Background

Cutis laxa (CL) as a hereditary disorder of skin and connective tissue which can display autosomal dominant (ADCL), autosomal recessive (ARCL), and X-linked recessive (XRCL) inheritance, and also can be acquired [1,2,3]. The inherited form of CL presents in the early months of life while acquired forms are associated with a late onset presentation, generally in adulthood. This disorder is highly heterogeneous and characterized by loose, redundant, wrinkled and hypoelastic skin as a result of errors in elastic fibers synthesis and structural deficiencies of proteins involved in the extracellular matrix [3, 4]. Since the disease is a connective tissue disorder, its features are associated with multisystem involvement but the precise patho-mechanism of this variable systemic involvement has not been clearly illustrated [5,6,7]. The prevalence of CL has not been estimated precisely, but the inherited forms of the disease have an incidence of approximately 1 to 2: 400,000 [4].

The ADCL is caused by mutations in structural genes coding for elastin (ELN), fibulin-5 (FBLN5) and Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 18 Family Member A1 (ALDH18A1), and shows ranges of benign clinical variability [8, 9]. Patients are mostly diagnosed in early childhood with loose skin and some systemic involvements (gastrointestinal diverticula, hernias, cardiac and pulmonary complications such as emphysema and bronchiectasis). The manifestations can range from mild to severe but the patients generally have a normal life span in spite of experiencing serious systemic problems like aortic aneurysm [2, 8, 10] (Table 1).

Table 1 Diverse clinical features of autosomal dominant and X linked recessive cutis laxa (ADCL and XRCL) associated with each gene (
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The ARCL is the most common and variable form of CL which is subsequently divided into nine subtypes based on genetic and clinical characterizations. There are various ARCL-associated genes such as the FBLN5, EGF containing fibulin extracellular matrix protein 2 (EFEMP2 also known as FBLN4), latent transforming growth factor beta binding protein 4 (LTBP4), ATPase H + transporting V0 subunit a2 (ATP6V0A2), pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1), ATPase H + transporting V1 subunit E1 (ATP6V1E1), ATPase H + transporting V1 subunit A (ATP6V1A), aldehyde dehydrogenase 18 family member A1 (ALDH18A1) and PYCR1. This type of CL is often a life threatening, generalized neonatal disorder with severe systemic manifestation such as severe gastrointestinal, cardiopulmonary, and urinary abnormalities alongside with the skin manifestations which are presented in the whole body [2, 4, 11] (Table 2).

Table 2 Diverse clinical features of autosomal recessive cutis laxa (ARCL) associated with each gene (
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Patients with XRCL also known as Occipital horn syndrome show distinct phenotypic features at birth such as hyperextensible wrinkled skin with droopy faces, occipital horns, neurologic defects, urinary tract infections, bladder diverticulae, orthostatic hypotension, inguinal hernias and diarrhea [12, 13]. This form of CL is caused by mutation in ATPase copper transporting alpha (ATP7A) gene which is involved in copper secretion from nonhepatic tissues, copper absorption from the small intestine, and copper transport across the blood–brain barrier [5, 13, 14] (Table 1).

Here, we present a family with ARCL type-IA in their members as a result of a novel mutation in the FBLN5 gene. We also propose some explanations for phenotype heterogeneity and suggest some possible mechanisms of CL pathogenesis resulting from different mutations in the FBLN5 gene.

Material and methods

Patients

Two-year-old monozygotic twin sisters whose parents were consanguineous and had experienced about a 10-year infertility, were referred to GMG center for genetic analysis (Fig. 1). These twins have been conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF). When they were 7 months, old wrinkled, loose and sagging skin appeared on their whole body specifically on groins, necks, armpits and faces. Additionally, physical examination indicated excessive growth of facial and body hair, sparse eyebrows, big eyes, dysplastic ears and premature aging appearance (Fig. 2). Extra investigations for systemic involvements did not reveal any pulmonary complications, gastrointestinal and genitourinary abnormalities, but one of them was diagnosed with ventricular septal defect (VSD). The study protocol was approved by Ethical Committee of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and all methods were performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations. Informed written consent forms were obtained from study participants.

Fig. 1
figure 1

Family pedigree of the patients and their relatives representing autosomal recessive CL in a large family

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Fig. 2
figure 2

Phenotypic characteristics of one of the twins. Abnormal facial features such as premature aging appearance, wrinkled skin, sagging cheeks and big eyes are the most striking findings that have been presented in the pictures

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The patients’ parents and relatives were phenotypically normal and did not have symptoms of connective tissue disorders or multiple congenital anomalies in their children with the exception of the probands' cousin who had albinism.

