A novel hypomorphic allele of Spag17 causes primary ciliary dyskinesia phenotypes in mice

Abstract

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a human condition of dysfunctional motile cilia characterized by recurrent lung infection, infertility, organ laterality defects, and partially penetrant hydrocephalus. We recovered a mouse mutant from a forward genetic screen that developed all the phenotypes of PCD. Whole exome sequencing identified this primary ciliary dyskinesia only (Pcdo) allele to be a nonsense mutation (c.5236A>T) in the Spag17 coding sequence creating a premature stop codon at position 1746 (K1746*). The Pcdo variant abolished different isoforms of SPAG17 in the Pcdo mutant testis but not in the brain. Our data indicate differential requirements for SPAG17 in different motile cilia cell types. SPAG17 is required for proper development of the sperm flagellum, and is essential for either development or stability of the C1 microtubule structure within cilia, but not the brain ependymal cilia. We identified changes in ependymal cilia beating frequency but these did not apparently alter lateral ventricle cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow. Aqueductal (Aq) stenosis resulted in significantly slower and abnormally directed CSF flow and we suggest this is the root cause of the hydrocephalus. The Spag17Pcdo homozygous mutant mice are generally viable to adulthood, but have a significantly shortened life span with chronic morbidity. Our data indicate that the c.5236A>T Pcdo variant is a hypomorphic allele of Spag17 gene that causes phenotypes related to motile, but not primary, cilia. Spag17Pcdo is a novel and useful model for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying development of PCD in the mouse.