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Aging is associated with a decline in immune function that is not fully understood including vaccine failure. Here we report transcriptomic analysis on B cells from naive or influenza-vaccinated mice of 3 ages: young (15–23 weeks), middle-aged (63–81 weeks), and old mice (103–119 weeks). Our goal was expression profiling of B cells by age and history of vaccination to identify novel changes at the transcriptome level. We observed waning vaccine responses with age. In B cell transcripts, age and vaccination history were both important with notable differences observed in conducted analyses (eg, principal component, gene set enrichment, differentially expressed [DE] genes, and canonical pathways). Only 39 genes were significantly DE with age irrespective of vaccine history. This included age-related changes to box C/D small nucleolar (sno) RNAs, Snord123 and Snord1a. Box C/D snoRNAs regulate rRNAs through methylation and are linked to neurodegenerative, inflammatory, and cancer diseases but not specifically B cells or age. Canonical pathway changes implicated with age irrespective of vaccination history included EIF2, mTOR signaling, p53, Paxillin, and Tec kinase signaling pathways as well as cell cycle checkpoint. Importantly, we identified DE genes and pathways that were progressively altered starting in middle-age (eg, signaling by Rho family GTPases) or only altered in middle-age (eg, sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling), despite minimal differences in the ability of these mice to respond to vaccination compared to younger mice. Our results indicate the importance of vaccination or immune stimulation and analyses of multiple age ranges for aging B cell studies and validate an experimental model for future studies.

A big problem associated with aging is thought to be impaired microvascular growth or angiogenesis. However, to link the evidence for impaired angiogenesis to microvascular dysfunction in aged tissues, we must compare adult vs. aged microvascular networks in unstimulated scenarios. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that aged microvascular networks are characterized by both fewer vessels and the impaired ability to undergo angiogenesis. Mesentery tissues from adult (9-mo) and aged (24-mo) male Fischer 344 rats were harvested and immunolabeled for platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule (an endothelial cell marker) according to two scenarios: unstimulated and stimulated. For unstimulated groups, tissues harvested from adult and aged rats were compared. For stimulated groups, tissues were harvested 3 or 10 days after compound 48/80-induced mast cell degranulation stimulation. Unstimulated aged microvascular networks displayed larger mean vascular area per tissue area compared with the unstimulated adult networks. The lack of a decrease in vessel density was supported at the gene expression level with RNA-Seq analysis and with comparison of vessel densities in soleus muscle. Following stimulation, capillary sprouting and vessel density were impaired in aged networks at 3 and 10 days, respectively. Our results suggest that aging associated with impaired angiogenesis mechanisms might not influence normal microvascular function, since unstimulated aged microvascular networks can display a “normal adult-like” vessel density and architecture. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using a multidimensional approach, we present evidence supporting that aged microvascular networks display vessel density and patterning similar to adult networks despite also being characterized by a decreased capacity to undergo angiogenesis. Thus, vessel loss is not necessarily a characteristic of aging.

Mutations in the COMP, COL9A1, COL9A2, COL9A3, MATN3, and SLC26A2 genes cause approximately 70% of multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) cases. The genetic changes involved in the etiology of the remaining cases are still unknown, suggesting that other genes contribute to MED development. Our goal was to identify a mutation causing an autosomal dominant form of MED in a large multigenerational family. Initially, we excluded all genes known to be associated with autosomal dominant MED by using microsatellite and SNP markers. Follow-up with whole-exome sequencing analysis revealed a mutation c.2032G>A (p.Gly678Arg) in the COL2A1 gene (NCBI Reference Sequence: NM_001844.4), which co-segregated with the disease phenotype in this family, manifested by severe hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis. One of the affected family members had a double-layered patella, which is frequently seen in patients with autosomal recessive MED caused by DTDST mutations and sporadically in the dominant form of MED caused by COL9A2 defect.

