Identification of kinesin family member (KIF22) homozygous variants in spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity, lepdodactylic type and demonstration of proteoglycan biosynthesis impairment.

Heterozygous variants in KIF22, encoding a kinesin-like protein, are responsible for spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity, leptodactilic type (lepto-SEMDJL), characterized by short stature, flat face, generalized joint laxity with multiple dislocations, and progressive scoliosis and limb deformity. By targeted gene sequencing analysis, we identified a homozygous KIF22 variant (NM_007317.3: c.146G>A, p.Arg49Gln) in 3 patients from 3 unrelated families. The clinical features appeared similar to those of patients carrying heterozygous KIF22 variant (c.443C>T or c.446G>A), although the spinal involvement appeared later and was less severe in patients with a recessive variant. Relatives harboring the c.146G>A variant at the heterozygous state were asymptomatic. The homozygous KIF22 variant c.146G>A affected a conserved residue located in the active site and potentially destabilized ATP binding. RT-PCR and western blot analyses demonstrated that both dominant and recessive KIF22 variants do not affect KIF22 mRNA and protein expression in patient fibroblasts compared to controls. As lepto-SEMDJL presents phenotypic overlap with chondrodysplasias with multiple dislocations (CMD), related to defective proteoglycan biosynthesis, we analyzed proteoglycan synthesis in patient skin fibroblasts. Compared to controls, DMMB assay showed a significant decrease of total sulfated proteoglycan content in culture medium but not in the cell layer, and immunofluorescence demonstrated a strong reduction of staining for chondroitin sulfates but not for heparan sulfates, similarly in patients with recessive or dominant KIF22 variants. These data identify a new recessive KIF22 pathogenic variant and link for the first time KIF22 pathogenic variants to altered proteoglycan biosynthesis and place the lepto-SEMDJL in the CMD spectrum.

Heterozygous variants in KIF22, encoding a kinesin-like protein, are responsible for spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity, leptodactilic type (lepto-SEMDJL), characterized by short stature, flat face, generalized joint laxity with multiple dislocations, and progressive scoliosis and limb deformity. We identified a homozygous KIF22 variant (NM_007317.3: c.146G>A, p.Arg49Gln) in 3 patients from 3 unrelated families. The clinical features appeared similar to those of patients carrying heterozygous KIF22. The homozygous KIF22 variant c.146G>A affected a conserved residue located in the active site and potentially destabilized ATP binding. As lepto-SEMDJL presents phenotypic overlap with chondrodysplasias with multiple dislocations, related to defective proteoglycan biosynthesis, we analyzed proteoglycan synthesis in patient skin fibroblasts and showed a significant decrease of total sulfated proteoglycan content in culture medium, similarly in patients with recessive or dominant KIF22 variants. These data identify a new recessive KIF22 pathogenic variant and link for the first time KIF22 pathogenic variants to altered proteoglycan biosynthesis.

The critical role of the TB5 domain of fibrillin-1 in endochondral ossification.

Mutations in the fibrillin-1 (FBN1) gene are responsible for the autosomal dominant form of geleophysic dysplasia (GD), which is characterized by short stature and extremities, thick skin and cardiovascular disease. All known FBN1 mutations in patients with GD are localized within the region encoding the transforming growth factor-ß binding protein-like 5 (TB5) domain of this protein. Herein, we generated a knock-in mouse model, Fbn1Y1698C by introducing the p.Tyr1696Cys mutation from a patient with GD into the TB5 domain of murine Fbn1 to elucidate the specific role of this domain in endochondral ossification. We found that both Fbn1Y1698C/+ and Fbn1Y1698C/Y1698C mice exhibited a reduced stature reminiscent of the human GD phenotype. The Fbn1 point mutation introduced in these mice affected the growth plate formation owing to abnormal chondrocyte differentiation such that mutant chondrocytes failed to establish a dense microfibrillar network composed of FBN1. This original Fbn1 mutant mouse model offers new insight into the pathogenic events underlying GD. Our findings suggest that the etiology of GD involves the dysregulation of the extracellular matrix composed of an abnormal FBN1 microfibril network impacting the differentiation of the chondrocytes.

