Functional consequences of C-terminal mutations in RUNX2

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the RUNX2 gene, affecting bone and teeth development. Previous studies focused on mutations in the RUNX2 RHD domain, with limited investigation of mutations in the C-terminal domain. This study aimed to investigate the functional consequences of C-terminal mutations in RUNX2. Eight mutations were analyzed, and their effects on transactivation activity, protein expression, subcellular localization, and osteogenic potential were studied. Truncating mutations in the PST region and a missense mutation in the NMTS region resulted in increased transactivation activity, while missense mutations in the PST showed activity comparable to the control. Truncating mutations produced truncated proteins, while missense mutations produced normal-sized proteins. Mutant proteins were mislocalized, with six mutant proteins detected in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. CCD patient bone cells exhibited mislocalization of RUNX2, similar to the generated mutant. Mislocalization of RUNX2 and reduced expression of downstream genes were observed in MSCs from a CCD patient with the p.Ser247Valfs*3 mutation, leading to compromised osteogenic potential. This study provides insight into the functional consequences of C-terminal mutations in RUNX2, including reduced expression, mislocalization, and aberrant transactivation of downstream genes, contributing to the compromised osteogenic potential observed in CCD.