Multiple mechanisms are implicated in the development of primary osteoarthritis (OA), in which genetic and epigenetic factors appear to interact with environmental factors and age to initiate the disease and stimulate its progression. Changes in expression of microRNAs (miRs) contribute to development of osteoarthritis. Numerous miRs are involved in cartilage development, homeostasis and degradation through targeting genes expressed in this tissue. An important regulator of gene expression in human cartilage is miR-140, which directly targets a gene coding aggrecanase ADAMTS-5, that cleaves aggrecan in cartilage. This miR is considered a biological marker for cartilage and its level significantly decreases in OA cartilage. On the other hand, increased expression of miR-146a in early OA inhibits two other cartilage-degrading enzymes: MMP13 and ADAMTS4, and may provide a useful tool in developing treatments for OA. The COL2A1 gene, encoding collagen type II, which is the most abundant structural protein of the cartilage, is silenced by miR-34a and activated by miR-675. Every year, new targets of cartilage miRs are validated experimentally and this opens new possibilities for new therapies that control joint destruction and stimulate cartilage repair. At the same time development of next-generation sequencing technologies allows to identify new miRs involved in cartilage biology.

TAp63, a member of the p53 family, has been shown to regulate energy metabolism. Here, we report coiled coil domain-containing 3 (CCDC3) as a new TAp63 target. TAp63, but not ΔNp63, p53 or p73, upregulates CCDC3 expression by directly binding to its enhancer region. The CCDC3 expression is markedly reduced in TAp63-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts and brown adipose tissues and by tumor necrosis factor alpha that reduces p63 transcriptional activity, but induced by metformin, an anti-diabetic drug that activates p63. Also, the expression of CCDC3 is positively correlated with TAp63 levels, but conversely with ΔNp63 levels, during adipocyte differentiation. Interestingly, CCDC3, as a secreted protein, targets liver cancer cells and increases long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, but decreases ceramide in the cells. CCDC3 alleviates glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and steatosis formation in transgenic CCDC3 mice on high-fat diet (HFD) by reducing the expression of hepatic PPARγ and its target gene CIDEA as well as other genes involved in de novo lipogenesis. Similar results are reproduced by hepatic expression of ectopic CCDC3 in mice on HFD. Altogether, these results demonstrate that CCDC3 modulates liver lipid metabolism by inhibiting liver de novo lipogenesis as a downstream player of the p63 network.

Spondylometaphyseal dysplasia Kozlowski type (SMDK) is a monogenic disorder within the TRPV4 dysplasia spectrum and has characteristic spinal and metaphyseal involvement. We report skeletal MR imaging in a two-year-old patient who manifested typical clinical and radiographic features of SMDK. The diagnosis was confirmed by molecular analysis which revealed a mutation NM_021625.4:c.1781G>A - p.(Arg594His) in exon 11 of the TRPV4 gene. We have documented abnormalities in endochondral formation of the long and short tubular bones as well as round bones of the wrists and feet. The vertebral bodies had increased thickness of hyaline cartilage which enveloped ossification centers. The vertebrae and discs also had abnormalities in size, shape and structure. These anomalies were most likely the consequence of notochordal remnants presence within the intervertebral discs and in the vertebral bodies. The advantages of MR imaging in bone dysplasias caused by TRPV4 mutations are emphasized in this article.

We document three new patients with fibular agenesis, tibial campomelia, and oligosyndactyly (FATCO). Two of these individuals had tetramelic manifestations while the third had bilateral abnormalities of the lower limbs. These patients and others reported as FATCO seem to belong to the phenotype "fibular aplasia with ectrodactyly." Genetic screening for CNVs and mutations in the TP63 and WNT10B genes did not show any genetic abnormalities. ©

