1
|
Meek S, Thomson AJ, Sutherland L, Sharp MGF, Thomson J, Bishop V, Meddle SL, Gloaguen Y, Weidt S, Singh-Dolt K, Buehr M, Brown HK, Gill AC, Burdon T. Reduced levels of dopamine and altered metabolism in brains of HPRT knock-out rats: a new rodent model of Lesch-Nyhan Disease. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25592. [PMID: 27185277 PMCID: PMC4869022 DOI: 10.1038/srep25592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lesch-Nyhan disease (LND) is a severe neurological disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT), an enzyme required for efficient recycling of purine nucleotides. Although this biochemical defect reconfigures purine metabolism and leads to elevated levels of the breakdown product urea, it remains unclear exactly how loss of HPRT activity disrupts brain function. As the rat is the preferred rodent experimental model for studying neurobiology and diseases of the brain, we used genetically-modified embryonic stem cells to generate an HPRT knock-out rat. Male HPRT-deficient rats were viable, fertile and displayed normal caged behaviour. However, metabolomic analysis revealed changes in brain biochemistry consistent with disruption of purine recycling and nucleotide metabolism. Broader changes in brain biochemistry were also indicated by increased levels of the core metabolite citrate and reduced levels of lipids and fatty acids. Targeted MS/MS analysis identified reduced levels of dopamine in the brains of HPRT-deficient animals, consistent with deficits noted previously in human LND patients and HPRT knock-out mice. The HPRT-deficient rat therefore provides a new experimental platform for future investigation of how HPRT activity and disruption of purine metabolism affects neural function and behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Meek
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)VS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Scotland
| | - Alison J. Thomson
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)VS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Scotland
| | - Linda Sutherland
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)VS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Scotland
| | - Matthew G. F. Sharp
- Central Bioresearch Services, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, Scotland
| | - Julie Thomson
- Central Bioresearch Services, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, Scotland
| | - Valerie Bishop
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)VS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Scotland
| | - Simone L. Meddle
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)VS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Scotland
| | - Yoann Gloaguen
- Glasgow Polyomics, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Garscube Campus, Bearsden, G61 1QH, Scotland
| | - Stefan Weidt
- Glasgow Polyomics, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Garscube Campus, Bearsden, G61 1QH, Scotland
| | - Karamjit Singh-Dolt
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)VS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Scotland
| | - Mia Buehr
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)VS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Scotland
| | - Helen K. Brown
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)VS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Scotland
| | - Andrew C. Gill
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)VS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Scotland,
| | - Tom Burdon
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)VS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, Scotland,
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jinnah HA, Hess EJ, Wilson MC, Gage FH, Friedmann T. Localization of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase mRNA in the mouse brain by in situ hybridization. Mol Cell Neurosci 2012; 3:64-78. [PMID: 19912847 DOI: 10.1016/1044-7431(92)90010-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/1991] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital deficiency of the purine salvage enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) in humans results in a severe neurogenetic disorder known as the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. Since little information concerning the precise localization of HPRT in the brain is currently available, we have used in situ hybridization to examine the expression of HPRT mRNA in the mouse brain. The results showed that HPRT mRNA is expressed in many regions of the normal mouse brain, with high levels in most, but not all neurons. In contrast, glial cells did not express detectable levels of HPRT mRNA. No HPRT mRNA was detected in the brains of mutant mice carrying a deletion in the HPRT gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H A Jinnah
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Song S, Friedmann T. Tissue-specific Aberrations of Gene Expression in HPRT-deficient Mice: Functional Complexity in a Monogenic Disease? Mol Ther 2007; 15:1432-43. [PMID: 17505472 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mt.6300199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We have used the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) enzyme-deficient mouse model of human Lesch-Nyhan disease (LND) to examine the tissue-specificity of altered global gene expression in a genetically "simple" monogenic human disease. We have identified a number of genes and gene families whose expression is aberrant in the mouse knockout model of the LND, and we have identified different patterns of aberrant gene expression in two principal target tissues associated with the disease phenotype, i.e., the central nervous system and the liver. The major neurological phenotype reflects dysfunction of the dopamine neurotransmitter system in the basal ganglia, and we have now identified aberrant expression of a small number of genes in HPRT-deficient striata. The abnormal metabolic phenotype of hyperuricemia in HPRT-deficient mice is also reflected in an aberrant gene expression in the liver. We interpret these findings to suggest that the genetic consequences of a primary HPRT knockout in the mouse produces transcriptional aberrations in a number of other genes that may play a role in the disease phenotype. Knowledge of these secondary genetic defects may help in the identification of targets for drug- and gene-based therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaochun Song
