CRL4-Cereblon complex in Thalidomide Embryopathy: a translational investigation

Sci Rep. 2020 Jan 21;10(1):851. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-57512-x.

Abstract

The Cereblon-CRL4 complex has been studied predominantly with regards to thalidomide treatment of multiple myeloma. Nevertheless, the role of Cereblon-CRL4 in Thalidomide Embryopathy (TE) is still not understood. Not all embryos exposed to thalidomide develop TE, hence here we evaluate the role of the CRL4-Cereblon complex in TE variability and susceptibility. We sequenced CRBN, DDB1, CUL4A, IKZF1, and IKZF3 in individuals with TE. To better interpret the variants, we suggested a score and a heatmap comprising their regulatory effect. Differential gene expression after thalidomide exposure and conservation of the CRL4-Cereblon protein complex were accessed from public repositories. Results suggest a summation effect of Cereblon variants on pre-axial longitudinal limb anomalies, and heatmap scores identify the CUL4A variant rs138961957 as potentially having an effect on TE susceptibility. CRL4-Cereblon gene expression after thalidomide exposure and CLR4-Cereblon protein conservation does not explain the difference in Thalidomide sensitivity between species. In conclusion, we suggest that CRL4-Cereblon variants act through several regulatory mechanisms, which may influence CRL4-Cereblon complex assembly and its ability to bind thalidomide. Human genetic variability must be addressed not only to further understand the susceptibility to TE, but as a crucial element in therapeutics, including in the development of pharmacogenomics strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / genetics*
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Embryo, Mammalian
  • Embryonic Development / genetics*
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Fetal Diseases / genetics*
  • Gene Expression
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics*
  • Genetic Variation
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Protein Binding
  • Thalidomide / adverse effects*
  • Thalidomide / metabolism
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / genetics*
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / metabolism
  • Upper Extremity Deformities, Congenital / chemically induced*
  • Upper Extremity Deformities, Congenital / genetics*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • CRBN protein, human
  • IL17RB protein, human
  • Thalidomide
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases