A novel ribosomopathy caused by dysfunction of RPL10 disrupts neurodevelopment and causes X-linked microcephaly in humans.

Abstract

Neurodevelopmental defects in humans represent a clinically heterogeneous group of disorders. Here, we report the genetic and functional dissection of a multigenerational pedigree with an X-linked syndromic disorder hallmarked by microcephaly, growth retardation, and seizures. Using an X-linked intellectual disability (XLID) next-generation sequencing diagnostic panel, we identified a novel missense mutation in the gene encoding 60S ribosomal protein L10 (RPL10), a locus associated previously with autism spectrum disorders (ASD); the p.K78E change segregated with disease under an X-linked recessive paradigm while, consistent with causality, carrier females exhibited skewed X inactivation. To examine the functional consequences of the p.K78E change, we modeled RPL10 dysfunction in zebrafish. We show that endogenous rpl10 expression is augmented in anterior structures, and that suppression decreases head size in developing morphant embryos, concomitant with reduced bulk translation and increased apoptosis in the brain. Subsequently, using in vivo complementation, we demonstrate that p.K78E is a loss-of-function variant. Together, our findings suggest that a mutation within the conserved N-terminal end of RPL10, a protein in close proximity to the peptidyl transferase active site of the 60S ribosomal subunit, causes severe defects in brain formation and function.

• Authors: Susan S Brooks, Alissa L Wall, Christelle Golzio, David W Reid, Amalia Kondyles, Jason R Willer, Christina Botti, Christopher V Nicchitta, Nicholas Katsanis, Erica E Davis
• Journal: Genetics (Genetics) Vol. 198 Issue 2 Pg. 723-33 (Oct 2014) ISSN: 1943-2631 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25316788 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2014 by the Genetics Society of America.

Chemical References

• RPL10 protein, human
• Ribosomal Proteins

Topics

• Adult
• Animals
• Apoptosis
• Brain (pathology)
• Cell Proliferation
• Child, Preschool
• Female
• Genes, X-Linked
• Genetic Association Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Microcephaly (genetics)
• Mutation, Missense
• Pedigree
• Ribosomal Protein L10
• Ribosomal Proteins (genetics)
• Young Adult
• Zebrafish