An Exploration of Mutagenesis in a Family with Cleidocranial Dysplasia without RUNX2 Mutation

Abstract

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is an autosomal dominant inheritable skeletal disorder characterized by cranial dysplasia, clavicle hypoplasia, and dental abnormalities. Mutations involving Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) are currently the only known molecular etiology for CCD but are not identified in all CCD patients. No RUNX2 abnormality can be detected in about 20–30% of patients, and the molecular cause remains unknown. The present study includes a family case with typical features of CCD. RUNX2 mutation was first screened by sequencing analysis, and no mutation was detected. Copy number alterations of the RUNX2 gene were then measured by quantitative PCR and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). No copy number variation in RUNX2 could be detected. We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) to identify the underlying genetic mutations. Unexpectedly, no abnormalities could be detected in genes related to the RUNX2 signaling pathway. Therefore, it was supposed that other new unknown gene variations might contribute to the CCD phenotype. We focused on Immunoglobulin superfamily member 10 (IGSF10), a gene related to bone development. An IGSF10 frameshift mutation (c.6001_6002delCT, p.Leu2001Valfs*24) was detected by WES. Sanger sequencing verified that this mutation was only detected in the patient and her affected mother but not in her unaffected father. Bioinformatics studies demonstrated that this mutation could change the 3D structure of the IGSF10 protein and severely damage its function. In addition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the ability to form mineralized nodules were inhibited by IGSF10 knockdown compared with normal controls. The expression of bone sialoprotein (BSP) was significantly reduced by IGSF10 knockdown, but not that of other osteogenic markers. Our results provide new genetic evidence that IGSF10 mutation might contribute to CCD.