Cited by 35Immunodeficiency and Autoimmune DisordersBlood disorders and treatmentsHematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

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A gain-of-function RAC2 mutation is associated with bone-marrow hypoplasia and an autosomal dominant form of severe combined immunodeficiency

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Abstract

Severe combined immunodeficiencies (SCIDs) constitute a heterogeneous group of life-threatening genetic disorders that typically present in the first year of life. They are defined by the absence of autologous T cells and the presence of an intrinsic or extrinsic defect in the B-cell compartment. In three newborns presenting with frequent infections and profound leukopenia, we identified a private, heterozygous mutation in the RAC2 gene (p.G12R). This mutation was de novo in the index case, who had been cured by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation but had transmitted the mutation to her sick daughter. Biochemical assays showed that the mutation was associated with a gain of function. The results of in vitro differentiation assays showed that RAC2 is essential for the survival and differentiation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Therefore, screening for RAC2 gain-of-function mutations should be considered in patients with a SCID phenotype and who lack a molecular diagnosis.

Overview

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TL;DR

A heterozygous gain-of-function RAC2 p.G12R mutation was identified in three patients with severe combined immunodeficiency and bone-marrow hypoplasia, inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. Biochemical and in vitro HSPC assays showed increased active GTP-bound RAC2 and impaired survival/differentiation, linking the mutation to disease.

Key findings

  • In three patients from two unrelated kindreds (P1; mother and daughter P2/P3) with a reticular dysgenesis-like SCID phenotype but no deafness, the authors identified a heterozygous c.34G>A, p.G12R mutation in RAC2; it was de novo in the index case and transmitted to her daughter, indicating autosomal dominant inheritance. Patients lacked neutrophils, T and B lymphocytes, and circulating monocytes, with severe bone-marrow hypoplasia; TREC was <5 copies/mL in P3 versus >34 copies for a control.
  • The mutation was associated with gain of function: in HEK293T cells, G-LISA showed high levels of active GTP-bound RAC2 for G12R and the positive control G12V, while RAC2 protein expression was not substantially altered in patient fibroblasts.
  • Patient fibroblasts showed slower proliferation and higher death; mitochondrial networks were fragmented in 35% of P3 fibroblasts versus 10% of controls, and nuclear membranes were highly segmented.
  • CD34+ cord blood HSPC transduced with G12R or G12V showed disappearance of GFP+ cells within 4 days, impaired ROS production, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, increased apoptosis, and severely reduced neutrophil and T-cell differentiation; HSCT was successful in P1 and P2 with full donor immune reconstitution at 12 and 21 years after transplant, respectively.

Methods

  • Case-based genetic and functional study of three patients from two unrelated kindreds, using primary patient fibroblasts, human cord blood CD34+ HSPC, and HEK293T cells; informed consent and ethics approvals are reported.
  • Whole-exome sequencing was performed on patient fibroblasts (the Results text says whole-genome sequencing), with Sanger confirmation; the variant was absent from an in-house database of n=14,154 samples and gnomAD and was predicted deleterious by four in silico tools.
  • Functional analyses included RAC2 activation G-LISA, immunoblotting, homology modeling, live-cell imaging, and in vitro HSPC differentiation toward granulocyte, monocyte, and T-lymphoid lineages; statistics used two-tailed unpaired t-tests with P<0.05 and three or more independent experiments.

Limitations

  • Stated: no patient bone-marrow samples were available, so CD34+ human cord blood HSPC were used; the RAC2 signaling pathways targeted by G12R are not reported here; some data are limited (TREC tested only in P3, DNA from only P3’s father, and ROS inducer data not shown).
  • Evident: the patient sample is very small (n=3), with no independent validation cohort; most functional evidence comes from in vitro or heterologous systems rather than an in vivo model or direct rescue experiment.

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Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.3324/haematol.2019.230250

