Variants in Exons 5 and 6 of ACTB Cause Syndromic Thrombocytopenia

Corrected: Author correction
ARTICLE
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06713-0 OPEN
Variants in exons 5 and 6 of ACTB cause syndromic

thrombocytopenia
Sharissa L. Latham 1, Nadja Ehmke2,3, Patrick Y.A. Reinke1,4, Manuel H. Taft 1, Dorothee Eicke5,
Theresia Reindl1, Werner Stenzel6, Michael J. Lyons7, Michael J. Friez7, Jennifer A. Lee7, Ramona Hecker8,
Michael C. Frühwald9, Kerstin Becker10, Teresa M. Neuhann10, Denise Horn2, Evelin Schrock11, Indra Niehaus11,
Katharina Sarnow11, Konrad Grützmann12, Luzie Gawehn11, Barbara Klink 11, Andreas Rump11,
Christine Chaponnier13, Constanca Figueiredo5, Ralf Knöfler14, Dietmar J. Manstein1,4 & Nataliya Di Donato 11
1234567890():,;
Germline mutations in the ubiquitously expressed ACTB, which encodes β-cytoplasmic actin
(CYA), are almost exclusively associated with Baraitser-Winter Cerebrofrontofacial syn-
drome (BWCFF). Here, we report six patients with previously undescribed heterozygous
variants clustered in the 3′-coding region of ACTB. Patients present with clinical features
distinct from BWCFF, including mild developmental disability, microcephaly, and thrombo-
cytopenia with platelet anisotropy. Using patient-derived fibroblasts, we demonstrate cohort
specific changes to β-CYA filament populations, which include the enhanced recruitment of
thrombocytopenia-associated actin binding proteins (ABPs). These perturbed interactions
are supported by in silico modeling and are validated in disease-relevant thrombocytes. Co-
examination of actin and microtubule cytoskeleton constituents in patient-derived mega-
karyocytes and thrombocytes indicates that these β-CYA mutations inhibit the final stages of
platelet maturation by compromising microtubule organization. Our results define an ACTB-
associated clinical syndrome with a distinct genotype-phenotype correlation and delineate
molecular mechanisms underlying thrombocytopenia in this patient cohort.
1 Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany. 2 Institute of Medical and Human Genetics, Charité-
Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin 13353, Germany. 3 Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin 10117, Germany. 4 Division for Structural Biochemistry, Hannover Medical
School, Hannover 30625, Germany. 5 Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany. 6 Department of
Neuropathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin 10117, Germany. 7 Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, SC 29646, USA.
8 Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Faculty of TU Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany. 9 Swabian Children’s Cancer Center,
Children’s Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg 86156, Germany. 10 Medical Genetics Center, Munich 80335, Germany. 11 Institute for Clinical Genetics, TU
Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany. 12 Core Unit for Molecular Tumor Diagnostics, National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany.
13 Department of Pathology-Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva 1211, Switzerland. 14 Department of Paediatric Haemostaseology,
Medical Faculty of TU Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany. These authors contributed equally: Sharissa L. Latham, Nadja Ehmke. Correspondence and
requests for materials should be addressed to S.L.L. (email: [email protected]) or to D.J.M. (email: [email protected])
or to N.DD. (email: [email protected])
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS | (2018)9:4250 | DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06713-0 | www.nature.com/naturecommunications 1

ARTICLE NATURE COMMUNICATIONS | DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06713-0
A
ctin molecules are the central building blocks of the actin blood cell counts with recurrent infections, and
cytoskeleton. These 42 kDa globular proteins, comprised thrombocytopenia.
of 4 subdomains (SD 1–4) and a central nucleotide Here, we describe six individuals from four unrelated families
binding site, assemble filamentous polymers in an ATP- carrying de novo or co-segregating heterozygous variants in
dependent manner1,2. The nucleation, growth, stability, turn- exons 5 and 6 of the ACTB gene. Patients are clinically distinct
over, and three-dimensional organization of actin filaments is from those with BWCFF, presenting with mild developmental
tightly regulated by signaling molecules and ABPs3,4. These actin- disability, unspecific minor facial anomalies, microcephaly and
ABP interactions create a dynamic structural scaffold that reg- thrombocytopenia with platelet anisotropy (variable size includ-
ulates many cellular processes including transcription, chromatin ing normal and enlarged platelets). As thrombocytopenia is a
remodeling, division, adhesion, migration, endocytosis, intracel- distinguishing clinical feature of this cohort, we sought to eluci-
lular trafficking, and contraction in both muscle and nonmuscle date how variant β-CYA impacts processes underlying throm-
cells5. bopoiesis. We first utilized patient-derived dermal fibroblasts to
The human genome encodes six highly conserved actin iso- dissect the effects of these mutations on cell morphology, beha-
forms (>93% similarity), which are produced in a time- and vior, cytoskeletal organization and ABP interactions, and subse-
tissue-specific manner. They are classified according to their quently validated these results in patient-derived megakaryocytes
relative isoelectric focusing mobility and enrichment in striated (MKs) and thrombocytes. Our results indicate that β-CYA
muscle (α-cardiac actin: α-CAA; α-skeletal actin: α-SKA), smooth mutations compromise microtubule organization in proplatelets
muscle (α-smooth muscle actin: α-SMA; γ-smooth muscle actin: and preplatelets and by this, inhibit the final stages of platelet
γ-SMA), and nonmuscle (β-cytoplasmic actin: β-CYA; γ- maturation.
cytoplasmic actin: γ-CYA) tissues6. For the ubiquitously expres-
sed β-CYA and γ-CYA isoforms, which differ by only four N-
terminal amino acids, distinct cellular localizations and functions Results
have been reported7–10. In the cytoplasm, γ-CYA enriches in sub- Identification and characterization of ACTB-AST patients. We
membranous networks and is associated with cell migration, ascertained a cohort of six patients with four different heterozygous
whilst β-CYA is implicated in contractile processes and accord- mutations in ACTB (Table 1), who presented with syndromic
ingly localizes to stress fibers and cell-cell contacts7–9. β-CYA is developmental disorders but could not be definitively diagnosed
additionally recognized as the nuclear actin isoform (reviewed by with a specific Mendelian disorder, including BWCFF (clinical
Viita and Vartiainen11) and knockout experiments in mice have summary in Supplementary Data 1). In contrast to BWCFF, which
demonstrated its essential role in early embryonic development12. is associated with missense mutations within exons 2–4, variants in
Isoform specific differences have been attributed to variances in these patients cluster in the 3′ region of ACTB, within exons 5 and 6
ACTB and ACTG1 nucleotide sequences13 (encoding β-CYA and (Fig. 1a, magenta). A single missense mutation in exon 6 of ACTB
γ-CYA, respectively), mRNA trafficking14, translational dynamics has previously been reported, with the patient displaying moderate
and post-translational modifications15,16, polymerization prop- intellectual disability, thrombocytopenia, abnormal white blood cell
erties17, and biochemical preferences for specific ABPs9,18. counts and recurrent infections25 (Fig. 1a, purple). The variants in
Heterozygous constitutive mutations in both ACTB and our cohort include one missense mutation, two small deletions and
ACTG1 have been associated with BWCFF, a well-defined syn- a single base pair insertion.
drome with recognizable facial features, developmental disability, In Family A (Fig. 1b), Patient 1 (P1), a four-year-old boy of
neuronal migration defects, hearing loss, ocular colobomas, heart Eastern European ancestry, presented with mild developmental
and renal defects, and progressive muscle wasting19,20. Our pre- delay, incomplete cleft lip, heart defect (patent ductus arteriosus
vious case studies demonstrated isoform specific differences and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries), mild microce-
amongst BWCFF patients, whereby ACTB variants are linked to phaly, leukocytosis with an increased eosinophil count and
severe forms of the disease and ACTG1 mutations are consistently thrombocytopenia without spontaneous bleeding. Thrombocyte
associated with brain malformations19,21. In addition to BWCFF, anisotropy with enlarged, immature platelets was reported. His
ACTG1 germ-line mutations are also linked to isolated non- father, patient 2 (P2), also displayed thrombocytopenia without
syndromic hearing loss22, whilst ACTB haploinsufficiency and a episodes of spontaneous bleeding. Although P2 reported cardiac
low-grade mosaic ACTB hotspot mutation are associated with catheterization in infancy, his medical history was otherwise
intellectual disability and Becker’s Nevus Syndrome, unremarkable. He attended a mainstream school and has been
respectively23,24. A single clinical case study where a constitutive employed on a regular basis. Whole exome sequencing revealed a
disease-causing ACTB variant was not associated with BWCFF likely pathogenic ACTB missense variant in both patients,
was reported by Nunoi and colleagues25. In this instance, a c.938T>G (Supplementary Data 2). This mutation encodes p.
patient with a de novo missense mutation in exon 6 of ACTB Met313Arg within subdomain 3 (SD3) of β-CYA (Fig. 1b, right,
presented with moderate intellectual disability, abnormal white Supplementary Fig. 1).
Table 1 Summary of ACTB-AST mutations
Patient Genomic position (hg19) cDNA (NM_001101.3) Amino acid change

