting variants that did not affect function (SIFT: 54%; PolyPhen-2: 57%). Concordance between SIFT and PolyPhen-2 did not improve accuracy. Surprisingly, approximately half of the variants retrieved from Ensembl were predicted as loss-of-function variants by SIFT (47%) and PolyPhen-2 (54%). CONCLUSION: Our findings provide new guidance for interpreting the results and limitations of computational functional prediction analyses for GPCRs and will help to determine which variants require biological function testing. In addition, our findings raise important questions regarding the link between genotype and phenotype in the general population.

Leptin-responsive GABAergic neurons regulate fertility through pathways that result in reduced kisspeptinergic tone.

The adipocyte-derived hormone leptin plays a critical role in the central transmission of energy balance to modulate reproductive function. However, the neurocircuitry underlying this interaction remains elusive, in part due to incomplete knowledge of first-order leptin-responsive neurons. To address this gap, we explored the contribution of predominantly inhibitory (GABAergic) neurons versus excitatory (glutamatergic) neurons in the female mouse by selective ablation of the leptin receptor in each neuronal population: Vgat-Cre;Lepr(lox/lox) and Vglut2-Cre;Lepr(lox/lox) mice, respectively. Female Vgat-Cre;Lepr(lox/lox) but not Vglut2-Cre;Lepr(lox/lox) mice were obese. Vgat-Cre;Lepr(lox/lox) mice had delayed or absent vaginal opening, persistent diestrus, and atrophic reproductive tracts with absent corpora lutea. In contrast, Vglut2-Cre;Lepr(lox/lox) females exhibited reproductive maturation and function comparable to Lepr(lox/lox) control mice. Intracerebroventricular administration of kisspeptin-10 to Vgat-Cre;Lepr(lox/lox) female mice elicited robust gonadotropin responses, suggesting normal gonadotropin-releasing hormone neuronal and gonadotrope function. However, adult ovariectomized Vgat-Cre;Lepr(lox/lox) mice displayed significantly reduced levels of Kiss1 (but not Tac2) mRNA in the arcuate nucleus, and a reduced compensatory luteinizing hormone increase compared with control animals. Estradiol replacement after ovariectomy inhibited gonadotropin release to a similar extent in both groups. These animals also exhibited a compromised positive feedback response to sex steroids, as shown by significantly lower Kiss1 mRNA levels in the AVPV, compared with Lepr(lox/lox) mice. We conclude that leptin-responsive GABAergic neurons, but not glutamatergic neurons, act as metabolic sensors to regulate fertility, at least in part through modulatory effects on kisspeptin neurons.

TACR3 mutations disrupt NK3R function through distinct mechanisms in GnRH-deficient patients.

Neurokinin B (NKB) and its G-protein-coupled receptor, NK3R, have been implicated in the neuroendocrine control of GnRH release; however, little is known about the structure-function relationship of this ligand-receptor pair. Moreover, loss-of-function NK3R mutations cause GnRH deficiency in humans. Using missense mutations in NK3R we previously identified in patients with GnRH deficiency, we demonstrate that Y256H and Y315C NK3R mutations in the fifth and sixth transmembrane domains (TM5 and TM6), resulted in reduced whole-cell (79.3±7.2%) or plasma membrane (67.3±7.3%) levels, respectively, compared with wild-type (WT) NK3R, with near complete loss of inositol phosphate (IP) signaling, implicating these domains in receptor trafficking, processing, and/or stability. We further demonstrate in a FRET-based assay that R295S NK3R, in the third intracellular loop (IL3), bound NKB but impaired dissociation of Gq-protein subunits from the receptor compared with WT NK3R, which showed a 10.0 ± 1.3% reduction in FRET ratios following ligand binding, indicating activation of Gq-protein signaling. Interestingly, R295S NK3R, identified in the heterozygous state in a GnRH-deficient patient, also interfered with dissociation of G proteins and IP signaling from wild-type NK3R, indicative of dominant-negative effects. Collectively, our data illustrate roles for TM5 and TM6 in NK3R trafficking and ligand binding and for IL3 in NK3R signaling.

Numb regulates glioma stem cell fate and growth by altering epidermal growth factor receptor and Skp1-Cullin-F-box ubiquitin ligase activity.

