Scientific articles

2017 / English – Scientific Reports 2017; 7: 13232.

Gies V, Bouis D, Martin M, Pasquali JL, Martin T, Korganow AS, Soulas-Sprauel P.

“The phenotypic characterization of self-reactive B cells producing autoantibodies is one of the challenges to get further insight in the physiopathology of autoimmune diseases. We took advantage of our previously developed flow cytometry method, using labeled nucleosomes, prominent autoantigens in systemic lupus erythematosus, to analyze the phenotype of self-reactive B cells in the anti-DNA B6.56R mouse model. We showed that splenic anti-nucleosome B cells express mostly kappa light chains and harbor a marginal zone phenotype. Moreover, these autoreactive B cells fail to acquire a germinal center phenotype and are less abundant in the transitional T3 compartment. In conclusion, the direct detection of autoreactive B cells helped determine their phenotypic characteristics and provided a more direct insight into the B cell tolerance process in B6.56R mice. This method constitutes an interesting new tool to study the mechanisms of B cell tolerance breakdown in B6.56R mice crossed with autoimmune prone models.”

Read the article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-13422-z

2017 / English – Journal of Clinical Immunology 2017; 37: 715-726

Guffroy A, Mourot-Cottet R, Gérard L, Gies V, Lagresle C, Pouliet A, Nitschké P, Hanein S, Bienvenu B, Chanet V, Donadieu J, Gardembas M, Karmochkine M, Nove-Josserand R, Martin T, Poindron V, Soulas-Sprauel P, Rieux-Laucat F, Fieschi C, Oksenhendler E, André-Schmutz I, Korganow AS; DEFI study group.

2017 / Français – Réalités Cliniques 2017. Vol. 28, n°3 : pp.221-230

F. Clauss, JC. Dahlet, V. Vogt, T. Siebert, A. Bloch-Zupan, F. Obry, MC. Manière

“Les oligodonties correspondent à une anomalie du développement dentaire caractérisée par une importante variabilité clinique et doivent faire l’objet d’une prise en charge multi-disciplinaire. La mise en place précoce d’implants symphysaires sous-prothétiques en cours de croissance, à partir de l’âge de 6 ans, est indiquée et a fait l’objet d’un avis favorable de la Haute Autorité de Santé en 2006. Les principaux paramètres diagnostiques à considérer sont la sévérité du phénotype, la distribution des agénésies dentaires, la maturité squelettique et les caractéristiques morphologiques et dimensionnelles du site implantaire symphysaire. Le bilan pré-implantaire intègre un examen clinique et d’imagerie sectionnelle de type CBCT, avec reconstructions tridimensionnelles et simulation implantaire assistée par ordinateur. Les spécificités chirurgicales sont une intervention sur un os en cours de croissance et caractérisé par une hypotrophie osseuse et, dans certains cas, une hypercorticalisation, à l’origine de difficultés chirurgicales. Les mini-implants peuvent être utilisés dans les cas d’hypotrophie osseuse marquée. Un suivi rigoureux de l’ostéointegration est nécessaire, car des complications comme un enfouissement implantaire ou une modification de l’axe implantaire liée à la croissance ont été observées. Le protocole prothétique consiste en réalisation de prothèse adjointe mandibulaire implanto-stabilisée jusqu’à la fin de la croissance, évoluant en prothèse fixée supra-implantaire dès la maturité squelettique atteinte, après la mise en place d’implants supplémentaires en secteurs latéro-postérieurs mandibulaires et d’implants maxillaires.”

2017 / English – Frontiers in Physiology 2017; 8: 398

Gasse B, Prasad M, Delgado S, Huckert M, Kawczynski M, Garret-Bernardin A, Lopez-Cazaux S, Bailleul-Forestier I, Manière MC, Stoetzel C, Bloch-Zupan A, Sire JY.

“Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) designates a group of genetic diseases characterized by a large range of enamel disorders causing important social and health problems. These defects can result from mutations in enamel matrix proteins or protease encoding genes. A range of mutations in the enamel cleavage enzyme matrix metalloproteinase-20 gene (MMP20) produce enamel defects of varying severity. To address how various alterations produce a range of AI phenotypes, we performed a targeted analysis to find MMP20 mutations in French patients diagnosed with non-syndromic AI. Genomic DNA was isolated from saliva and MMP20 exons and exon-intron boundaries sequenced. We identified several homozygous or heterozygous mutations, putatively involved in the AI phenotypes. To validate missense mutations and predict sensitive positions in the MMP20 sequence, we evolutionarily compared 75 sequences extracted from the public databases using the Datamonkey webserver. These sequences were representative of mammalian lineages, covering more than 150 million years of evolution. This analysis allowed us to find 324 sensitive positions (out of the 483 MMP20 residues), pinpoint functionally important domains, and build an evolutionary chart of important conserved MMP20 regions. This is an efficient tool to identify new- and previously-identified mutations. We thus identified six functional MMP20 mutations in unrelated families, finding two novel mutated sites. The genotypes and phenotypes of these six mutations are described and compared. To date, 13 MMP20 mutations causing AI have been reported, making these genotypes and associated hypomature enamel phenotypes the most frequent in AI.”