Biallelic variants in SLC35B2 cause a novel chondrodysplasia with hypomyelinating leukodystrophy.

Sulphated proteoglycans are essential in skeletal and brain development. Recently, pathogenic variants in genes encoding proteins involved in the proteoglycan biosynthesis have been identified in a range of chondrodysplasia associated with intellectual disability. Nevertheless, several patients remain with unidentified molecular basis. This study aimed to contribute to the deciphering of new molecular bases in patients with chondrodysplasia and neurodevelopmental disease. Exome sequencing was performed to identify pathogenic variants in patients presenting with chondrodysplasia and intellectual disability. The pathogenic effects of the potentially causative variants were analysed by functional studies. We identified homozygous variants (c.1218_1220del and c.1224_1225del) in SLC35B2 in two patients with pre- and postnatal growth retardation, scoliosis, severe motor and intellectual disabilities and hypomyelinating leukodystrophy. By functional analyses, we showed that the variants affect SLC35B2 mRNA expression and protein subcellular localization leading to a functional impairment of the protein. Consistent with those results, we detected proteoglycan sulphation impairment in SLC35B2 patient fibroblasts and serum. Our data support that SLC35B2 functional impairment causes a novel syndromic chondrodysplasia with hypomyelinating leukodystrophy, most likely through a proteoglycan sulphation defect. This is the first time that SLC35B2 variants are associated with bone and brain development in human.

SLC10A7, an orphan member of the SLC10 family involved in congenital disorders of glycosylation.

SLC10A7, encoded by the so-called SLC10A7 gene, is the seventh member of a human sodium/bile acid cotransporter family, known as the SLC10 family. Despite similarities with the other members of the SLC10 family, SLC10A7 does not exhibit any transport activity for the typical SLC10 substrates and is then considered yet as an orphan carrier. Recently, SLC10A7 mutations have been identified as responsible for a new Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation (CDG). CDG are a family of rare and inherited metabolic disorders, where glycosylation abnormalities lead to multisystemic defects. SLC10A7-CDG patients presented skeletal dysplasia with multiple large joint dislocations, short stature and amelogenesis imperfecta likely mediated by glycosaminoglycan (GAG) defects. Although it has been demonstrated that the transporter and substrate specificities of SLC10A7, if any, differ from those of the main members of the protein family, SLC10A7 seems to play a role in Ca2+ regulation and is involved in proper glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis, especially heparan-sulfate, and N-glycosylation. This paper will review our current knowledge on the known and predicted structural and functional properties of this fascinating protein, and its link with the glycosylation process.

Inherited Proteoglycan Biosynthesis Defects-Current Laboratory Tools and Bikunin as a Promising Blood Biomarker.

Proteoglycans consist of proteins linked to sulfated glycosaminoglycan chains. They constitute a family of macromolecules mainly involved in the architecture of organs and tissues as major components of extracellular matrices. Some proteoglycans also act as signaling molecules involved in inflammatory response as well as cell proliferation, adhesion, and differentiation. Inborn errors of proteoglycan metabolism are a group of orphan diseases with severe and irreversible skeletal abnormalities associated with multiorgan impairments. Identifying the gene variants that cause these pathologies proves to be difficult because of unspecific clinical symptoms, hardly accessible functional laboratory tests, and a lack of convenient blood biomarkers. In this review, we summarize the molecular pathways of proteoglycan biosynthesis, the associated inherited syndromes, and the related biochemical screening techniques, and we focus especially on a circulating proteoglycan called bikunin and on its potential as a new biomarker of these diseases.

Chondrodysplasias With Multiple Dislocations Caused by Defects in Glycosaminoglycan Synthesis.