Glioblastoma contains a hierarchy of stem-like cancer cells, but how this hierarchy is established is unclear. Here, we show that asymmetric Numb localization specifies glioblastoma stem-like cell (GSC) fate in a manner that does not require Notch inhibition. Numb is asymmetrically localized to CD133-hi GSCs. The predominant Numb isoform, Numb4, decreases Notch and promotes a CD133-hi, radial glial-like phenotype. However, upregulation of a novel Numb isoform, Numb4 delta 7 (Numb4d7), increases Notch and AKT activation while nevertheless maintaining CD133-hi fate specification. Numb knockdown increases Notch and promotes growth while favoring a CD133-lo, glial progenitor-like phenotype. We report the novel finding that Numb4 (but not Numb4d7) promotes SCF(Fbw7) ubiquitin ligase assembly and activation to increase Notch degradation. However, both Numb isoforms decrease epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression, thereby regulating GSC fate. Small molecule inhibition of EGFR activity phenocopies the effect of Numb on CD133 and Pax6. Clinically, homozygous NUMB deletions and low Numb mRNA expression occur primarily in a subgroup of proneural glioblastomas. Higher Numb expression is found in classical and mesenchymal glioblastomas and correlates with decreased survival. Thus, decreased Numb promotes glioblastoma growth, but the remaining Numb establishes a phenotypically diverse stem-like cell hierarchy that increases tumor aggressiveness and therapeutic resistance.

Mouse Testicular Mkrn3 Expression Is Primarily Interstitial, Increases Peripubertally, and Is Responsive to LH/hCG.

Studies in humans and mice support a role for Makorin RING finger protein 3 (MKRN3) as an inhibitor of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion prepubertally, and its loss of function is the most common genetic cause of central precocious puberty in humans. Studies have shown that the gonads can synthesize neuropeptides and express MKRN3/Mkrn3 mRNA. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the spatiotemporal expression pattern of Mkrn3 in gonads during sexual development, and its potential regulation in the functional testicular compartments by gonadotropins. Mkrn3 mRNA was detected in testes and ovaries of wild-type mice at all ages evaluated, with a sexually dimorphic expression pattern between male and female gonads. Mkrn3 expression was highest peripubertally in the testes, whereas it was lower peripubertally than prepubertally in the ovaries. Mkrn3 is expressed primarily in the interstitial compartment of the testes but was also detected at low levels in the seminiferous tubules. In vitro studies demonstrated that Mkrn3 mRNA levels increased in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-treated Leydig cell primary cultures. Acute administration of a GnRH agonist in adult mice increased Mkrn3 expression in testes, whereas inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis by chronic administration of GnRH agonist had the opposite effect. Finally, we found that hCG increased Mkrn3 mRNA levels in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, our developmental expression analyses, in vitro and in vivo studies show that Mkrn3 is expressed in the testes, predominantly in the interstitial compartment, and that Mkrn3 expression increases after puberty and is responsive to luteinizing hormone/hCG stimulation.

Novel MKRN3 Missense Mutations Associated With Central Precocious Puberty Reveal Distinct Effects on Ubiquitination.

CONTEXT: Loss-of-function mutations in the maternally imprinted genes, MKRN3 and DLK1, are associated with central precocious puberty (CPP). Mutations in MKRN3 are the most common known genetic etiology of CPP. OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to screen patients with CPP for MKRN3 and DLK1 mutations and analyze the effects of identified mutations on protein function in vitro. METHODS: Participants included 84 unrelated children with CPP (79 girls, 5 boys) and, when available, their first-degree relatives. Five academic medical institutions participated. Sanger sequencing of MKRN3 and DLK1 5' upstream flanking and coding regions was performed on DNA extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes. Western blot analysis was performed to assess protein ubiquitination profiles. RESULTS: Eight heterozygous MKRN3 mutations were identified in 9 unrelated girls with CPP. Five are novel missense mutations, 2 were previously identified in patients with CPP, and 1 is a frameshift variant not previously associated with CPP. No pathogenic variants were identified in DLK1. Girls with MKRN3 mutations had an earlier age of initial pubertal signs and higher basal serum luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone compared to girls with CPP without MRKN3 mutations. Western blot analysis revealed that compared to wild-type MKRN3, mutations within the RING finger domain reduced ubiquitination whereas the mutations outside this domain increased ubiquitination. CONCLUSION: MKRN3 mutations were present in 10.7% of our CPP cohort, consistent with previous studies. The novel identified mutations in different domains of MKRN3 revealed different patterns of ubiquitination, suggesting distinct molecular mechanisms by which the loss of MRKN3 results in early pubertal onset.

