@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 {467, title = {Re-evaluation casts doubt on the pathogenicity of homozygous USH2A p.C759F.}, journal = {Am J Med Genet A}, volume = {167}, year = {2015}, month = {2015 Jul}, pages = {1597-600}, abstract = {

Mutations in USH2A are a common cause of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). Among the most frequently reported USH2A variants, c.2276G>T (p.C759F) has been found in both affected and healthy individuals. The pathogenicity of this variant remains controversial since it was detected in homozygosity in two healthy siblings of a Spanish family (S23), eleven years ago. The fact that these individuals remain asymptomatic today, prompted us to study the presence of other pathogenic variants in this family using targeted resequencing of 26 retinal genes in one of the affected individuals. This approach allowed us to identify one novel pathogenic homozygous mutation in exon 13 of PDE6B (c.1678C>T; p.R560C). This variant cosegregated with the disease and was absent in 200 control individuals. Remarkably, the identified variant in PDE6B corresponds to the mutation responsible of the retinal degeneration in the naturally occurring rd10 mutant mice. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the identification of the rd10 mice mutation in a RP family. These findings, together with a review of the literature, support the hypothesis that homozygous p.C759F mutations are not pathogenic and led us to exclude the implication of p.C759F in the RP of family S23. Our results indicate the need of re-evaluating all families genetically diagnosed with this mutation.

}, keywords = {Base Sequence, Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 6, Extracellular Matrix Proteins, Gene Library, Humans, Molecular Sequence Data, Mutation, Missense, Pedigree, Retinitis pigmentosa, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Spain}, issn = {1552-4833}, doi = {10.1002/ajmg.a.37003}, author = {Pozo, Mar{\'\i}a Gonz{\'a}lez-Del and Bravo-Gil, Nereida and M{\'e}ndez-Vidal, Cristina and Montero-de-Espinosa, Ignacio and Mill{\'a}n, Jos{\'e} M and Dopazo, Joaquin and Borrego, Salud and Anti{\v n}olo, Guillermo} }