Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) is characterized by reduced head circumference, reduction in the size of the cerebral cortex with otherwise grossly normal brain structure and variable intellectual disability. MCPH is caused by mutations of 11 different genes which code for proteins implicated in cell division and cell cycle regulation. We studied a consanguineous eight-generation family from Pakistan with ten microcephalic children using homozygosity mapping and found a new MCPH locus at HSA 7q21.11-q21.3. Sanger sequencing of the most relevant candidate genes in this region revealed a homozygous single nucleotide substitution c.589G>A in CDK6, which encodes cyclin-dependent kinase 6. The mutation changes a highly conserved alanine at position 197 into threonine (p.Ala197Thr). Post hoc whole-exome sequencing corroborated this mutation's identification as the causal variant. CDK6 is an important protein for the control of the cell cycle and differentiation of various cell types. We show here for the first time that CDK6 associates with the centrosome during mitosis; however, this was not observed in patient fibroblasts. Moreover, the mutant primary fibroblasts exhibited supernumerary centrosomes, disorganized microtubules and mitotic spindles, an increased centrosome nucleus distance, reduced cell proliferation and impaired cell motility and polarity. Upon ectopic expression of the mutant protein and knockdown of CDK6 through shRNA, we noted similar effects. We propose that the identified CDK6 mutation leads to reduced cell proliferation and impairs the correct functioning of the centrosome in microtubule organization and its positioning near the nucleus which are key determinants during neurogenesis.

There are 3 major sweat-producing glands present in skin; eccrine, apocrine, and apoeccrine glands. Due to the high rate of secretion, eccrine sweating is a vital regulator of body temperature in response to thermal stress in humans; therefore, an inability to sweat (anhidrosis) results in heat intolerance that may cause impaired consciousness and death. Here, we have reported 5 members of a consanguineous family with generalized, isolated anhidrosis, but morphologically normal eccrine sweat glands. Whole-genome analysis identified the presence of a homozygous missense mutation in ITPR2, which encodes the type 2 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (InsP₃R2), that was present in all affected family members. We determined that the mutation is localized within the pore forming region of InsP₃R2 and abrogates Ca²⁺ release from the endoplasmic reticulum, which suggests that intracellular Ca²⁺ release by InsP₃R2 in clear cells of the sweat glands is important for eccrine sweat production. Itpr2^–/– mice exhibited a marked reduction in sweat secretion, and evaluation of sweat glands from Itpr2^–/– animals revealed a decrease in Ca²⁺ response compared with controls. Together, our data indicate that loss of InsP₃R2-mediated Ca²⁺ release causes isolated anhidrosis in humans and suggest that specific InsP₃R inhibitors have the potential to reduce sweat production in hyperhidrosis.

Claudins constitute the major component of tight junctions and regulate paracellular permeability of epithelia. Claudin-10 occurs in two major isoforms that form paracellular channels with ion selectivity. We report on two families segregating an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by generalized anhidrosis, severe heat intolerance and mild kidney failure. All affected individuals carry a rare homozygous missense mutation c.144C>G, p.(N48K) specific for the claudin-10b isoform. Immunostaining of sweat glands from patients suggested that the disease is associated with reduced levels of claudin-10b in the plasma membranes and in canaliculi of the secretory portion. Expression of claudin-10b N48K in a 3D cell model of sweat secretion indicated perturbed paracellular Na⁺ transport. Analysis of paracellular permeability revealed that claudin-10b N48K maintained cation over anion selectivity but with a reduced general ion conductance. Furthermore, freeze fracture electron microscopy showed that claudin-10b N48K was associated with impaired tight junction strand formation and altered cis-oligomer formation. These data suggest that claudin-10b N48K causes anhidrosis and our findings are consistent with a combined effect from perturbed TJ function and increased degradation of claudin-10b N48K in the sweat glands. Furthermore, affected individuals present with Mg²⁺ retention, secondary hyperparathyroidism and mild kidney failure that suggest a disturbed reabsorption of cations in the kidneys. These renal-derived features recapitulate several phenotypic aspects detected in mice with kidney specific loss of both claudin-10 isoforms. Our study adds to the spectrum of phenotypes caused by tight junction proteins and demonstrates a pivotal role for claudin-10b in maintaining paracellular Na⁺ permeability for sweat production and kidney function. Claudins are tight junction proteins forming paracellular barriers that are critical for normal development and homeostasis. The tissue specific paracellular barrier properties are determined by the protein composition of tight junctions that regulates the permeability of solutes and water between different compartments of the body. We show, for the first time, that a mutation in claudin-10b, forming paracellular cation channels in different tissues, causes perturbed Na⁺ selectivity through altered tight junction formation and function as well as increased degradation of the protein. The mutation is associated with the inability to sweat (anhidrosis) and heat intolerance as well as abnormal cation reabsorption, hypermagnesemia and kidney damage. Our combined findings show that the claudin-10b-mediated paracellular Na⁺ transport is required for normal sweat production and for the regulation of cation homeostasis in the kidneys.

Background: Primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a congenital neurodevelopmental disorder manifesting as small brain and intellectual disability. It underlies isolated reduction of the cerebral cortex that is reminiscent of early hominids which makes it suitable model disease to study the hominin‐specific volumetric expansion of brain. Mutations in 25 genes have been reported to cause this disorder. Although majority of these genes were discovered in the Pakistani population, still a significant proportion of these families remains uninvestigated.Methods: We studied a cohort of 32 MCPH families from different regions of Pakistan. For disease gene identification, genome‐wide linkage analysis, Sanger sequencing, gene panel, and whole‐exome sequencing were performed.Results: By employing these techniques individually or in combination, we were able to discern relevant disease‐causing DNA variants. Collectively, 15 novel mutations were observed in five different MCPH genes; ASPM (10), WDR62 (1), CDK5RAP2 (1), STIL (2), and CEP135 (1). In addition, 16 known mutations were also verified. We reviewed the literature and documented the published mutations in six MCPH genes. Intriguingly, our cohort also revealed a recurrent mutation, c.7782_7783delGA;p.(Lys2595Serfs*6), of ASPM reported worldwide. Drawing from this collective data, we propose two founder mutations, ASPM:c.9557C>G;p.(Ser3186*) and CENPJ:c.18delC;p.(Ser7Profs*2), in the Pakistani population.Conclusions: We discovered novel DNA variants, impairing the function of genes indispensable to build a proper functioning brain. Our study expands the mutational spectra of known MCPH genes and also provides supporting evidence to the pathogenicity of previously reported mutations. These novel DNA variants will be helpful for the clinicians and geneticists for establishing reliable diagnostic strategies for MCPH families.