1, 2 chr7:g.[5567681A>C] c.938T>G p.(Met313Arg)
3b, 4a,b chr7:g.[5567499_5567515del] c.992_1008del p.(Ala331Val_fs*27)
5a,b,c chr7:g.[5567484_5567495del] c.1012_1023del p.(Ser338_Ile341del)
6 chr7:g.[5567406dup] c.1101dup p.(Ser368Leu_fs*13)
Nd chr7:g.[5567417C>T] c.1090G>A p.(Glu364Lys)
aAccess to primary dermal fibroblasts for cell-based assays and RNA-sequencing analysis
bAccess to peripheral blood for megakaryocyte differentiation experiments and thrombocyte assessment
cConsidered to be the most severely affected patient in this ACTB-AST cohort based on severe microcephaly, prominent facial features, and hematological anomalies
dPatient described by Nunoi et al.25 and the only case where mutant β-CYA has been biochemically characterized38
2 NATURE COMMUNICATIONS | (2018)9:4250 | DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06713-0 | www.nature.com/naturecommunications

NATURE COMMUNICATIONS | DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06713-0 ARTICLE
a p.Met313Arg
ACTB p.Ala331Val_fs*27
chr7:5,566,779-5,570,232 (NM_001101.3) p.Ser338_Ile341del
p.Glu364Lys
p.Ser368Leu_fs*13
1 42 122 269
1 2 3 4 5 6
p.Asn12Asp 329
p.Asn12His
p.Val209Leu
p.Val35Ala
p.Ala204Gly
p.Val43Met
p.Arg196Ser
p.Gln59Arg
p.Arg196Cys
p.Leu65Val p.Arg196His
p.Leu65Phe
p.Lys191Glu
p.Pro70Leu p.Arg183Trp*
p.Gly74Ser p.Thr120Ile
p.Thr149Ile
p.Ile75Thr p.Met119Thr
p.Val103Leu
p.Glu117Lys
b c
SD2 SD1 SD2 SD1
P2 P4
P1 P3
SD4 SD3 SD4 SD3

Family A: p.Met313Arg Family B: p.Ala331Val_fs*27
d e
SD2 SD1 SD2 SD1
P5 P6
SD4 SD3 SD4 SD3
Family C: p.Ser338_Ile341del Family D: p.Ser368Leu_fs*13
Fig. 1 Overview of ACTB-AST mutations. a Schematic representations of ACTB mutations. ACTB-AST mutations are shown in magenta above the gene
model and BWCFF-associated mutations from the literature and from our own patients are given below the gene model; Asterisk (*) indicates a specific
variant associated with progressive dystonia67. Genomic coordinates refer to the GRCh37/hg19 genome assembly. Exons are numbered and coding exons
are indicated by large boxes; b–e Pedigree charts (left) and in silico representations of impacted residues (right) in b Family A (P1 and P2)—ACTB: p.
Met313Arg, c Family B (P3 and P4) - ACTB: p.Ala331Val_fs*27, d Family C (P5)—ACTB: p.Ser338_Ile341del and e Family D (P6)—ACTB: p.Ser368Leu_fs*13.
For pedigree charts, squares represent males, circles indicate females, magenta-shaded symbols indicate individuals with ACTB-AST and patients are
numbered according to the text. For in silico representations, affected amino acid residues are indicated in magenta on the actin protein structure (PDB
5JLH)

a
P3 P4 P5
b c
C P3 8
****
****
****
Platelet diameter (μm)
P4 P5 2
0
C P3 P4 P5
(271) (227) (214) (198)
Fig. 2 ACTB-AST patients display minor facial anomalies and thrombocytopenia with enlarged platelets. a Craniofacial appearance of patient 3 (left, P3, p.
Ala331Val_fs*27) at 5 years of age, patient 4 (mid, P4, p.Ala331Val_fs*27) at 31 years of age and patient 5 (right, P5, p.Ser338_Ile341del) at 4 year
10 months. Flared eyebrows (P3 and P4), straight eyebrows (P4 and P5), telecanthus (all), epicanthal folds (P3 and P5), upslanting palpebral fissures (P3
and P4), a broad nasal tip (P3 and P5), a bulbous nose (P4), a thin upper vermillion border (all) and prominent chin (P4) are observed in these patients; b, c
CD61-labeled platelets purified from a healthy control (C), P3, P4 and P5 were analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy; b Representative images
show that platelets in patient samples vary from normal to large in size. Scale bars represent 5 µm; c Particle analysis shows a significant shift in the size
distribution and average diameter of patient platelets compared with a healthy control. Individual data points are plotted with the median and IQR. The
number of platelets analyzed from 1 experiment is given in brackets below each condition. Significance was determined with the Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn’s
multiple comparisons tests, where ****p < 0.0001
In Family B (Fig. 1c), Patient 3 (P3), a five-year-old boy of eyebrows, telecanthus, upslanting palpebral fissures and a thin
Central European ancestry, presented with speech delay, border- upper vermillion border (Fig. 2a). Whole exome sequencing
line intellectual impairment and microcephaly. After an uncom- demonstrated a likely pathogenic frameshift variant,
plicated ulnar fracture, he displayed slow bone healing and c.992_1008del, in the last exon of ACTB in both patients
developed secondary pseudarthrosis. His mother, Patient 4 (P4), (Supplementary Data 2). This mutation results in a frameshift
also displayed mild intellectual disability (requiring daily support leading to the substitution of 26 amino acids from position 331
and employment in a sheltered environment), microcephaly and and the introduction of a premature stop codon leading to
has a history of thrombocytopenia with prolonged postoperative truncation at position 357 of β-CYA, within subdomain 1 (SD1)
bleeding reported but no spontaneous bleeding events. Both (Fig. 1c right, Supplementary Fig. 1). Thrombocytopenia was
patients display minor facial anomalies, including flared tested in P3 after identification of the ACTB mutation. Like P4, P3

demonstrated low platelet count with platelet anisotropy, which Actin isoform expression and compensation in ACTB-
included large platelets (Fig. 2b). AST cells. The effect of ACTB-AST mutations on ACTB mRNA
Patient 5 (P5, Fig. 1d), a five-year-old boy of Central European transcript levels and β-CYA protein expression was assessed in
ancestry, presented with congenital microcephaly that progressed patient fibroblasts. With whole transcriptome sequencing (RNA-
into severe postnatal microcephaly. He showed multiple minor Seq, also see Supplementary Note 1 and Supplementary Fig. 5),
facial anomalies (Fig. 2a; straight eyebrows, telecanthus, bilateral we confirm that the P4 and P5 variants do not result in nonsense-
epicantic folds, broad nasal tip and thin upper lip vermilion) and mediated mRNA decay (Supplementary Fig. 6a). Translation of
had significant delays in speech development, which progressed variant mRNA is demonstrated for P4, as the corresponding C-
with combined speech and physical therapy. This patient also terminal frame shift peptide was detected in P4 fibroblast lysates
displayed hematological anomalies including leukocytosis with by mass spectrometry (Supplementary Fig. 6b). However, the
increased eosinophil count, monocytosis, and thrombocytopenia. peptide region affected in P5 could not be detected in either
However, he did not have a history of recurrent infections or control or P5 fibroblast lysates. In patient fibroblasts, ACTB
spontaneous bleedings. P5 had platelet anisotropy with enlarged mRNA is significantly upregulated, with 3.0 ± 1.1 and 2.6 ± 1.1
platelets (Fig. 2b), an elevated fraction of immature platelets in (mean ± s.e.m.) fold changes detected for P4 and P5, respectively
the peripheral blood (Supplementary Data 1) and bone marrow (Fig. 4a). Total protein analysis indicates that elevated transcript
examination showed increased MK count (Supplementary Fig. 2). levels are compensating for reduced β-CYA in patient cells
Whole exome sequencing revealed a de novo in frame deletion in (Fig. 4b), where decreases of 23 and 36% are detected for P4 and
the last exon of ACTB, c. 1012_1023del (Supplementary Data 2), P5, respectively (Fig. 4c).
which results in the deletion of resides 338–341 within SD1 of β- Several studies have demonstrated that actin isoforms exist in
CYA (Fig. 1d right, Supplementary Fig. 1). equilibrium with one another to ensure that the cells total actin
Patient 6 (P6, Fig. 1e), a five-year-old girl of Western European pool is constantly maintained. In the case of β-CYA knockdown
origin, presented with early developmental delay, microcephaly and knockout, strong compensatory changes in γ-CYA and α-
and a history of recurrent thrombocytopenia during the first year SMA expression have been reported7,9,12. Here, we observe
of life, which normalized spontaneously. She made good similar effects in ACTB-AST patient fibroblasts (Fig. 4a–c).
developmental progress following intensive combined therapies, RNA-Seq shows significant increases in ACTG1 and ACTA2
achieving a low normal IQ at 5 years of age. Brain MRI mRNA (encoding γ-CYA and α-SMA, respectively) in P4
demonstrated two unilateral periventricular nodular heterotopias fibroblasts compared to the control; 1.9 and 1.7 fold changes
with otherwise normal brain morphology. No seizures were were recorded (Fig. 4a). Whilst there is a slight but insignificant
documented at the last follow up. Whole exome sequencing increase in ACTG1 mRNA in P5, ACTA2 is significantly
revealed a de novo insertion in the last exon of ACTB, c.1101dup upregulated (fold change = 2.02 ± 1.1 s.e.m). With western blot
(Supplementary Data 2), resulting in the substitution of 8 amino analysis, we show that β-CYA and γ-CYA are the two most
acids and addition of 4 residues at the far C-terminus of β-CYA abundant actin isoforms in all cell cultures. In patient fibroblast
(Fig. 1e right, Supplementary Fig. 1). lysates, both γ-CYA and α-SMA protein levels are significantly
Common features amongst this cohort of patients with 3′ upregulated, and total actin remains unchanged (Fig. 4b, c).
ACTB variants include developmental delay, mild intellectual Whilst whole transcriptome sequencing shows a significant
disability, microcephaly, and thrombocytopenia with platelet upregulation of ACTG2 mRNA (encoding γ-SMA) in patient
anisotropy and enlarged platelets (Fig. 2b, c). Given the distinct samples, this is biased by low transcript levels in the control (raw
genotype–phenotype correlation, we name this actinopathy counts 0–2). Accordingly, γ-SMA is not detected in any sample
ACTB-associated syndromic thrombocytopenia (ACTB-AST). by either western blot or immunofluorescence analyses. ACTA1
and ACTC1 genes, encoding α-SKA and α-CAA, are not
expressed in these cells.
Fibroblasts as a cellular model for ACTB-AST. To assess and In accordance with the western blot results, immunofluor-
model the effects of ACTB-AST variants at the cellular level, escence analysis also demonstrates a shift in the isoactin
primary dermal fibroblasts were harvested from P4, P5 and a equilibrium of ACTB-AST fibroblasts, with the β-CYA:γ-CYA
healthy control. This cell type is robust, can readily be obtained ratio decreasing by 30% for both P4 and P5 (Fig. 4d). In
with a minimally invasive skin biopsy and has been utilized to agreement with previous reports8, these isoforms display
model disease states26. At high density, the three control and discrete lateral and axial segregation in both control and
patient cultures are morphologically indistinguishable. However, patient fibroblasts. Whilst γ-CYA enriches at the cell
the ACTB-AST fibroblasts are visibly smaller than healthy control periphery and beneath the plasma membrane, β-CYA localizes
cells at low density (Fig. 3a). Quantitative immunofluorescence to filament populations at the cells’ basal membrane, which
microscopy shows that compared to the control, the substrate include the sub-nuclear filament population (Supplementary
surface area is reduced by 21.6% and 43.2% for P4 and P5, Fig. 7a and Fig. 4e). These basal β-CYA filaments are
respectively (Fig. 3b, measured at 50–70% confluency). This is phenotypically consistent between healthy control and
supported by flow cytometry analysis, which shows an ~25% BWCFF control fibroblasts (p.Thr120Ile; P1 in21). However,
reduction in cell volume for both patient cultures (Fig. 3c, col- in ACTB-AST cells they are bundled into thick fibers (Fig. 4e,
lected at 70% confluency; see Supplementary Fig. 3 for gating arrows). Moreover, immunofluorescence assessment of α-
strategy). In addition to their small size, P5 fibroblasts form SMA shows elevated protein expression in ACTB-AST cells
distinct clusters (Fig. 3a, arrow). Live cell migration experiments (Fig. 4f), increasing by 1.7-fold ± 0.1 in P4 cells and 1.8-fold ±
reveal that whilst control and P4 fibroblasts transiently interact 0.1 in P5 cells (Fig. 4g, mean ± s.d.). This upregulation is not
with neighboring cells, P5 fibroblasts cluster due to strong observed in a BWCFF control culture (0.9-fold ± 0.1 s.d.). α-
intercellular interactions (Supplementary Fig. 4a). These experi- SMA localizes to basal sub-nuclear filaments in ~ 80% of P4
ments additionally show that the trajectory, speed and persistence and P5 cells (Fig. 4h). Colocalization analysis shows greater
of ACTB-AST fibroblasts is significantly altered compared to overlap between α-SMA and β-CYA compared to γ-CYA,
healthy control fibroblasts (Fig. 3d). No significant differences in indicating preferential incorporation of α-SMA into β-CYA
cell proliferation rate are observed between the three cultures bundles in ACTB-AST fibroblasts (Fig. 4i, j and Supplemen-
(Supplementary Fig. 4b). tary Fig. 7b).