Spondylometaphyseal dysplasias have been classified by Maroteaux and Spranger (1991) as well as by Duetting et al. (1998) based on severity of the changes in the femoral neck and metaphyses as well as vertebral abnormalities. SMD type A4 (SMDTA4) is characterized by severe changes of the femoral neck, marked metaphyseal abnormalities and ovoid, flattened vertebral bodies with an anterior tongue-like deformity (Maroteaux and Spranger 1991; Duetting et al. 1998). In addition to classical SMDTA4 characteristics, our patient has progressive scoliosis and lack of ossification of the capital femoral epiphyses at the age of 11 years. A genetic defect that cause SMDTA4 is so far unknown. The Jansen type of SMD reported by Campbell et al. (2000), which is a phenotypic variant of Jansen metaphyseal chondrodysplasia, shares similar phenotypic features with our patient (Table 1). We decided to analyze the PTHR1 gene encoding PTH/PTHrP receptor for parathyroid hormone related peptide (PTHrP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH), since mutations in this gene are a known cause of Jansen metaphyseal chondrodysplasia (Schipani et al. 1999). Table 1 Phenotypic similarities and differences between patient with Jansen type of spondylometaphyseal dysplasia (Campbell et al., 2000) and reported patient

DTDST mutations cause a spectrum of diastrophic dysplasia disorders characterized by defects of proteoglycans sulfation. Reduction of sulfate/chloride antiporter activity is manifested by lower sulfate uptake and depends on a combination of mutations in DTDST. We analyzed a family with an autosomal recessive form of bone dysplasia. Three affected brothers from this family are compound heterozygotes for C653S/A715V mutations. We classified their phenotype as a new intermediate form between diastrophic dysplasia and multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, manifested by shortening of stature, metatarsus adductus/club foot, mild brachydactyly, proximally placed thumbs and clinodactyly of the fifth fingers. Radiographs document platyspondyly most marked in the lower thoracic and upper lumbar spine, epiphyseal dysplasia affecting predominantly the femoral heads, widening of the metaphyses, narrow growth cartilage and multilayered patellae. Exaggerated lesser trochanters of femur, that is, "monkey wrench" sign, elevated greater trochanters, thin upper pubic rami, grossly normal carpal/tarsal bones and severe, early onset osteoarthritis were other notable features.

We report on two siblings with a severe neonatal form of spondylometaphyseal dysplasia (SMD). Similar cases have been reported in four publications. Analysis of pedigree data from the original and present families suggests an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, although parental gonadal mosaicism is also possible. The similarities in the phenotype between our patients and spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEMDC) and spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia Strudwick (SEMDS) type, indicated that these patients could have a defect in the COL2A1 gene. Molecular analysis of genomic DNA of these patients excluded this gene. Another potential candidate gene PTHR1, was also analyzed in the selected regions and no mutation was found. This gene is probably causative in the Jansen type of SMD, which shares some phenotypic features with the siblings whom we documented. Our results indicate that a new candidate gene for the reported form of SMD should be sought.

Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) is a relatively mild and clinically variable osteochondrodysplasia in which the hip and knee joints are most frequently affected. Both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive forms of MED are recognised. The more severe forms of MED are often described as the “Fairbank type”, whereas the milder cases are known as the “Ribbing type”. However, this classification belies a much greater clinical spectrum in which characteristics such as radiographic features, age of onset, degree of lower limb deformity, stature, and long term morbidity such as osteoarthritis are extremely variable.1–4 It is therefore not surprising that MED is genetically heterogeneous, and to date mutations in six different genes have been shown to cause MED.5,6 Mutations in the genes encoding cartilage oligomeric matrix protein ( COMP ), the α1, α2, and α3 chains of type IX collagen ( COL9A1, COL9A2 , and COL9A3 ) and matrilin-3 ( MATN3 ) all result in autosomal dominant MED,7–11 whereas specific mutations in the sulphate transporter 26A2 ( SLC26A2 /DTDST ) have been shown to result in an autosomal recessive form of MED.12,13 Preliminary genotype–phenotype correlations have suggested that the more severe forms of autosomal dominant MED often result from COMP mutations, while the milder forms are more probably caused by mutations in the genes encoding type IX collagen or matrilin-3.14,15 However, the number of patients available for comparative study, particularly those with type IX collagen and matrilin-3 defects, has remained too limited to date to allow any in depth correlations to be derived. The matrilins are a four member family of extracellular matrix proteins; matrilin-1 and -3 are specifically expressed in cartilaginous tissues, while matrilin-2 and -4 have a wider pattern of expression in a variety of extracellular matrices including non-skeletal tissues.16,17 Each member of the family comprise …

Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) is characterized by pain and stiffness in joints and delayed and irregular ossification of epiphyses. Causative mutations have been recognized in six different genes. We have identified disease-causing mutations in the gene encoding matrilin-3, an extracellular matrix protein, in seven families with autosomal dominant MED. Review of the clinical and radiographic features in 12 of the affected family members shows a uniform pattern of skeletal anomalies in all patients with considerable degree of variability in severity, both between and within families. The characteristic clinical findings are onset of symptoms in early childhood with predominance of knee and hip related complaints, normal stature, and early-onset osteoarthritis. Radiographs show small and irregular epiphyses and mild metaphyseal irregularities and striations, especially at the knees and hips and mild spinal changes. Despite overlap, both clinically and radiographically, with other forms of MED, the described features may help to differentiate this particular form from other entities within the MED spectrum.

Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) is an autosomal dominantly inherited chondrodysplasia. It is clinically highly heterogeneous, partially because of its complex genetic background. Mutations in four genes, COL9A2, COL9A3, COMP, and MATR3, all coding for cartilage extracellular matrix components (i.e., the alpha2 and alpha 3 chains of collagen IX, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, and matrilin-3), have been identified in this disease so far, but no mutations have yet been reported in the third collagen IX gene, COL9A1, which codes for the alpha1(IX) chain. MED with apparently recessive inheritance has been reported in some families. A homozygous R279W mutation was recently found in the diastrophic dysplasia sulfate transporter gene, DTDST, in a patient with MED who had a club foot and double-layered patella. The series consisted of 41 probands with MED, 16 of whom were familial and on 4 of whom linkage analyses were performed. Recombination was observed between COL9A1, COL9A2, COL9A3, and COMP and the MED phenotype in two of the families, and between COL9A2, COL9A3, and COMP and the phenotype in the other two families. Screening of COL9A1 for mutations in the two probands from the families in which this gene was not involved in the recombinations failed to identify any disease-causing mutations. The remaining 37 probands were screened for mutations in all three collagen IX genes and in the COMP gene. The probands with talipes deformities or multipartite patella were also screened for the R279W mutation in DTDST. The analysis resulted in identification of three mutations in COMP and one in COL9A1, but none in the other two collagen IX genes. Two of the probands with a multipartite patella had the homozygous DTDST mutation. The results show that mutations in COL9A1 can cause MED, but they also suggest that mutations in COL9A1, COL9A2, COL9A3, COMP, and DTDST are not the major causes of MED and that there exists at least one additional locus.

Aging is associated with a decline in immune function that is not fully understood. Transcriptomic analysis is a powerful tool to evaluate age-related changes, but has not yet been reported for B-cells. To address this, we performed RNA-seq analyses on purified B-cells from naïve or vaccinated BALB/c mice of varying ages with the goal of expression profiling by age as opposed to any ongoing immunostimulation. Mouse age groups were Y (young, 15–20 wks), MA (middle-aged, 68–81 wks), and O (older, 103–111 wks) ± intramuscular Flulaval injection (n=5). Sequencing was performed using Ion Torrent/Ion Proton System. PCR and phenotype analyses were performed to validate selected results. In naïve groups, 230 genes were significantly differentially expressed by MA and O compared to Y. Nine of these were also significant comparing MA and O to Y in vaccinated groups. These included protein-coding genes: senescence-associated Cdkn2a; NFκB-mediator Edaradd; Klk4, a kallikrein implicated in cancer; and 4921504E06Rik, a gene region linked to inflammatory disease. Non-coding genes included: pseudogenes Gm2619 and RP24-374C7.3; antisense Gm16028; and box C/D small nuclear (sno) RNAs, Snord123 and Snord1a. The latter genes were particularly interesting as box C/D snoRNAs regulate rRNAs through methylation, and changes in their expression levels occur with neurodegenerative disorders, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. Altered DNA methylation or epigenetic drift is implicated in both healthy aging and age-related dysfunction but exact mechanisms are unclear. Our results suggest that Snord123 and Snord1a play a previously unappreciated role as regulators of altered methylation patterns contributing to age-related immune decline in B-cells.