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Visser JE, Bär PR, Jinnah HA. Lesch-Nyhan disease and the basal ganglia. BRAIN RESEARCH. BRAIN RESEARCH REVIEWS 2000; 32:449-75. [PMID: 10760551 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0173(99)00094-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to summarize emerging evidence that the neurobehavioral features of Lesch-Nyhan disease (LND), a developmental disorder caused by congenital deficiency of the purine salvage enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT), may be attributable to dysfunction of the basal ganglia. Affected individuals have severe motor disability described by prominent extrapyramidal features that are characteristic of dysfunction of the motor circuits of the basal ganglia. They also display disturbances of ocular motility, cognition, and behavioral control that may reflect disruption of other circuits of the basal ganglia. Though neuropathologic studies of autopsy specimens have revealed no obvious neuroanatomical abnormalities in LND, neurochemical studies have demonstrated 60-90% reductions in the dopamine content of the basal ganglia. In addition, recent PET studies have documented significant reductions in dopamine transporters and [18F]fluorodopa uptake in the basal ganglia. These findings support the proposal that many of the neurobehavioral features of LND might be related to dysfunction of the basal ganglia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J E Visser
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Rudolf Magnus Institute for Neurosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jinnah HA, Jones MD, Wojcik BE, Rothstein JD, Hess EJ, Friedmann T, Breese GR. Influence of age and strain on striatal dopamine loss in a genetic mouse model of Lesch-Nyhan disease. J Neurochem 1999; 72:225-9. [PMID: 9886073 DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.1999.0720225.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Lesch-Nyhan disease is a neurogenetic disorder caused by deficiency of the purine salvage enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT). Affected individuals exhibit a characteristic pattern of neurological and behavioral features attributable in part to dysfunction of basal ganglia dopamine systems. In the current studies, striatal dopamine loss was investigated in five different HPRT-deficient strains of mice carrying one of two different HPRT gene mutations. Caudoputamen dopamine concentrations were significantly reduced in all five of the strains, with deficits ranging from 50.7 to 61.1%. Mesolimbic dopamine was significantly reduced in only three of the five strains, with a range of 31.6-38.6%. The reduction of caudoputamen dopamine was age dependent, emerging between 4 and 12 weeks of age. Tyrosine hydroxylase and aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, two enzymes responsible for the synthesis of dopamine, were reduced by 22.4-37.3 and 22.2-43.1%, respectively. These results demonstrate that HPRT deficiency is strongly associated with a loss of basal ganglia dopamine. The magnitude of dopamine loss measurable is dependent on the genetic background of the mouse strain used, the basal ganglia subregion examined, and the age of the animals at assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H A Jinnah
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Mice carrying a mutation in the gene encoding the purine salvage enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) have recently been produced to provide an animal model for Lesch-Nyhan disease. The current studies were conducted to characterize the consequences of the mutation on the expression of HPRT and to characterize potential changes in brain purine content in these mutants. Our results indicate that the mutant animals have no detectable HPRT-immunoreactive material on western blots and no detectable HPRT enzyme activity in brain tissue homogenates, confirming that they are completely HPRT deficient (HPRT-). Despite the absence of HPRT-mediated purine salvage, the animals have apparently normal brain purine content. However, de novo purine synthesis, as measured by [14C]formate incorporation into brain purines, is accelerated four- to fivefold in the mutant animals. This increase in the synthesis of purines may protect the HPRT- mice from potential depletion of brain purines despite complete impairment of HPRT-mediated purine salvage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H A Jinnah
- Department of Neurosciences and Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wu CL, Melton DW. Production of a model for Lesch-Nyhan syndrome in hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase-deficient mice. Nat Genet 1993; 3:235-40. [PMID: 8485579 DOI: 10.1038/ng0393-235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The inherited disease Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, which is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT), is characterized by behavioural alterations, including self-injurious behaviour and mental retardation. Although HPRT-deficient mice have been generated using the embryonic stem cell system, no spontaneous behavioural abnormalities had been reported. We examined whether mice were more tolerant of HPRT deficiency because they were more reliant on adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) than HPRT for their purine salvage. The administration of an APRT inhibitor to HPRT-deficient mice induced persistent self-injurious behaviour. This combined genetic and biochemical model will facilitate the study of Lesch-Nyhan syndrome and the evaluation of novel therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C L Wu
- Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology, Edinburgh University, Scotland
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Williamson DJ, Hooper ML, Melton DW. Mouse models of hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency. J Inherit Metab Dis 1992; 15:665-73. [PMID: 1528024 DOI: 10.1007/bf01799622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Lesch--Nyhan syndrome is an X-linked disease caused by the deficiency of hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase, an enzyme involved in the purine salvage pathways. It is characterized by severe gout, choreoathetosis, self-mutilatory behaviour and mental retardation. The derivation of mice genetically deficient in this enzyme may help to elucidate the pathogenesis of the neurological abnormality where previously models using drug administration to mimic the disorder have had to suffice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D J Williamson
- Department of Pathology, University Medical School, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|