Chondrodysplasias with multiple dislocations form a group of severe disorders characterized by joint laxity and multiple dislocations, severe short stature of pre- and post-natal onset, hand anomalies, and/or vertebral anomalies. The majority of chondrodysplasias with multiple dislocations have been associated with mutations in genes encoding glycosyltransferases, sulfotransferases, and transporters implicated in the synthesis or sulfation of glycosaminoglycans, long and unbranched polysaccharides composed of repeated disaccharide bond to protein core of proteoglycan. Glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis is a tightly regulated process that occurs mainly in the Golgi and that requires the coordinated action of numerous enzymes and transporters as well as an adequate Golgi environment. Any disturbances of this chain of reactions will lead to the incapacity of a cell to construct correct glycanic chains. This review focuses on genetic and glycobiological studies of chondrodysplasias with multiple dislocations associated with glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis defects and related animal models. Strong comprehension of the molecular mechanisms leading to those disorders, mostly through extensive phenotypic analyses of in vitro and/or in vivo models, is essential for the development of novel biomarkers for clinical screenings and innovative therapeutics for these diseases.

Serum bikunin isoforms in congenital disorders of glycosylation and linkeropathies.

Bikunin (Bkn) isoforms are serum chondroitin sulfate (CS) proteoglycans synthesized by the liver. They include two light forms, that is, the Bkn core protein and the Bkn linked to the CS chain (urinary trypsin inhibitor [UTI]), and two heavy forms, that is, pro-α-trypsin inhibitor and inter-α-trypsin inhibitor, corresponding to UTI esterified by one or two heavy chains glycoproteins, respectively. We previously showed that the Western-blot analysis of the light forms could allow the fast and easy detection of patients with linkeropathy, deficient in enzymes involved in the synthesis of the initial common tetrasaccharide linker of glycosaminoglycans. Here, we analyzed all serum Bkn isoforms in a context of congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) and showed very specific abnormal patterns suggesting potential interests for their screening and diagnosis. In particular, genetic deficiencies in V-ATPase (ATP6V0A2-CDG, CCDC115-CDG, ATP6AP1-CDG), in Golgi manganese homeostasis (TMEM165-CDG) and in the N-acetyl-glucosamine Golgi transport (SLC35A3-CDG) all share specific abnormal Bkn patterns. Furthermore, for each studied linkeropathy, we show that the light abnormal Bkn could be further in-depth characterized by two-dimensional electrophoresis. Moreover, besides being interesting as a specific biomarker of both CDG and linkeropathies, Bkn isoforms' analyses can provide new insights into the pathophysiology of the aforementioned diseases.

Homozygous Loss-of-Function Mutations in CCDC134 Are Responsible for a Severe Form of Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a primary bone fragility disorder with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 15,000 births. The majority of OI cases are inherited in an autosomal-dominant manner, while 5% to 10% have recessive or X-linked inheritance. Up to now, approximately 5% of OI cases remain without mutation demonstrated, supporting the involvement of other genes in the disease spectrum. By whole-exome sequencing, we identified a homozygous variant (c.2T>C) in CCDC134 gene in three patients from two unrelated families with severe bone fragility that did not respond to bisphosphonate treatment, short stature, and gracile long bones with pseudarthroses but no dentinogenesis imperfecta. CCDC134 encodes a secreted protein widely expressed and implicated in the regulation of some mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses confirmed the absence of CCDC134 protein in patient cells compared with controls. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CCDC134 mutations are associated with increased Erk1/2 phosphorylation, decreased OPN mRNA and COL1A1 expression and reduced mineralization in patient osteoblasts compared with controls. These data support that CCDC134 is a new gene involved in severe progressive deforming recessive osteogenesis imperfecta (type III). © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

ADAMTS9 and ADAMTS20 are differentially affected by loss of B3GLCT in mouse model of Peters plus syndrome.

