A gain-of-function ACTC1 3'UTR mutation that introduces a miR-139-5p target site may be associated with a dominant familial atrial septal defect

Sci Rep. 2016 May 3:6:25404. doi: 10.1038/srep25404.

Abstract

The ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASDII) is the most common type of congenital heart disease and is characterized by a left to right shunting of oxygenated blood caused by incomplete closure of the septum secundum. We identified a familial form of isolated ASDII that affects four individuals in a family of five and shows autosomal dominant inheritance. By whole genome sequencing, we discovered a new mutation (c.*1784T > C) in the 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) of ACTC1, which encodes the predominant actin in the embryonic heart. Further analysis demonstrated that the c.*1784T > C mutation results in a new target site for miRNA-139-5p, a microRNA that is involved in cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. Functional analysis demonstrated that the c.*1784T > C mutation specifically downregulates gene expression in a luciferase assay. Additionally, miR-139-5p mimic causes further decrease, whereas miR-139-5p inhibitor can dramatically rescue the decline in gene expression caused by this mutation. These findings suggest that the familial ASDII may be a result of an ACTC1 3'UTR gain-of-function mutation caused by the introduction of a new miR-139-5p target site. Our results provide the first evidence of a pathogenic mutation in the ACTC1 3'UTR that may be associated with familial isolated ASDII.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions / genetics
  • Actins / genetics*
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • Echocardiography
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / genetics*
  • Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / antagonists & inhibitors
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Mutation
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / genetics
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / pathology
  • Pedigree
  • Whole Genome Sequencing

Substances

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • ACTC1 protein, human
  • Actins
  • MIRN139 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs