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Background Cannabis use is a risk factor for severe mental illness. However, cannabis does not affect everyone equally. Genetic information may help identify individuals who are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of cannabis on mental health. A common genetic variant within the AKT1 gene selectively increases risk of psychosis, only among those who use cannabis. Therapeutically oriented genetic counselling may enable us to reduce cannabis exposure among genetically sensitive individuals. Methods Using a trial-within-cohort design, we aim to test if genetic counselling, including the option to receive AKT1 rs2494732 genotype, reduces cannabis use. To this end, we have designed a genetic counselling intervention: Interdisciplinary approach to Maximize Adolescent potential: Genetic counselling Intervention to reduce Negative Environmental effects (IMAGINE). Results IMAGINE will be implemented in a cohort of children and youth enriched for familial risk for major mood and psychotic disorders. Approximately 110 eligible individuals aged 12-21 years will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to be offered a single genetic counselling session with a board-certified genetic counsellor, or not. Allocated youth will also be invited to attend a follow-up session approximately 1 month following the intervention. The primary outcome will be cannabis use (measured by self-report or urine screen) at subsequent annual assessments as part of the larger cohort study. Secondary outcomes include intervention acceptability and psychopathology. Conclusion This study represents the first translational application of a gene-environment interaction to improve mental health and test an intervention with potential public health benefits. This study is registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03601026).

Congenital sideroblastic anemia (CSA) is a hematological disorder characterized by the presence of ringed sideroblasts in bone marrow erythroid precursors. Mutations in the erythroid-specific glycine mitochondrial transporter gene SLC25A38 have been found in a subset of patients with transfusion-dependent congenital CSA. Further studies in a zebrafish model identified a promising ameliorative strategy with combined supplementation with glycine and folate. We tested this combination in three individuals with SLC25A38 CSA, with a primary objective to decrease red blood cell transfusion requirements. No significant impact was observed on transfusion requirements or any hematologic parameters.

Pediatric intracranial calcification may be caused by inherited or acquired factors. We describe the identification of a novel rearrangement in which a downstream pseudogene translocates into exon 9 of OCLN, resulting in band-like brain calcification and advanced chronic kidney disease in early childhood. SNP genotyping and read-depth variation from whole exome sequencing initially pointed to a mutation in the OCLN gene. The high degree of identity between OCLN and two pseudogenes required a combination of multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, PCR, and Sanger sequencing to identify the genomic rearrangement that was the underlying genetic cause of the disease. Mutations in exon 3, or at the 5-6 intron splice site, of OCLN have been reported to cause brain calcification and polymicrogyria with no evidence of extra-cranial phenotypes. Of the OCLN splice variants described, all make use of exon 9, while OCLN variants that use exons 3, 5, and 6 are tissue specific. The genetic rearrangement we identified in exon 9 provides a plausible explanation for the expanded clinical phenotype observed in our individuals. Furthermore, the lack of polymicrogyria associated with the rearrangement of OCLN in our patients extends the range of cranial defects that can be observed due to OCLN mutations.

Chemical-genetic approaches offer the potential for unbiased functional annotation of chemical libraries. Mutations can alter the response of cells to a compound, revealing chemical-genetic interactions that can elucidate a compound’s mode of action. We developed a highly parallel and unbiased yeast chemical-genetic screening system involving three key components. First, in a drug-sensitive genetic background, we constructed an optimized, diagnostic mutant collection that is predictive for all major yeast biological processes. Second, we implemented a multiplexed (768-plex) barcode sequencing protocol, enabling assembly of thousands of chemical-genetic profiles. Finally, based on comparison of the chemical-genetic profiles with a compendium of genome-wide genetic interaction profiles, we predicted compound functionality. Applying this high-throughput approach, we screened 7 different compound libraries and annotated their functional diversity. We further validated biological process predictions, prioritized a diverse set of compounds, and identified compounds that appear to have dual modes of action., Graphical abstract