Peters plus syndrome (MIM #261540 PTRPLS), characterized by defects in eye development, prominent forehead, hypertelorism, short stature and brachydactyly, is caused by mutations in the ß3-glucosyltransferase (B3GLCT) gene. Protein O-fucosyltransferase 2 (POFUT2) and B3GLCT work sequentially to add an O-linked glucose ß1-3fucose disaccharide to properly folded thrombospondin type 1 repeats (TSRs). Forty-nine proteins are predicted to be modified by POFUT2, and nearly half are members of the ADAMTS superfamily. Previous studies suggested that O-linked fucose is essential for folding and secretion of POFUT2-modified proteins and that B3GLCT-mediated extension to the disaccharide is essential for only a subset of targets. To test this hypothesis and gain insight into the origin of PTRPLS developmental defects, we developed and characterized two mouse B3glct knockout alleles. Using these models, we tested the role of B3GLCT in enabling function of ADAMTS9 and ADAMTS20, two highly conserved targets whose functions are well characterized in mouse development. The mouse B3glct mutants developed craniofacial and skeletal abnormalities comparable to PTRPLS. In addition, we observed highly penetrant hydrocephalus, white spotting and soft tissue syndactyly. We provide strong genetic and biochemical evidence that hydrocephalus and white spotting in B3glct mutants resulted from loss of ADAMTS20, eye abnormalities from partial reduction of ADAMTS9 and cleft palate from loss of ADAMTS20 and partially reduced ADAMTS9 function. Combined, these results provide compelling evidence that ADAMTS9 and ADAMTS20 were differentially sensitive to B3GLCT inactivation and suggest that the developmental defects in PTRPLS result from disruption of a subset of highly sensitive POFUT2/B3GLCT targets such as ADAMTS20.

ADAMTS9 Regulates Skeletal Muscle Insulin Sensitivity Through Extracellular Matrix Alterations.

The ADAMTS9 rs4607103 C allele is one of the few gene variants proposed to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes through an impairment of insulin sensitivity. We show that the variant is associated with increased expression of the secreted ADAMTS9 and decreased insulin sensitivity and signaling in human skeletal muscle. In line with this, mice lacking Adamts9 selectively in skeletal muscle have improved insulin sensitivity. The molecular link between ADAMTS9 and insulin signaling was characterized further in a model where ADAMTS9 was overexpressed in skeletal muscle. This selective overexpression resulted in decreased insulin signaling presumably mediated through alterations of the integrin ß1 signaling pathway and disruption of the intracellular cytoskeletal organization. Furthermore, this led to impaired mitochondrial function in mouse muscle-an observation found to be of translational character because humans carrying the ADAMTS9 risk allele have decreased expression of mitochondrial markers. Finally, we found that the link between ADAMTS9 overexpression and impaired insulin signaling could be due to accumulation of harmful lipid intermediates. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes and point to inhibition of ADAMTS9 as a potential novel mode of treating insulin resistance.

SLC10A7 mutations cause a skeletal dysplasia with amelogenesis imperfecta mediated by GAG biosynthesis defects.

Skeletal dysplasia with multiple dislocations are severe disorders characterized by dislocations of large joints and short stature. The majority of them have been linked to pathogenic variants in genes encoding glycosyltransferases, sulfotransferases or epimerases required for glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Using exome sequencing, we identify homozygous mutations in SLC10A7 in six individuals with skeletal dysplasia with multiple dislocations and amelogenesis imperfecta. SLC10A7 encodes a 10-transmembrane-domain transporter located at the plasma membrane. Functional studies in vitro demonstrate that SLC10A7 mutations reduce SLC10A7 protein expression. We generate a Slc10a7-/- mouse model, which displays shortened long bones, growth plate disorganization and tooth enamel anomalies, recapitulating the human phenotype. Furthermore, we identify decreased heparan sulfate levels in Slc10a7-/- mouse cartilage and patient fibroblasts. Finally, we find an abnormal N-glycoprotein electrophoretic profile in patient blood samples. Together, our findings support the involvement of SLC10A7 in glycosaminoglycan synthesis and specifically in skeletal development.

A Novel Physiological Glycosaminoglycan-Deficient Splice Variant of Neuropilin-1 Is Anti-Tumorigenic In Vitro and In Vivo.

Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is a transmembrane protein acting as a co-receptor for several growth factors and interacting with other proteins such as integrins and plexins/semaphorins. It is involved in axonal development, angiogenesis and cancer progression. Its primary mRNA is subjected to alternative splicing mechanisms generating different isoforms, some of which lack the transmembrane domain and display antagonist properties to NRP1 full size (FS). NRP1 is further post-translationally modified by the addition of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) side chains through an O-glycosylation site at serine612. Here, we characterized a novel splice variant which has never been investigated, NRP1-Δ7, differing from the NRP1-FS by a deletion of 7 amino acids occurring two residues downstream of the O-glycosylation site. This short sequence contains two aspartic residues critical for efficient glycosylation. As expected, the high molecular weight products appearing as a smear in SDS-PAGE and reflecting the presence of GAG in NRP1-FS were undetectable in the NRP1-Δ7 protein. NRP1-Δ7 mRNA was found expressed at an appreciable level, between 10 and 30% of the total NRP1, by various cells lines and tissues from human and murine origin. To investigate the biological properties of this isoform, we generated prostatic (PC3) and breast (MDA-MB-231) cancer cells able to express recombinant NRP1-FS or NRP1-Δ7 in a doxycycline-inducible manner. Cells with increased expression of NRP1-Δ7 were characterized in vitro by a significant reduction of proliferation, migration and anchorage-independent growth, while NRP1-FS had the expected opposite "pro-tumoral" effects. Upon VEGF-A165 treatment, a lower internalization rate was observed for NRP1-Δ7 than for NRP1-FS. Finally, we showed that NRP1-Δ7 inhibited growth of prostatic tumors and their vascularization in vivo. This report identifies NRP1-Δ7 as a splice variant displaying anti-tumorigenic properties in vitro and in vivo, emphasizing the need to consider this isoform in future studies.

Impaired ADAMTS9 secretion: A potential mechanism for eye defects in Peters Plus Syndrome.

Peters Plus syndrome (PPS), a congenital disorder of glycosylation, results from recessive mutations affecting the glucosyltransferase B3GLCT, leading to congenital corneal opacity and diverse extra-ocular manifestations. Together with the fucosyltransferase POFUT2, B3GLCT adds Glucoseß1-3Fucose disaccharide to a consensus sequence in thrombospondin type 1 repeats (TSRs) of several proteins. Which of these target proteins is functionally compromised in PPS is unknown. We report here that haploinsufficiency of murine Adamts9, encoding a secreted metalloproteinase with 15 TSRs, leads to congenital corneal opacity and Peters anomaly (persistent lens-cornea adhesion), which is a hallmark of PPS. Mass spectrometry of recombinant ADAMTS9 showed that 9 of 12 TSRs with the O-fucosylation consensus sequence carried the Glucoseß1-3Fucose disaccharide and B3GLCT knockdown reduced ADAMTS9 secretion in HEK293F cells. Together, the genetic and biochemical findings imply a dosage-dependent role for ADAMTS9 in ocular morphogenesis. Reduced secretion of ADAMTS9 in the absence of B3GLCT is proposed as a mechanism of Peters anomaly in PPS. The functional link between ADAMTS9 and B3GLCT established here also provides credence to their recently reported association with age-related macular degeneration.

Determination of the substrate repertoire of ADAMTS2, 3, and 14 significantly broadens their functions and identifies extracellular matrix organization and TGF-ß signaling as primary targets.

