Common SYNE2 Genetic Variant Associated With Atrial Fibrillation Lowers Expression of Nesprin-2α1 With Downstream Effects on Nuclear and Electrophysiological Traits.
Nana Liu, Jeffrey Hsu, Gautam Mahajan, Han Sun, Kenneth R Laurita, Sathyamangla V Naga Prasad, John Barnard, David R Van Wagoner, Chandrasekhar R Kothapalli, Mina K Chung, Jonathan D Smith
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Atrial fibrillation GWAS (genome-wide association studies) identified significant associations for rs1152591 and linked variants in the SYNE2 gene encoding Nesprin-2, which connects the nuclear membrane with the cytoskeleton.
Methods: Reporter gene vector transfection and CRISPR-Cas9 editing were used to identify the causal variant regulating the expression of SYNE2α1. After SYNE2 knockdown or SYNE2α1 overexpression in human stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, nuclear phenotypes were assessed by imaging and atomic force microscopy. Gene expression was assessed by RNAseq and gene set enrichment analysis. Fura-2 AM staining assessed calcium transients. Optical mapping assessed action potential duration and conduction velocity.
Results: The risk allele of rs1152591 had lower promoter and enhancer activity and was significantly associated with lower expression of the short SYNE2α1 isoform in human stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, without an effect on the expression of the full-length SYNE2 mRNA. SYNE2α1 overexpression had dominant negative effects on the nucleus with its overexpression or SYNE2 knockdown leading to increased nuclear area and decreased nuclear stiffness. Gene expression results from SYNE2α1 overexpression demonstrated both concordant and nonconcordant effects with SYNE2 knockdown. SYNE2α1 overexpression had a gain of function on electrophysiology, leading to significantly faster calcium reuptake and decreased assessed action potential duration, while SYNE2 knockdown showed both shortened assessed action potential duration and decreased conduction velocity.
Conclusions: rs1152591 was identified as a causal atrial fibrillation variant, with the risk allele decreasing SYNE2α1 expression. Downstream effects of SYNE2α1 overexpression include changes in nuclear stiffness and electrophysiology, which may contribute to the mechanism for the risk allele's association with AF.
期刊介绍:
Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine is a distinguished journal dedicated to advancing the frontiers of cardiovascular genomics and precision medicine. It publishes a diverse array of original research articles that delve into the genetic and molecular underpinnings of cardiovascular diseases. The journal's scope is broad, encompassing studies from human subjects to laboratory models, and from in vitro experiments to computational simulations.
Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine is committed to publishing studies that have direct relevance to human cardiovascular biology and disease, with the ultimate goal of improving patient care and outcomes. The journal serves as a platform for researchers to share their groundbreaking work, fostering collaboration and innovation in the field of cardiovascular genomics and precision medicine.