Download MendeleyTCL1A mediates DNA methylation defects in recurrent hydatidiform mole with NLRP7 pathogenic variants.
Gao, Z., Liu, Q., Li, L., Hu, T., Lu, X., Wu, Y., Qin, D., Wang, X., Gu, C., Li, J., Xu, C., Zhou, D., Zhou, F., Bai, Y., Kang, X., Liu, J., Deng, D., Li, L.(2026) Nat Commun 17
- PubMed: 41786744 Search on PubMedSearch on PubMed Central
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-69744-y
- Primary Citation Related Structures:
9LQ2, 9LQ4 - PubMed Abstract:
Pathogenic variants in NLRP7, implicated in 55% of recurrent hydatidiform mole characterized by hypomethylation at maternally methylated imprinted regions, are proposed to disrupt de novo DNA methylation in human oocytes. However, the precise mechanism remains unclear. Here, we identify TCL1A, a DNMT3A inhibitor, as an endogenous NLRP7-interacting partner. The cryo-EM structure of the NLRP7-TCL1A complex reveals its fundamental architecture. Comprehensive analysis demonstrates that the majority of recurrent hydatidiform mole-causing NLRP7 variants impair its interaction with TCL1A. Mechanistically, NLRP7 potentially safeguards oocyte methylome by sequestering TCL1A in the cytoplasm, thereby preventing its nuclear entry and subsequent suppression of DNMT3A-mediated de novo methylation. Combining in silico predictions and interaction analysis, we identify L766R as a pathogenic variant. These findings propose a cytoplasmic regulatory mechanism governing nuclear DNA methylation, explaining the hypomethylation pathogenesis in NLRP7 variant-associated recurrent hydatidiform mole.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine; Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province; The Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
Organizational Affiliation:
