Genetic analysis of a Chinese family with members affected with Usher syndrome type II and Waardenburg syndrome type IV.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to identify the genetic causes of a family presenting with multiple symptoms overlapping Usher syndrome type II (USH2) and Waardenburg syndrome type IV (WS4). METHODS: Targeted next-generation sequencing including the exon and flanking intron sequences of 79 deafness genes was performed on the proband. Co-segregation of the disease phenotype and the detected variants were confirmed in all family members by PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: The affected members of this family had two different recessive disorders, USH2 and WS4. By targeted next-generation sequencing, we identified that USH2 was caused by a novel missense mutation, p.V4907D in GPR98; whereas WS4 due to p.V185M in EDNRB. This is the first report of homozygous p.V185M mutation in EDNRB in patient with WS4. CONCLUSION: This study reported a Chinese family with multiple independent and overlapping phenotypes. In condition, molecular level analysis was efficient to identify the causative variant p.V4907D in GPR98 and p.V185M in EDNRB, also was helpful to confirm the clinical diagnosis of USH2 and WS4.

A dominant variant in DMXL2 is linked to nonsyndromic hearing loss.

PURPOSE: To explore the genetic etiology of deafness in a dominant family with late-onset, progressive, nonsyndromic hearing loss. METHODS: Genome-wide linkage analysis was performed for 21 family members. Candidate pathogenic variants were identified by whole-exome sequencing of selected family members and confirmed by Sanger sequencing of all family members. Cochlear expression of Dmxl2 was investigated by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunostaining of the organ of Corti from mice. RESULTS: The causative gene was mapped to a 9.68-Mb candidate region on chromosome 15q21.2 (maximum logarithm of the odds score = 4.03) that contained no previously described deafness genes. Whole-exome sequencing identified heterozygous c.7250G>A (p.Arg2417His) in DMXL2 as the only candidate pathogenic variant segregating the hearing loss. In mouse cochlea, expression of DMXL2 was restricted to the hair cells and the spiral ganglion neurons. CONCLUSION: Our data indicated that the p.Arg2417His variant in DMXL2 is associated with dominant, nonsyndromic hearing loss and suggested an important role of DMXL2 in inner ear function.Genet Med advance online publication 22 September 2016.

Effects of long-term salicylate administration on synaptic ultrastructure and metabolic activity in the rat CNS.

Tinnitus is associated with neural hyperactivity in the central nervous system (CNS). Salicylate is a well-known ototoxic drug, and we induced tinnitus in rats using a model of long-term salicylate administration. The gap pre-pulse inhibition of acoustic startle test was used to infer tinnitus perception, and only rats in the chronic salicylate-treatment (14 days) group showed evidence of experiencing tinnitus. After small animal positron emission tomography scans were performed, we found that the metabolic activity of the inferior colliculus (IC), the auditory cortex (AC), and the hippocampus (HP) were significantly higher in the chronic treatment group compared with saline group (treated for 14 days), which was further supported by ultrastructural changes at the synapses. The alterations all returned to baseline 14 days after the cessation of salicylate-treatment (wash-out group), indicating that these changes were reversible. These findings indicate that long-term salicylate administration induces tinnitus, enhanced neural activity and synaptic ultrastructural changes in the IC, AC, and HP of rats due to neuroplasticity. Thus, an increased metabolic rate and synaptic transmission in specific areas of the CNS may contribute to the development of tinnitus.

Inner ear delivery of dexamethasone using injectable silk-polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel.