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type I motif (ADAMTS)2, 3, and 14 are collectively named procollagen N-proteinases (pNPs) because of their specific ability to cleave the aminopropeptide of fibrillar procollagens. Several reports also indicate that they could be involved in other biological processes, such as blood coagulation, development, and male fertility, but the potential substrates associated with these activities remain unknown. Using the recently described N-terminal amine isotopic labeling of substrate approach, we analyzed the secretomes of human fibroblasts and identified 8, 17, and 22 candidate substrates for ADAMTS2, 3, and 14, respectively. Among these newly identified substrates, many are components of the extracellular matrix and/or proteins related to cell signaling such as latent TGF-ß binding protein 1, TGF-ß RIII, and dickkopf-related protein 3. Candidate substrates for the 3 ADAMTS have been biochemically validated in different contexts, and the implication of ADAMTS2 in the control of TGF-ß activity has been further demonstrated in human fibroblasts. Finally, the cleavage site specificity was assessed showing a clear and unique preference for nonpolar or slightly hydrophobic amino acids. This work shows that the activities of the pNPs extend far beyond the classically reported processing of the aminopropeptide of fibrillar collagens and that they should now be considered as multilevel regulators of matrix deposition and remodeling.-Bekhouche, M., Leduc, C., Dupont, L., Janssen, L., Delolme, F., Vadon-Le Goff, S., Smargiasso, N., Baiwir, D., Mazzucchelli, G., Zanella-Cleon, I., Dubail, J., De Pauw, E., Nusgens, B., Hulmes, D. J. S., Moali, C., Colige, A. Determination of the substrate repertoire of ADAMTS2, 3, and 14 significantly broadens their functions and identifies extracellular matrix organization and TGF-ß signaling as primary targets.

ADAMTS3 activity is mandatory for embryonic lymphangiogenesis and regulates placental angiogenesis.

The only documented activity of a subclass of ADAMTS proteases comprising ADAMTS2, 3 and 14 is the cleavage of the aminopropeptide of fibrillar procollagens. A limited number of in vitro studies suggested that ADAMTS3 is mainly responsible for procollagen II processing in cartilage. Here, we created an ADAMTS3 knockout mouse (Adamts3(-/-)) model to determine in vivo the actual functions of ADAMTS3. Heterozygous Adamts3(+/-) mice were viable and fertile, but their intercrosses demonstrated lethality of Adamts3(-/-) embryos after 15 days of gestation. Procollagens I, II and III processing was unaffected in these embryos. However, a massive lymphedema caused by the lack of lymphatics development, an abnormal blood vessel structure in the placenta and a progressive liver destruction were observed. These phenotypes are most probably linked to dysregulation of the VEGF-C pathways. This study is the first demonstration that an aminoprocollagen peptidase is crucial for developmental processes independently of its primary role in collagen biology and has physiological functions potentially involved in several human diseases related to angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.

Insights on ADAMTS proteases and ADAMTS-like proteins from mammalian genetics.