Leukocyte telomere length is widely considered a biomarker of human age and in many studies indicative of health or disease. We have obtained quantitative estimates of telomere length from blood leukocytes in a population sample, confirming results of previous studies that telomere length significantly decreases with age. Telomere length was also positively associated with several measures of healthy aging, but this relationship was dependent on age. We screened two genes known to be involved in telomere maintenance for association with the age-related decline in telomere length observed in our population to identify candidate longevity-associated genes. A single-nucleotide polymorphism located in the SIRT1 gene and another in the 3′ flanking region of XRCC6 had significant effects on telomere length. At each bi-allelic locus, the minor variant was associated with longer telomeres, though the mode of inheritance fitting best differed between the two genes. No statistical interaction was detected for telomere length between the SIRT1 and XRCC6 variants or between these polymorphisms and age. The SIRT1 locus was significantly associated with longevity (P < 0.003). The frequency of the minor allele was higher in long-lived cases than in young controls, which coincides with the protective role of the minor variant for telomere length. In contrast, the XRCC6 variant was not associated with longevity. Furthermore, it did not affect the association of SIRT1 with exceptional survival. The association of the same variant of SIRT1 with longevity was near significant (P < 0.07) in a second population. These results suggest a potential role of SIRT1 in linking telomere length and longevity. Given the differences between this gene and XRCC6, they point to the distinct impact that alternate pathways of telomere maintenance may have on aging and exceptional survival.

We report on monozygotic twins with short stature and severe spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEMDC) from the Polish population. Phenotype of the twin girls resembles spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita Spranger-Wiedemann (SEDC-SW), but shortening of the stature is more severe and the cranioface is normal. The distinctive radiographic features, in spite of similarity to SEDC-SW, indicate different spinal and, notably, severe metaphyseal involvement. Molecular analysis of the COL2A1 gene revealed an A to G transition at nucleotide +79 of exon 41 that converted the codon for arginine at amino acid 792 to a codon for glycine (Arg792Gly). The twins were heterozygous for the mutation and neither parent had this change. The Arg792Gly substitution is located at the Y-position of Gly-X-Y triplet, and it is likely that this substitution decreased the thermal stability of the triple helix and may affect fibril growth by replacement of an arginine residue, which is important for a conformation of the triple helix.

The aim of the study was to identify the mutations of TIGR gene in Polish patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), and to define the genotype-phenotype correlation, between the type of mutation and the clinical picture of POAG.The study included 45 patients with verified and proved diagnosis of POAG. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients. The PCR amplification of all three exons of TIGR gene was done for every patient. The screening for the sequence changes in the PCR products of TIGR gene was done using conformation sensitive gel electrophoresis (CSGE). The probes with identified heteroduplexes were sequenced using an automatic DNA sequencer.During amplification of the coding regions of TIGR gene and the promoter sequences and flanking sequences of introns, 315 PCR products were obtained. The CSGE analysis of these PCR products allowed to detect 60 possible changes of sequence in 28 patients. 34 heteroduplexes were chosen for sequencing, including 29 unique changes and 5 changes representative for repeated, identical heteroduplexes. Direct sequencing allowed to detect only four different changes in TIGR gene sequence. Three of them: 5'UTR -83G--A (present in 14 patients), +227 exon 1 G--A, Arg76Lys (present in 14 patient) and +311 exon 3 T--C, Tyr347Tyr (present in 4 patients) were already described in literature as neutral polymorphisms of TIGR gene. Only one change in promoter: 5'UTR 126T--C (present in 2 patients) was not described in the literature to date. However, because this change doesn't alter directly the sequence of aminoacids in protein product of TIGR gene, it is very difficult to conclude its pathogenetic role.Our studies have shown no TIGR gene changes that can be recognized as causative mutations in development of POAG. Thus, the definition of any genotype-phenotype correlation was impossible. The study on the role of the change in promoter sequence that was not yet described, will be continued. Exclusion of TIGR gene mutations in Polish patients with POAG means that they probably have mutations in other genes, what paves the way to the studies on other loci that predispose to POAG.