Read the article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5469888/

2017 / Français – Archives de Pédiatrie 2017

A. Bloch-Zupan, F. Vaysse

“Les anomalies dentaires sont présentes dans toutes les formes de l’hypophosphatasie (HPP), de la plus sévère à la plus modérée dite « odontohypophosphatasie ». Elles sont définies par l’âge d’apparition des premiers symptômes. Ces anomalies touchent tous les tissus minéralisés de la dent, à savoir : l’émail, la dentine, le cément et l’os alvéolaire selon un gradient proportionnel à la sévérité de la maladie. La perte précoce de dents temporaires avant l’âge de 3 ans, puis éventuellement de dents permanentes, liée à une anomalie du cément, tissu permettant l’attachement de la dent à l’os alvéolaire, est l’anomalie la plus fréquente. Cette perte des dents est un signe diagnostique très important à reconnaître. Les patients atteints d’HPP nécessitent une prise en charge bucco-dentaire adaptée en coordination avec les centres de référence et de compétence. Ces signes bucco-dentaires et leur prise en charge sont encore mal connus ; le recensement de ces anomalies et leur traitement dans un registre sont indispensables à une amélioration de la prise en charge et de la santé bucco-dentaire des patients.”

Lire l’article: http://hypophosphatasie-info.fr/hypophosphatasie-atteintes-buccale-et-dentaire

2017 / English – European Journal of Oral Science 2017; 125: 8-17

Morkmued S, Hemmerle J, Mathieu E, Laugel-Haushalter V, Dabovic B, Rifkin DB, Dollé P, Niederreither K, Bloch-Zupan A.

“Latent-transforming growth factor beta-binding protein 3 (LTBP-3) is important for craniofacial morphogenesis and hard tissue mineralization, as it is essential for activation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). To investigate the role of LTBP-3 in tooth formation we performed micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), histology, and scanning electron microscopy analyses of adult Ltbp3-/- mice. The Ltbp3-/- mutants presented with unique craniofacial malformations and reductions in enamel formation that began at the matrix formation stage. Organization of maturation-stage ameloblasts was severely disrupted. The lateral side of the incisor was affected most. Reduced enamel mineralization, modification of the enamel prism pattern, and enamel nodules were observed throughout the incisors, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. Molar roots had internal irregular bulbous-like formations. The cementum thickness was reduced, and microscopic dentinal tubules showed minor nanostructural changes. Thus, LTBP-3 is required for ameloblast differentiation and for the formation of decussating enamel prisms, to prevent enamel nodule formation, and for proper root morphogenesis. Also, and consistent with the role of TGF-β signaling during mineralization, almost all craniofacial bone components were affected in Ltbp3-/- mice, especially those involving the upper jaw and snout. This mouse model demonstrates phenotypic overlap with Verloes Bourguignon syndrome, also caused by mutation of LTBP3, which is hallmarked by craniofacial anomalies and amelogenesis imperfecta phenotypes.”

Read the article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5260799/

2017 / English – Clinical Genetics 2017; 92: 477-486

Tardieu C, Jung S, Niederreither K, Prasad M, Hadj-Rabia S, Philip N, Mallet A, Consolino E, Sfeir E, Noueiri B, Chassaing N, Dollfus H, Manière MC, Bloch-Zupan A, Clauss F.

“WNT10A gene encodes a canonical wingless pathway signaling molecule involved in cell fate specification as well as morphogenetic patterning of the developing ectoderm, nervous system, skeleton, and tooth. In patients, WNT10A mutations are responsible for ectodermal-derived pathologies including isolated hypo-oligodontia, tricho-odonto-onycho-dermal dysplasia and Schöpf-Schulz-Passarge syndrome (SSPS). Here we describe the dental, ectodermal, and extra-ectodermal phenotypic features of a cohort of 41 patients from 32 unrelated families. Correlations with WNT10A molecular status (heterozygous carrier, compound heterozygous, homozygous) and patient’s phenotypes were performed. Mild to severe oligodontia was observed in all patients bearing biallelic WNT10A mutations. However, patients with compound heterozygous mutations presented no significant difference in phenotypes compared with homozygous individuals. Anomalies in tooth morphology were frequently observed with heterozygous patients displaying hypodontia. No signs of SSPS, especially eyelids cysts, were detected in our cohort. Interestingly, extra-ectodermal signs consisted of skeletal, neurological and vascular anomalies, the latter suggesting a wider phenotypic spectrum associated with WNT10A mutations. Indeed, the Wnt pathway plays a crucial role in skeletal development, lipid metabolism, and neurogenesis, potentially explaining patient’s clinical manifestations.”