Cites

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Statistics

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Figures

Figure 1. Identification and effects of the p.G12R RAC2 mutation on the GTPase activity of RAC2. (A) Pedigrees of the three patients from two unrelated kindred. Black boxes and black circles respectively represent the affected male (P1) and affected females (P2, P3). White boxes and circles respectively represent unaffected males and females. Arrows represent the probands and a double horizontal bar represents consanguinity. (B) A representative electropherogram of RAC2 DNA sequencing for control cells and patient cells, showing the c.34G>A mutation. (C) A representative immunoblot of RAC2 protein expression in lysates from control fibroblasts (Ctrl) and fibroblasts derived from the affected individuals (P1, P2, and P3). The loading control corresponds to GAPDH expression. (D) 3D models of the RAC2 G12R mutant. The structures are shown with GDP (left panel) or GTP (right panel) in the G1 binding pocket. For each model, a close-up view of the GDP/GTP binding pocket (dotted brown circle) is shown below the overall view. The figure was generated with the pymol program (www.pymol.org/). (E) HEK293T cells were either not transduced (NT, control) or transduced with a lentiviral empty vector (WPI) containing the wild-type (WT) form of RAC2 cDNA, the mutated form described here (G12R) or (as a positive control) the constitutively activated GTP-bound RAC2 form (G12V). Two days after transduction, cells were recovered for analysis using the G-LISA assay (15 μg of total protein per well) for the quantification of the GTP-bound RAC2 form (RAC2 GTP). The results come from three independent experiments, and the table below the graph represents the mean of the percentage of GFP expressing cells (GFP+) in the three independent experiments. ***P<0.001; ****P<0.0001.
Figure 1. Identification and effects of the p.G12R RAC2 mutation on the GTPase activity of RAC2. (A) Pedigrees of the three patients from two unrelated kindred. Black boxes and black circles respectively represent the affected male (P1) and affected females (P2, P3). White boxes and circles respectively represent unaffected males and females. Arrows represent the probands and a double horizontal bar represents consanguinity. (B) A representative electropherogram of RAC2 DNA sequencing for control cells and patient cells, showing the c.34G>A mutation. (C) A representative immunoblot of RAC2 protein expression in lysates from control fibroblasts (Ctrl) and fibroblasts derived from the affected individuals (P1, P2, and P3). The loading control corresponds to GAPDH expression. (D) 3D models of the RAC2 G12R mutant. The structures are shown with GDP (left panel) or GTP (right panel) in the G1 binding pocket. For each model, a close-up view of the GDP/GTP binding pocket (dotted brown circle) is shown below the overall view. The figure was generated with the pymol program (www.pymol.org/). (E) HEK293T cells were either not transduced (NT, control) or transduced with a lentiviral empty vector (WPI) containing the wild-type (WT) form of RAC2 cDNA, the mutated form described here (G12R) or (as a positive control) the constitutively activated GTP-bound RAC2 form (G12V). Two days after transduction, cells were recovered for analysis using the G-LISA assay (15 μg of total protein per well) for the quantification of the GTP-bound RAC2 form (RAC2 GTP). The results come from three independent experiments, and the table below the graph represents the mean of the percentage of GFP expressing cells (GFP+) in the three independent experiments. ***P<0.001; ****P<0.0001.CC BY-NC · PubMed Central
Figure 2. Patient fibroblasts are affected by the G12R mutation. (A) Proliferation kinetics for control fibroblasts (Ctrl) and patient 3’s fibroblasts (P3), using the Incucyte assay. The percentage of confluence (%, upper graph) was measured every 6 hours (h) for 6 days (n=3 wells for both Ctrl and P3). The graph is representative of two independent experiments. Evaluation of cell death (represented as the green fluorescent cells, lower panel) for control (Ctrl) and patient 3’s fibroblasts (P3), with the Cytotox green reagent added 6 h after the start of the culture. Measurements were made every 6 h for 6 days (n=3 wells for Ctrl and P3), using the Incucyte assay. The graph is representative of two independent experiments. (B) Holotomographic live cell imaging was performed with a 3D Cell Explorer microscope. Cultures of control fibroblasts (left panels) and patient 3’s fibroblasts (right panels) are shown. White arrows indicate the nuclear envelope, and brown arrows indicate the mitochondrial network. Scale bar =10 mm, 1 pixel= 0.188 mm. See also Online Supplementary Video M1 and Online Supplementary Figure S2A.
Figure 2. Patient fibroblasts are affected by the G12R mutation. (A) Proliferation kinetics for control fibroblasts (Ctrl) and patient 3’s fibroblasts (P3), using the Incucyte assay. The percentage of confluence (%, upper graph) was measured every 6 hours (h) for 6 days (n=3 wells for both Ctrl and P3). The graph is representative of two independent experiments. Evaluation of cell death (represented as the green fluorescent cells, lower panel) for control (Ctrl) and patient 3’s fibroblasts (P3), with the Cytotox green reagent added 6 h after the start of the culture. Measurements were made every 6 h for 6 days (n=3 wells for Ctrl and P3), using the Incucyte assay. The graph is representative of two independent experiments. (B) Holotomographic live cell imaging was performed with a 3D Cell Explorer microscope. Cultures of control fibroblasts (left panels) and patient 3’s fibroblasts (right panels) are shown. White arrows indicate the nuclear envelope, and brown arrows indicate the mitochondrial network. Scale bar =10 mm, 1 pixel= 0.188 mm. See also Online Supplementary Video M1 and Online Supplementary Figure S2A.CC BY-NC · PubMed Central
Figure 3. The G12R mutation inhibits hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) proliferation and differentiation. (A) Proliferation of CD34+ cells in an 8-day culture. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the change over time in the percentage (%) of GFP-expressing cells (GFP+) from day 2 (when the transduction efficiency was measured) until day 8 (the end of the culture). (B) The proportions of “ROS low”, “DILC1(5) low” and annexin-V-positive GFP+ live cells were determined on day 4. All the analyses were performed in the live cell (7-AADnegative) gate. The results are quoted as the mean±standard error of mean (SEM) of four independent experiments. (C) Neutrophil differentiation in a 7-day culture. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the change over time in the percentage (%) of GFP+ cells from day 2 (when the transduction efficiency is measured) until day 8 (end of the culture) and the number of granulocytes (CD11b+CD15+) among the GFP+ live cells. (D) The proportions of “ROS low”, “DILC1(5) low” and annexin-V-positive cells among the GFP+ live cells were analyzed on day 4. Results are quoted as the mean±SEM of three independent experiments. (E) T-cell differentiation in a 7-day culture (n=3). Flow cytometry was used to analyze the change over time in the percentage (%) of GFP+ from day 2 (when the transduction efficiency is measured) until day 7 (end of the culture). The number of T-cell progenitors (CD7+) was evaluated by flow cytometry on day 7 in the GFP+ live cell gate (7-AAD-negative). The results are quoted as the mean±SEM of three independent experiments. *P<0.05; **P<0.01; ***P<0.001. WT: wild-type.
Figure 3. The G12R mutation inhibits hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) proliferation and differentiation. (A) Proliferation of CD34+ cells in an 8-day culture. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the change over time in the percentage (%) of GFP-expressing cells (GFP+) from day 2 (when the transduction efficiency was measured) until day 8 (the end of the culture). (B) The proportions of “ROS low”, “DILC1(5) low” and annexin-V-positive GFP+ live cells were determined on day 4. All the analyses were performed in the live cell (7-AADnegative) gate. The results are quoted as the mean±standard error of mean (SEM) of four independent experiments. (C) Neutrophil differentiation in a 7-day culture. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the change over time in the percentage (%) of GFP+ cells from day 2 (when the transduction efficiency is measured) until day 8 (end of the culture) and the number of granulocytes (CD11b+CD15+) among the GFP+ live cells. (D) The proportions of “ROS low”, “DILC1(5) low” and annexin-V-positive cells among the GFP+ live cells were analyzed on day 4. Results are quoted as the mean±SEM of three independent experiments. (E) T-cell differentiation in a 7-day culture (n=3). Flow cytometry was used to analyze the change over time in the percentage (%) of GFP+ from day 2 (when the transduction efficiency is measured) until day 7 (end of the culture). The number of T-cell progenitors (CD7+) was evaluated by flow cytometry on day 7 in the GFP+ live cell gate (7-AAD-negative). The results are quoted as the mean±SEM of three independent experiments. *P<0.05; **P<0.01; ***P<0.001. WT: wild-type.CC BY-NC · PubMed Central

