@article {611, title = {Association of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the ubxn6 gene with long-term non-progression phenotype in HIV-positive individuals.}, journal = {Clin Microbiol Infect}, volume = {26}, year = {2020}, month = {2020 Jan}, pages = {107-114}, abstract = {

OBJECTIVES: The long-term non-progressors (LTNPs) are a heterogeneous group of HIV-positive individuals characterized by their ability to maintain high CD4 T-cell counts and partially control viral replication for years in the absence of antiretroviral therapy. The present study aims to identify host single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with non-progression in a cohort of 352 individuals.

METHODS: DNA microarrays and exome sequencing were used for genotyping about 240~000 functional polymorphisms throughout more than 20~000 human genes. The allele frequencies of 85 LTNPs were compared with a control population. SNPs associated with LTNPs were confirmed in a population of typical progressors. Functional analyses in the affected gene were carried out through knockdown experiments in HeLa-P4, macrophages and dendritic cells.

RESULTS: Several SNPs located within the major histocompatibility complex region previously related to LTNPs were confirmed in this new cohort. The SNP rs1127888 (UBXN6) surpassed the statistical significance of these markers after Bonferroni correction (q~=~2.11~{\texttimes}~10). An uncommon allelic frequency of rs1127888 among LTNPs was confirmed by comparison with typical progressors and other publicly available populations. UBXN6 knockdown experiments caused an increase in CAV1 expression and its accumulation in the plasma membrane. In~vitro infection of different cell types with HIV-1 replication-competent recombinant viruses caused a reduction of the viral replication capacity compared with their corresponding wild-type cells expressing UBXN6.

CONCLUSIONS: A higher prevalence of Ala31Thr in UBXN6 was found among LTNPs within its N-terminal region, which is crucial for UBXN6/VCP protein complex formation. UBXN6 knockdown affected CAV1 turnover and HIV-1 replication capacity.

}, keywords = {Adaptor Proteins, Vesicular Transport, Autophagy-Related Proteins, Caveolin 1, Cohort Studies, Dendritic Cells, Disease Progression, Gene Frequency, Gene Knockdown Techniques, Genetic Association Studies, HeLa Cells, HIV Infections, HIV Long-Term Survivors, HIV-1, Humans, Macrophages, Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis, Phenotype, Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide, whole exome sequencing}, issn = {1469-0691}, doi = {10.1016/j.cmi.2019.05.015}, author = {D{\'\i}ez-Fuertes, F and De La Torre-Tarazona, H E and Calonge, E and Pernas, M and Bermejo, M and Garc{\'\i}a-P{\'e}rez, J and {\'A}lvarez, A and Capa, L and Garc{\'\i}a-Garc{\'\i}a, F and Saumoy, M and Riera, M and Boland-Auge, A and L{\'o}pez-Gal{\'\i}ndez, C and Lathrop, M and Dopazo, J and Sakuntabhai, A and Alcam{\'\i}, J} } @article {554, title = {Fibroblast activation and abnormal extracellular matrix remodelling as common hallmarks in three cancer-prone genodermatoses.}, journal = {Br J Dermatol}, volume = {181}, year = {2019}, month = {2019 09}, pages = {512-522}, abstract = {

BACKGROUND: Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), Kindler syndrome (KS) and xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) are three cancer-prone genodermatoses whose causal genetic mutations cannot fully explain, on their own, the array of associated phenotypic manifestations. Recent evidence highlights the role of the stromal microenvironment in the pathology of these disorders.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate, by means of comparative gene expression analysis, the role played by dermal fibroblasts in the pathogenesis of RDEB, KS and XPC.

METHODS: We conducted RNA-Seq analysis, which included a thorough examination of the differentially expressed genes, a functional enrichment analysis and a description of affected signalling circuits. Transcriptomic data were validated at the protein level in cell cultures, serum samples and skin biopsies.

RESULTS: Interdisease comparisons against control fibroblasts revealed a unifying signature of 186 differentially expressed genes and four signalling pathways in the three genodermatoses. Remarkably, some of the uncovered expression changes suggest a synthetic fibroblast phenotype characterized by the aberrant expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Western blot and immunofluorescence in~situ analyses validated the RNA-Seq data. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed increased circulating levels of periostin in patients with RDEB.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the different causal genetic defects converge into common changes in gene expression, possibly due to injury-sensitive events. These, in turn, trigger a cascade of reactions involving abnormal ECM deposition and underexpression of antioxidant enzymes. The elucidated expression signature provides new potential biomarkers and common therapeutic targets in RDEB, XPC and KS. What{\textquoteright}s already known about this topic? Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), Kindler syndrome (KS) and xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) are three genodermatoses with high predisposition to cancer development. Although their causal genetic mutations mainly affect epithelia, the dermal microenvironment likely contributes to the physiopathology of these disorders. What does this study add? We disclose a large overlapping transcription profile between XPC, KS and RDEB fibroblasts that points towards an activated phenotype with high matrix-synthetic capacity. This common signature seems to be independent of the primary causal deficiency, but reflects an underlying derangement of the extracellular matrix via transforming growth factor-β signalling activation and oxidative state imbalance. What is the translational message? This study broadens the current knowledge about the pathology of these diseases and highlights new targets and biomarkers for effective therapeutic intervention. It is suggested that high levels of circulating periostin could represent a potential biomarker in RDEB.

}, keywords = {Adolescent, Adult, Biopsy, Blister, Case-Control Studies, Cells, Cultured, Child, Child, Preschool, Epidermolysis Bullosa, Epidermolysis Bullosa Dystrophica, Extracellular Matrix, Extracellular Matrix Proteins, Female, Fibroblasts, Fibrosis, Gene Expression Regulation, Healthy Volunteers, Humans, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Male, Middle Aged, mutation, Periodontal Diseases, Photosensitivity Disorders, Primary Cell Culture, RNA-seq, Skin, Xeroderma Pigmentosum, Young Adult}, issn = {1365-2133}, doi = {10.1111/bjd.17698}, author = {Chac{\'o}n-Solano, E and Le{\'o}n, C and D{\'\i}az, F and Garc{\'\i}a-Garc{\'\i}a, F and Garc{\'\i}a, M and Esc{\'a}mez, M J and Guerrero-Aspizua, S and Conti, C J and Menc{\'\i}a, {\'A} and Mart{\'\i}nez-Santamar{\'\i}a, L and Llames, S and P{\'e}vida, M and Carbonell-Caballero, J and Puig-Butill{\'e}, J A and Maseda, R and Puig, S and de Lucas, R and Baselga, E and Larcher, F and Dopazo, J and Del Rio, M} } @article {437, title = {Identification of the Photoreceptor Transcriptional Co-Repressor SAMD11 as Novel Cause of Autosomal Recessive Retinitis Pigmentosa.}, journal = {Sci Rep}, volume = {6}, year = {2016}, month = {2016 Oct 13}, pages = {35370}, abstract = {

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), the most frequent form of inherited retinal dystrophy is characterized by progressive photoreceptor degeneration. Many genes have been implicated in RP development, but several others remain to be identified. Using a combination of homozygosity mapping, whole-exome and targeted next-generation sequencing, we found a novel homozygous nonsense mutation in SAMD11 in five individuals diagnosed with adult-onset RP from two unrelated consanguineous Spanish families. SAMD11 is ortholog to the mouse major retinal SAM domain (mr-s) protein that is implicated in CRX-mediated transcriptional regulation in the retina. Accordingly, protein-protein network analysis revealed a significant interaction of SAMD11 with CRX. Immunoblotting analysis confirmed strong expression of SAMD11 in human retina. Immunolocalization studies revealed SAMD11 was detected in the three nuclear layers of the human retina and interestingly differential expression between cone and rod photoreceptors was observed. Our study strongly implicates SAMD11 as novel cause of RP playing an important role in the pathogenesis of human degeneration of photoreceptors.

}, keywords = {Aged, Animals, Co-Repressor Proteins, Codon, Nonsense, Cohort Studies, Comparative Genomic Hybridization, Consanguinity, DNA Mutational Analysis, Exome, Eye Proteins, Female, Gene Expression Regulation, Genes, Recessive, Homeodomain Proteins, Homozygote, Humans, Male, Mice, Middle Aged, Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide, Protein Interaction Mapping, Retina, Retinal Dystrophies, Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells, Retinitis pigmentosa, Spain, Trans-Activators, Transcription Factors}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/srep35370}, author = {Corton, M and Avila-Fern{\'a}ndez, A and Campello, L and S{\'a}nchez, M and Benavides, B and L{\'o}pez-Molina, M I and Fern{\'a}ndez-S{\'a}nchez, L and S{\'a}nchez-Alcudia, R and da Silva, L R J and Reyes, N and Mart{\'\i}n-Garrido, E and Zurita, O and Fern{\'a}ndez-San Jos{\'e}, P and P{\'e}rez-Carro, R and Garc{\'\i}a-Garc{\'\i}a, F and Dopazo, J and Garc{\'\i}a-Sandoval, B and Cuenca, N and Ayuso, C} } @article {458, title = {Deregulation of key signaling pathways involved in oocyte maturation in FMR1 premutation carriers with Fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency.}, journal = {Gene}, volume = {571}, year = {2015}, month = {2015 Oct 15}, pages = {52-7}, abstract = {

