Our goals are to identify and characterize the susceptibility genes for autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD), Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), and to dissect the genetic-epigenetic causes of thyroid autoimmunity. In the last grant cycle, we made substantial progress toward these goals: (1) We fine mapped loci linked with AITD and identified 2 new AITD genes: ARID5B and NRXN3; we also identified new genes associated with distinct subsets of AITD; (2) We discovered that arginine at position 74 of the DRb1chain is key to susceptibility to AITD; (3) We found that a GD-associated TSHR variant in intron 1 down regulated TSHR transcription by epigenetic interaction with the transcription factor PLZF; (4) We identified a thyroglobulin (Tg) promoter variant that predisposes to AITD, and showed that the risk allele interacted epigenetically with IRF-1 to modify histone signatures; (5) We defined CD40 as a major GD susceptibility gene and demonstrated that the susceptible allele increased thyroidal expression of CD40 triggering GD via activation of IL-6. Following these discoveries our hypothesis is that susceptibility genes trigger AITD through alterations in gene expression and/or function as a result of genetic-epigenetic interactions.
Our specific aims are:
Specific Aim 1 : To identify rare genetic variants causing AITD by performing next generation sequencing (NGS) in our unique dataset of 102 multiplex AITD families that are enriched with such variants. We will perform NGS on 2 previously replicated linked loci (10q and 14q) in members of linked families. We will use structural modeling to identify variants predicted to alter gene function/expression; these selected variants will be tested in a large cohort of AITD patients and controls.
Specific Aim 2 : To dissect genetic-epigenetic interactions of AITD genes with interferon alpha (IFNa). We will test the hypothesis that genetic-epigenetic interactions between a thyroglobulin (Tg) promoter SNP and IFNa trigger AITD by accelerating Tg synthesis and inducing ER stress. We will also test if a TSHR intron 1 SNP predisposes to GD by facilitating binding of PLZF to intron 1 thereby decreasing thymic TSHR synthesis, leading to escape from central tolerance.
Specific Aim 3 : We will test the hypothesis that a CD40 Kozak SNP predisposes to GD by upregulating CD40 expression in the thyroid when there is local thyroidal inflammation. We will also dissect the CD40 signaling pathways in thyroid cells, and translate these findings into new therapies for murine GD using CD40 blockade. In summary, our project builds directly on the knowledge gained in the last grant period, and focuses on 3 AITD genes that we and others identified, Tg, TSHR, and CD40. We now propose to move from gene-discovery to functional analyses and to dissect the mechanisms by which these genes trigger AITD. Our multidisciplinary team has the experience and expertise to achieve our aims. Our functional studies will unravel the molecular mechanisms causing AITD. It is the understanding of these mechanisms that will lead to translational research testing novel, mechanism-based, treatment and prevention strategies such as cytokine and CD40 blockade.

Public Health Relevance

Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD), including Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis are complex diseases caused by an interaction between susceptibility genes and environmental triggers. The overall goal of our studies is to identify and characterize the susceptibility genes for AITD and to analyze the genetic- environmental interactions that cause disease. Understanding the molecular mechanisms causing AITD will lead to the development of novel therapeutic and prevention approaches to AITD.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DK061659-12
Application #
8995655
Study Section
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology Study Section (MCE)
Program Officer
Akolkar, Beena
Project Start
2002-07-01
Project End
2016-02-29
Budget Start
2016-02-01
Budget End
2016-02-29
Support Year
12
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
078861598
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10029
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Li, Cheuk Wun; Osman, Roman; Menconi, Francesca et al. (2017) Flexible peptide recognition by HLA-DR triggers specific autoimmune T-cell responses in autoimmune thyroiditis and diabetes. J Autoimmun 76:1-9
Blackard, Jason T; Kong, Ling; Lombardi, Angela et al. (2017) A preliminary analysis of hepatitis C virus in pancreatic islet cells. Virol J 14:237
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Hammerstad, Sara Salehi; Stefan, Mihaela; Blackard, Jason et al. (2017) Hepatitis C Virus E2 Protein Induces Upregulation of IL-8 Pathways and Production of Heat Shock Proteins in Human Thyroid Cells. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 102:689-697
Li, Cheuk Wun; Menconi, Francesca; Osman, Roman et al. (2016) Identifying a Small Molecule Blocking Antigen Presentation in Autoimmune Thyroiditis. J Biol Chem 291:4079-90
Lombardi, Angela; Menconi, Francesca; Greenberg, David et al. (2016) Dissecting the Genetic Susceptibility to Graves' Disease in a Cohort of Patients of Italian Origin. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 7:21
Tomer, Yaron; Dolan, Lawrence M; Kahaly, George et al. (2015) Genome wide identification of new genes and pathways in patients with both autoimmune thyroiditis and type 1 diabetes. J Autoimmun 60:32-9
Lombardi, Angela; Inabnet 3rd, William Barlow; Owen, Randall et al. (2015) Endoplasmic reticulum stress as a novel mechanism in amiodarone-induced destructive thyroiditis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 100:E1-10
Lee, Hanna J; Li, Cheuk Wun; Hammerstad, Sara Salehi et al. (2015) Immunogenetics of autoimmune thyroid diseases: A comprehensive review. J Autoimmun 64:82-90

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