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Metadata

Authors
Lagresle-Peyrou, C., Olichon, A., Sadek, H., Roche, P., Tardy, C., Silva, C. D., Garrigue, A., Fischer, A., Moshous, D., Collette, Y., Picard, C., Casanova, J. L., André, I., & Cavazzana, M.
Affiliations
  • Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (FR)
  • Inserm (FR)
  • Aix-Marseille Université (FR)
  • Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Ouest (FR)
  • Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades (FR)
  • Institut des Maladies Génétiques Imagine (FR)
Corresponding author
Marina Cavazzana
Venue
Haematologica
Published
2020-01-09
Volume
106
Issue
2
Pages
404-411
ISSN
  • 0390-6078 (ISSN-L)
  • 1592-8721
OpenAlex
W3000320124
Cited by
35
References
47
Citations by year
2026: 7 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 3
FWCI
1.55
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Haematologica (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • HAL (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
Funders
Institut des maladies génétiques Imagine
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Immunology and Microbiology › Immunology › Immunodeficiency and Autoimmune Disorders
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Hematology › Blood disorders and treatments
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Hematology › Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Keywords
Rac2, severe combined immunodeficiency, gain-of-function mutations, bone marrow hypoplasia, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, de novo mutations, leukopenia, T cell deficiency, B cell deficiency, genetic screening
MeSH terms
Gain of Function Mutation, Bone Marrow Failure Disorders, RAC2 GTP-Binding Protein, Bone Marrow, Female, Humans, Infant, Newborn, Mutation, Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, rac GTP-Binding Proteins

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