Functional characterization of two enhancers located downstream FOXP2

Background: Mutations in the coding region of FOXP2 are known to cause speech and language impairment. However, it is not clear how dysregulation of the gene contributes to language deficit. Interestingly, microdeletions of the region downstream the gene have been associated with cognitive deficits....

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Torres Ruiz, Raúl, Benítez Burraco, Antonio, Martínez Lage, Marta, Rodríguez Perales, Sandra, García Bellido, Paloma
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2019
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Sevilla (US)
Repositorio:idUS. Depósito de Investigación de la Universidad de Sevilla
OAI Identifier:oai:idus.us.es:11441/87759
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/11441/87759
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12881-019-0810-2
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Chromosomal rearrangement
CRISPR-genome editing
FOXP2
Functional enhancers
MDFIC
Spanish
Speech and language impairment
Descripción
Sumario:Background: Mutations in the coding region of FOXP2 are known to cause speech and language impairment. However, it is not clear how dysregulation of the gene contributes to language deficit. Interestingly, microdeletions of the region downstream the gene have been associated with cognitive deficits. Methods: Here, we investigate changes in FOXP2 expression in the SK-N-MC neuroblastoma human cell line after deletion by CRISPR-Cas9 of two enhancers located downstream of the gene. Results: Deletion of any of these two functional enhancers downregulates FOXP2, but also upregulates the closest 3′ gene MDFIC. Because this effect is not statistically significant in a HEK 293 cell line, derived from the human kidney, both enhancers might confer a tissue specific regulation to both genes. We have also found that the deletion of any of these enhancers downregulates six well-known FOXP2 target genes in the SK-N-MC cell line. Conclusions: We expect these findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how FOXP2 and MDFIC are regulated to pace neuronal development supporting cognition, speech and language.