Mapping the NPHP-JBTS-MKS protein network reveals ciliopathy disease genes and pathways

Cell. 2011 May 13;145(4):513-28. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2011.04.019.

Abstract

Nephronophthisis (NPHP), Joubert (JBTS), and Meckel-Gruber (MKS) syndromes are autosomal-recessive ciliopathies presenting with cystic kidneys, retinal degeneration, and cerebellar/neural tube malformation. Whether defects in kidney, retinal, or neural disease primarily involve ciliary, Hedgehog, or cell polarity pathways remains unclear. Using high-confidence proteomics, we identified 850 interactors copurifying with nine NPHP/JBTS/MKS proteins and discovered three connected modules: "NPHP1-4-8" functioning at the apical surface, "NPHP5-6" at centrosomes, and "MKS" linked to Hedgehog signaling. Assays for ciliogenesis and epithelial morphogenesis in 3D renal cultures link renal cystic disease to apical organization defects, whereas ciliary and Hedgehog pathway defects lead to retinal or neural deficits. Using 38 interactors as candidates, linkage and sequencing analysis of 250 patients identified ATXN10 and TCTN2 as new NPHP-JBTS genes, and our Tctn2 mouse knockout shows neural tube and Hedgehog signaling defects. Our study further illustrates the power of linking proteomic networks and human genetics to uncover critical disease pathways.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ataxin-10
  • Centrosome / metabolism
  • Cilia / metabolism
  • Ciliary Motility Disorders / genetics
  • Encephalocele / genetics
  • Hedgehog Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Kidney Diseases, Cystic / genetics*
  • Kidney Diseases, Cystic / metabolism
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Mice
  • NIH 3T3 Cells
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Polycystic Kidney Diseases / genetics
  • Retinitis Pigmentosa
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Zebrafish

Substances

  • ATXN10 protein, human
  • Ataxin-10
  • Hedgehog Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • tectonin II

Supplementary concepts

  • Meckel syndrome type 1