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Published on: August 15, 2019
Pathogenic variants in SMARCA1 cause an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder modulated by NURF complex composition
Ghayda M Mirzaa1,2,3, Keqin Yan4, Raissa Relator5
1Norcliffe Foundation Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA. Ghayda.Mirzaa@seattlechildrens.org.
Genetic variants in the SMARCA1 gene cause neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) with diverse symptoms. This study identifies SMARCA1 variants in 35 individuals, highlighting macrocephaly and unique methylation patterns in affected patients.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Pathogenic variants in ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling proteins are a known cause of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).
- The Nucleosome Remodeling Factor (NURF) complex, crucial for chromatin remodeling, includes BPTF and either SMARCA5 or SMARCA1.
- Previous research linked pathogenic variants in BPTF and SMARCA5 to NDDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the SMARCA1 gene in neurodevelopmental disorders.
- To characterize the clinical and genetic features of individuals with SMARCA1 variants.
- To explore the functional impact of NURF complex composition on brain development.
Main Methods:
- Described 35 individuals from 26 families with de novo or maternally inherited SMARCA1 variants.
- Analyzed genome-wide DNA methylation profiles in individuals with SMARCA1 truncating variants.
- Utilized single and double mouse knockouts (Smarca1, Smarca5, Bptf) to genetically dissect the NURF complex.
Main Results:
- Identified a spectrum of neurodevelopmental involvement in SMARCA1-related NDD, including intellectual disability/developmental delay, speech issues, autism spectrum disorder features, and facial dysmorphisms.
- Observed a unique genome-wide DNA methylation profile and high penetrance of macrocephaly in individuals with SMARCA1 truncating variants.
- Mouse knockout studies demonstrated the importance of NURF complex composition and dosage for proper forebrain development.
Conclusions:
- Genetic alterations in SMARCA1 cause a neurodevelopmental disorder with a broad clinical spectrum.
- NURF complex integrity and stoichiometry are critical for neurodevelopment.
- SMARCA1 variants represent a significant genetic cause of NDDs, expanding the understanding of chromatin remodeling in brain development.
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