Minimally invasive delivery and sustained release of therapeutics to the inner ear are of importance to the medical treatment of inner ear disease. In this study, the injectable silk fibroin-polyethylene glycol (Silk-PEG) hydrogel was investigated as a drug delivery carrier to deliver poorly soluble micronized dexamethasone (mDEX) to the inner ear of guinea pigs. Encapsulation of mDEX with a loading up to 5% (w/v) did not significantly change the silk gelation time, and mDEX were evenly distributed in the PEG-Silk hydrogel as visualized by SEM. The loading of mDEX in Silk-PEG hydrogel largely influenced in vitro drug release kinetics. The optimized Silk-PEG-mDEX hydrogel (2.5% w/v loading, in situ-forming, 10 µl) was administered directly onto the round window membrane of guinea pigs. The DEX concentration in perilymph maintained above 100 ng/ml for at least 10 days for the Silk-PEG formulation while less than 12h for the control sample of free mDEX. Minimal systemic exposure was achieved with low DEX concentrations (<0.2 µg/ml) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma in the first 2h after the local application of the Silk-PEG-mDEX hydrogel. A transient hearing threshold shift was found but then resolved after 14 days as revealed by auditory brainstem response (ABR), showing minimal inflammatory responses on the round window membrane and scala taympani. The Silk-PEG hydrogel completely degraded in 21 days. Thus, the injectable PEG-Silk hydrogel is an effective and safe vehicle for inner ear delivery and sustained release of glucocorticoid.

Dexamethasone loaded nanoparticles exert protective effects against Cisplatin-induced hearing loss by systemic administration.

Ototoxicity is one of the most important adverse effects of cisplatin chemotherapy. As a common treatment of acute sensorineural hearing loss, systemic administration of steroids was demonstrated ineffective against cisplatin-induced hearing loss (CIHL) in published studies. The current study aimed to evaluate the potential protective effect of dexamethasone (DEX) encapsulated in polyethyleneglycol-coated polylactic acid (PEG-PLA) nanoparticles (DEX-NPs) against cisplatin-induced hearing loss following systemic administration. DEX was fabricated into PEG-PLA nanoparticles using emulsion and evaporation technique as previously reported. DEX or DEX-NPs was administered intraperitoneally to guinea pigs 1h before cisplatin administration. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold shifts were measured at four frequencies (4, 8, 16, and 24kHz) 1 day before and three days after cisplatin injection. Cochlear morphology was examined to evaluate inner ear injury induced by cisplatin exposure. A single dose of DEX-NPs 1h before cisplatin treatment resulted in a significant preservation of the functional and structural properties of the cochlea, which was equivalent to the effect of multidose (3 days) DEX injection. In contrast, no significant protective effect was observed by single dose injection of DEX. The results of histological examination of the cochleae were consistent with the functional measurements. In conclusion, a single dose DEX-NPs significantly attenuated cisplatin ototoxicity in guinea pigs after systemic administration at both histological and functional levels indicating the potential therapeutic benefits of these nanoparticles for enhancing the delivery of DEX in acute sensorineural hearing loss.

Mutation in PCDH15 may modify the phenotypic expression of the 7511T>C mutation in MT-TS1 in a Chinese Han family with maternally inherited nonsyndromic hearing loss.

OBJECTIVES: Mutations in MT-TS1 have been found to be associated with nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). PCDH15 codes for protocadherin-15, a member of the cadherin superfamily of calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion molecules. In this study, we analyzed the correlation of both MT-TS1 and PCDH15 mutations in a Chinese Han family segregating maternally inherited nonsyndromic SNHL. METHODS: We ascertained a Chinese Han family segregating maternally inherited nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss. Eight of 10 maternal members in this family exhibited late-onset, progressive hearing impairment. Mutation screening of 79 known deafness genes was performed for the proband by targeted next-generation sequencing. RESULTS: A total of 651 variants were detected in this individual. Among them, a homoplasmic 7511T>C variant in MT-TS1, the mitochondrial tRNA (Ser(UCN)) gene, and a heterozygous p.Asp1010Gly variant in PCDH15 were more likely to be pathogenic. Consistent with the matrilineal inheritance with reduced penetrance, the 7511T>C variant in MT-TS1 was found in all 10 maternal members and an additional heterozygous p.Asp1010Gly variant in PCDH15 cosegregated with the hearing loss in this family. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that the PCDH15 p.Asp1010Gly variant probably modified the phenotypic expression of the 7511T>C mutation in MT-TS1.

