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Petazzi P, Jorge-Torres OC, Gomez A, Scognamiglio I, Serra-Musach J, Merkel A, Grases D, Xiol C, O’Callaghan M, Armstrong J, Esteller M, Guil S. Global Impairment of Immediate-Early Genes Expression in Rett Syndrome Models and Patients Linked to Myelination Defects. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021453. [PMID: 36674969 PMCID: PMC9864472 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disease caused almost exclusively by mutations to the MeCP2 gene. This disease may be regarded as a synaptopathy, with impairments affecting synaptic plasticity, inhibitory and excitatory transmission and network excitability. The complete understanding of the mechanisms behind how the transcription factor MeCP2 so profoundly affects the mammalian brain are yet to be determined. What is known, is that MeCP2 involvement in activity-dependent expression programs is a critical link between this protein and proper neuronal activity, which allows the correct maturation of connections in the brain. By using RNA-sequencing analysis, we found several immediate-early genes (IEGs, key mediators of activity-dependent responses) directly bound by MeCP2 at the chromatin level and upregulated in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of the Mecp2-KO mouse. Quantification of the IEGs response to stimulus both in vivo and in vitro detected an aberrant expression pattern in MeCP2-deficient neurons. Furthermore, altered IEGs levels were found in RTT patient's peripheral blood and brain regions of post-mortem samples, correlating with impaired expression of downstream myelination-related genes. Altogether, these data indicate that proper IEGs expression is crucial for correct synaptic development and that MeCP2 has a key role in the regulation of IEGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Petazzi
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Carrer Casanova 143, 400° floor, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- RICORS-TERAV, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Olga Caridad Jorge-Torres
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (O.C.J.-T.); (S.G.); Tel.: +34-935572828 (O.C.J.-T. & S.G.)
| | - Antonio Gomez
- Biosciences Department, Faculty of Sciences and Technology (FCT), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), C. de la Laura, 13, 08500 Vic, Spain
| | - Iolanda Scognamiglio
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Serra-Musach
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angelika Merkel
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniela Grases
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara Xiol
- Fundación San Juan de Dios, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
- Servei de Medicina Genètica i Molecular, Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar O’Callaghan
- Clínica Rett, Neurology Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER-ER (Biomedical Network Research Center for Rare Diseases), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Judith Armstrong
- Servei de Medicina Genètica i Molecular, Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER-ER (Biomedical Network Research Center for Rare Diseases), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manel Esteller
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
- Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sonia Guil
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Health Science Research Institute, Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (O.C.J.-T.); (S.G.); Tel.: +34-935572828 (O.C.J.-T. & S.G.)
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Charlie-Silva I, Feitosa NM, Pontes LG, Fernandes BH, Nóbrega RH, Gomes JMM, Prata MNL, Ferraris FK, Melo DC, Conde G, Rodrigues LF, Aracati MF, Corrêa-Junior JD, Manrique WG, Superio J, Garcez AS, Conceição K, Yoshimura TM, Núñez SC, Eto SF, Fernandes DC, Freitas AZ, Ribeiro MS, Nedoluzhko A, Lopes-Ferreira M, Borra RC, Barcellos LJG, Perez AC, Malafaia G, Cunha TM, Belo MAA, Galindo-Villegas J. Plasma proteome responses in zebrafish following λ-carrageenan-Induced inflammation are mediated by PMN leukocytes and correlate highly with their human counterparts. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1019201. [PMID: 36248846 PMCID: PMC9559376 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1019201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of inflammation is a critical process for maintaining physiological homeostasis. The λ-carrageenan (λ-CGN) is a mucopolysaccharide extracted from the cell wall of red algae (Chondrus crispus) capable of inducing acute intestinal inflammation, which is translated into the production of acute phase reactants secreted into the blood circulation. However, the associated mechanisms in vertebrates are not well understood. Here, we investigated the crucial factors behind the inflammatory milieu of λ-CGN-mediated inflammation administered at 0, 1.75, and 3.5% (v/w) by i.p. injection into the peritoneal cavity of adult zebrafish (ZF) (Danio rerio). We found that polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophils) and lymphocytes infiltrating the ZF peritoneal cavity had short-term persistence. Nevertheless, they generate a strong pattern of inflammation that affects systemically and is enough to produce edema in the cavity. Consistent with these findings, cell infiltration, which causes notable tissue changes, resulted in the overexpression of several acute inflammatory markers at the protein level. Using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography followed by a hybrid linear ion-trap mass spectrometry shotgun proteomic approach, we identified 2938 plasma proteins among the animals injected with PBS and 3.5% λ-CGN. First, the bioinformatic analysis revealed the composition of the plasma proteome. Interestingly, 72 commonly expressed proteins were recorded among the treated and control groups, but, surprisingly, 2830 novel proteins were differentially expressed exclusively in the λ-CGN-induced group. Furthermore, from the commonly expressed proteins, compared to the control group 62 proteins got a significant (p < 0.05) upregulation in the λ-CGN-treated group, while the remaining ten proteins were downregulated. Next, we obtained the major protein-protein interaction networks between hub protein clusters in the blood plasma of the λ-CGN induced group. Moreover, to understand the molecular underpinnings of these effects based on the unveiled protein sets, we performed a bioinformatic structural similarity analysis and generated overlapping 3D reconstructions between ZF and humans during acute inflammation. Biological pathway analysis pointed to the activation and abundance of diverse classical immune and acute phase reactants, several catalytic enzymes, and varied proteins supporting the immune response. Together, this information can be used for testing and finding novel pharmacological targets to treat human intestinal inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natália M. Feitosa
- Integrated Laboratory of Translational Bioscience, Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, Brazil
| | | | - Bianca H. Fernandes
- Laboratório de Controle Genético e Sanitário, Faculdade de Medicina Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael H. Nóbrega
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana M. M. Gomes
- Transplantation Immunobiology Lab, Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana N. L. Prata
- Department of Pharmacology, Instituto de CiênciasBiomédicas-Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (ICB-UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fausto K. Ferraris
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniela C. Melo
- Laboratory of Zebrafish from Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Conde
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Letícia F. Rodrigues
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mayumi F. Aracati
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José D. Corrêa-Junior
- Department of Morphology, Instituto de CiênciasBiomédicas-Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (ICB-UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Wilson G. Manrique
- Veterinary College, Federal University of Rondonia, Rolim de Moura, Brazil
| | - Joshua Superio
- Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | | | - Katia Conceição
- Peptide Biochemistry Laboratory, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Jose Dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Tania M. Yoshimura
- Center for Lasers and Applications, Instituto de PesquisasEnergéticas e Nucleares (IPEN-CNEN), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia C. Núñez
- University Brazil, São Paulo, Brazil
- University Brazil, Descalvado, Brazil
| | - Silas F. Eto
- Development and Innovation Laboratory, Center of Innovation and Development, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dayanne C. Fernandes
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anderson Z. Freitas
- Center for Lasers and Applications, Instituto de PesquisasEnergéticas e Nucleares (IPEN-CNEN), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Martha S. Ribeiro
- Center for Lasers and Applications, Instituto de PesquisasEnergéticas e Nucleares (IPEN-CNEN), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Artem Nedoluzhko
- Paleogenomics Laboratory, European University at Saint Petersburg, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Ricardo C. Borra
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leonardo J. G. Barcellos
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Bioexperimentation. University of Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Andrea C. Perez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Guilheme Malafaia
- Biological Research Laboratory, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, Brazil
| | - Thiago M. Cunha
- Center of Research in Inflammatory Diseases, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marco A. A. Belo
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil
- University Brazil, São Paulo, Brazil
- University Brazil, Descalvado, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Marco A. A. Belo, ; Jorge Galindo-Villegas,
| | - Jorge Galindo-Villegas
- Department of Genomics, Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
- *Correspondence: Marco A. A. Belo, ; Jorge Galindo-Villegas,
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Meta-Analysis Identifies BDNF and Novel Common Genes Differently Altered in Cross-Species Models of Rett Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911125. [PMID: 36232428 PMCID: PMC9570315 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare disorder and one of the most abundant causes of intellectual disabilities in females. Single mutations in the gene coding for methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) are responsible for the disorder. MeCP2 regulates gene expression as a transcriptional regulator as well as through epigenetic imprinting and chromatin condensation. Consequently, numerous biological pathways on multiple levels are influenced. However, the exact molecular pathways from genotype to phenotype are currently not fully elucidated. Treatment of RTT is purely symptomatic as no curative options for RTT have yet to reach the clinic. The paucity of this is mainly due to an incomplete understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of the disorder with no clinically useful common disease drivers, biomarkers, or therapeutic targets being identified. With the premise of identifying universal and robust disease drivers and therapeutic targets, here, we interrogated a range of RTT transcriptomic studies spanning different species, models, and MECP2 mutations. A meta-analysis using RNA sequencing data from brains of RTT mouse models, human post-mortem brain tissue, and patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) neurons was performed using weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA). This study identified a module of genes common to all datasets with the following ten hub genes driving the expression: ATRX, ADCY7, ADCY9, SOD1, CACNA1A, PLCG1, CCT5, RPS9, BDNF, and MECP2. Here, we discuss the potential benefits of these genes as therapeutic targets.
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Technological Improvements in the Genetic Diagnosis of Rett Syndrome Spectrum Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910375. [PMID: 34638716 PMCID: PMC8508637 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder that constitutes the second most common cause of intellectual disability in females worldwide. In the past few years, the advancements in genetic diagnosis brought by next generation sequencing (NGS), have made it possible to identify more than 90 causative genes for RTT and significantly overlapping phenotypes (RTT spectrum disorders). Therefore, the clinical entity known as RTT is evolving towards a spectrum of overlapping phenotypes with great genetic heterogeneity. Hence, simultaneous multiple gene testing and thorough phenotypic characterization are mandatory to achieve a fast and accurate genetic diagnosis. In this review, we revise the evolution of the diagnostic process of RTT spectrum disorders in the past decades, and we discuss the effectiveness of state-of-the-art genetic testing options, such as clinical exome sequencing and whole exome sequencing. Moreover, we introduce recent technological advancements that will very soon contribute to the increase in diagnostic yield in patients with RTT spectrum disorders. Techniques such as whole genome sequencing, integration of data from several “omics”, and mosaicism assessment will provide the tools for the detection and interpretation of genomic variants that will not only increase the diagnostic yield but also widen knowledge about the pathophysiology of these disorders.
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Marballi K, MacDonald JL. Proteomic and transcriptional changes associated with MeCP2 dysfunction reveal nodes for therapeutic intervention in Rett syndrome. Neurochem Int 2021; 148:105076. [PMID: 34048843 PMCID: PMC8286335 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene cause Rett syndrome (RTT), an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder predominantly impacting females. MECP2 is an epigenetic transcriptional regulator acting mainly to repress gene expression, though it plays multiple gene regulatory roles and has distinct molecular targets across different cell types and specific developmental stages. In this review, we summarize MECP2 loss-of-function associated transcriptome and proteome disruptions, delving deeper into the latter which have been comparatively severely understudied. These disruptions converge on multiple biochemical and cellular pathways, including those involved in synaptic function and neurodevelopment, NF-κB signaling and inflammation, and the vitamin D pathway. RTT is a complex neurological disorder characterized by myriad physiological disruptions, in both the central nervous system and peripheral systems. Thus, treating RTT will likely require a combinatorial approach, targeting multiple nodes within the interactomes of these cellular pathways. To this end, we discuss the use of dietary supplements and factors, namely, vitamin D and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), as possible partial therapeutic agents given their demonstrated benefit in RTT and their ability to restore homeostasis to multiple disrupted cellular pathways simultaneously. Further unravelling the complex molecular alterations induced by MECP2 loss-of-function, and contextualizing them at the level of proteome homeostasis, will identify new therapeutic avenues for this complex disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketan Marballi
- Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Jessica L MacDonald
- Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA.
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Transcriptomic and Epigenomic Landscape in Rett Syndrome. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11070967. [PMID: 34209228 PMCID: PMC8301932 DOI: 10.3390/biom11070967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is an extremely invalidating, cureless, developmental disorder, and it is considered one of the leading causes of intellectual disability in female individuals. The vast majority of RTT cases are caused by de novo mutations in the X-linked Methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene, which encodes a multifunctional reader of methylated DNA. MeCP2 is a master epigenetic modulator of gene expression, with a role in the organization of global chromatin architecture. Based on its interaction with multiple molecular partners and the diverse epigenetic scenario, MeCP2 triggers several downstream mechanisms, also influencing the epigenetic context, and thus leading to transcriptional activation or repression. In this frame, it is conceivable that defects in such a multifaceted factor as MeCP2 lead to large-scale alterations of the epigenome, ranging from an unbalanced deposition of epigenetic modifications to a transcriptional alteration of both protein-coding and non-coding genes, with critical consequences on multiple downstream biological processes. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge concerning the transcriptomic and epigenomic alterations found in RTT patients and animal models.
