Combinatorial multiomic analysis from a pedigree of Sox10^Dom Hirschsprung mice implicates Dach1 as a modifier of...

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is characterized by absence of enteric ganglia (aganglionosis) along variable lengths of the distal intestine. This disorder results from deficient colonization of fetal intestine by enteric neural crest-derived cells (ENCDCs). HSCR exhibits complex, multifactorial inheritance with penetrance and severity varying widely even within a family. SOX10 is among causal genes that predispose to aganglionosis. Yet, how gene interactions influence severity of HSCR aganglionosis is not understood. We previously used an F₁-intercross strategy to map genetic modifiers of aganglionosis in the Sox10 ^Dom HSCR mouse. Here we employ an extended pedigree mapping approach and complementary omics analyses of the developing Enteric Nervous System (ENS) to identify modifier loci that affect severity of HSCR aganglionosis.

To identify loci that modify aganglionosis extent we undertook genome-wide association study (GWAS) of an extended pedigree of Sox10 ^Dom mice on a mixed C57BL/6J x C3HeBFeJLe-a/a background. GWAS uncovered genetic modifiers of aganglionosis severity in this cohort. Within each modifier interval, we prioritize candidate genes based on gene expression in the developing ENS, proximity to open chromatin regions in ENCDCs, and presence of conserved SOX10 binding motifs. This strategy identified known genes in ENS development as well as multiple novel genes. Dach1 emerged as a top priority gene for modifying ENCDCs migration and thus influencing aganglionosis severity.

This study identifies genome intervals and intrinsic genes that modify Sox10 ^Dom aganglionosis severity and that are candidate modifiers of human HSCR severity.