A deep learning approach to identify gene targets of a therapeutic for human splicing disorders

Nat Commun. 2021 Jun 7;12(1):3332. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-23663-2.

Abstract

Pre-mRNA splicing is a key controller of human gene expression. Disturbances in splicing due to mutation lead to dysregulated protein expression and contribute to a substantial fraction of human disease. Several classes of splicing modulator compounds (SMCs) have been recently identified and establish that pre-mRNA splicing represents a target for therapy. We describe herein the identification of BPN-15477, a SMC that restores correct splicing of ELP1 exon 20. Using transcriptome sequencing from treated fibroblast cells and a machine learning approach, we identify BPN-15477 responsive sequence signatures. We then leverage this model to discover 155 human disease genes harboring ClinVar mutations predicted to alter pre-mRNA splicing as targets for BPN-15477. Splicing assays confirm successful correction of splicing defects caused by mutations in CFTR, LIPA, MLH1 and MAPT. Subsequent validations in two disease-relevant cellular models demonstrate that BPN-15477 increases functional protein, confirming the clinical potential of our predictions.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Computational Biology
  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / genetics
  • Deep Learning*
  • Exons
  • Gene Targeting / methods*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • MutL Protein Homolog 1 / genetics
  • Mutation
  • Phenethylamines / administration & dosage
  • Pyridazines / administration & dosage
  • RNA Splicing*
  • Sterol Esterase / genetics
  • Transcriptome
  • tau Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • CFTR protein, human
  • MAPT protein, human
  • MLH1 protein, human
  • Phenethylamines
  • Pyridazines
  • tau Proteins
  • Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator
  • LIPA protein, human
  • Sterol Esterase
  • MutL Protein Homolog 1