MKRN3 inhibits puberty onset via interaction with IGF2BP1 and regulation of hypothalamic plasticity.

Makorin ring finger protein 3 (MKRN3) was identified as an inhibitor of puberty initiation with the report of loss-of-function mutations in association with central precocious puberty. Consistent with this inhibitory role, a prepubertal decrease in Mkrn3 expression was observed in the mouse hypothalamus. Here, we investigated the mechanisms of action of MKRN3 in the central regulation of puberty onset. We showed that MKRN3 deletion in hypothalamic neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells was associated with significant changes in expression of genes controlling hypothalamic development and plasticity. Mkrn3 deletion in a mouse model led to early puberty onset in female mice. We found that Mkrn3 deletion increased the number of dendritic spines in the arcuate nucleus but did not alter the morphology of GnRH neurons during postnatal development. In addition, we identified neurokinin B (NKB) as an Mkrn3 target. Using proteomics, we identified insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) as another target of MKRN3. Interactome analysis revealed that IGF2BP1 interacted with MKRN3, along with several members of the polyadenylate-binding protein family. Our data show that one of the mechanisms by which MKRN3 inhibits pubertal initiation is through regulation of prepubertal hypothalamic development and plasticity, as well as through effects on NKB and IGF2BP1.

Familial central precocious puberty due to DLK1 deficiency: novel genetic findings and relevance of serum DLK1 levels.

BACKGROUND: Several rare loss-of-function mutations of delta-like noncanonical notch ligand 1 (DLK1) have been described in non-syndromic children with familial central precocious puberty (CPP). OBJECTIVE: We investigated genetic abnormalities of DLK1 gene in a French cohort of children with idiopathic CPP. Additionally, we explored the pattern of DLK1 serum levels in patients with CPP and in healthy children at puberty, as well as in wild-type female mice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Genomic DNA was obtained from 121 French index cases with CPP. Automated sequencing of the coding region of the DLK1 gene was performed in all cases. Serum DLK1 levels were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 209 individuals, including 191 with normal pubertal development and in female mice during postnatal pubertal maturation. RESULTS: We identified 2 rare pathogenic DLK1 allelic variants: A stop gain variant (c.372C>A; p.Cys124X) and a start loss variant (c.2T>G; p.Met1?, or p.0) in 2 French girls with CPP. Mean serum DLK1 levels were similar between healthy children and idiopathic CPP children. In healthy individuals, DLK1 levels correlated with pubertal stage: In girls, DLK1 decreased between Tanner stages III and V, whereas in boys, DLK1 decreased between Tanner stages II and V (P = .008 and .016, respectively). Serum levels of Dlk1 also decreased in wild-type female mice. CONCLUSIONS: Novel loss-of-function mutations in DLK1 gene were identified in 2 French girls with CPP. Additionally, we demonstrated a pattern of dynamic changes in circulating DLK1 serum levels in humans and mice during pubertal stages, reinforcing the role of this factor in pubertal timing.

OSR1 disruption contributes to uterine factor infertility via impaired Müllerian duct development and endometrial receptivity.

Three sisters, born from consanguineous parents, manifested a unique Müllerian anomaly characterized by uterine hypoplasia with thin estrogen-unresponsive endometrium and primary amenorrhea, but with spontaneous tubal pregnancies. Through whole-exome sequencing followed by comprehensive genetic analysis, a missense variant was identified in the OSR1 gene. We therefore investigated OSR1/OSR1 expression in postpubertal human uteri, and the prenatal and postnatal expression pattern of Osr1/Osr1 in murine developing Müllerian ducts (MDs) and endometrium, respectively. We then investigated whether Osr1 deletion would affect MD development, using WT and genetically engineered mice. Human uterine OSR1/OSR1 expression was found primarily in the endometrium. Mouse Osr1 was expressed prenatally in MDs and Wolffian ducts (WDs), from rostral to caudal segments, in E13.5 embryos. MDs and WDs were absent on the left side and MDs were rostrally truncated on the right side of E13.5 Osr1-/- embryos. Postnatally, Osr1 was expressed in mouse uteri throughout their lifespan, peaking at postnatal days 14 and 28. Osr1 protein was present primarily in uterine luminal and glandular epithelial cells and in the epithelial cells of mouse oviducts. Through this translational approach, we demonstrated that OSR1 in humans and mice is important for MD development and endometrial receptivity and may be implicated in uterine factor infertility.

