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Autoimmunity and inflammation due to a gain-of-function mutation in phospholipase C gamma 2 that specifically increases external Ca2+ entry.

The identification of specific genetic loci that contribute to inflammatory and autoimmune diseases has proved difficult due to the contribution of multiple interacting genes, the inherent genetic heterogeneity present in human populations, and a lack of new mouse mutants. By using N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis to discover new immune regulators, we identified a point mutation in the murine phospholipase Cg2 (Plcg2) gene that leads to severe spontaneous inflammation and autoimmunity. The disease is composed of an autoimmune component mediated by autoantibody immune complexes and B and T cell independent inflammation. The underlying mechanism is a gain-of-function mutation in Plcg2, which leads to hyperreactive external calcium entry in B cells and expansion of innate inflammatory cells. This mutant identifies Plcg2 as a key regulator in an autoimmune and inflammatory disease mediated by B cells and non-B, non-T haematopoietic cells and emphasizes that by distinct genetic modulation, a single point mutation can lead to a complex immunological phenotype.

Animals↗

Gain-of-function mutation of sapB that affects formation of alkaline phosphatase by Bacillus subtilis in sporulation conditions.

The sapB locus was defined by mutations that render sporulation alkaline phosphatase formation independent of sigma F and sigma E without affecting the temporal control of formation. The sapB locus has been cloned and sequenced. The deduced polypeptide is 232 amino acids long, with a molecular mass of 26 kDa. It is very similar to four sequences in the database, none of which has a known function. Analysis of the transcription of sapB indicates that it is induced during late exponential phase, and that maximum expression is reached during the first hour of stationary phase, both under sporulation and non-sporulation conditions. The defining mutations of the locus, sapB2 and sapB10, have been sequenced and found to contain the same change, a G-->A transition resulting in an Ala111 Thr switch. This mutation apparently results in a gain-of-function, as sapB null mutants are indistinguishable from sap+ strains in terms of their APase production during sporulation.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Gain-of-function mutations conferring actin-severing activity to human macrophage cap G.

Nonmuscle cell motility requires marked changes in the consistency and shape of the peripheral cytoplasm. These changes are regulated by a gel-sol transformation of the actin filament network, and actin filament-severing proteins are responsible for network solation. Macrophage Cap G, unlike all other proteins in the gelsolin family, caps but does not sever actin filaments. Two amino acid stretches in Cap G diverge markedly from the severing proteins: 84LNTLLGE and 124AFHKTS. Discrete mutations in Cap G have been generated to determine if these amino acid sequences are critical for actin filament severing. Conversion of 84LNTLLGE to the gelsolin actin-binding helix sequence (84LDDYLGG) renders Cap G capable of severing actin filaments (half-maximal severing, 1-2 microM). Adding a second set of mutations, converting 124AFHKTS to 124GFKHV, enhances severing by 10-fold (half-maximal severing, 0.1-0.2 microM). These experiments support a critical role for these two regions in actin filament severing and showcase the power of gain-of-function mutations in clarifying structure-function relationships.

Actins↗

A gain-of-function mutation in the GABA receptor produces synaptic and behavioral abnormalities in the mouse.

In mammalian species, inhibition in the brain is mediated predominantly by the activation of GABAA receptors. We report here changes in inhibitory synaptic function and behavior in a mouse line harboring a gain-of-function mutation at Serine 270 (S270) in the GABAA receptor alpha1 subunit. In recombinant alpha1beta2gamma2 receptors, replacement of S270 by Histidine (H) results in an increase in sensitivity to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and slowing of deactivation following transient activation by saturating concentrations of GABA. Heterozygous mice expressing the S270H mutation are hyper-responsive to human contact, exhibit intention tremor, smaller body size and reduced viability. These mice also displayed reduced motor coordination, were hypoactive in the home cage, but paradoxically were hyperactive in a novel open field environment. Heterozygous knockin mice of both sexes were fertile but females failed to care for offspring. This deficit in maternal behavior prevented production of homozygous animals. Recordings from brain slices prepared from these animals revealed a substantial prolongation of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) and a loss of sensitivity to the anesthetic isoflurane, in neurons that express a substantial amount of the alpha1 subunit. The results suggest that the biophysical properties of GABAA receptors are important in determining the time-course of inhibition in vivo, and suggest that the duration of synaptic inhibition is a critical determinant that influences a variety of behaviors in the mouse.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

A gain-of-function mutation in oma-1, a C. elegans gene required for oocyte maturation, results in delayed degradation of maternal proteins and embryonic lethality.

