Haploinsufficiency of RREB1 causes a Noonan-like RASopathy via epigenetic reprogramming of RAS-MAPK pathway genes

Nat Commun. 2020 Sep 16;11(1):4673. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-18483-9.

Abstract

RAS-MAPK signaling mediates processes critical to normal development including cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Germline mutation of RAS-MAPK genes lead to the Noonan-spectrum of syndromes. Here, we present a patient affected by a 6p-interstitial microdeletion with unknown underlying molecular etiology. Examination of 6p-interstitial microdeletion cases reveals shared clinical features consistent with Noonan-spectrum disorders including short stature, facial dysmorphia and cardiovascular abnormalities. We find the RAS-responsive element binding protein-1 (RREB1) is the common deleted gene in multiple 6p-interstitial microdeletion cases. Rreb1 hemizygous mice display orbital hypertelorism and cardiac hypertrophy phenocopying the human syndrome. Rreb1 haploinsufficiency leads to sensitization of MAPK signaling. Rreb1 recruits Sin3a and Kdm1a to control H3K4 methylation at MAPK pathway gene promoters. Haploinsufficiency of SIN3A and mutations in KDM1A cause syndromes similar to RREB1 haploinsufficiency suggesting genetic perturbation of the RREB1-SIN3A-KDM1A complex represents a new category of RASopathy-like syndromes arising through epigenetic reprogramming of MAPK pathway genes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Multiple / genetics
  • Animals
  • Chromosome Deletion
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 6
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Female
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors / genetics
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors / metabolism
  • Haploinsufficiency*
  • Histone Demethylases / genetics
  • Histone Demethylases / metabolism
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System / genetics*
  • Male
  • Methylation
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Noonan Syndrome / etiology*
  • Sin3 Histone Deacetylase and Corepressor Complex / genetics
  • Sin3 Histone Deacetylase and Corepressor Complex / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • ras Proteins / genetics
  • ras Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Histones
  • RREB1 protein, human
  • Rreb1 protein, mouse
  • SIN3A transcription factor
  • Transcription Factors
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors
  • Histone Demethylases
  • KDM1A protein, human
  • Sin3 Histone Deacetylase and Corepressor Complex
  • ras Proteins

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