RAF1 deficiency causes a lethal syndrome that underscores RTK signaling during embryogenesis

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Publication Date

2023

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Institution Author

Kayserili, Hülya
Beillard, Nathalie Sonia Escande
Reversade, Bruno

Co-Authors

Wong, Samantha
Tan, Yu Xuan
Loh, Abigail Yi Ting
Tan, Kiat Yi
Lee, Hane
Aziz, Zainab
Nelson, Stanley F.
Ozkan, Engin
Escande-Beillard, Nathalie
Reversade, Bruno

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Wiley

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Journal Article
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Abstract

Somatic and germline gain-of-function point mutations in RAF, one of the first oncogenes to be discovered in humans, delineate a group of tumor-prone syndromes known as the RASopathies. In this study, we document the first human phenotype resulting from the germline loss-of-function of the proto-oncogene RAF1 (a.k.a. CRAF). In a consanguineous family, we uncovered a homozygous p.Thr543Met variant segregating with a neonatal lethal syndrome with cutaneous, craniofacial, cardiac, and limb anomalies. Structure-based prediction and functional tests using human knock-in cells showed that threonine 543 is essential to: (i) ensure RAF1's stability and phosphorylation, (ii) maintain its kinase activity toward substrates of the MAPK pathway, and (iii) protect from stress-induced apoptosis mediated by ASK1. In Xenopus embryos, mutant RAF1(T543M) failed to phenocopy the effects of normal and overactive FGF/MAPK signaling, confirming its hypomorphic activity. Collectively, our data disclose the genetic and molecular etiology of a novel lethal syndrome with progeroid features, highlighting the importance of RTK signaling for human development and homeostasis.

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Medicine

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