Meier-Gorlin syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive genetic condition whose primary clinical hallmarks include small stature, small external ears and small or absent patellae. Using marker-assisted mapping in multiple families from a founder population and traditional coding exon sequencing of positional candidate genes, we identified three different mutations in the gene encoding ORC4, a component of the eukaryotic origin recognition complex, in five individuals with Meier-Gorlin syndrome. In two such individuals that were negative for mutations in ORC4, we found potential mutations in ORC1 and CDT1, two other genes involved in origin recognition. ORC4 is well conserved in eukaryotes, and the yeast equivalent of the human ORC4 missense mutation was shown to be pathogenic in functional assays of cell growth. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of a germline mutation in any gene of the origin recognition complex in a vertebrate organism.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein Kes1/Osh4 is a member of the enigmatic family of oxysterol-binding proteins found throughout Eukarya united by a β-barrel structure that binds sterols and oxysterols. In this study, we determined that phosphoinositides are the major determinant in membranes that facilitate Kes1 association both in vitro and in cells. Increased expression of Kes1 in yeast cells decreased the levels of both phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P) and phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P). Phosphoinositide and sterol bindings by Kes1 were necessary for Kes1 to decrease the level of PI4P but not PI3P. Kes1 inhibited vesicular trafficking between the trans-Golgi and plasma membrane as evidenced by accumulation of the vacuolar soluble NSF attachment protein receptors Snc1 in the cytoplasmic vesicles. Sterol and phosphoinositide binding by Kes1 both contributed to its regulation of Snc1 trafficking. This study also describes a previously unknown role for Kes1 in the regulation of the autophagy/cytoplasm to the vacuole trafficking pathway. The Kes1-mediated regulation of the autophagy/cytoplasm to the vacuole trafficking pathway was prevented by increasing expression of the PI3K Vps34, suggesting that it is the Kes1-mediated decrease in PI3P level that contributes to this regulation.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae remains an ideal organism for studying the cell biological roles of lipids in vivo, as yeast has phospholipid metabolic pathways similar to mammalian cells, is easy and economical to manipulate, and is genetically tractable. The availability of isogenic strains containing specific genetic inactivation of each non-essential gene allowed for the development of a high-throughput method, called synthetic genetic analysis (SGA), to identify and describe precise pathways or functions associated with specific genes. This review describes the use of SGA to aid in elucidating the function of two lipid-binding proteins that regulate vesicular transport, Sec14 and Kes1. Sec14 was first identified as a phosphatidylcholine (PC) – phosphatidylinositol (PI) transfer protein required for viability, with reduced Sec14 function resulting in diminished vesicular transport out of the trans-Golgi. Although Sec14 is required for cell viability, inactivating the KES1 gene that encodes for a member of the oxysterol binding protein family in cells lacking Sec14 function results in restoration of vesicular transport and cell growth. SGA analysis identified a role for Kes1 and Sec14 in regulating the level and function of Golgi PI-4-phosphate (PI-4-P). SGA also determined that Sec14 not only regulates vesicular transport out of the trans-Golgi, but also transport from endosomes to the trans-Golgi. Comparing SGA screens in databases, coupled with genetic and cell biological analyses, further determined that the PI-4-P pool affected by Kes1 is generated by the PI 4-kinase Pik1. An important biological role for Sec14 and Kes1 revealed by SGA is coordinate regulation of the Pik1-generated Golgi PI-4-P pool that in turn is essential for vesicular transport into and out of the trans-Golgi.

Congenital sideroblastic anemia (CSA) is a hematological disorder characterized by the presence of ringed sideroblasts in bone marrow erythroid precursors. Mutations in the erythroid-specific glycine mitochondrial transporter gene SLC25A38 have been found in a subset of patients with transfusion-dependent congenital CSA. Further studies in a zebrafish model identified a promising ameliorative strategy with combined supplementation with glycine and folate. We tested this combination in three individuals with SLC25A38 CSA, with a primary objective to decrease red blood cell transfusion requirements. No significant impact was observed on transfusion requirements or any hematologic parameters.

Retinal detachment with avascularity of the peripheral retina, typically associated with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR), can result from mutations in KIF11, a gene recently identified to cause microcephaly, lymphedema, and chorioretinal dysplasia (MLCRD) as well as chorioretinal dysplasia, microcephaly, and mental retardation (CDMMR). Ophthalmologists should be aware of the range of presentations for mutations in KIF11 because the phenotypic distinction between FEVR and MLCRD/CDMMR portends management implications in patients with these conditions.To identify gene mutations in patients who present with a FEVR phenotype and explore the spectrum of ocular and systemic abnormalities caused by KIF11 mutations in a cohort of patients with FEVR or microcephaly in conjunction with chorioretinopathy or FEVR.Clinical data and DNA were collected from each participant between 1998 and 2013 from the clinical practices of ophthalmologists and clinical geneticists internationally. Twenty-eight FEVR probands with diagnoses made by the referring physician and without a known FEVR gene mutation, and 3 with microcephaly and chorioretinopathy, were included. At least 1 patient in each pedigree manifested 1 or more of the following: macular dragging, partial retinal detachment, falciform folds, or total retinal detachment.Whole-exome sequencing was conducted on affected members in multiplex pedigrees, and Sanger sequencing of the 22 exons of the KIF11 gene was performed on singletons. Clinical data and history were collected and reviewed.Identification of mutations in KIF11.Four novel heterozygous KIF11 mutations and 1 previously published mutation were identified in probands with FEVR: p.A218Gfs*15, p.E470X, p.R221G, c.790-1GT, and the previously described heterozygous p.R47X. Documentation of peripheral avascular areas on intravenous fluorescein angiography was possible in 2 probands with fibrovascular proliferation demonstrating phenotypic overlap with FEVR.Mutations in KIF11 cause a broader spectrum of ocular disease than previously reported, including retinal detachment. The KIF11 gene likely plays a role in retinal vascular development and mutations in this gene can lead to clinical overlap with FEVR. Cases of FEVR should be carefully inspected for the presence of microcephaly as a marker for KIF11-related disease to enhance the accuracy of the prognosis and genetic counseling.