2017 / English – Frontiers in Physiology 2017

S. Morkmued, V. Laugel-Haushalter, E. Mathieu, B. Schuhbaur, J. Hemmerlé, P. Dollé, A. Bloch-Zupan, K. Niederreither

“Abnormalities of enamel matrix proteins deposition, mineralization, or degradation during tooth development are responsible for a spectrum of either genetic diseases termed Amelogenesis imperfecta or acquired enamel defects. To assess if environmental/nutritional factors can exacerbate enamel defects, we investigated the role of the active form of vitamin A, retinoic acid (RA). Robust expression of RA-degrading enzymes Cyp26b1 and Cyp26c1 in developing murine teeth suggested RA excess would reduce tooth hard tissue mineralization, adversely affecting enamel. We employed a protocol where RA was supplied to pregnant mice as a food supplement, at a concentration estimated to result in moderate elevations in serum RA levels. This supplementation led to severe enamel defects in adult mice born from pregnant dams, with most severe alterations observed for treatments from embryonic day (E)12.5 to E16.5. We identified the enamel matrix proteins enamelin (Enam), ameloblastin (Ambn), and odontogenic ameloblast-associated protein (Odam) as target genes affected by excess RA, exhibiting mRNA reductions of over 20-fold in lower incisors at E16.5. RA treatments also affected bone formation, reducing mineralization. Accordingly, craniofacial ossification was drastically reduced after 2 days of treatment (E14.5). Massive RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on E14.5 and E16.5 lower incisors. Reductions in Runx2 (a key transcriptional regulator of bone and enamel differentiation) and its targets were observed at E14.5 in RA-exposed embryos. RNA-seq analysis further indicated that bone growth factors, extracellular matrix, and calcium homeostasis were perturbed. Genes mutated in human AI (ENAM, AMBN, AMELX, AMTN, KLK4) were reduced in expression at E16.5. Our observations support a model in which elevated RA signaling at fetal stages affects dental cell lineages. Thereafter enamel protein production is impaired, leading to permanent enamel alterations.”

Read the article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5217128/

2017 / English – Journal of Medical Genetics 2017; 54: 54-62

Schossig A, Bloch-Zupan A, Lussi A, Wolf NI, Raskin S, Cohen M, Giuliano F, Jurgens J, Krabichler B, Koolen DA, de Macena Sobreira NL, Maurer E, Muller-Bolla M, Penzien J, Zschocke J, Kapferer-Seebacher I.

Abstract:

“BACKGROUND:

Kohlschütter-Tönz syndrome (KTZS) is a rare autosomal-recessive disease characterised by epileptic encephalopathy, intellectual disability and amelogenesis imperfecta (AI). It is frequently caused by biallelic mutations in ROGDI. Here, we report on individuals with ROGDI-negative KTZS carrying biallelic SLC13A5 mutations.

METHODS:

In the present cohort study, nine individuals from four families with the clinical diagnosis of KTZS and absence of ROGDI mutations as well as one patient with unexplained epileptic encephalopathy were investigated by clinical and dental evaluation, parametric linkage analysis (one family), and exome and/or Sanger sequencing. Dental histological investigations were performed on teeth from individuals with SLC13A5-associated and ROGDI-associated KTZS.

RESULTS:

Biallelic mutations in SLC13A5 were identified in 10 affected individuals. Epileptic encephalopathy usually presents in the neonatal and (less frequently) early infantile period. Yellowish to orange discolouration of both deciduous and permanent teeth, as well as wide interdental spaces and abnormal crown forms are major clinical signs of individuals with biallelic SLC13A5 mutations. Histological dental investigations confirmed the clinical diagnosis of hypoplastic AI. In comparison, the histological evaluation of a molar assessed from an individual with ROGDI-associated KTZS revealed hypocalcified AI.

CONCLUSIONS:

We conclude that SLC13A5 is the second major gene associated with the clinical diagnosis of KTZS, characterised by neonatal epileptic encephalopathy and hypoplastic AI. Careful clinical and dental delineation provides clues whether ROGDI or SLC13A5 is the causative gene. Hypersensitivity of teeth as well as high caries risk requires individual dental prophylaxis and attentive dental management.”

Read the article: http://jmg.bmj.com/content/54/1/54.long

2016 / English – International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2016; 26: 426–438

Agnès Bloch-Zupan

“Background. Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rareinherited metabolic disease in which mutations in the ALPL gene (encoding tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase) result in varying degrees of enzyme deficiency. HPP manifests in a spectrum of symptoms, including early primary tooth loss (root intact) and alveolar bone mineralisation defects.
Objective. To provide an overview of HPP for dental professionals to help recognise and differentially diagnose patients for appropriate referral to a specialist team.
Methods. A non-systematic review of publications on HPP was performed.”