In vertebrates, oocytes undergo maturation, arrest in metaphase II, and can then be fertilized by sperm. Fertilization initiates molecular events that lead to the activation of early embryonic development. In Caenorhabditis elegans, where no delay between oocyte maturation and fertilization is apparent, oocyte maturation and fertilization must be tightly coordinated. It is not clear what coordinates the transition from an oocyte to an embryo in C. elegans, but regulated turnover of oocyte-specific proteins contributes to the process. We describe here a gain-of-function mutation (zu405) in a gene that is essential for oocyte maturation, oma-1. In wild type animals, OMA-1 protein is expressed at a high level exclusively in oocytes and newly fertilized embryos and is degraded rapidly after the first mitotic division. The zu405 mutation results in improper degradation of the OMA-1 protein in embryos. In oma-1(zu405) embryos, the C blastomere is transformed to the EMS blastomere fate, resulting in embryonic lethality. We show that degradation of several maternally supplied cell fate determinants, including SKN-1, PIE-1, MEX-3, and MEX-5, is delayed in oma-1(zu405) mutant embryos. In wild type embryos, SKN-1 functions in EMS for EMS blastomere fate specification. A decreased level of maternal SKN-1 protein in the C blastomere relative to EMS is believed to be responsible for this cell expressing the C, instead of the EMS, fate. Delayed degradation of maternal SKN-1 protein in oma-1(zu405) embryos and resultant elevated levels in C blastomere is likely responsible for the observed C-to-EMS blastomere fate transformation. These observations suggest that oma-1, in addition to its role in oocyte maturation, contributes to early embryonic development by regulating the temporal degradation of maternal proteins in early C. elegans embryos.

Animals↗

TIE2 gain-of-function mutation in a patient with pancreatic lymphangioma associated with blue rubber-bleb nevus syndrome: report of a case.

Abdominal lymphangioma is a rare tumor in adults. The most common location is the mesentery, but this tumor occasionally develops in the pancreas. We report a case of pancreatic lymphangioma associated with blue rubber-bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) in a Japanese woman. The pancreatic lymphangioma spread extensively throughout the retroperitoneum without causing any symptoms for more than 4 years after its histological diagnosis by laparoscopic biopsy. Multiple hemangiomas were also seen in the mucous membranes and on the skin. The hemangiomatosis was segregated in the dominant fashion in her family, and a germ-line gain-of-function mutation (Arg849Trp) in TIE2 gene was confirmed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of pancreatic lymphangioma occurring in association with BRBNS in a patient with genetic alteration. We describe the clinical features of this case and discuss a possible correlation between these two uncommon conditions.

Female↗

Lipoprotein lipase S447X: a naturally occurring gain-of-function mutation.

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) hydrolyzes triglycerides in the circulation and promotes the hepatic uptake of remnant lipoproteins. Since the gene was cloned in 1989, more than 100 LPL gene mutations have been identified, the majority of which cause loss of enzymatic function. In contrast to this, the naturally occurring LPL(S447X) variant is associated with increased lipolytic function and an anti-atherogenic lipid profile and can therefore be regarded as a gain-of-function mutation. This notion combined with the facts that 20% of the general population carries this prematurely truncated LPL and that it may protect against cardiovascular disease has led to extensive clinical and basic research into this frequent LPL mutant. It is only until recently that we begin to understand the molecular mechanisms that underlie the beneficial effects associated with LPL(S447X). This review summarizes the current literature on this interesting LPL variant.

