CRISPR/Cas9 interrogation of the mouse Pcdhg gene cluster reveals a crucial isoform-specific role for Pcdhgc4

PLoS Genet. 2019 Dec 26;15(12):e1008554. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008554. eCollection 2019 Dec.

Abstract

The mammalian Pcdhg gene cluster encodes a family of 22 cell adhesion molecules, the gamma-Protocadherins (γ-Pcdhs), critical for neuronal survival and neural circuit formation. The extent to which isoform diversity-a γ-Pcdh hallmark-is required for their functions remains unclear. We used a CRISPR/Cas9 approach to reduce isoform diversity, targeting each Pcdhg variable exon with pooled sgRNAs to generate an allelic series of 26 mouse lines with 1 to 21 isoforms disrupted via discrete indels at guide sites and/or larger deletions/rearrangements. Analysis of 5 mutant lines indicates that postnatal viability and neuronal survival do not require isoform diversity. Surprisingly, given reports that it might not independently engage in trans-interactions, we find that γC4, encoded by Pcdhgc4, is the only critical isoform. Because the human orthologue is the only PCDHG gene constrained in humans, our results indicate a conserved γC4 function that likely involves distinct molecular mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Alternative Splicing*
  • Animals
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems
  • Cadherin Related Proteins
  • Cadherins / genetics*
  • Cadherins / metabolism
  • Embryonic Development
  • Exons
  • Female
  • Humans
  • INDEL Mutation
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Multigene Family
  • Mutation*
  • Neurons / cytology
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Protein Isoforms / genetics
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism
  • Sequence Deletion
  • Whole Genome Sequencing

Substances

  • Cadherin Related Proteins
  • Cadherins
  • Gamma-protocadherins
  • Protein Isoforms