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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
In Vivo Modeling of the Morbid Human Genome using Danio rerio
Published on: August 24, 2013
Uncovering phenotypic expansion in AXIN2-related disorders through precision animal modeling
Nathalie M Aceves-Ewing1, Denise G Lanza1, Paul C Marcogliese2
1Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.
Purpose:
Heterozygous pathogenic variants in AXIN2 (HGNC: 904) cause oligodontia-colorectal cancer syndrome. We identified 5 individuals with de novo heterozygous variants [NM_004655.4:c.196G>A p.(Glu66Lys), c.197A>G p.(Glu66Gly), and c.199G>A p.(Gly67Arg)] in AXIN2. Common phenotypes among these individuals included ectodermal dysplasia, global developmental delay, microcephaly, and limb, ophthalmologic, and genitourinary abnormalities.
Methods:
Structural modeling was performed to predict the impact of these variants on AXIN2. A prime editing N1 screen of mouse embryos was performed to test whether the p.Glu66Lys variant produces a phenotype. Drosophila models were used to test the effect of this variant on Wnt signaling.
Results:
Structural modeling suggests that these variants disrupt AXIN2 binding to tankyrase, which regulates AXIN2 levels through poly-ADP-ribosylation. Heterozygous (p.Glu66Lys) mouse embryos were perinatally lethal with soft palate clefts and skeletal abnormalities. Modeling of the p.Glu66Lys variant in the Drosophila wing suggests gain-of-function or dominant-negative activity compared to reference AXIN2.
Conclusion:
Specific variants in the tankyrase-binding domain of AXIN2 are pathogenic, leading to phenotypic expansion with potential context-dependent effects on AXIN2 function and Wnt signaling. The N1 modeling strategy used to demonstrate variant pathogenicity may be beneficial for resolving other heterozygous variants associated with congenital anomalies.