A single dose of dexamethasone encapsulated in polyethylene glycol-coated polylactic acid nanoparticles attenuates cisplatin-induced hearing loss following round window membrane administration.

This study aimed to investigate the sustained drug release properties and hearing protection effect of polyethylene glycol-coated polylactic acid (PEG-PLA) stealth nanoparticles loaded with dexamethasone (DEX). DEX was fabricated into PEG-PLA nanoparticles using an emulsion and evaporation technique, as previously reported. The DEX-loaded PEG-PLA nanoparticles (DEX-NPs) had a hydrodynamic diameter of 130±4.78 nm, and a zeta potential of -26.13±3.28 mV. The in vitro release of DEX from DEX-NPs lasted 24 days in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4), 5 days in artificial perilymph (pH 7.4), and 1 day in rat plasma. Coumarin 6-labeled NPs placed onto the round window membrane (RWM) of guinea pigs penetrated RWM quickly and accumulated to the organs of Corti, stria vascularis, and spiral ganglion cells after 1 hour of administration. The DEX-NPs locally applied onto the RWM of guinea pigs by a single-dose administration continuously released DEX in 48 hours, which was significantly longer than the free DEX that was cleared out within 12 hours after administration at the same dose. Further functional studies showed that locally administrated single-dose DEX-NPs effectively preserved outer hair cells in guinea pigs after cisplatin insult and thus significantly attenuated hearing loss at 4 kHz and 8 kHz frequencies when compared to the control of free DEX formulation. Histological analyses indicated that the administration of DEX-NPs did not induce local inflammatory responses. Therefore, prolonged delivery of DEX by PEG-PLA nanoparticles through local RWM diffusion (administration) significantly protected the hair cells and auditory function in guinea pigs from cisplatin toxicity, as determined at both histological and functional levels, suggesting the potential therapeutic benefits in clinical applications.

Targeted next-generation sequencing in Uyghur families with non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss.

The mutation spectrum of deafness genes may vary in different ethnical groups. In this study, we investigated the genetic etiology of nonsyndromic deafness in four consanguineous and two multiplex Uyghur families in which mutations in common deafness genes GJB2, SLC26A4 and MT-RNR1 were excluded. Targeted next-generation sequencing of 97 deafness genes was performed in the probands of each family. Novel pathogenic mutations were identified in four probands including the p.L416R/p.A438T compound heterozygous mutations in TMC1, the homozygous p.V1880E mutation in MYO7A, c.1238delT frameshifting deletion in PCDH15 and c.9690+1G>A splice site mutation in MYO15A. Co-segregation of the mutations and the deafness were confirmed within each family by Sanger sequencing. No pathogenic mutations were identified in one multiplex family and one consanguineous family. Our study provided a useful piece of information for the genetic etiology of deafness in Uyghurs.

[Investigation of clinical features and detection of 79 known deafness genes in a large Chinese family with dominant non-syndromic hearing loss].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of a large family with late-onset, progressive autosomal dominant non-syndromic hearing loss. METHODS: Collections of detail history hereditary features, physical and audiological examination were performed. After mutation screening of GJB2, SLC26A4, MTRNR1 (12SrRNA) genes by Sanger sequencing, the proband was investigated by targeted next-generation sequencing of 79 deafness genes. RESULTS: This family included seven generations and 73 members. Eleven persons with hearing loss and 11 normal-hearing persons participated in this study. All affected members but one exhibited late-onset, progressive non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss; the ages of onset were between 9 and 30 years. Mutation screening by sanger-sequencing and targeted next-generation sequencing excluded the possibility of pathogenic mutations within known deafness gene. CONCLUSIONS: A Chinese family with late-onset progressive non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss was investigated clinically and genetically. By candidate gene approach and targeted next-generation sequencing, this family was preliminary proved to be caused by unknown deafness gene.

Molecular etiology of non-dominant, non-syndromic, mild-to-moderate childhood hearing impairment in Chinese Hans.