Animals↗

Amphivasal vascular bundle 1, a gain-of-function mutation of the IFL1/REV gene, is associated with alterations in the polarity of leaves, stems and carpels.

In Arabidopsis stems, the vascular bundles in the stele are arranged in a ring-like pattern and the vascular tissues in each bundle are organized in a collateral pattern. We have shown previously that the semidominant amphivasal vascular bundle 1 (avb1) mutation transforms the collateral vascular bundles into amphivasal bundles and disrupts the ring-like arrangement of vascular bundles in the stele. In this study, we show that the avb1 mutation occurred in the putative microRNA 165 target sequence in the IFL1/REV gene and caused an amino acid substitution in the putative sterol/lipid-binding START domain. We present direct evidence that the wild-type IFL1/REV mRNA was cleaved within the microRNA 165 target sequence and the avb1 mutation resulted in an inhibition of cleavage and a higher level accumulation of full-length mRNA, suggesting a role of microRNA 165 in the regulation of IFL1/REV gene expression. In addition to an alteration in vascular patterning, the avb1 mutation also caused dramatic changes in fiber cell wall thickening and organ polarity, including aberrant formation and proliferation of cauline leaves and branches, production of trumpet-shaped leaves with reversed adaxial-abaxial identity, ectopic growth of carpel-like structures on the outer surface of carpels, and fasciation of inflorescence. Ectopic overexpression of the avb1 mutant cDNA not only phenocopied most of the avb1 mutant phenotypes but also led to additional novel phenotypes such as formation of leaves with extremely narrow blades and ectopic production of branches in the axil of siliques. Taken together, these results suggest that the avb1 gain-of-function mutation of the IFL1/REV gene alters the positional information that determines vascular patterning and organ polarity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Familial hypoparathyroidism: identification of a novel gain of function mutation in transmembrane domain 5 of the calcium-sensing receptor.

Activating mutations of the extracellular calcium (Ca2+e)-sensing receptor (CaR) gene, mostly in its extracellular domain, can cause both familial and sporadic hypoparathyroidism. We report a Japanese family with severe hypoparathyroidism with pretreatment serum calcium (Ca) levels of 4.9-5.9 mg/dL. The proband presented with a seizure at 6 days of age. Her older brother and mother, who had also experienced seizures and tetany, respectively, likewise had hypoparathyroidism. A heterozygous missense mutation substituting a cysteine for the phenylalanine normally present at codon 788 (F788C) was identified in the CaR's fifth transmembrane domain and was shown to cosegregate with the disease. The mutation was absent in DNA from 50 control subjects. Analysis of the functional properties of the mutant receptor was carried out in transiently transfected HEK293 cells loaded with fura-2 by assessing Ca2+e-evoked increases in the cytosolic calcium concentration (Ca2+i). There was a leftward shift in the concentration-response curve for the mutant receptor [EC50 (effective concentration of Ca2+e producing half of the maximal Ca2+i response, 2.7 +/- 0.1 vs. 4.1 +/- 0.1 mmol/L for the wild-type receptor]. HEK293 cells cotransfected with both the wild-type and mutant CaRs (to mimic the heterozygous state in affected family members) showed an EC50 (3.0 +/- 0.1 mmol/L) similar to that of the mutant CaR alone. Thus, we confirm that 1) a gain of function mutation in the fifth transmembrane domain of the CaR causes severe familial hypoparathyroidism by rendering the receptor more sensitive than normal to activation by Ca2+e; 2) some patients in the family do not experience seizures despite their severe hypocalcemia; and 3) this condition needs to be differentiated from other causes of hypoparathyroidism.

Blotting, Western↗

Comparing and contrasting Escherichia coli and Mycobacterium tuberculosis mechanosensitive channels (MscL). New gain of function mutations in the loop region.