Imaging of human mesenchymal stromal cells: homing to human brain tumors.

Human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSC) can be used as a drug delivery vehicle for the treatment of GBM. However, tracking the migration and distribution of these transplanted cells is necessary to interpret therapeutic efficacy. We compared three labeling techniques for their ability to track the migration of transplanted hMSC in an orthotopic mouse xenograft model. hMSC were labeled with three different imaging tags (fluorescence, luciferase or ferumoxide) for imaging by fluorescence, bioluminescence or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), respectively. hMSC were labeled for all imaging modalities without the use of transfection agents. The labeling efficacy of the tags was confirmed, followed by in vitro and in vivo migration assays to track hMSC migration towards U87 glioma cells. Our results confirmed that the labeled hMSC retained their migratory ability in vitro, similar to unlabeled hMSC. In addition, labeled hMSC migrated towards the U87 tumor site, demonstrating their retention of tumor tropism. hMSC tumor tropism was confirmed by all three imaging modalities; however, MRI provides both real time assessment and the high resolution needed for clinical studies. Our findings suggest that ferumoxide labeling of hMSC is feasible, does not alter their migratory ability and allows detection by MRI. Non invasive tracking of transplanted therapeutic hMSC in the brain will allow further development of human cell based therapies.

Hypothalamic Overexpression of Makorin Ring Finger Protein 3 Results in Delayed Puberty in Female Mice.

Makorin ring finger protein 3 (MKRN3) is an important neuroendocrine player in the control of pubertal timing and upstream inhibitor of gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion. In mice, expression of Mkrn3 in the hypothalamic arcuate and anteroventral periventricular nucleus is high early in life and declines before the onset of puberty. Therefore, we aimed to explore if the persistence of hypothalamic Mkrn3 expression peripubertally would result in delayed puberty. Female mice that received neonatal bilateral intracerebroventricular injections of a recombinant adeno-associated virus expressing Mkrn3 had delayed vaginal opening and first estrus compared with animals injected with control virus. Subsequent estrous cycles and fertility were normal. Interestingly, male mice treated similarly did not exhibit delayed puberty onset. Kiss1, Tac2, and Pdyn mRNA levels were increased in the mediobasal hypothalamus in females at postnatal day 28, whereas kisspeptin and neurokinin B protein levels in the arcuate nucleus were decreased, following Mkrn3 overexpression, compared to controls. Cumulatively, these data suggest that Mkrn3 may directly or indirectly target neuropeptides of Kiss1 neurons to degradation pathways. This mouse model suggests that MKRN3 may be a potential contributor to delayed onset of puberty, in addition to its well-established roles in central precocious puberty and the timing of menarche.

Deletion of Gαq/11 or Gαs Proteins in Gonadotropes Differentially Affects Gonadotropin Production and Secretion in Mice.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) regulates gonadal function via its stimulatory effects on gonadotropin production by pituitary gonadotrope cells. GnRH is released from the hypothalamus in pulses and GnRH pulse frequency differentially regulates follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) synthesis and secretion. The GnRH receptor (GnRHR) is a G protein-coupled receptor that canonically activates Gα q/11-dependent signaling on ligand binding. However, the receptor can also couple to Gα s and in vitro data suggest that toggling between different G proteins may contribute to GnRH pulse frequency decoding. For example, as we show here, knockdown of Gα s impairs GnRH-stimulated FSH synthesis at low- but not high-pulse frequency in a model gonadotrope-derived cell line. We next used a Cre-lox conditional knockout approach to interrogate the relative roles of Gα q/11 and Gα s proteins in gonadotrope function in mice. Gonadotrope-specific Gα q/11 knockouts exhibit hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and infertility, akin to the phenotypes seen in GnRH- or GnRHR-deficient mice. In contrast, under standard conditions, gonadotrope-specific Gα s knockouts produce gonadotropins at normal levels and are fertile. However, the LH surge amplitude is blunted in Gα s knockout females and postgonadectomy increases in FSH and LH are reduced both in males and females. These data suggest that GnRH may signal principally via Gα q/11 to stimulate gonadotropin production, but that Gα s plays important roles in gonadotrope function in vivo when GnRH secretion is enhanced.