Molecular genetic studies

We got written informed consent from the parents and their relatives for genetic analysis and publication of the patients’ photos. This study was approved by the ethical committee of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Genomic DNA of patients and their family members was isolated from peripheral blood lymphocytes using DNA extraction kit (GeneAll Exgene Blood SV Mini). Initially, whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed in one of twin sisters to identify genetic bases of CL in this family. Once the variant has been detected, specific primers including 5′-AGAAGAATCCTGGGCAGTGG-3′ as forward primer and 5′-CGCATAGCAAGGTTCAGGTC-3′ as reverse primer were designed for subsequent co-segregation analysis of the other sister and family members.

Results

Molecular genetics results

Clinical diagnosis of affected individuals was on the basis of characteristic features, and they were suspected with different forms of CL at initial clinical evaluation. To diagnose a specific type of CL and identify inheritance pattern of the disease, the proband was analyzed through WES. A novel homozygous missense variant in exon 6 of FBLN5 gene (c.G544C, p.A182P, reference sequence: NM_006329.3) was detected, suggesting the diagnosis of FBLN5-associated CL form. The variant is classified as "likely pathogenic" according to the ACMG guidelines (PM1, PM2, PP1, PP3) [15]. The nucleotide 544 in exon 6 and its corresponding amino acid Alanine is evolutionarily conserved across species from Homo sapience to Callorhinus ursinus (Fig. 3). This variant has not been reported in previous studies and gene variant public databases such as gnomAD, ClinVar, dbSNP, NCBI, EXOME variant databases, 1000 genome and HGMD. Based on most predictors including Mutation Taster, Ensembl variant effect predictor, and HANSA, this variant is pathogenic with SIFT and PolyPhen scores of 0.01 and 0.99, respectively. Protein structure predictors have shown that with substitution of Alanine with Proline in 182 position of FBLN5, the 3D structure of the protein has not changed significantly (Fig. 4).

Fig. 3
figure 3

Amino acid alignment of A182P variation in different species showing a conservative amino acid

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Fig. 4
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Schematic diagram of fibulin-5 structure. The protein domains (top) and 3D structure models for normal (left) and mutant (right) fibulin-5

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FBLN5-associated CL shows both autosomal dominant and recessive patterns of inheritance [16, 17]. Since none of consanguineous parents and also their relatives showed sign and symptoms of CL according to the pedigree, autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance was strongly suggested. To rule out any possibility of autosomal dominant inheritance especially in case of de novo mutation, co-segregation analysis of the variants was done. Our analysis showed that both parents and their mothers were heterozygous for this variation, stating the autosomal recessive mode of inheritance (Fig. 5).

Fig. 5
figure 5

Co-segregation analysis. Variation analysis revealed that the proband and her sister were homozygous for c.G544C variation in FBLN5, whereas the parents were heterozygous carriers of the mutation

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Discussion

The inherited form of CL can be caused by variations in diverse genes, which disrupt elastogenesis. In this study we assessed the clinical signs of monozygotic twin sisters and identified a novel homozygous missense variant in exon 6 of FBLN5 gene through molecular analysis. Although the phenotype of FBLN5-related CL is broad, our patients did not show any pulmonary complications, gastrointestinal and genitourinary abnormalities. An interesting point about our patients is that only one of them showed VSD, suggesting that this type of CL has intrafamilial variability. Fibulin-5 is one of the integrin-binding members of the class II fibulin subfamily that is mostly found in the elastic-fibre-rich tissues such as skin, aorta, lung, and uterus [18, 19]. This glycoprotein is 66-kDa in size, contains 448 amino acids, including a signal sequence of 23 amino acids at the N-terminal, six calcium-binding EGF (cbEGF)-like motifs, and a C-terminal globular domain of 134 residues. An unusual long linker sequence with about 28 amino acids is present between the 4th and 5th cysteine residues of the first cbEGF motif. This domain also encompasses an RGD (arginine-glycine-asparatic acid) sequence that is evolutionally conserved [17, 20, 21].

The RGD motif is found in several matricellular and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such asosteopontin, fibronectin, thrombospondins, and vitronectin, and participates in cellular functions by binding with a subset of cell surface heteromeric integrins [20, 22]. The RGD sequence is the binding motif of fibulin-5 to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) [23]. This motif and the flanking domains in the N-terminal half of fibulin-5 act as mediators of cell attachment through interactions with αvβ3, αvβ5 and α9β1 integrin. Furthermore, the N-terminal half of fibulin-5 mediates attachment and spreading of primary aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) via binding to α5β1 and α4β1 fibronectin receptors but not to αvβ3 [24, 25]. However, after unmasking the RGD motif by reduction and alkylation in a direct protein interaction study, it has been shown that fibulin-5 could bind to αvβ3 [26]. Also, truncated protein with only the first cbEGF domain was not able to bind and spread SMCs, suggesting that other domains of fibulin-5 in the middle and C-terminus may be involved in this process. It is interesting that fibulin-5 after binding to α5β1 and α4β1 integrins is not able to activate downstream signaling. This protein has been proposed to be an inhibitor for fibronectin receptor-mediated signaling in a dominant-negative manner because of its dose-dependent antagonized role for fibronectin-induced stress fiber formation and focal adhesions in SMCs [20]. Considering the significance of the RGD domain in the assembly of elastic fibers, generating a D56E variation which known as a disrupting factor of the ECM to RGD-dependent integrins binding, showed completely normal elastic fibers assembly, suggesting that it is not necessary for formation of elastic fibers cell-surface binding of fibulin-5 [20, 26].

The cbEGF domains are found in most trans-membrane and ECM proteins and facilitate protein–protein interactions [27]. Through these domains, fibulin-5 binds to multiple ECM proteins including tropoelastin, latent TGF-β binding protein (LTBP)-2, lysyl oxidase like 1 (Loxl-1), Loxl-2, and 4, which are critical for elastic fiber assembly [28, 29]. For elastogenesis, a series of highly regulated steps including secretion and aggregation of the tropoelastin which is called coactivation, appropriate assembly and cross-linking of the tropoelastin, and then insoluble elastin organization into functional fibers are essential [30]. Fibulin-5 via binding to tropoelastin accelerates coacervation and also limits the maturation of elastin fragments which were coacervated [31, 32]. Another study has shown that in the skin of Fibulin5-null mice, the typical size of elastin aggregates was increased in comparison with wild-type mice [33]. According to these data, in the formation and maturation steps of coacervation process, fibulin-5 plays an important role in efficient control of coacervation and regulation of elastin aggregation optimal size for achieving accurate assembly and cross-linking of tropoealstin [20].

The identified novel homozygous missense variant in the current study leads to substitution of alanine 182 to proline in the third cbEGF. As mentioned above, the cbEGF motifs have critical role in elastic fiber assembly and variation of these domains can result in elastic fiber defects [34, 35]. Up to now, three different mutations namely I169T, R173H and G202R have been reported in the third cbEGF domain. The I169T variation decreases the secretion of the protein which compromises elastic fibre formation. The G202R that had been initially reported as a CL-related mutation was also detected in control groups in other study suggesting that this variant might not be pathogenic [35, 36]. The R173H variation has been detected in a Turkish family with affected child but the pathogenicity of the variant is obscure [16]. Other mutations in the adjacent domains such as V126M, C217R and S227P have been designated as pathogenic. The V126M not only causes hyperelasticity of the skin but also is associated with other diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1 [37]. Solid-phase binding and immunostaining studies in RFL-6 cells and patient-derived skin fibroblasts have shown that C217R and S227P are associated with reduction of fibulin-5-tropoelastin interaction. The second mutation was detected in two ethnically different families and results in a severe form of CL with internal organ involvement [38]. Considering the importance of the cbEGF motifs, it is obvious that pathogenic mutations in these motifs interfere with the fibulin-5 secretion and its matrix deposition which subsequently leads to diminished elastin polymerization. Considering that all the available variants predictors showed pathogenicity of A182P, we propose that this mutation may cause CL through disrupting of fibulin-5–tropoelastin interaction. Based on our 3D structure models both for wild and mutant fibulin-5 it seems that the A182P can contribute to the CL phenotype via the combined effect of lack of protein function and partly misfolding-associated toxicity. However, in a broader context, functional study of this variation is essential to uncover its pathogenicity and function of the cbEGF-3 domain.

Approximately all reported mutations of FBLN5, similar to the detected variation in this study follow autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance, and only one alteration, a tandem duplication of cbEGF 2–5 motifs, has showed autosomal dominant inheritance in a patient with mild form of CL [17]. Since point mutations such as S227P result in endoplasmic reticulum stress related to the recruitment of folding chaperones and increase patient-derived cells apoptosis, it appears that the recessive CL mechanisms are not only associated with a loss of fibulin-5 functional but also involve decreased cell survival [38]. Considering this, the large mutant protein can act in a dominant negative fashion and in case of homozygosity might result in severe form of CL.

Conclusion

To sum up, we described clinical features of FBLN5-related CL and identified a novel variation in the cbEGF-3 domain. We also underlined the probable role and function of cbEGF motifs and proposed some possible mechanisms for recessive form of FBLN5-related CL. However, further functional studies are needed to confirm the pathogenicity of the variation and additional clinical and molecular investigations are indispensable to provide firm genotype–phenotype correlation and identify exact mechanisms which are involved in different types of this disorder.