Childhood hearing impairment (HI) is genetically heterogeneous. Compared with the severe-to-profound HI, the molecular etiology of mild-to-moderate HI in children has been less well characterized, especially for those not inherited in the dominant mode. In this study, we recruited 114 probands with non-dominant, non-syndromic, mild-to-moderate childhood HI. Sequencing of GJB2, SLC26A4, and MTRNR1 identified causative mutations in 30.7% (35/114), 4.4% (5/114), and 4.4% (5/114) of subjects, respectively. A majority (62.9%) of bi-allelic GJB2 mutations have non-truncating mutations in at least one allele. In 10 multiplex probands with no GJB2, SLC26A4, and MTRNR1 mutations identified, targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) of 79 known deafness genes did not identify any additional causes. Our data showed that the molecular etiology of mild-to-moderate childhood HI is considerably different from what reported for severe-to-profound HI and far from complete for those inherited in non-dominant modes.

Mutation analysis of seven consanguineous Uyghur families with non-syndromic deafness.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the genetic causes of consanguineous Uyghur families with nonsyndromic deafness. METHOD: Seven consanguineous Uyghur families with nonsyndromic deafness were recruited in this study and characterized for their audiometric phenotype. Mutation analysis of common deafness genes GJB2, SLC26A4 and MT-RNR1 was performed in all families by direct sequencing. RESULT: Bi-allelic mutations in SLC26A4, including p.N392Y/p.N392Y, p.S57X/p.S57X and p.Q413R/p.L676Q, were detected in three families as the pathogenic causes for the deafness. No mutations were identified in GJB2 and MT-RNR1. CONCLUSION: Mutations in SLC26A4 was the most common causes of the Uyghur consanguineous deaf families.

Characterization of spectrum, de novo rate and genotype-phenotype correlation of dominant GJB2 mutations in Chinese hans.

Dominant mutations in GJB2 may lead to various degrees of sensorineural hearing impairment and/or hyperproliferative epidermal disorders. So far studies of dominant GJB2 mutations were mostly limited to case reports of individual patients and families. In this study, we identified 7 families, 11 subjects with dominant GJB2 mutations by sequencing of GJB2 in 2168 Chinese Han probands with sensorineural hearing impairment and characterized the associated spectrum, de novo rate and genotype-phenotype correlation. We identified p.R75Q, p.R75W and p.R184Q as the most frequent dominant GJB2 mutations among Chinese Hans, which had a very high de novo rate (71% of probands). A majority (10/11) of subjects carrying dominant GJB2 mutations exhibited palmoplantar keratoderma in addition to hearing impairment. In two families segregated with additional c.235delC or p.V37I mutations of GJB2, family members with the compound heterozygous mutations exhibited more severe phenotype than those with single dominant GJB2 mutation. Our study suggested that the high de novo mutation rate gives rise to a significant portion of dominant GJB2 mutations. The severity of the hearing and epidermal phenotypes associated with dominant GJB2 mutations may be modified by additional recessive mutations of GJB2.

A novel splice site mutation in DFNA5 causes late-onset progressive non-syndromic hearing loss in a Chinese family.

OBJECTIVES: Mutations in DFNA5 may lead to autosomal dominant non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss (NSHL). To date, only four DFNA5 mutations have been reported, all resulting in skipping of exon 8 at the mRNA level. In this study, we aim to characterize the clinical features and the genetic cause of a Chinese DFNA5 family. METHODS: Targeted next-generation sequencing of 79 known deafness genes was performed in the proband. Co-segregation between the disease phenotype and the potentially pathogenic variant was confirmed in all family members by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: A novel heterozygous c.991-2A>G mutation in DFNA5 was identified in this family segregating with the autosomal dominant, late-onset NSHL. This mutation was located in the conventional splice site in intron 7 and was likely to result in skipping of exon 8. The severity of hearing impairment varied intrafamilially. CONCLUSION: We identified a novel c.991-2A>G mutation in DFNA5 which again may lead to exon 8 skipping at the mRNA level. Our findings supported that the DFNA5-associated NSHL results from a specific gain-of-function mechanism.

Identification of both MT-RNR1 m.1555A>G and bi-allelic GJB2 mutations in probands with non-syndromic hearing loss.

OBJECTIVES: Mutations in GJB2 and MT-RNR1 are common causes for non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss (NSHL). In this study, we investigated the co-existence of both MT-RNR1 and bi-allelic GJB2 mutations in a large number of simplex and multiplex probands with NSHL. METHODS: 485 simplex and 134 multiplex probands with NSHL were recruited for mutation screening of GJB2 and MT-RNR1 by bidirectional sequencing. Clinical features of probands with both MT-RNR1 and bi-allelic GJB2 mutations were further analyzed in comparison with extended family members. RESULTS: MT-RNR1m.1555A>G and bi-allelic GJB2 mutations were both detected in one (0.21%) simplex probands and two (1.49%) multiplex probands. Variable hearing phenotypes were found in a pair of siblings with both MT-RNR1 and bi-allelic GJB2 mutations. CONCLUSION: MT-RNR1 and bi-allelic GJB2 mutations may co-exist not only in multiplex probands but also in simplex probands. The variable hearing phenotypes in closely-related family members may reflect the co-existence of different molecular causes and prompt extended genetic tests.

Clinical characterization of a novel COCH mutation G87V in a Chinese DFNA9 family.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the clinical features of a Chinese DFNA9 family associated with a novel COCH mutation and to confirm the proposed genotype-phenotype correlation of COCH. METHODS: Mutation screening of 79 deafness genes was performed in the proband by targeted next-generation sequencing. Co-segregation of the disease phenotype and the detected variants was confirmed in all family members by PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing. The progression of hearing impairment in affected family members was followed and the concomitant vestibular dysfunction was verified by the caloric vestibulo-ocular reflex test. RESULTS: A novel COCH mutation p.G87V was identified in the family segregating with late-onset, progressive sensorineural hearing impairment and consistent vestibular dysfunction. CONCLUSION: The p.G87V mutation leads to a very similar phenotype as a previously reported p.G87W mutation of COCH. Our study suggested that the G87 residue is critical for function of COCH and further confirms a previously proposed genotype-phenotype correlation for DFNA9.

High prevalence of the connexin 26 (GJB2) mutation in Chinese cochlear implant recipients.

BACKGROUND: The GJB2 gene, mapping to chromosome 13q12, encodes a gap junction protein, connexin 26, and is responsible for certain forms of congenital deafness, such as DFNB1 and DFNA3. Mutations of this gene are responsible for about one half of severe autosomal recessive non-syndromic deafness. METHODS: To determine whether GJB2 mutations are major causes of deafness in Chinese cochlear implant recipients, we enrolled 115 cochlear implant recipients for mutation screening. RESULTS: The results showed that 36.5% (42/115) of all cochlear implant recipients and 41% (41/100) of non-syndromic deafness patients exhibit GJB2 mutations; only 1 inner ear malformation patient was detected with GJB2 mutations. The present study found 11 different variations in the GJB2 gene. CONCLUSION: The 235delC mutation was the most prevalent mutation, found in 18.3% (42/230 alleles) of all cochlear implant recipients and 21.0% (42/200 alleles) of the non-syndromic deafness group. Only 0.6% of GJB2 mutations were detected in the inner ear malformation group. The novel 187G-->T mutations are likely to be pathological mutations.