The oxysterol binding protein family are amphitropic proteins that bind oxysterols, sterols, and possibly phosphoinositides, in a conserved binding pocket. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae oxysterol binding protein family member Kes1 (also known as Osh4) also binds phosphoinositides on a distinct surface of the protein from the conserved binding pocket. In this study, we determine that the oxysterol binding protein family member Kes1 is required to maintain the ratio of complex sphingolipids and levels of ceramide, sphingosine-phosphate and sphingosine. This inability to maintain normal sphingolipid homeostasis resulted in misdistribution of Pma1, a protein that requires normal sphingolipid synthesis to occur to partition into membrane rafts at the Golgi for its trafficking to the plasma membrane.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae remains an ideal organism for studying the cell biological roles of lipids in vivo, as yeast has phospholipid metabolic pathways similar to mammalian cells, is easy and economical to manipulate, and is genetically tractable. The availability of isogenic strains containing specific genetic inactivation of each non-essential gene allowed for the development of a high-throughput method, called synthetic genetic analysis (SGA), to identify and describe precise pathways or functions associated with specific genes. This review describes the use of SGA to aid in elucidating the function of two lipid-binding proteins that regulate vesicular transport, Sec14 and Kes1. Sec14 was first identified as a phosphatidylcholine (PC) - phosphatidylinositol (PI) transfer protein required for viability, with reduced Sec14 function resulting in diminished vesicular transport out of the trans-Golgi. Although Sec14 is required for cell viability, inactivating the KES1 gene that encodes for a member of the oxysterol binding protein family in cells lacking Sec14 function results in restoration of vesicular transport and cell growth. SGA analysis identified a role for Kes1 and Sec14 in regulating the level and function of Golgi PI-4-phosphate (PI-4-P). SGA also determined that Sec14 not only regulates vesicular transport out of the trans-Golgi, but also transport from endosomes to the trans-Golgi. Comparing SGA screens in databases, coupled with genetic and cell biological analyses, further determined that the PI-4-P pool affected by Kes1 is generated by the PI 4-kinase Pik1. An important biological role for Sec14 and Kes1 revealed by SGA is coordinate regulation of the Pik1-generated Golgi PI-4-P pool that in turn is essential for vesicular transport into and out of the trans-Golgi.

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a high-risk subset of ALL, for which there is a need for new therapeutic strategies and efficient preclinical screening methods. We have pioneered an innovative zebrafish human cancer xenotransplantation (XT) model to examine drug-tumor interactions in vivo. T-ALL cell lines and primary patient T-ALL samples were microinjected into 48-hour zebrafish embryos, a stage at which the adaptive immune system has not yet developed. Fluorescent labelling of tumor cells prior to injection and use of casper pigment mutant fish facilitates evaluation of drug response both by direct observation in transparent fish and enumeration of human cells following embryo dissociation. Proliferation rates are rapidly determined by directly counting fluorescent cells using in silico-based programs and/or utilizing immunohistochemical approaches to distinguish human cancer cells from host cell populations. T-ALL cell lines harboring defined mutations in the NOTCH1, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and mTOR pathways differentially responded to targeted inhibition using the γ-secretase inhibitor Compound E, triciribine, and rapamycin, when xenografted into embryos, consistent with responses in vitro. Primary patient-derived T-ALL bone marrow samples similarly engrafted and proliferated in zebrafish embryos. Using this in vivo chemical genomic approach, a targetable mutation sensitive to γ-secretase inhibition was identified from the diagnostic bone marrow sample of a child with T-ALL, which was confirmed by exome Sanger sequencing, and validated as a gain-of-function mutation in the NOTCH1 gene by luciferase assay and Western blot. Focused chemical genomics using the zebrafish T-ALL XT model provides a means of tailoring therapy using a real time in vivo assay that more accurately recapitulates the tumor microenvironment than in vitro methods and more rapidly than mouse xenografts. Moreover, the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of this innovative platform provides a novel intermediary for the prioritization of much-needed drug candidates in the preclinical pipeline. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.