Sequence analysis of 35 putative MscL homologues was used to develop an optimal alignment for Escherichia coli and Mycobacterium tuberculosis MscL and to place these homologues into sequence subfamilies. By using this alignment, previously identified E. coli MscL mutants that displayed severe and very severe gain of function phenotypes were mapped onto the M. tuberculosis MscL sequence. Not all of the resulting M. tuberculosis mutants displayed a gain of function phenotype; for instance, normal phenotypes were noted for mutations at Ala(20), the analogue of the highly sensitive Gly(22) site in E. coli. A previously unnoticed intersubunit hydrogen bond in the extracellular loop region of the M. tuberculosis MscL crystal structure has been analyzed. Cross-linkable residues were substituted for the residues involved in the hydrogen bond, and cross-linking studies indicated that these sites are spatially close under physiological conditions. In general, mutation at these positions results in a gain of function phenotype, which provides strong evidence for the importance of the loop region in MscL channel function. No analogue to this interesting interaction could be found in E. coli MscL by sequence alignment. Taken together, these results indicate that caution should be exercised in using the M. tuberculosis MscL crystal structure to analyze previous functional studies of E. coli MscL.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Clinical and electrophysiological characterization of a SCN5A gain-of-function mutation associated with CPVT-like arrhythmia.

The present study aimed to characterize the SCN5A variant I1333V, found in five families with a history of suspected catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). SCN5A encodes the pore-forming subunit of the cardiac voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.5. Gain of SCN5A function causes long QT syndrome type 3 (LQT3), but its involvement in CPVT is disputed. Nineteen patients harboring the I1333V variant were identified across five families, commonly presenting with exercise-induced arrhythmia, including polymorphic premature ventricular contractions, ventricular bigeminy, couplets, and ventricular tachycardias. Prolonged QT interval was a less consistent finding, and structural myocardial changes were absent. Human NaV1.5/β1 complexes were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, using RNA combinations to emulate homozygous wild-type, heterozygous and homozygous I1333V-mutant conditions. Cells were studied using the cut-open oocyte Vaseline gap voltage-clamp to evaluate effects of I1333V on NaV1.5 function. NaV1.5(I1333V) channels required less depolarization to activate, classifying this variant as gain-of-function. Fast inactivation was unaffected, and action-potential (AP) clamp showed no significant differences in late Na+ current. A computational model of human ventricular myocyte excitability predicted no effect of I1333V on AP duration; instead, it showed stronger Na+ influx during the AP upstroke, concurrent with elevated Ca2+ import via the sodium‑calcium exchanger. Finally, NaV1.5(I1333V) channels exhibited a diminished response to cAMP (emulating adrenergic stimulation), which also likely contributes to arrhythmogenesis. In conclusion, I1333V is a gain-of-function variant of SCN5A with a unique set of functional consequences. It is associated with cardiac arrhythmia disease characterized by overlapping CPVT-like and LQT3 features. Our findings support that SCN5A should be considered in genetic screening of suspected CPVT.

NAV1.5 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel↗

Gain-of-function mutations indicate that Escherichia coli Kch forms a functional K+ conduit in vivo.

Although Kch of Escherichia coli is thought to be a K(+) channel by sequence homology, there is little evidence that it actually conducts K(+) ions in vitro or in vivo. We isolated gain-of-function (GOF) Kch mutations that render bacteria specifically sensitive to K(+) ions. Millimolar added K(+), but not Na(+) or sorbitol, blocks the initiation or continuation of mutant growth in liquid media. The mutations are mapped at the RCK (or KTN) domain, which is considered to be the cytoplasmic sensor controlling the gate. Additional mutations directed to the K(+)-filter sequence rescue the GOF mutant. The apparent K(+)-specific conduction through the 'loose-cannon' mutant channel suggests that the wild-type Kch channel also conducts, albeit in a regulated manner. Changing the internal ATG does not erase the GOF toxicity, but removes kch's short second product, suggesting that it is not required for channel function in vivo. The mutant phenotypes are better explained by a perturbation of membrane potential instead of internal K(+) concentration. Possible implications on the normal function of Kch are discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Gain-of-function mutations reveal expanded intermediate states and a sequential action of two gates in MscL.

