Defective Sec61α1 underlies a novel cause of autosomal dominant severe congenital neutropenia

J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2020 Nov;146(5):1180-1193. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2020.03.034. Epub 2020 Apr 20.

Abstract

Background: The molecular cause of severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) is unknown in 30% to 50% of patients. SEC61A1 encodes the α-subunit of the Sec61 complex, which governs endoplasmic reticulum protein transport and passive calcium leakage. Recently, mutations in SEC61A1 were reported to be pathogenic in common variable immunodeficiency and glomerulocystic kidney disease.

Objective: Our aim was to expand the spectrum of SEC61A1-mediated disease to include autosomal dominant SCN.

Methods: Whole exome sequencing findings were validated, and reported mutations were compared by Western blotting, Ca2+ flux assays, differentiation of transduced HL-60 cells, in vitro differentiation of primary CD34 cells, quantitative PCR for unfolded protein response (UPR) genes, and single-cell RNA sequencing on whole bone marrow.

Results: We identified a novel de novo missense mutation in SEC61A1 (c.A275G;p.Q92R) in a patient with SCN who was born to nonconsanguineous Belgian parents. The mutation results in diminished protein expression, disturbed protein translocation, and an increase in calcium leakage from the endoplasmic reticulum. In vitro differentiation of CD34+ cells recapitulated the patient's clinical arrest in granulopoiesis. The impact of Q92R-Sec61α1 on neutrophil maturation was validated by using HL-60 cells, in which transduction reduced differentiation into CD11b+CD16+ cells. A potential mechanism for this defect is the uncontrolled initiation of the unfolded protein stress response, with single-cell analysis of primary bone marrow revealing perturbed UPR in myeloid precursors and in vitro differentiation of primary CD34+ cells revealing upregulation of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein and immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein UPR-response genes.

Conclusion: Specific mutations in SEC61A1 cause SCN through dysregulation of the UPR.

Keywords: SEC61A1; Severe congenital neutropenia; endoplasmic reticulum stress; unfolded protein response; whole exome sequencing.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, CD34 / metabolism
  • Chromosome Disorders
  • Congenital Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes / genetics*
  • Exome Sequencing
  • Female
  • Genes, Dominant
  • HL-60 Cells
  • Humans
  • Mutation / genetics*
  • Neutropenia / congenital*
  • Neutropenia / genetics
  • Neutrophils / physiology*
  • Pedigree
  • SEC Translocation Channels / genetics*
  • Single-Cell Analysis
  • Unfolded Protein Response / genetics
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antigens, CD34
  • SEC Translocation Channels
  • SEC61A1 protein, human

Supplementary concepts

  • Neutropenia, Severe Congenital, Autosomal Recessive 3