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COL4A2 mutation associated with familial porencephaly and small-vessel disease.

ABSTRACT: Familial porencephaly, leukoencephalopathy and small-vessel disease belong to the spectrum of disorders ascribed to dominant mutations in the gene encoding for type IV collagen alpha-1 (COL4A1). Mice harbouring mutations in either Col4a1 or Col4a2 suffer from porencephaly, hydrocephalus, cerebral and ocular bleeding and developmental defects. We observed porencephaly and white matter lesions in members from two families that lack COL4A1 mutations. We hypothesized that COL4A2 mutations confer genetic predisposition to porencephaly, therefore we sequenced COL4A2 in the family members and characterized clinical, neuroradiological and biochemical phenotypes. Genomic sequencing of COL4A2 identified the heterozygous missense G1389R in exon 44 in one family and the c.3206delC change in exon 34 leading to frame shift and premature stop, in the second family. Fragmentation and duplication of epidermal basement membranes were observed by electron microscopy in a c.3206delC patient skin biopsy, consistent with abnormal collagen IV network. Collagen chain accumulation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress have been proposed as cellular mechanism in COL4A1 mutations. In COL4A2 (3206delC) fibroblasts we detected increased rates of apoptosis and no signs of ER stress. Mutation phenotypes varied, including porencephaly, white matter lesions, cerebellar and optic nerve hypoplasia and unruptured carotid aneurysm. In the second family however, we found evidence for additional factors contributing to the phenotype. We conclude that dominant COL4A2 mutations are a novel major risk factor for familial cerebrovascular disease, including porencephaly and small-vessel disease with reduced penetrance and variable phenotype, which might also be modified by other contributing factors.

SUBMITTER: Verbeek E

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3400734 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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COL4A2 mutation associated with familial porencephaly and small-vessel disease.

Verbeek Elly E Meuwissen Marije E C ME Verheijen Frans W FW Govaert Paul P PP Licht Daniel J DJ Kuo Debbie S DS Poulton Cathryn J CJ Schot Rachel R Lequin Maarten H MH Dudink Jeroen J Halley Dicky J DJ de Coo René I F RI den Hollander Jan C JC Oegema Renske R Gould Douglas B DB Mancini Grazia M S GM

European journal of human genetics : EJHG 20120215 8

Familial porencephaly, leukoencephalopathy and small-vessel disease belong to the spectrum of disorders ascribed to dominant mutations in the gene encoding for type IV collagen alpha-1 (COL4A1). Mice harbouring mutations in either Col4a1 or Col4a2 suffer from porencephaly, hydrocephalus, cerebral and ocular bleeding and developmental defects. We observed porencephaly and white matter lesions in members from two families that lack COL4A1 mutations. We hypothesized that COL4A2 mutations confer gen ...[more]

PMID: 22333902

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Project description:Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) refers to a series of clinical, radiological, and pathological syndromes caused by various etiologies affecting small arteries, arterioles, venules, capillaries, and small veins in the brain. It can lead to cognitive impairment, stroke, gait abnormalities, and other neurological symptoms and signs. Globally, approximately 25% to 30% of strokes are caused by CSVD. The underlying mechanisms of CSVD are multifaceted, involving endothelial dysfunction, blood-brain barrier (BBB) inflammation, neuronal apoptosis, chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, and their complex interactions. Current treatments often fail to achieve satisfactory outcomes. Therefore, understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of CSVD is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies to mitigate its detrimental effects. The high-temperature requirement protease A-1 (HTRA1) mutations can cause hereditary CSVD. CSVD associated with HTRA1 mutations is referred to as HTRA1-associated CSVD. Homozygous HTRA1 mutations cause Cerebral Autosomal Recessive Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CARASIL), a rare hereditary CSVD that is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Heterozygous HTRA1 mutations can lead to Cerebral Autosomal-Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy type 2 (CADASIL 2), also known as heterozygous HTRA1 mutation carriers. This condition is characterized by clinical manifestations such as stroke, cognitive impairment, gait abnormalities, alopecia, and spondylosis. To date, 35 pathogenic mutations in the HTRA1 gene have been reported, primarily exhibiting autosomal dominant inheritance. Current research mainly focuses on case reports and the potential pathogenic mechanisms associated with different mutation sites. HTRA1 mutations can lead to downregulation of HTRA1 mRNA and protein expression, thereby reducing HTRA1 protease activity. However, the specific morphological and functional changes associated with CSVD, especially those in endothelial cells, remain unclear. This study aims to explore the mutation spectrum and clinical phenotypes of heterozygous HTRA1 mutation carriers. By comparing whole-blood RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis between heterozygous HTRA1 mutation carriers and healthy controls, we identify differentially expressed genes. Based on the RNA-seq results, we further investigate the effects of abnormal HtrA1 expression on the biological functions of mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells and mouse cognitive behavior. This study elucidates the role of HTRA1 in CSVD, providing insights into the pathogenesis and new therapeutic targets for patients with heterozygous HTRA1 mutations.

Dataset Information

COL4A2 mutation associated with familial porencephaly and small-vessel disease.

Publications

COL4A2 mutation associated with familial porencephaly and small-vessel disease.

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