FMR1 premutation female carriers are at risk for Fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI). Insights from knock-in mouse model have recently demonstrated that FXPOI is due to an increased rate of follicle depletion or an impaired development of the growing follicles. Molecular mechanisms responsible for this reduced viability are still unknown. In an attempt to provide new data on the mechanisms that lead to FXPOI, we report the first investigation involving transcription profiling of total blood from FMR1 premutation female carriers with and without FXPOI. A total of 16 unrelated female individuals (6 FMR1 premutated females with FXPOI; 6 FMR1 premutated females without FXPOI; and 4 no-FXPOI females) were studied by whole human genome oligonucleotide microarray (Agilent Technologies). Fold change analysis did not show any genes with significant differential gene expression. However, functional profiling by gene set analysis showed large number of statistically significant deregulated GO annotations as well as numerous KEGG pathways in FXPOI females. These results suggest that the impairment of fertility in these females might be due to a generalized deregulation of key signaling pathways involved in oocyte maturation. In particular, the vasoendotelial growth factor signaling, the inositol phosphate metabolism, the cell cycle, and the MAPK signaling pathways were found to be down-regulated in FXPOI females. Furthermore, a high statistical enrichment of biological processes involved in cell death and survival were found deregulated among FXPOI females. Our results provide new strategic approaches to further investigate the molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for FXPOI not focused in a single gene but rather in the set of genes involved in these pathways.

}, keywords = {Adult, Aged, Female, Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein, Fragile X Syndrome, Gene Expression Profiling, Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental, Gene ontology, Genome-Wide Association Study, Heterozygote, Humans, Middle Aged, Models, Genetic, mutation, Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis, Oocytes, Primary Ovarian Insufficiency, Signal Transduction}, issn = {1879-0038}, doi = {10.1016/j.gene.2015.06.039}, author = {Alvarez-Mora, M I and Rodriguez-Revenga, L and Madrigal, I and Garc{\'\i}a-Garc{\'\i}a, F and Duran, M and Dopazo, J and Estivill, X and Mil{\`a}, M} } @article {448, title = {Differential Features Between Chronic Skin Inflammatory Diseases Revealed in Skin-Humanized Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis Mouse Models.}, journal = {J Invest Dermatol}, year = {2015}, month = {2015 Sep 23}, abstract = {

Psoriasis (PS) and atopic dermatitis (AD) are chronic and relapsing inflammatory diseases of the skin affecting a large number of patients worldwide. Psoriasis is characterized by a Th1/Th17 immunological response whereas acute AD lesions exhibit Th2-dominant inflammation. Current single gene and signaling pathways-based models of inflammatory skin diseases are incomplete. Previous work allowed us to model psoriasis in skin-humanized mice through proper combinations of inflammatory cell components and disruption of barrier function. Herein we describe and characterize an animal model for AD using similar bioengineered-based approaches, by intradermal injection of human Th2 lymphocytes in regenerated human skin after partial removal of stratum corneum. In the present work we have extensively compared this model with the previous and an improved version of the PS model, in which Th17/Th1 lymphocytes replace exogenous cytokines. Comparative expression analyses revealed marked differences in specific epidermal proliferation and differentiation markers and immune-related molecules including antimicrobial peptides. Likewise, the composition of the dermal inflammatory infiltrate presented important differences. Availability of accurate and reliable animal models for these diseases will contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis and provide valuable tools for drug development and testing.Journal of Investigative Dermatology accepted article preview online, 23 September 2015. doi:10.1038/jid.2015.362.

}, issn = {1523-1747}, doi = {10.1038/jid.2015.362}, author = {Carretero, M and Guerrero-Aspizua, S and Illera, N and Galvez, V and Navarro, M and Garc{\'\i}a-Garc{\'\i}a, F and Dopazo, J and Jorcano, J L and Larcher, F and Del Rio, M} }