The aim of the study was to identify mutations of the TIGR gene in Polish patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and to define possible genotype-phenotype correlations. The study included 45 patients with a verified diagnosis of POAG. The PCR amplification of all three exons of the TIGR gene and screening for the sequence changes by CSGE analysis was done for every patient. The probes with identified heteroduplexes were sequenced. Altogether 315 PCR products were obtained. The CSGE analysis detected 60 possible changes of the sequence in 28 patients. 34 heteroduplexes were chosen for sequencing, including 29 unique changes and 5 changes representative of identical heteroduplexes. Direct sequencing enabled detection of only four different changes in the TIGR gene sequence. Three of them: 5'UTR -83G--A (in 14 patients), +227 exon 1 G--A, Arg76Lys (in 14 patients) and +311 exon 3 T--C, Tyr347Tyr (in 4 patients) have already been described in the literature as neutral polymorphisms of the gene. Only one change in the promoter, 5'UTR -126T--C (in 2 patients), has not been described in the literature to date. However, this change does not alter directly the sequence of amino acids in myocilin, so it is difficult to conclude on its pathogenetic role. Thus our study showed only neutral polymorphisms of the TIGR gene. This suggests that the patients probably have mutations in other genes, so other loci that predispose to POAG must be analyzed.

Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) is characterized by pain and stiffness in joints and delayed and irregular ossification of epiphyses. Causative mutations have been recognized in six different genes. We have identified disease-causing mutations in the gene encoding matrilin-3, an extracellular matrix protein, in seven families with autosomal dominant MED. Review of the clinical and radiographic features in 12 of the affected family members shows a uniform pattern of skeletal anomalies in all patients with considerable degree of variability in severity, both between and within families. The characteristic clinical findings are onset of symptoms in early childhood with predominance of knee and hip related complaints, normal stature, and early-onset osteoarthritis. Radiographs show small and irregular epiphyses and mild metaphyseal irregularities and striations, especially at the knees and hips and mild spinal changes. Despite overlap, both clinically and radiographically, with other forms of MED, the described features may help to differentiate this particular form from other entities within the MED spectrum.

Mutation and Polymorphism Report Authors: Andrzej Kochanski, Ann Lofgren, Hanna Jedrzejowska, Barbara Ryniewicz, Malwina CzarnyRatajczak, Anna-Maria Barciszewska, Joanna Samocko, Irena Hausmanowa-Petrusewicz, Peter De Jonghe, Vincent Timmerman, and Anna Latos-Bielenska Affiliations: Chair and Department of Medical Genetics, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), Born-Bunge Foundation (BBS), Department of Biochemistry, University of Antwerp (UIA), Antwerpen, Belgium Neuromuscular Medical Research Unit Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland Neurology Department Medical University, Warsaw, Poland Corresponding Author Address and E-mail: Andrzej Kochanski, MD, Chair and Department of Medical Genetics, Poznan University Medical School, Szpitalna 27/33, 60-572 Poznan, Poland; Fax: +488475 394; E-mail: kochan@sk5.usoms.poznan.pl

Osteoarthritis is the most common disease of joints caused by degradation of articular cartilage and subchondral bone. It is classified as primary form with unknown cause and as secondary form with known etiology. Genetic and epigenetic factors interact with environmental factors and contribute to the development of primary osteoarthritis. Thus far, many polymorphisms associated with osteoarthritis have been identified and recent studies also indicate the involvement of epigenetic factors (e.g., telomere shortening) in the initiation of this disorder. Accelerated shortening of telomeres was detected in osteoarthritis and other age-related diseases. Studies revealed that telomere length is severely reduced in blood leukocytes and chondrocytes of patients with osteoarthritis, and this may contribute to the initiation and development of osteoarthritis, whose major cause is still unknown.