The tension-driven gating transition in the large mechanosensitive channel MscL proceeds through detectable states of intermediate conductance. Gain-of-function (GOF) mutants with polar or charged substitutions in the main hydrophobic gate display altered patterns of subconducting states, providing valuable information about gating intermediates. Here we present thermodynamic analysis of several GOF mutants to clarify the nature and position of low-conducting conformations in the transition pathway. Unlike wild-type (WT) MscL, which predominantly occupies the closed and fully open states with very brief substates, the mild V23T GOF mutant frequently visits a multitude of short-lived subconducting states. Severe mutants V23D and G22N open in sequence: closed (C) --> low-conducting substate (S) --> open (O), with the first subtransition occurring at lower tensions. Analyses of equilibrium state occupancies as functions of membrane tension show that the C-->S subtransition in WT MscL is associated with only a minor conductance increment, but the largest in-plane expansion and free energy change. The GOF substitutions strongly affect the first subtransition by reducing area ((Delta)A) and energy ((Delta)E) changes between C and S states commensurably with the severity of mutation. GOF mutants also exhibited a considerably larger (Delta)E associated with the second (S-->O) subtransition, but a (Delta)A similar to WT. The area changes indicate that closed conformations of GOF mutants are physically preexpanded. The tension dependencies of rate constants for channel closure (k(off)) predict different positions of rate-limiting barriers on the energy-area profiles for WT and GOF MscL. The data support the two-gate mechanism in which the first subtransition (C-->S) can be viewed as opening of the central (M1) gate, resulting in an expanded water-filled "leaky" conformation. Strong facilitation of this step by polar GOF substitutions suggests that separation of M1 helices associated with hydration of the pore in WT MscL is the major energetic barrier for opening. Mutants with a stabilized S1 gate demonstrate impeded transitions from low-conducting substates to the fully open state, whereas extensions of S1-M1 linkers result in a much higher probability of reverse O-->S transitions. These data strongly suggest that the bulk of conductance gain in the second subtransition (S-->O) occurs through the opening of the NH2-terminal (S1) gate and the linkers are coupling elements between the M1 and S1 gates.

Electrophysiology↗

Genetic dissection of corticosteroid receptor function in mice.

Functional genomic technologies, including artificial chromosome-based transgenesis and conditional gene targeting, allowed us to generate mouse models harboring genes with loss-of-function mutations, gain-of-function mutations, spatially and/or temporally restricted mutations, tissue-specific mutations, and function-selective mutations. This kind of "allelic series" for corticosteroid receptors in mouse models provides a very useful resource for the molecular understanding of corticosteroid function in vivo. These models will also support the identification of steroid receptor target genes in order to define a steroid signaling cascade in molecular terms. They provide opportunities for the identification of compounds that regulate steroid receptors in a tissue-specific and function-selective manner. For example, selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators preventing receptor dimerization and DNA binding can be expected to reduce osteoporotic and/or diabetogenic side effects, but to display partial or full anti-inflammatory potential. Thus, these mouse models will help to evaluate distinct steroid receptor functions for therapeutic intervention.

Animals↗

A point mutation in the catalytic domain of c-kit induces growth factor independence, tumorigenicity, and differentiation of mast cells.

The murine W and Steel loci encode the Kit receptor tyrosine kinase and its ligand, Steel factor, respectively. Loss of function mutations at either the W or Sl loci lead to a variety of pleiotropic developmental defects, including mast cell deficiency and severe macrocytic anemia. In addition to these loss-of-function mutations, gain-of-function mutations in c-kit, leading to constitutive activation of the Kit receptor, have also been identified in both rodent and human mastocytomas. In this study, we have examined the transforming potential and biologic effects of a point mutation that results in substitution of the aspartic acid at codon 814 in the cytoplasmic kinase domain to tyrosine (D814Y) by introducing either wild-type (Kit) or mutant KitD814Y (KDY) cDNA into an interleukin-3-dependent mast cell line IC2. Stimulation of cells expressing the wild-type Kit receptor (IC2/Kit) with Steel factor in vitro resulted in a short-term growth response, whereas IC2/KDY cells were capable of sustained proliferation in a ligand-independent manner. In addition, expression of KDY resulted in the oncogenic transformation of IC2 cells, as determined by colony formation in vitro in the absence of exogenous growth factors and the formation of mastocytomas in vivo in syngeneic DBA/2 mice. Surprisingly, KDY expression in IC2 cells triggered dramatic changes in cell size and the extent of granulation. In addition, KDY induced the expression of mouse mast cell protease-4 (MMCP-4) and MMCP-6. In contrast, neither of these molecular or cellular changes was observed in IC2/Kit cells treated with Steel factor. These results show that the D814Y mutation in the cytoplasmic kinase domain of the Kit receptor induces ligand-independent mast cell growth in vitro, tumorigenicity in vivo, and mast cell differentiation.