a C P4 P5 b 8000
****
surface area (μm2)

***
6000
Attachment
4000
High
2000
Confluence
0
C P4 P5
(272) (321) (400)
c (× 1000)
Subset name Count Mean :FSC-A
1.5 C
P4
82163
90188
96326
69921
P5 88307 74588
1.0
Counts
Low
0.5
0
0 50 100 150 200 250
C P4 P5 (× 1000)
d FSC-A
e 100
****
Migration speed
80 ****
(μm hour–1)
60
40
20
0
C P4 P5
400 400 (60) (57) (48)
f C
400
P3 P5
n = 60 n = 57 n = 48
g
20,000
displacement (μm2)
200 200 200 C
P4
Distance (μm)
Mean square
15,000
P5
0 0 0
10,000
–200 –200 –200 5000
0
–400 –400 –400
–400 –200 0 200 400 –400 –200 0 200 400 –400 –200 0 200 400
0 100 200 300 400 500
Distance (μm) Time (min)
Fig. 3 Reduced cell attachment surface area, volume and migratory capacity of ACTB-AST fibroblasts. a Micrographs of control (C), patient 4 (P4, p.
Ala331Valfs*27) and patient 5 (P5, p.Ser338_Ile341del) primary dermal fibroblasts at high (top row) and low (bottom row) confluence. At low confluence,
ACTB-AST cells are distinctly smaller than controls and P5 cells grow in aggregates (arrow). All scale bars are 100 µm; b Quantification of the cell
attachment surface area from immunofluorescence analyses (i.e. Figure 4e) shows reduced coverage distribution by ACTB-AST cells (median and IQR, the
number of cells analyzed in 4 experiments is given in brackets); c Flow cytometry analysis of the Forward Scatter Area (FSC-A) vs. normalized cell count
(100,000 events from 1 experiment) shows a reduction in ACTB-AST cell volume (P4: pink, P5: purple) compared to the control (green); d–g Migration
assays demonstrate reduced migratory capacity for ACTB-AST patient primary fibroblasts; d Representative images at 8 h with migratory tracks overlaid.
Scale bars are 100 µm; e Migration speed of individual cells represented in µm per hour (median and IQR); f Trajectories of all tracks recorded for C, P4 and
P5 from 0 h (origin) to 8 h (5 movies from 2 technical replicates, n = number of cells analyzed); g Mean square displacement analysis of C (green), P4
(magenta) and P5 (purple) fibroblasts (mean ± s.e.m.). Significance was determined with the Kruskal–Wallis test, where ***p < 0.001 and ****p < 0.0001
ABP recruitment to affected filament populations. Whilst the thrombocytopenia and enlarged platelets (Fig. 5a, red boxes).
structural scaffold of the actin cytoskeleton is predominantly These genes encode for α-actinin 130,31, nonmuscle myosin-2A
defined by actins, ABPs govern important aspects of cytoskeletal (NM-2A)32,33, diaphanous formin-1 (Diaph1)34, filamin A35,36,
dynamics and function. ABPs regulate key steps during throm- and tropomyosin (Tpm)4.237. The upregulation of four of these
bopoiesis and maintain the structural integrity and functional candidate genes at the protein level in P4 and P5 cells is
capacity of circulating thrombocytes (reviewed in the ref. 27–29). demonstrated with western blot analysis (Fig. 5b, c). Immuno-
As such, we sought to define a shortlist of ABPs affected by fluorescence assessment of these four proteins shows the
variant β-CYA in P4 and P5 fibroblasts that contribute to the enrichment of NM-2A, and recruitment of both α-actinin 1 and
thrombocytopenia phenotype observed in ACTB-AST patients. filamin A, into basal β-CYA/α-SMA bundles in both P4 and P5
We approached this task by assembling a list of deregulated ABP- fibroblasts (Fig. 5d). Conversely, an antibody recognizing
encoding RNAs (based on those listed by Winder et al.3), which Tpm4.1/4.2 isoforms does not label these structures. Quantifica-
were cross-checked by their clinical association with thrombo- tion of ABP fluorescence within the sub-nuclear region of indi-
cytopenia and validated at the protein level in cellular assays. vidual cells supports these observations (Fig. 5e). Specifically,
Amongst the shortlist of 50 deregulated genes, five candidates significant increases in α-actinin 1, NM-2A and filamin A
were identified, which have mutations associated with fluorescence are observed in P4 and P5, whilst the level of

a 12
b C P4 P5 c 2.0
P4 P4
9 ***
Normalized intensity
P5 β-CYA P5
6 40 1.5 * ns
3 ns
γ-CYA ns ns
Log2FC
2.0 40 ** ****
1.0
1.5 ns α-SMA#
40
1.0 0.5
0.5 Pan-actin 40
0.0 0
β-tubulin 55
ACTB ACTG1 ACTA2 ACTG2 β-CYA γ-CYA Pan-actin β-tubulin
d e C P4 P5 BWCFF
1.5
****
****
β-CYA
β-CYA:γ-CYA ratio
ns
1.0
Normalized
0.5
γ-CYA
0
C P4 P5
(11) (10) (10)
f C P4 P5 BWCFF
g
fluorescence intensity
ns
6
****
****
Normalized
α-SMA
0
C P4 P5 BWCFF
(87) (92) (95) (41)
h i α-SMA
j
CYA Merge
ns
******** 1.0 ****
α-SMA+ bundles
Overlap co-efficient
100
% cells with
75 0.75
50 β
0.50
25
0.25
0
C P4 P5 BWCFF 0
(16) (16) (16) (14) γ β-CYA γ-CYA
Tpm4.1/4.2 is unchanged in P5 and even downregulated in P4. show that structural changes are localized in SD1, a region that
This sub-nuclear phenotype observed in P4 and P5 cells is distinct critically contributes to actin-ABP interactions (Fig. 6a and
from that visualized in the BWCFF control. Supplementary Note 1). Specifically, NM-2 and α-actinin/filamin,
whose expression and localization were shown to be altered in
Molecular modeling of P4 and P5 β-CYA and affected ABPs. In cellular studies, bind to the affected SD1 region (Fig. 6b, c). In the
silico approaches were used to elucidate the molecular basis case of NM-2, our model suggests significant changes in the
underlying our cellular findings. Our previous study, which bio- interaction of β-CYAP4 and β-CYAP5 with the myosin cardio-
chemically characterized the disease-associated ACTB p.Glu364- myopathy (CM)-loop and supporting-loop39,40 (Fig. 6b and
Lys and p.Arg183Trp mutations, demonstrated that these Supplementary Fig. 8). In the case of β-CYAP4, the altered
modeling approaches are in good agreement with experimental structure retains critical features of the interaction with the
results38. Here, predictions of the mutation-mediated structural supporting-loop (see Supplementary Note 1). For α-actinin/fila-
changes in β-CYA from P4 and P5 (β-CYAP4 and β-CYAP5) min A, a critical hydrophobic interaction is conserved in both

Fig. 4 Actin isoform regulation in ACTB-AST patient fibroblasts. a RNA-Seq analysis of actin transcripts in P4 and P5 compared to the healthy control (log2
fold change ± s.e.m.). Bar graphs show the combined results from both patients relative to the control. Overlayed dot plots show the individual patient data
calculated from three technical replicates (p < 0.0001 unless stated as ns); b Representative western blots show reduced β-CYA, increased γ-CYA and α-
SMA in P4 and P5 fibroblasts compared to the control (C). Double the sample amount was required to detect α-SMA (#); c Densitometry analysis of P4
and P5 signals expressed as mean (±s.d.) relative to the control (9–10 replicates from 6 lysates; Kruskal–Wallis test); d Reduced β-CYA:γ-CYA ratios are
detected in P4 and P5 fibroblasts by immunofluorescence microscopy (mean ± s.d.; image numbers analyzed from 3 experiments are given in brackets;
one-way ANOVA); e Representative maximum intensity projections show β-CYA (top) and γ-CYA (bottom) distribution within z-stack slices 1–2 of C, P4,
P5, and BWCFF control fibroblasts. Yellow arrows indicate cells where thick basal β-CYA bundles are abundant. Scale bars are 15 µm; f
Immunofluorescence microscopy shows increased α-SMA expression in P4 and P5 fibroblasts. Inserts show α-SMA incorporation in ACTB-AST sub-
nuclear basal filaments. Scale bars are 15 µm; g Normalized α-SMA fluorescence intensity in individual cells (mean ± s.d.; the number of cells analyzed from
3 experiments is given in brackets; Kruskal–Wallis test); h The percentage of cells per image in which α-SMA is incorporated into basal sub-nuclear
filaments (median and IQR; 14–16 images from 3 experiments; Kruskal-Wallis test); i P5 cells co-stained for β-CYA or γ-CYA (left, green in merge) and α-
SMA (mid, magenta in merge). Scale bars are 20 µm; j Greater overlap of α-SMA with β-CYA is observed in P5 cells (median and IQR; 33–36 cells from 3
experiments; Mann–Whitney test). In all cases, *p < 0.05, ***p < 0.001, ****p < 0.0001 and ns, not significant
β-CYAP4 and β-CYAP5. In the case of β-CYAP4, the local rear- penetration, proplatelet branching and tip formation, as well as
rangements bring two aspartate residues in hydrogen-bonding the final stages of platelet maturation from circulating proplatelet
distance to surface residues on α-actinin (Fig. 6c and Supple- and preplatelet precursors27,28. To evaluate the effect of ACTB-
mentary Note 1). AST variants in this process, MKs were differentiated for 14 days
from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from
two healthy controls, P3, P4, and P5 (n = 1). Cells with increased
Characterization of ACTB-AST platelets. With this cytoskeletal
size, typical of polyploid MKs, are apparent in all cultures from
foundation delineated in fibroblasts, we sought to validate our
day 10 of the differentiation period (Supplementary Fig. 11a). At
results in disease-relevant thrombocytes. As such, thrombocyte
day 14, CD41+CD42a+CD61+ MK yields in the range of 15–60%
cytoskeletal constituents and ultrastructure were assessed in pla-
were achieved for the 5 cultures (Supplementary Fig. 11b-c).
telets purified from control, P3, P4 and P5 peripheral blood
Consistent with our fibroblast and thrombocyte findings, cells
(Fig. 7, Supplementary Fig. 9, Supplementary Fig. 10 and Sup-
differentiated from patient samples show decreased β-CYA:γ-
plementary Note 1). In accordance with previous reports, we
CYA ratios (Fig. 8a). Reductions of 32% ± 1.4, 25% ± 0.5 and 30%
observe actin throughout resting control platelets41, with both β-
± 0.8 (mean ± s.d.) are observed for P3, P4, and P5, respectively
CYA and γ-CYA found at the cortex and within the platelet core
(Supplementary Fig, 12a). In podosome-forming cells from
(Fig. 7a). Patient platelets, which are frequently enlarged (see
controls, β-CYA is localized diffusely throughout the cytosol
Fig. 2c for size distribution), have less β-CYA levels compared to
and enriches in basement-membrane degrading podosomes
controls. Quantitative analysis of projected images indicates that
(Supplementary Fig, 12b). Interestingly, in patient cells, these
the β-CYA:γ-CYA ratio decreases by 32–37% in patient cells
podosomes remain intact and enriched for β-CYA, whilst the
(Supplementary Fig. 9a). Clear cortical redistribution of both
cytosolic β-CYA pool is depleted. In proplatelet-forming MKs
isoforms is seen within the mid-plane of patient platelets (Fig. 7a,
from controls, both β-CYA and γ-CYA are found within the cell
bottom row). Whilst α-SMA was upregulated and recruited to β-
body and throughout proplatelet shafts, with β-CYA enriched in
CYA filaments in patient primary dermal fibroblasts, no changes
proplatelet swellings (Fig. 8a). In the case of patient cells,
were observed in purified thrombocytes (Supplementary Fig. 9b).
proplatelet structures incorporate comparatively less β-CYA than
Despite this finding, candidate ABP localization patterns are
controls and frequently display irregularly shaped swellings
consistent with the fibroblastic studies. Specifically, α-actinin 1,
(Fig. 8a, bottom row, white arrows). Whilst compensatory α-
NM-2A, and to a lesser extent filamin A, are all recruited to
SMA upregulation is observed in the fibroblastic model cultures
cortical β-CYA-rich filament populations in patient platelets
(Fig. 4f, g), no change in α-SMA expression is evident in patient-
(Fig. 7b). Tpm4.1/4.2, which does not localize to sub-nuclear β-
derived MK (Supplementary Fig. 12c). Overall, no remarkable
CYA filaments in patient fibroblasts, is also not recruited to
differences in proplatelet number, length or bifurcation frequency
cortical filaments in patient platelets (Supplementary Fig. 9c).
are evident between control and patient samples.
A fine balance between actin and microtubule cytoskeletal
Microtubules localize along the entire length of proplatelets,
forces is pivotal for regulating platelet size during maturation and
within the shafts, swellings and at the tips, and form coiled
following activation41,42. In healthy resting platelets, a band of
structures consistent with the marginal band seen in shed
microtubules localizes at the platelets cortex, maintaining its
platelets45. As microtubule organization is compromised in
discoid shape43. This cortical band is perturbed in diseases with
purified platelets, we assessed its organization in proplatelet-
giant platelets, where it is significantly thickened in the case of
producing MKs (Fig. 8b, c). We observed that proplatelet
Gray platelet syndrome and disordered like a “ball of yarn” in
swellings (ranging in size from 3 to 8 μm) have three
Epstein’s syndrome and May-Hegglin anomaly (caused by NM-
morphologically distinct microtubule phenotypes: (1) those with
2A mutations) platelets44. As ACTB-AST platelets include those
a thin cortical microtubule band, (2) those with a thick cortical
of enlarged size, we assessed β-tubulin localization and organiza-
microtubule band, and (3) those where microtubules are
tion in control and patient cells. Our analysis shows microtubules
disorganized (Fig. 8b). Each of these phenotypes is observed
in the typical cortical band in control platelets, but in a multitude
along the length of the proplatelet and at its tip. Whilst
of different organization patterns in patient platelets, all of which
quantification shows no change in the percentage of phenotype
are highly disordered (Fig. 7c).
1 structures between control and patient MKs, significant
differences are observed between phenotypes 2 and 3 in (Fig. 8c).
ACTB-AST patient-derived megakaryocytic cells. During In the controls, swellings with thick cortical microtubule bands
thrombopoiesis, the actin cytoskeleton is critical for MK differ- comprise 41% ± 12 (mean ± s.d.) of the events analyzed, whilst
entiation and migration to the vascular niche, endothelial barrier disordered structures contribute to less than 10%. Conversely,

a b C P4 P5 c 4
IQGAP3 P4 130 P4
TAGLN P5 i. α-actinin1 P5
****
Normalized intensity
100 3 * **
CNN1
DIAPH3 ii. NM-2A 180 ****
** ** ns *
FMN1 2 **
iii. Diaph1 ns
EZR 130
FMN2 1
iv. Filamin A
MYL9
250
ACTN1 0
v. Tpm4.2 35 i ii iii iv v
PFN1
CFL1
MYH9 d C P4 P5 BWCFF
ACTN4
VASP α-actinin 1
TPM3
PFN2
FLNA
ARPC5L
FLNC
CAP1
MYL12A
NM-2A
DIAPH1
ARPC5
CALM2
ARPC2
TPM4
CALM1
FHOD1
Filamin A
TPM1
TAGLN2
TNS3
ACTR1A
FHOD3
ARPC1A
Tpm4.1/4.2
WIPF1
WASF3
ADD3
–2 0 2 4 6
Log2FC
e α-actinin 1 NM-2A Filamin A Tpm4.1/4.2

4
**** **** ****
** *** ****
fluorescence intensity
3
Normalized
2
**
0
C P4 P5 C P4 P5 C P4 P5 C P4 P5
(84) (71) (103) (97) (110) (113) (96) (114) (129) (111) (105) (114)
swellings with thick cortical microtubule bands make up only Discussion

13–19% of all events in patient MKs, whereas swellings with BWCFF was the first human disease associated with ACTB
disordered microtubules are observed at significantly elevated mutations20. To date, a broader spectrum of distinct clinical
frequencies of 40% ± 12 for P3, 34% ± 9 for P4 and 46% ± 16 for entities associated with ACTB have been described. These include
P5 (mean ± s.d. for all). intellectual disability due to ACTB haploinsufficiency23, Becker’s

Fig. 5 Select thrombocytopenia-associated ABPs are recruited to basal β-CYA-rich filaments. a ABP transcripts significantly deregulated (log2 fold change
± s.e.m.) in both P4 and P5 fibroblasts compared to a healthy control, as determined by RNA-Seq. Bar graphs show the combined results from both patients
relative to the control. Dot plots show the individual patient data calculated from three technical replicates. Red boxes indicate the genes where disease-
causing mutations have been associated with thrombocytopenia with enlarged platelets; b, c Western blot analysis and densitometry of ABP candidates: (i)
α-actinin 1, (ii) NM-2A, (iii) Diaph1, (iv) Filamin A and (v) Tpm4.1/4.2 in control (C), P4 and P5 fibroblast lysates. Significant upregulation is validated for
all candidates except Diaph1. Data are represented relative to the control (mean ± s.d.; 6 replicates from 3 lysates; Kruskal–Wallis test); d Representative
maximum intensity projections show α-actinin 1 (top row), NM-2A (second row), Filamin A (third row) and Tpm4.1/4.2 distribution within z-stack slices
1–2 of C, P4, P5 and BWCFF control fibroblasts. Cell boundaries are shown in red and cyan regions indicate the nuclear boundaries where basal sub-nuclear
filaments localize. Scale bars are 20 µm; e Quantification of the fluorescence intensity of each candidate ABP in the sub-nuclear region (mean ± s.d.;
Kruskal–Wallis test). The number of cells analyzed from 3 experiments is indicated in brackets. In all cases, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001 and ****p < 0.0001
Nevus syndrome due to low-grade mosaic ACTB hotspot muta- Supplementary Note 1). In the Nunoi et al. study, β-CYAPN was
tions24, BWCFF resulting from constitutive missense mutations shown to be produced along with β-CYA and γ-CYA in patient
in exons 2–419–21, and a single case where moderate intellectual fibroblasts, platelets and leukocytes. Mutant β-CYA was estimated
disability, white blood cell anomalies and thrombocytopenia are to be produced at levels equal to that of the β-CYAWT25. More-
linked to a missense mutation in exon 625. Due to clinical con- over, our cellular and in silico ABP data provide indirect evidence
sistencies between this patient and our cohort (Supplementary that mutant β-CYAP4 and β-CYAP5 are incorporated into actin
Data 1, Patient N), and the fact that the exon 6 variant identified filaments. Thrombocytopenia-associated filamentous-actin bind-
falls within our 3′ mutation cluster, we propose that this patient ing proteins identified in cellular expression and localization
was the first reported case of ACTB-AST. The gnomAD database studies each interact with actin at the interface affected by the
lists 7 additional heterozygous variants in the 3′ region of ACTB mutations.
(Supplementary Table 1), each of which is seen in a single indi- Primary dermal fibroblasts proved to be a robust and valuable
vidual. It is not currently known whether these variants are truly model as they allowed us to: (1) assess phenomena that are dif-
benign, not fully penetrant, or causative for ACTB-AST (Sup- ficult to examine in disease-relevant cell types (i.e., growth rate
plementary Note 1). and migratory capacity), (2) screen and predefine variant-affected
We define ACTB-AST as a clinical entity characterized by cytoskeletal filament populations, and (3) statistically test obser-
mutations in the 3′ region of ACTB, within exons 5 and 6. vations prior to validation in limited-access patient material. We
Patients’ symptoms include microcephaly, intellectual disability, observed that fibroblasts display similar β-CYA/γ-CYA equili-
minor facial anomalies, white blood cell anomalies and throm- brium relationships and β-CYA-ABP interactions as observed in
bocytopenia. Symptoms and their severity vary greatly between MKs and thrombocytes. Whilst α-SMA compensation in fibro-
affected patients, even between patients with the same mutation. blasts proved to be tissue-specific and not relevant to thrombo-
Most patients presented with mild microcephaly (P1, P3, P4, and poiesis, it may somewhat contribute to the increased contractile
P6), with a severe form observed only in P5. Intellectual disability activity, enhanced cell-cell contacts (P5) and reduced migratory
is also mild to borderline and P2 from family A also showed capacity (P4 and P5) seen in patient fibroblasts12,46,47. The fact
normal intellectual function. For P5 and P6, where developmental that proliferation is normal in fibroblasts suggests that it is likely
milestones were significantly delayed, good developmental pro- not a major contributor to disease phenotype expression. In
gress was observed following intensive therapeutic intervention. contrast, the cells' inability to polarize and move persistently
The minor facial anomalies observed in these patients show no appears to be more critical. Furthermore, the observation that
overlap with the striking and recognizable facial features asso- fibroblasts show clear deficits at low confluence and not at high
ciated with BWCFF. Our observation is that the facial phenotype confluence shows how the mutations affect mechanotransduc-
is not sufficiently specific to clinically diagnose ACTB-AST. tion. Polarization, movement and morphology are greatly affected
Furthermore, thrombocytopenia in these patients was only at the single cell level, whilst the wild-type phenotype is rescued
revealed during routine checkup, was never associated with epi- with cell–cell contact formation. Overall, our fibroblast experi-
sodes of spontaneous bleeding and in the case of P6, resolved ments uncovered a membrane-associated cytoskeletal filament
itself during early childhood. For P5, we demonstrate that population uniquely affected in ACTB-AST cells, comprising β-
thrombocytopenia is likely alleviated by increased mega- CYA and thrombocytopenia-associated ABPs, such as α-actinin
karyopoiesis. However, this remains to be validated for other 1, NM-2A and filamin A.
ACTB-AST patients. Previous studies have linked mutations in each of the affected
For ACTB-AST variants, p.Ala331Val_fs*27 (P3 and P4) and p. ABPs with defects in proplatelet tip formations30,35,36,48,49.
Ser338_Ile341del (P5), our combined results bridge clinical eva- Reduced bending and bifurcation of the proplatelet shaft results
luation with cellular and molecular characterizations (summar- in the release of fewer, larger thrombocytes, and in the case of
ized in Supplementary Data 3). Thus far, β-CYA disease- NM-2A mutations, immature fractions are elevated30,36,48–52.
associated mutations have been biochemically characterized in a Based on these reports, we expected platelet production to be
single study by our group38. These variants include the p. associated with reduced proplatelet tip formation in ACTB-AST
Glu364Lys mutant (Patient N) described by Nunoi et al, which is MKs. However, this hypothesis is not supported by our findings,
now incorporated into the ACTB-AST cohort25. We demon- as mutations show no effect on proplatelet number or branching.
strated that β-CYAPN can be produced in the baculovirus/Sf9 Further, we could not link thrombocytopenia in ACTB-AST
expression system, showed that its folding is minimally affected, patient cells to differentiation or podosome defects. As our results
and verified its functional competence; i.e. it incorporates into show reduced migratory capacity for patient fibroblasts and
filaments and supports myosin based contractility38. With mass Nunoi et al. reported reduced neutrophil chemotaxis25, it is
spectrometry, we were able to validate the production of β-CYAP4 reasonable to hypothesize that ACTB-AST mutations affect MK
in patient dermal fibroblasts. Molecular dynamics simulations migration.
predict that β-CYAP5, which has a smaller structural perturbation The work of Italiano and colleagues demonstrates that platelets
than β-CYAP4, is properly folded (see in silico analysis in mature from two interchangeable intermediates in circulation:

a β-CYAP4 β-CYAWT β-CYAP5

SD2 SD1
30° 10°
Pointed end (–)
Barbed end (+)

Actin overview
SD4 SD3
b
E1 – V34 E1 – V34
F-actin triplet
CM-loop
NM-2
CM-loop
Myosin-interaction
A331 – W356 A331 – W356

T417 – T 432 T417 – T 432
I341 – Q360 I341 – Q360

Supporting-loop
Q535 – A563 Q535 – A563

Supporting-
loop
c F-actin triplet
S338 – W356 S338 – W356
α-actinin-interaction
α-actinin
D95 - L111 D95 - L111
Fig. 6 In silico modeling of P4- and P5-associated ACTB variants. a Overview of wildtype (WT) β-CYA (mid) in cartoon with space-fill overlay. β-CYAP4
and β-CYAP5 to the left and right respectively, with missing volumes indicated in yellow space-fill and affected residues modeled in magenta space-fill;
b The binding interface of NM-2 (blue, according to PDB 5JLH) on a β-CYAWT F-actin triplet (mid, green with magenta C-terminal residues) is shown.
Close-ups of affected β-CYAP4 (left) and β-CYAP5 (right) residues are superimposed as magenta cartoon structures on the green β-CYAWT cartoon
structure. CM-loop interactions with mutant actins are shown in the top panels, whilst supporting-loop interactions are modeled in the lower panels; c In
silico modeling of the interaction interface of β-CYAWT (green) with α-actinin (orange, according to PDB 3LUE, confirmed by docking) is shown (mid). Left
and right show the interface with affected C-terminal residues for β-CYAP4 (left) and β-CYAP5 (right), respectively
discoid-shaped preplatelets (3–10 μm diameter) and barbell- bundling forces, and actin-myosin-spectrin-mediated membrane
shaped proplatelets (10–32 μm perimeter)53. These are shed fol- tension42. In ACTB-AST MKs, where β-CYA is depleted from
lowing cytoplasmic bridge fission between proplatelet swellings. swellings, we observed an elevated fraction of swelling events with
For preplatelets to convert to barbell-shaped platelets, the cortical disorganized microtubules. Our observations in patient throm-
microtubule band must bend, twist and be bundled centrally bocytes are in line with analyses of giant platelets in patients with
(Fig. 9, top row). This conversion is dependent on microtubule May Hegglin anomaly (NM-2A mutation), where microtubules
band thickness. Mathematical modeling predicts that this process have a loosely packed organization43. Based on our observations
requires a balanced input of elastic bending forces, microtubule and the work of Italiano and colleagues42,53, we propose that

a C P3 P4 P5
β-CYA/γ-CYA
b C P3 P4 P5 c C P3 P4 P5
α-actinin 1
β-tubulin
NM-2A
Filamin A
Fig. 7 ACTB-AST patient platelets have disordered actin and microtubule cytoskeletons. a–c Assessment of the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons
in platelets purified from healthy control (C), patient 3 (P3), patient 4 (P4), and patient 5 (P5) EDTA-peripheral blood (1 experimental replicate);
a Representative maximum intensity projections (top row) are given for β-CYA (green) and γ-CYA (magenta) labeled samples, showing reduced β-CYA:γ-
CYA ratios in patient samples. Mid-stack slices of the marked regions of interest (white squares) are shown below, demonstrating cortical redistribution of
actin isoforms in patient thrombocytes; b Mid-stack slices show strong cortical recruitment of NM-2A and α-actinin 1, and a moderate cortical enrichment
of Filamin A in patient platelets; c Representative images demonstrate the highly disordered nature of β-tubulin in patient-derived platelets compared to
those from a healthy control. 3–6 images (total of 20–60 platelets) were assessed for each protein of interest. All scale bars represent 2 µm
platelet anisotropy in ACTB-AST results from obstruction of final All patients received trio-based whole exome sequencing. Exome capture was
performed using IDT Xgene exome research panel (P1–P5) and Agilent
platelet processing steps (Fig. 9, bottom row). Specifically, our SureSelectXT Human V5 kit (P6). 150 nt paired-end sequencing was performed
data suggest that preplatelets are constrained at larger sizes as with a median target coverage of at least 50-fold on Illumina NextSeq500
microtubules are assembled into unproductive configurations that Sequencing systems. Alignment (mapping to GRCh37/hg19), variant identification
cannot facilitate barbell-shaped platelet twisting. (SNPs and indels), variant annotation and filtering was performed using the CLC
In conclusion, this work describes a new clinical phenotype Biomedical Genomics Workbench (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany)54 for patients P1–5
and NextGENe software (SoftGenetics, LLC, State College, PA) with further
associated with mutations clustered in the 3′ region of ACTB, analysis using Cartagenia Bench Lab NGS software (Agilent Technologies) for P6.
named ACTB-AST. Our cross disciplinary approach assesses the Approximately 65,000 genetic variants were identified per individual. Variants
impact of pathogenic variants across multiple levels—from the were filtered with a focus on protein-altering variants (missense, frame-shift, splice-
patient, to the cell and then to the molecule. This method allowed site and premature stop-codons) absent from public databases (gnomAD and 1000
Genomes project). In families A (P1 and P2) and B (P3 and P4), 18 and 11 rare
us to identify a cytoskeletal phenotype unique to ACTB-AST, familial variants were identified, respectively (Supplementary Data 2). Of these,
whereby a specific subset of thrombocytopenia-associated ABPs is only ACTB variants were considered to be likely pathogenic, according to ACMG
recruited to mutant β-CYA bundles. Our data demonstrate that criteria55. All ACTB variants were absent from public databases (see also
this filament population contributes to thrombopoiesis defects by Supplementary Note 1 on 3′ACTB variants listed in the gnomAD database). P5 and
P6 had 2 and 3 de novo rare variants, respectively. All ACTB variants were
perturbing microtubule organization in MKs and thrombocytes. confirmed by Sanger sequencing.
Methods Primary fibroblast cell culture. Primary dermal fibroblasts were obtained from
Patient recruitment and whole exome sequencing. This study was approved by P4, P5 and a healthy control following 3 mm cutaneous punch biopsies and cul-
TU Dresden’s institutional review board (EK127032017). All procedures were tured in BIO-AMF™-2 Medium (Biological Industries USA, Cromwell, CT, USA).
conducted in accordance with the approved guidelines and informed consent of all For sub-culturing, primary fibroblasts were washed twice with 1× dPBS and
human research participants. The authors affirm that human research participants detached at 37 °C for 30 s with 0.05% Trypsin/EDTA (Gibco®; Thermo Scientific,
provided informed consent for publication of the images in Fig. 2a. Patients pre- Waltham, MA, US). The reaction was stopped with DMEM/F-12 medium (Gibco®;
senting with syndromic developmental delay in combination with microcephaly Thermo Scientific) containing 10% FCS (Gibco®; Thermo Scientific) and cells were
and thrombocytopenia underwent genetic testing in four diagnostic laboratories in pelleted by centrifugation at 500×g for 5 min. Cells were resuspended in BIO-
Germany and the USA. Probands were not clinically diagnosed with BWCFF after AMFTM-2 medium, seeded onto Corning plasticware (Corning, NY, US) and
identification of likely pathogenic variants in ACTB. Cases were discussed with N. maintained in BIO-AMFTM-2 medium at 37 °C in the presence of 5% CO2. Cul-
DD regarding the clinical interpretation of ACTB variants. P1 and P3 had one tures were continued for a maximum of 5 passages. For the growth curve assay, 3 ×
parent, father (P2) and mother (P4), respectively, presenting with similar or 104 cells were seeded in 24-well plates and counted after 24, 48, and 72 h following
overlapping clinical features. P5 and P6 were the only affected members of their trypsinization. Culture images were obtained with a Nikon Eclipse TS100 micro-
families. No pathogenic copy number variants were detected with chromosomal scope using 10×/0.25NA and 20×/0.40 NA objectives (Nikon, Minato, Tokyo,
microarrays. Japan). Mycoplasma contamination was routinely tested for by PCR using the

a C1 C2 P3 P4 P5
β-CYA/γ-CYA
b C1 C2 P3 P4 P5
β-tubulin
c
Phenotype 1 Phenotype 2 Phenotype 3
*** ** ****
100 * *** ** ***
*** ** *
% Swelling events
* ***
80
60
40
20
0
C1 C2 P3 P4 P5 C1 C2 P3 P4 P5 C1 C2 P3 P4 P5
Fig. 8 Microtubule organization in proplatelet swellings is compromised in ACTB-AST-derived megakaryocytes. a β-CYA (green) and γ-CYA (magenta)
distribution in proplatelet-forming MKs from PBMCs isolated from the whole blood of two healthy controls (C1 and C2), patient 3 (P3), patient 4 (P4), and
patient 5 (P5). Representative maximum intensity projections show reduced incorporation of β-CYA into proplatelet structures in ACTB-AST cells. White
arrows indicate irregular-shaped proplatelet swellings identified in patient samples. Scale bars are 10 µm for the top row and 5 μm for the bottom row;
b Representative images of β-tubulin labeled MKs from C1, C2, P3, P4, and P5. Arrows indicate the three proplatelet swelling phenotypes observed, where
microtubules are (1) organized into a thin marginal band (yellow arrow), (2) organized into a thick marginal band (cyan arrow), or (3) disordered (magenta
arrow). Scale bars are 20 µm; c Quantification of the percentage of proplatelet-attached swellings with thin marginal bands (phenotype 1, left), thick
marginal bands (phenotype 2, middle) and disordered microtubules (phenotype 3, right) shows significant differences between healthy controls and ACTB-
AST patients. For each condition, blinded analysis of 11 images from 3 samples obtained from 1 experimental repeat was performed. Data are represented
as median (IQR). Significance was determined with the Kruskal–Wallis test, where *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001, ****p < 0.0001
Venor®Gem OneStep Kit (Minerva Biolabs GmbH, Berlin, Germany) and with with another cell or underwent division during the imaging period. The Dicty
DAPI counterstaining. Tracking 1.4 software package was used to calculate cell trajectories, random
migration speeds, directionality ratios and the mean square displacement of cells56.
Flow cytometry of fibroblasts. Patient-derived fibroblasts grown to ~70% con-
fluency were passaged with Accutase™ (StemCell Technologies, Vancouver,
Whole-transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq). For RNA-Seq, fibroblasts were
Canada). Pelleted and washed cells were fixed with precooled 70% Ethanol and
seeded in 75 cm2 flasks and harvested at ~70% confluence. RNA was extracted
stored at −20 °C. Prior to analysis, cells were labeled with Propidium Iodide
using the miRNeasy Mini Kit (Qiagen) according to the manufacturer’s instruc-
(Thermo Scientific). Samples were analyzed on a LSR Fortessa™ (BD Biosciences) of
tions. On column DNA digestion was included to remove residual contaminating
the Flow Cytometry Core Facility, a core facility of BIOTEC/CRTD at Technische
genomic DNA. All experiments were performed in triplicate, meaning that RNA
Universität Dresden. Data were manually analyzed using FlowJo analysis software
was independently extracted three times from each culture. For library prepara-
(TreeStar, Ashland, OR, USA).
tions, the TruSeq Stranded mRNA Library Prep Kit (Illumina) was used according
to the manufacturer’s protocol, starting with 1 μg total RNA. All barcoded libraries
Fibroblast migration assay. CELLviewTM 4 compartment glass bottom dishes were pooled and sequenced 2 × 75 bp paired-end on an Illumina NextSeq500
(VWR International, Radnor, PA, US) were pre-coated with fibronectin/gelatin for platform to obtain a minimum of 10 million reads per sample. Raw reads from
1 h at 37 °C. Primary fibroblasts were seeded at a density of 2.5 × 103 and allowed to Illumina sequencers were converted from bcl to fastq format using bcl2fastq
attach overnight at 37 °C in the presence of 5% CO2. Cells received fresh BIO- (version v2.17.1.14) allowing for 1 barcode mismatch. Reads were trimmed for
AMFTM-2 medium supplemented with 10 mM HEPES and dishes were mounted quality and sequence adapters using trimmomatic57. Trimming resulted in an
onto an inverted Nikon Eclipse Ti-E microscope system equipped with a 37 °C average of 13.1–22.2 million reads per sample. Reads were aligned against the phase
incubator (Nikon). Phase contrast images were acquired at 10 min intervals for 8 h II reference of the 1000 Genomes Project including decoy sequences d5 (ftp://
with a 10×/0.30NA objective. For analysis, cells were manually tracked with the ftp.1000genomes.ebi.ac.uk/vol1/ftp/technical/reference/phase2_reference_assem-
MTrackJ plugin in ImageJ. Cells were excluded from the analysis if they collided bly_sequence/hs37d5.fa.gz) using STAR (v2.5.2b)58 in a 2-pass mapping mode:

Preplatelet Platelets
- Dispersed β-CYA and
ABP
Control
- Cortical microtubule rim
- Mature platelets of
normal size and number
Barbell-shaped platelet
1.
- Cortical β-CYA and ABP
- Disordered microtubules
ACTB-AST
- Reduced platelet
numbers
2.
- Enlarged platelets
- Increased immature
3 μm platelet fraction
Fig. 9 Proposed model of the mechanisms underlying thrombocytopenia in ACTB-AST. Preplatelets and barbell-shaped platelets shed into the blood stream
convert into platelets in a microtubule-dependent manner. A thick band of microtubules is responsible for twisting the center of the preplatelet to form the
barbell-shaped platelet, essentially dividing it into two individual terminal platelets. Abscission of terminal platelets subsequently occurs in the circulation.
In ACTB-AST patients, cytoplasmic actin isoforms and select ABPs (α-actinin 1, NM-2A and to a lesser extent Filamin A) enrich at the preplatelet cortex.
The cortical microtubule band observed in mature control cells forms in fewer ACTB-AST platelets. Instead, microtubules are highly disordered. We
propose that the final platelet processing steps are therefore restricted in preplatelets with a disordered microtubule cytoskeleton, leading to reduced
numbers of enlarged and immature platelets in patient circulation
first, an index was created using the genome sequence and gene annotation were incubated overnight in blocking solution at 4 °C (see Antibodies section below
(Gencode GRCh37.p13 comprehensive gene annotation), against which all reads and Supplementary Table 2 for dilutions used). Following two TBS-T washes,
were aligned. Second, all detected splice junctions of all samples were merged and membranes were incubated in secondary antibody in blocking solution for 1 h and
used as a guide for the second mapping step. Read counts of all annotated genes washed thrice in TBS-T prior to developing. Signals were developed with the
were extracted from the alignments using the featureCounts function of the Rsu- SuperSignalTM West Femto Maximum Sensitivity Substrate (Thermo Scientific)
bread package (v1.20.6)59 and genes with 0 counts for all samples were discarded. and images were obtained with the ChemiDoc MP Imaging system using ImageLab
DESeq2 (v1.10.1)60 was used to find differentially expressed genes using standard software (Bio-Rad). Results were obtained from six independent lysates of varying
parameters. Triplicates from P4 and P5 were compared against control triplicates cell passages. For quantification, each protein of interest was probed at least twice
separately and as a combined group (P4 and P5) against the control (Supple- in three different lysates. β-CYA, γ-CYA, pan-actin and β-tubulin were assessed at
mentary Data 4–6). The differentially expressed genes were filtered using the least once in all lysates. Analysis of western blot signals was performed with Image
adjusted p-value ≤ 0.05. Significantly upregulated and downregulated genes were J software (NIH, Bethesda, ML, US). Values were first adjusted to the total protein
chosen based on the Benjamini-Hochberg adjusted p-value ≤ 0.01. Principal com- content, as determined by Ponceau S staining, and patient samples were normal-
ponents analysis was done using the R stats package. ized to their respective control. Original western blots corresponding to Fig. 4b and
A subset of 213 genes encoding for actin isoforms (6 genes) and known ABPs Fig. 5b are displayed in Supplementary Fig. 13 and Supplementary Fig. 14,
(207 genes, based on the ref. 3) was compiled and analyzed further (Supplementary respectively.
Data 7). Of the 207 ABPs genes assessed, 44 were found to be significantly
deregulated in all three analyses (P4 vs. control, P5 vs. control and ACTB-AST
patients combined vs. control). We revised this list by eliminating the 7 genes with Immunofluorescence microscopy of primary fibroblasts. For immuno-
the lowest raw and normalized counts (base mean < 150; Supplementary Data 8). fluorescence experiments, cells were seeded at a density of 2 × 104 on 10 mm glass
This list includes genes that are not expected to be expressed in this tissue. All coverslips in 24-well plates and cultured for 48 h prior to collection. Cells were
shortlisted deregulated genes were then cross-checked on UniProt (http://www. washed twice with pre-warmed DMEM/F-12 medium and fixed for 30 min with
uniprot.org/) and PubMed (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/) platforms for 1% PFA diluted in DMEM/F-12. Following two washes with 1X dPBS, cells were
known disease-causing mutations associated with thrombocytopenia, where permeabilized with ice cold methanol for 5 min. Samples were washed twice with
platelets are enlarged, as this is a distinguishing clinical feature of ACTB-AST 1X dPBS (Gibco®; Thermo Scientific) and blocked for 1 h at 23 °C in 2% BSA/dPBS
patients. blocking solution prior to antibody labeling. Primary and secondary antibodies
Whole-transcriptome sequencing experiments were designed and performed to were diluted in blocking buffer, as shown in Supplementary Table 2, and were
screen actin isoform transcription (including that of the mutated ACTB allele) and applied for 1 h and 30 min, respectively, with two intermittent blocking buffer
to select a subset of ABP’s for further analysis at the protein level. Further washes. Samples were washed twice with 1× dPBS, counterstained with DAPI for 5
conclusions about the impact of these ACTB mutations are unable to be drawn min at RT, washed in 1× dPBS, rinsed with ddH2O and mounted in ProLongTM
from the transcriptome analysis due to the lack of additional healthy control Gold Antifade Mountant (Thermo Scientific). Z-stack images (0.3 µm slices) were
biological replications. obtained with the Leica TCS SP8 Confocal Microscope (Leica Microsystems, Solms,
Germany) using a 63× Oil/1.4NA objective. Image analysis was performed using
Image J software (NIH, Bethesda, ML, US). Cell and nuclear boundaries were
determined manually with ROI selection tools. The mean fluorescence intensity of
Cell lysis and western blot analysis. Cells grown to 70–90% confluency were each channel was calculated from Sum Slice image projections. For overlap coef-
harvested. Pelleted cells were resuspended, washed in cold 1× dPBS and lysed in ice ficient analysis, the ‘Just Another Colocalization Plugin’ was utilized61.
cold lysis buffer (20 mM Tris-HCl pH 8.0, 100 mM NaCl, 1 mM EDTA, 0.1% NP-
40, complete mini protease inhibitor tablet and phosSTOP tablet (both from Roche
Applied Science, Penzberg, Germany)) at a final concentration of 1 × 104 cells per In silico modeling of β-CYAP4/P5 and ABP interactions. Actin models of β-
µl of lysis buffer. Lysates were incubated for 30 min on ice, sonicated and vortexed. CYAP4/P5 were built with Yasara (version 17.8.15, YASARA Biosciences GmbH,
Total protein concentration was normalized with the Bradford Assay (Bio-Rad, Germany) based on PDB structure 5JLH40. For β-CYAP4, C-terminal residues after
Hercules, CA, US) and readjusted using a Coomassie Protein Assay. Approximately I330 were removed. The frameshift peptide was built via homology modeling using
10–15 µg total protein was separated on polyacrylamide gels (8, 10, or 15%, PDB structures as templates. The resulting peptide was placed manually into the
depending on protein MW) by electrophoresis (35 mA, 45 min) and subsequently model and was connected by the Yasara loop building algorithm. After energy
transferred onto 0.1 µm pore nitrocellulose membrane (14 V, 1.5 h). Transfer minimization, an α-backbone constraint MD-simulation was performed with
efficiency and protein loading were estimated by Ponceau S staining. Membranes Desmond 11 MD package, version 2017–4, as distributed by Schrödinger62. The β-
were blocked for 1 h in 5% (w/v) skim milk in TBS-Tween20 (TBS-T). Based on the CYAP5 model was generated by deleting the residues spanning between Y337 and
Ponceau S staining and pre-stained marker, membranes were cut into S344 and was subsequently closed with a VMD loop building algorithm. After
2–4 segments and probed with antibodies for proteins running in the respective energy minimization an α-backbone constraint MD-simulation was performed. To
size range (Supplementary Fig. 6 and Supplementary Fig. 8). Primary antibodies confirm C-terminus stability, a 50 ns MD-simulation without constraints was