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Cicaloni V, Pecorelli A, Cordone V, Tinti L, Rossi M, Hayek J, Salvini L, Tinti C, Valacchi G. A proteomics approach to further highlight the altered inflammatory condition in Rett syndrome. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 696:108660. [PMID: 33159892 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the X-linked MECP2 gene. RTT patients show multisystem disturbances associated with perturbed redox homeostasis and inflammation, which appear as possible key factors in RTT pathogenesis. In this study, using primary dermal fibroblasts from control and RTT subjects, we performed a proteomic analysis that, together with data mining approaches, allowed us to carry out a comprehensive characterization of RTT cellular proteome. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses showed that differentially expressed proteins in RTT were mainly enriched in biological processes related to immune/inflammatory responses. Overall, by using proteomic data mining as supportive approach, our results provide a detailed insight into the molecular pathways involved in RTT immune dysfunction that, causing tissue and organ damage, can increase the vulnerability of affected patients to unknown endogenous factors or infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Cicaloni
- Toscana Life Science Foundation, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pecorelli
- Plants for Human Health Institute, Animal Science Dept., NC Research Campus, NC State University, 600 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC, 28081, USA
| | - Valeria Cordone
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Laura Tinti
- Toscana Life Science Foundation, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Rossi
- Toscana Life Science Foundation, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Joussef Hayek
- Toscana Life Science Foundation, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Laura Salvini
- Toscana Life Science Foundation, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Cristina Tinti
- Toscana Life Science Foundation, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Valacchi
- Plants for Human Health Institute, Animal Science Dept., NC Research Campus, NC State University, 600 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC, 28081, USA; Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Kyung Hee University, Department of Food and Nutrition, Seoul, South Korea.
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Cicaloni V, Pecorelli A, Tinti L, Rossi M, Benedusi M, Cervellati C, Spiga O, Santucci A, Hayek J, Salvini L, Tinti C, Valacchi G. Proteomic profiling reveals mitochondrial alterations in Rett syndrome. Free Radic Biol Med 2020; 155:37-48. [PMID: 32445864 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder associated with mutation in MECP2 gene. Despite a well-defined genetic cause, there is a growing consensus that a metabolic component could play a pivotal role in RTT pathophysiology. Indeed, perturbed redox homeostasis and inflammation, i.e. oxinflammation, with mitochondria dysfunction as the central hub between the two phenomena, appear as possible key contributing factors to RTT pathogenesis and its clinical features. While these RTT-related changes have been widely documented by transcriptomic profiling, proteomics studies supporting these evidences are still limited. Here, using primary dermal fibroblasts from control and patients, we perform a large-scale proteomic analysis that, together with data mining approaches, allow us to carry out the first comprehensive characterization of RTT cellular proteome, showing mainly changes in expression of proteins involved in the mitochondrial network. These findings parallel with an altered expression of key mediators of mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy associated with abnormal mitochondrial morphology. In conclusion, our proteomic analysis confirms the pathological relevance of mitochondrial dysfunction in RTT pathogenesis and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Cicaloni
- Toscana Life Science Foundation, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pecorelli
- Plants for Human Health Institute, Animal Science Dept., NC Research Campus, NC State University, 600 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC, 28081, USA
| | - Laura Tinti
- Toscana Life Science Foundation, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Rossi
- Toscana Life Science Foundation, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Mascia Benedusi
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Cervellati
- Department of Morphology and Experimental Medicine University of Ferrara, via Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ottavia Spiga
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Via Aldo Moro 2, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Annalisa Santucci
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Via Aldo Moro 2, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Joussef Hayek
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, University General Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Viale M. Bracci 16, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Laura Salvini
- Toscana Life Science Foundation, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Cristina Tinti
- Toscana Life Science Foundation, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Valacchi
- Plants for Human Health Institute, Animal Science Dept., NC Research Campus, NC State University, 600 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC, 28081, USA; Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Kyung Hee University, Department of Food and Nutrition, Seoul, South Korea.
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