The mammalian ADAMTS superfamily comprises 19 secreted metalloproteinases and 7 ADAMTS-like proteins, each the product of a distinct gene. Thus far, all appear to be relevant to extracellular matrix function or to cell-matrix interactions. Most ADAMTS functions first emerged from analysis of spontaneous human and animal mutations and genetically engineered animals. The clinical manifestations of Mendelian disorders resulting from mutations in ADAMTS2, ADAMTS10, ADAMTS13, ADAMTS17, ADAMTSL2 and ADAMTSL4 identified essential roles for each gene, but also suggested potential cooperative functions of ADAMTS proteins. These observations were extended by analysis of spontaneous animal mutations, such as in bovine ADAMTS2, canine ADAMTS10, ADAMTS17 and ADAMTSL2 and mouse ADAMTS20. These human and animal disorders are recessive and their manifestations appear to result from a loss-of-function mechanism. Genome-wide analyses have determined an association of some ADAMTS loci such as ADAMTS9 and ADAMTS7, with specific traits and acquired disorders. Analysis of genetically engineered rodent mutations, now achieved for over half the superfamily, has provided novel biological insights and animal models for the respective human genetic disorders and suggested potential candidate genes for related human phenotypes. Engineered mouse mutants have been interbred to generate combinatorial mutants, uncovering cooperative functions of ADAMTS proteins in morphogenesis. Specific genetic models have provided crucial insights on mechanisms of osteoarthritis (OA), a common adult-onset degenerative condition. Engineered mutants will facilitate interpretation of exome variants identified in isolated birth defects and rare genetic conditions, as well as in genome-wide screens for trait and disease associations. Mammalian forward and reverse genetics, together with genome-wide analysis, together constitute a powerful force for revealing the functions of ADAMTS proteins in physiological pathways and health disorders. Their continuing use, together with genome-editing technology and the ability to generate stem cells from mutants, presents numerous opportunities for advancing basic knowledge, human disease pathways and therapy.

A new Adamts9 conditional mouse allele identifies its non-redundant role in interdigital web regression.

ADAMTS9 is the most conserved member of a large family of secreted metalloproteases having diverse functions. Adamts9 null mice die before gastrulation, precluding investigations of its roles later in embryogenesis, in adult mice or disease models. We therefore generated a floxed Adamts9 allele to bypass embryonic lethality. In this mutant, unidirectional loxP sites flank exons 5-8, which encode the catalytic domain, including the protease active site. Mice homozygous for the floxed allele were viable, lacked an overt phenotype, and were fertile. Conversely, mice homozygous for a germ-line deletion produced from the floxed allele by Cre-lox recombination did not survive past gastrulation. Hemizygosity of the deleted Adamts9 in combination with mutant Adamts20 led to cleft palate and severe white spotting as previously described. Previously, Adamts9 haploinsufficiency combined with either Adamts20 or Adamts5 nullizygosity suggested a cooperative role in interdigital web regression, but the outcome of deletion of Adamts9 alone remained unknown. Here, Adamts9 was conditionally deleted in limb mesoderm using Prx1-Cre mice. Unlike other ADAMTS single knockouts, limb-specific Adamts9 deletion resulted in soft-tissue syndactyly (STS) with 100% penetrance and concurrent deletion of Adamts5 increased the severity of STS. Thus, Adamts9 has both non-redundant and cooperative roles in ensuring interdigital web regression. This new allele will be useful for investigating other biological functions of ADAMTS9.

RhoGDIα-dependent balance between RhoA and RhoC is a key regulator of cancer cell tumorigenesis.

RhoGTPases are key signaling molecules regulating main cellular functions such as migration, proliferation, survival, and gene expression through interactions with various effectors. Within the RhoA-related subclass, RhoA and RhoC contribute to several steps of tumor growth, and the regulation of their expression affects cancer progression. Our aim is to investigate their respective contributions to the acquisition of an invasive phenotype by using models of reduced or forced expression. The silencing of RhoC, but not of RhoA, increased the expression of genes encoding tumor suppressors, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene 1 (NAG-1), and decreased migration and the anchorage-independent growth in vitro. In vivo, RhoC small interfering RNA (siRhoC) impaired tumor growth. Of interest, the simultaneous knockdown of RhoC and NAG-1 repressed most of the siRhoC-related effects, demonstrating the central role of NAG-1. In addition of being induced by RhoC silencing, NAG-1 was also largely up-regulated in cells overexpressing RhoA. The silencing of RhoGDP dissociation inhibitor α (RhoGDIα) and the overexpression of a RhoA mutant unable to bind RhoGDIα suggested that the effect of RhoC silencing is indirect and results from the up-regulation of the RhoA level through competition for RhoGDIα. This study demonstrates the dynamic balance inside the RhoGTPase network and illustrates its biological relevance in cancer progression.