performed with Desmond, using PDB 5JLH as a template. For the MD-simulations DIAPH1 (Abcam Inc.; #Ab96784). Conjugated primary antibodies used for
the OPLS3 force field was used in a minimized 10 Å orthorhombic water box with immunofluorescence or flow cytometry analysis include mouse anti-CD61-
0.15 M sodium chloride. The simulations were performed with a TIP3P water AlexaFluor 647 (Biolegend, San Diego, CA, US; #336408), mouse anti-CD61-APC
model including a 0.03 ns quick relaxation. The simulation parameters were 300 K (Biolegend; #336412), mouse anti-CD42a-PE (BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA, US;
and 1 ATM pressure. To confirm the orientation of α-actinin binding on F-actin, #558819) and mouse anti-CD41-APC/CY7 (Biolegend; #303716. HRP-conjugated
the calponin-homology domain of PDB structure 3LUE63 was used in combination secondary antibodies for western blot analysis were purchased from Thermo Sci-
with the F-actin dimer from PDB structure 5JLH40. Frodock 2.0 software was used entific and all fluorescent-conjugated secondary antibodies for immuno-
for docking64. To confirm stable binding, a 25 ns MD-simulation without con- fluorescence were obtained from Jackson Immunoresearch (West Grove, PA, US).
straints was performed with Desmond. MD-simulation results were analyzed with See Supplementary Table 2 for a complete list of antibody clone numbers, product
VMD version 1.9.365. numbers, applications and dilutions.
MK differentiation from peripheral blood PBMCs. For MK and platelet Statistical analysis. Unless stated otherwise, GraphPad Prism 7.0 (GraphPad
experiments, 15–25 ml of whole blood was collected by venipuncture from two Software, San Diego, CA, US) was utilized for the graphical representation and
healthy controls, P3, P4 and P5 in the presence of 1.6 mg/ml EDTA. As access to statistical analysis of cell-based data. For statistical analysis, the Gaussian dis-
patient blood was limited, these experiments were performed once (n = 1), with all tribution of data was first assessed with the D’Agostino & Pearson normality test.
samples processed in parallel. MKs were differentiated from whole blood samples In Fig. 4j, where only two conditions were compared, a two-tailed Mann-Whitney
using a protocol adapted from Balduini et al.66 Briefly, PBMCs were isolated from test was performed, as data are not normally distributed. For all other experiments
using Lymphosep (C C Pro, Oberdorla, Germany). Up to 2 × 106 PBMCs were (where three or more conditions are compared), normally distributed data sets
seeded per well in 12-well plates (TPP Techno Plastic Products AG, Trasadingen, were analyzed with an ordinary one-way ANOVA followed by Holm-Sidak’s
Switzerland) with StemSpan ACF medium (StemCell, Vancouver, Canada) sup- multiple comparisons test. Data that did not follow a Gaussian distribution or
plemented with 10 ng/ml TPO, FLT3-L, IL-6, and IL-11 (all cytokines from where the sample size was too small to test the distribution were treated with the
Peprotech, Hamburg, Germany). On day 4, APEL2 medium (StemCell) supple- Kruskal–Wallis test followed by Dunn’s multiple comparisons test. In all cases, *p
mented with 5% Protein-free Hybridoma Medium II (PFHMII, Gibco by Life < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001, and ****p < 0.0001. Normalized intensity data are
Technologies, Darmstadt, Germany) and the same cytokine composition was used. shown as mean ± standard deviation (s.d.). All other data are represented as mean
On days 1 or 2, 7, 10, and 14, cell morphology was assessed by microscopy and ± s.d., mean ± standard error of the mean (s.e.m.) or median with interquartile
phenotype was analyzed by flow cytometry. For flow cytometry, cells were blocked ranges (IQR)as indicated in the respective figure legends.
with FcR-blocking reagent (Miltenyi Biotec, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany) and
stained with CD42a-PE (BD Biosciences, Heidelberg, Germany), CD41-APC/Cy7,
and CD61-APC (both Biolegend, San Diego, USA). Analysis was performed using a Data availability
FACS Canto II and FACSDiva software v8.0.1 (BD Biosciences). DNA- and RNA-Seq data is deposited in the Sequence Read Archive (SRA) under the
project ID: PRJNA485028 (SRA ID: SRA755413). Accession numbers SRR7657940,
SRR7657941, SRR7657938 represent RNA-Seq triplicates for patient 5, SRR7657942,
Immunofluorescence microscopy of differentiated MKs. At day 14, cells were SRR7657943, SRR7657937 RNA-Seq triplicates of patient 4 and SRR7657939,
collected from 12-well plates and seeded onto 15 mm coverslips (1.5 thickness) that SRR7657944, SRR7657945 are RNA-Seq triplicates of the healthy control individual.
had been washed with 1 M HCl, 100% Ethanol and coated with poly-l-lysine DNA-Seq reads are available under accession numbers SRR7802037, SRR7802031,
(Sigma Aldrich, Munich, Germany). Samples were incubated for 24 h at 37 °C and SRR7802036, SRR7802030, SRR7802034 for patients 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 respectively. DNA-Seq
fixed directly in 4% PFA in dPBS. For actin isoform staining, three coverslips per reads from the studied healthy family members in Families A-D are deposited under
condition were prepared as described in the Immunofluorescence microscopy of accession numbers SRR7802032, SRR7802029, SRR7802035, and SRR7802033. DNA-Seq
primary fibroblasts section above. For β-tubulin labeled samples, cells were per-
data from patient 6 and other relevant data are available from the authors upon request.
meabilized with 0.1% Triton X-100 for 5 min, blocked in 2% BSA/dPBS blocking
solution, incubated with the mouse monoclonal IgG1 primary β-tubulin antibody,
washed and probed with the respective secondary goat-anti-mouse IgG1 Received: 11 January 2018 Accepted: 20 September 2018
AlexaFluor488 secondary antibody (see Supplementary Table 2). Samples were
washed with dPBS, blocked in 5% normal mouse serum for 30 min and post-
labeled with an Alexa Fluor® 647-conjugated anti-CD61 antibody. Samples were
imaged with the Leica TCS SP8 confocal. For quantitative assessment of β-tubulin/
CD61 labeled MKs, blinded image analysis of 11 images from 3 coverslips per References
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are assembled principally at the ends of proplatelet processes produced by S.L.L. conceived, performed, analyzed and interpreted all cell experiments. N.DD. and N.
differentiated megakaryocytes. J. Cell Biol. 147, 1299–1312 (1999). E. defined ACTB-AST as a novel clinical entity. P.Y.A.R., M.H.T. and D.J.M. conceived,

performed and analyzed structural studies. D.E. and C.F. performed in vitro mega- Publisher's note: Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in
karyocyte differentiation and contributed to the interpretation of these experiments. T.R. published maps and institutional affiliations.
performed blind analysis of megakaryocyte data. W.S. performed TEM of patient blood
samples. N.E., R.K., M.C.F., M.J.L., M.J.F., J.A.L., K.B., T.M.N., E.S., and A.R. recruited
patients, collected clinical data, and analyzed patient sequencing results. M.C.F., R.H. and
R.K. analyzed blood and bone marrow smears and defined hematological phenotype of Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons
ACTB-AST. L.G. performed flow cytometry, I.N., K.S., K.G., and B.K. performed and Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing,
analyzed whole-transcriptome sequencing, C.C. provided actin monoclonal antibodies adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give
and critical discussion for data interpretation. N.DD. coordinated the study and with D.J. appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative
M. co-sought funding. S.L.L., N.DD. and D.J.M. wrote the manuscript. All other authors Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party
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Variants in Exons 5 and 6 of ACTB Cause Syndromic Thrombocytopenia

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Variants in Exons 5 and 6 of ACTB Cause Syndromic Thrombocytopenia

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Corrected: Author correction

Variants in exons 5 and 6 of ACTB cause syndromic

NATURE COMMUNICATIONS | (2018)9:4250 | DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06713-0 | www.nature.com/naturecommunications 1

Table 1 Summary of ACTB-AST mutations

Patient Genomic position (hg19) cDNA (NM_001101.3) Amino acid change

2 NATURE COMMUNICATIONS | (2018)9:4250 | DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06713-0 | www.nature.com/naturecommunications

SD4 SD3 SD4 SD3

SD4 SD3 SD4 SD3

Family C: p.Ser338_Ile341del Family D: p.Ser368Leu_fs*13

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surface area (μm2)

–200 –200 –200 5000

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e α-actinin 1 NM-2A Filamin A Tpm4.1/4.2

swellings with thick cortical microtubule bands make up only Discussion

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a β-CYAP4 β-CYAWT β-CYAP5

Barbed end (+)

A331 – W356 A331 – W356

I341 – Q360 I341 – Q360

Q535 – A563 Q535 – A563

D95 - L111 D95 - L111

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