Animals↗

Inhibition of G-protein signaling by dominant gain-of-function mutations in Sst2p, a pheromone desensitization factor in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Genetic analysis of cell-cell signaling in Saccharomyces cerevisiae has led to the identification of a novel factor, known as Sst2p, that promotes recovery after pheromone-induced growth arrest (R. K. Chan and C. A. Otte, Mol. Cell. Biol. 2:11-20, 1982). Loss-of-function mutations lead to increased pheromone sensitivity, but this phenotype is partially suppressed by overexpression of the G protein alpha subunit gene (GPA1). Suppression is allele specific, however, suggesting that there is direct interaction between the two gene products. To test this model directly, we isolated and characterized several dominant gain-of-function mutants of SST2. These mutations block the normal pheromone response, including a loss of pheromone-stimulated gene transcription, cell cycle growth arrest, and G protein myristoylation. Although the SST2 mutations confer a pheromone-resistant phenotype, they do not prevent downstream activation by overexpression of G beta (STE4), a constitutively active G beta mutation (STE4Hpl), or a disruption of GPA1. None of the SST2 alleles affects the expression or stability of G alpha. These results point to the G protein alpha subunit as being the direct target of Sst2p action and underscore the importance of this novel desensitization factor in G-protein-mediated signaling.

Cell Division↗

Gain of function mutations in p53.

We report that the expression of murine or human mutant p53 proteins in cells with no endogenous p53 proteins confers new or additional phenotypes upon these cells. Mutant p53 proteins expressed in cell lines lacking p53 resulted in either enhanced tumorigenic potential in nude mice ((10)3 cells) or enhanced plating efficiency in agar cell culture (human SAOS-2 cells). Also, mutant human p53 alleles, unlike the wild-type p53 protein, could also enhance the expression of a test gene regulated by the multi-drug resistance enhancer-promoter element. These data demonstrate a gain of function associated with p53 mutations in addition to the loss of function shown previously to be associated with mutations in this tumour suppressor gene.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

A gain-of-function mutation in the Arabidopsis pleiotropic drug resistance transporter PDR9 confers resistance to auxinic herbicides.

Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) contains 15 genes encoding members of the pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) family of ATP-binding cassette transporters. These proteins have been speculated to be involved in the detoxification of xenobiotics, however, little experimental support of this hypothesis has been obtained to date. Here we report our characterization of the Arabidopsis PDR9 gene. We isolated a semidominant, gain-of-function mutant, designated pdr9-1, that exhibits increased tolerance to the auxinic herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Reciprocally, loss-of-function mutations in PDR9 confer 2,4-D hypersensitivity. This altered auxin sensitivity defect of pdr9 mutants is specific for 2,4-D and closely related compounds as these mutants respond normally to the endogenous auxins indole-3-acetic acid and indole-butyric acid. We demonstrate that 2,4-D, but not indole-3-acetic acid transport is affected by mutations in pdr9, suggesting that the PDR9 transporter specifically effluxes 2,4-D out of plant cells without affecting endogenous auxin transport. The semidominant pdr9-1 mutation affects an extremely highly conserved domain present in all known plant PDR transporters. The single amino acid change results in increased PDR9 abundance and provides a novel approach for elucidating the function of plant PDR proteins.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid↗