[Analysis of genetic mutation in patients with nonsyndromic hearing loss received cochlear implant].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of mutations of the gap junction protein (GJB) 2 and mitochondria 12SrRNA in patients with nonsyndromic hearing loss who received cochlear implant. METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood samples obtained from 100 Chinese patients who had received cochlear implantation, 96 with prelingual hearing loss and 4 with postlingual hearing loss, all very severe. Sixteen of the 100 patients had the history of application of aminoglycosides, among which 12 were with prelingual hearing loss and 4 with postlingual hearing loss. PCR was performed and the products were sequenced by automated DNA sequencer. RESULTS: GJB2 mutations were detected in 34 of the 100 cochlear implant recipients (34%), all with prelingual hearing loss, among which 27 (27%) had 235delC mutation. Among the 16 patients who had used aminoglycosides, two had the mutation A1555G, and one carried the mitochondrial genetic mutation delT961Cn. CONCLUSION: Mutation of GJB2 gene is the major cause of deafness in cochlear implant recipients, with a high frequency of 235delC mutation. Mitochondria genetic mutation A1555G is the common form of mutation in postlingual deafness with a history of aminoglycoside injection.

[Virtual endoscopy evaluation of congenital aural atresia].

OBJECTIVE: To value the virtual endoscopic visualization for preoperative assessment of congenital aural atresia. METHOD: Twenty patients with congenital aural atresia underwent a high-resolution CT of the temporal bone with VE, 8 patients subsequently underwent congenital aural atresiaplasty. CT examinations of the temporal bone were carried out using spiral equipment and endoscopic 3D processing was carried out on a separate workstation equipped with a flying through program. RESULT: VE is valuable for the evaluation of stapes, malleus-incus complex, facial nerve (only the tympanic portion), incus-stapes joint, round window niche, middle er space, the VE assessment matches the operation exploration perfectly, coincidence rates were 87. 5%, 100%, 100%,75%, 100% and 100% respectively. CONCLUSION: This image processing method can be used pre-operatively for assessment, the individual planning, and simulation.

[Screening of SLC26A4 (PDS) gene mutation in cochlear implant recipients with inner ear malformation].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of SLC26A4 (PDS) gene mutations in cochlear implant recipients with inner ear malformation, and the correlation between SLC26A4 (PDS) gene mutation and inner ear malformation and intra-operative testing of the electrically evoked auditory nerve compound action potentials (ECAP). METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 48 cochlear implant recipients with temporal bone malformation and 50 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood; PCR and direct sequencing were used to detect the mutations of SLC26A4 (PDS) gene. During the implantation of artificial cochlea the 48 recipients underwent intraoperative neural response telemetry (NRT) to measure the electrically evoked auditory nerve compound action potentials (ECAP). RESULTS: SLC26A4 (PDS) mutations were detected in 70.3% (26/37) of the patients with enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA), and 18.2% (2/11) of the patients with other malformations of inner ear. Fifteen different mutations were identified, 8 of which had never been previously reported. The IVS7-2A>G mutation was the most prevalent mutation of SLC26A4 (PDS) gene, accounting for 45.9% (17/37) in the EVA patients. No association was detected between SLC26A4 mutation and ECAP. CONCLUSION: Mutations in the SLC26A4 (PDS) gene is a major cause of EVA, with IVS7-2A>G as the most common mutation form.

[High prevalence of connexin-26 (GJB2) mutation in cochlear implant recipients].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of GJB2 gene mutations in patients undergoing cochlear implantation. METHODS: We enrolled 115 cochlear implant recipients for mutation screening. Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood of all patients, amplified in PCR and analyzed for single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) or direct sequencing to detect mutations of GJB2 gene. RESULTS: The result shows that the GJB2 mutations are detected in 36.5% (42/115) of the cochlear implant recipients, and especially 41% (41/100) of the non-syndromic deafness patients, only 1 inner ear malformation patient was detected with GJB2 mutations. This study found 11 different variations in the GJB2 gene. The 235delC mutation was the most prevalent mutation accounting for 18.3% (41/230) in all cochlear implant recipients and 21% (42/200) in non-syndromic deafness group. 187G > T and 230G > A mutations were novel mutation of GJB2 gene in the Chinese population. CONCLUSION: Mutations in the GJB2 gene were a major cause of deafness in cochlear implant recipients, the carrier frequency of 235delC mutation was highest.